I’m a Woollim mega-fan, but I’ve been deliberately silent about the agency’s upcoming activity because I’m quite annoyed with the current state of affairs. Whether driven by budget, scheduling or staffing, it feels like Woollim has left us supporters in a lurch. Its artists have essentially gone M.I.A since mid-November and the upcoming enlistment of Golden Child’s Y comes during the middle of a long hiatus for the group. I maintain my opinion that the agency consistently releases the best music in K-pop, but these long stretches of nothingness and overall lack of communication become more frustrating each time they occur.

While none of Woollim’s groups seem to have any Korean comeback scheduled at the moment, both DRIPPIN and Golden Child are releasing Japanese singles. Their J-pop work has been spotty at best… but at least it’s something. And honestly, this new DRIPPIN song is quite good.

Hello Goodbye manages to meld the group’s lighter pop side with the rock edge that made their 2022 work stand out. Initially, I worried the song would become too cloying and generic. But, I found myself more charmed with each passing chorus. The power chords elevate the light-as-air melodies and give the instrumental surprising grit. I’m less enthused by the insistent synths, and the central hook is definitely repetitive. But, this is a big improvement over last year’s So Good and comfortably slots within their existing discography. It only makes me more impatient for a Korean comeback!

Grade: B