If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers.

SWEETUNE

Years active: 2002-present

Associated Acts: Infinite, Kara, Nine Muses, Boyfriend, Spica, Rainbow, Snuper

Their sound: Bright and upbeat, 80’s-style synth with propulsive beats and layered, powerful harmonies. A focus on anthemic melodies, often with a prominent use of strings and orchestration.

Why you should love them: Easily my favorite production team in all of k-pop. Part of that is due to the fact that they established the sound for my bias group, Infinite. But beyond that, Sweetune are a team I can always count on to deliver a strong melody and lush, impeccably produced instrumentation that hits all the right 80’s influences. They have an incredibly consistent trademark sound, which detractors may complain makes all their songs sound the same. But I’d argue that it’s actually a strength. You can identify a Sweetune production before you even know it’s them. In this way, they can elevate almost any group into something special. But when they work with the greats, the results are absolute euphoria.

Examples of their best work: