For a variety of reasons (not all of them k-pop related), I don’t think too many people are going to miss 2017. But as we turn the calendar to 2018, I’m filled with a sense of optimism for what the new year might bring us. With this in mind, here are the top ten things … Continue reading
Last year, I wrote up ten k-pop resolutions that I hoped would come true in 2017. Now that we’re in the final days of the year, it’s time to look back and see how I did. Make sure to read through the original post, first! And check back tomorrow for 2018’s resolutions! 1. The Re-emergence of … Continue reading
More often than not the KBS Gayo feels like the most intimate of the three end-of-year festivals, held in a theater rather than a stadium. This has its pluses and minuses, but the idea to structure this year’s special more like a traditional concert was an interesting choice. It was one made out of necessity, … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. I don’t often feature OST releases as buried treasures because, … Continue reading
To be honest, the combination of Eric Nam and “winter ballad” doesn’t exactly pique my interest. Nam is one of k-pop’s most amiable personalities, and I’ve often argued that he’s at his best when he’s harnessing that charm to deliver light uptempo pop. Ballads are already at risk of becoming overly sentimental, and coupled with … Continue reading
Despite an extended strike sidelining much of the major networks’ output during 2017’s second half, Korean variety was quite strong this year. Taking a look at the following list, it will quickly become clear that my taste tends to steer towards idol-specific variety series, which makes sense since this is a k-pop blog first and … Continue reading
Over the past few months, LOONA’s pre-release tracks have taken on an edgier, synth-kissed style that positions the girls just outside the mainstream. This has cultivated an ever-increasing buzz among international fans, but hasn’t led to any substantial commercial success. From the trendy sound of Heart Attack, it seems as if new member Chuu is … Continue reading
Having released over seventy (!) singles, there aren’t many genres that BoA hasn’t tackled. But the electroswing of Jazzclub is definitely a new one. The single comes from her upcoming Japanese album, which will be her first full-length in any country since 2015. I can’t imagine that the entire thing will sound as distinctive as … Continue reading
Though the Bias List focuses almost exclusively on k-pop, many Korean artists make a foray into Japan as well. Those releases deserve their own countdown, paired with a number of their Japanese counterparts. Huge disclaimer with this countdown. I am a k-pop blogger, first and foremost. My j-pop exposure is limited, and tends to be … Continue reading
Carrying on a tradition that began with 2013’s still unbeatable Miracles In December, EXO is back with their fourth special winter album. Sometimes these releases end up being overtly tied to the holidays, and other times they’re simply an excuse to spotlight a good ballad. Universe falls into the latter category, delivering a wistful piano ballad … Continue reading
Given the tragic passing of SHINee’s Jonghyun last week, this year’s annual Gayos carry an undeniable cloud of sadness around them. I’m actually surprised that SM artists have decided to perform at all, but I suppose the distraction might be needed. This year’s SBS Gayo Daejun had the theme of “Number 1” (as hosts … Continue reading
I’ll be back tomorrow with new content, but for now I wish everyone Happy Holidays, and a Merry Christmas if you celebrate it! Be sure to check out my top k-pop Christmas songs, as well as these new releases to soundtrack your Monday: Continue reading
As important as any other k-pop ingredient, 2017’s choreography deserves spotlight. From catchy point dances to complex formations, this year had plenty of striking performances to offer. Here are the very best: + Make sure to check out the rest of the year-end countdowns here! 10. BTS – NOT TODAY The army of back-up dancers … Continue reading
K-pop is a highly visual medium, and although my song reviews try not to focus on the accompanying music videos, I certainly have my opinions! Here are my top ten visual moments of 2017, along with quite a few incredible honorable mentions. + Make sure to check out the rest of the year-end countdowns here! … Continue reading
Hundreds (if not thousands) of songs are released each year in Korea, but only a fraction receive full title track promotion. This leaves behind many buried treasures in need of a spotlight. Here are forty of 2017’s best: NUMBERS 40-21 HERE + Make sure to check out the rest of the year-end countdowns here! 20. LOONA … Continue reading
Hundreds (if not thousands) of songs are released each year in Korea, but only a fraction receive full title track promotion. This leaves behind many buried treasures in need of a spotlight. Here are forty of 2017’s best: + Make sure to check out the rest of the year-end countdowns here! 40. TWICE – 24/7 A … Continue reading
Late last night, as I was sleeping, the Bias List officially racked up its millionth view. In the grand scheme of things, I know that I’m a relatively small fish in a big pond. Hell, many of the k-pop acts I write about routinely manage over a million views in under an hour! But I’m … Continue reading
Producers and composers are the fuel that keeps k-pop going, and they’re the very first album credit that I check when a new project is being teased. Last year, I counted down the top five producers, but I’m doubling that in 2017 to shine focus on some of the incredible talents that crafted this year … Continue reading
Artist of the year countdowns are controversial by nature, and if I was re-creating this list based solely on commercial success and impact on the k-pop industry, it would look very different. But there are enough of those countdowns floating around (and the consensus is usually pretty even across-the-board). This is a countdown for the … Continue reading
I’m putting the end-of-year countdowns on hold until tomorrow because it seems crass to post as normal today. In the meantime, I was struggling to decide what to write about SHINee’s Jonghyun that hasn’t already been written. SHINee were one of the groups that first got me into k-pop, and still one of my absolute … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 