I’m writing about a new U-KISS track in the year 2023! I can hardly believe it, but this year is shaping up to be a gauntlet of long-awaited second-gen comebacks. U-KISS have endured many line-up changes, and this current iteration reunites six fan favorites. And rather than lean into current K-pop trends, the guys have returned with a classic sound.
My response to new idol music is so often wrapped in context. I wonder how I would feel about The Wonderful Escape (갈래!) had it been released in 2012 or 2013 when this sound was commonplace. It might have passed me by amidst even bigger comebacks. But in the saggy center of 2023, this song feels like a minor miracle. We’ve got a gigantic, propulsive instrumental. An honest-to-goodness sung chorus! A running time over three minutes! I don’t take any of this lightly.
Yes, The Wonderful Escape seems composed with my tastes in mind. U-KISS are happy to please their niche of older K-pop fans craving a shot of nostalgia. The track ticks all the boxes and the guys sound incredible. There’s no subdued, TikTok-ready earworms here, just full-throated vocal bombast and a speedy instrumental to match. While I love the expansive sound of the chorus, I would have preferred a more distinct series of melodies to act as the song’s centerpiece. But that’s a small quibble in the grand scheme of things. I’m more than happy to welcome the Summer of 2012 during the Summer of 2023.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 10 |
| RATING | 9 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Now the guy who keeps being part of fake k-drama idol groups can return to his own! Delightful dance floor fluff!
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Wow! You are on a roll 2 reviews that u got it right today (first was treasure).
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LOL glad I can please you.
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Now make this song go viral so the industry can build on it. We need more songs like this!
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Man, all of the songs released today have been very good! I really hope this keeps up for the rest of the summer.
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This feels soooo good!!! 😭❤ I just got into U-kiss barely 6-10 months back I guess and they were an instant hit for me with their Neverland and Standing Still! When I heard they were going to have a comeback I was happy but was also expecting some kinda ballady song but wowwwwww this breaks all those apprehensions I had! Cheerful and vibrant with so many vocals, those nice old-fashioned raps (I really really love the 2nd gen rap part styles – the way it weaves between the vocals just makes it better!).
I really love how there’s this very 2nd gen vibe to the audio and overall vibe I could really feel they were singing their hearts out!! Hehe I’m really happy with this – it felt complete and full and something that could grow with every listen! Fingers crossed Infinite cb does happen too and that it’s something as strong and vibey!
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This is what I love about U-Kiss. Myma and other Suju fans love to talk about how chaotic their group is backstage, and the fact no one knows what they are doing. Really, check out U-Kiss, dears.
For reference, prior to this comeback, only two members, Soohyun and Hoon, were left in the group. Kiseop joined them, and they teased that three other ex-members would be returning. Fans guessed that it would be Kevin, Jun and MAYBE Kibum, because they remain close to the group. Now, a quick look at the members we got.
Xander: Not part of the group since 2010. Was kicked out and left the music industry.
Eli: Had a messy and public divorce, making him a controversial pick.
AJ/Siyoon: His last mention of the group was him swearing that the members of U-Kiss ruined his lives.
And somehow, they talked it all out, and got together! And frankly, KISSMEs don’t even know how long this lineup will last. Hell ex-members occasionally just show up in performances. For 15 year old veterans, U-Kiss still our kinda figuring out the whole idol thing, and I freaking love that.
As for the song, I love it too! Hoon surprisingly carries a vast portion of it, and the EDM beat is really fun. A few changes and it would be my favorite of the year so far, but I’ll take what I can get. Just a little disappointed they underutilized Xander, bringing him back after all the years for like two lines.
Tldr: Support U-Kiss, they are great, authentic, do what they feel, and are talented veterans.
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U-Kiss hwaiting! Rock on!
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Honestly, the only newer group I trust to bring this sound to the table these days is ONF (and perhaps Golden Child). Nice to see the OGs show them how it’s done !
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This was such a great release!
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Hah, the nostalgia is strong in this one. I’ll take it!
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I’m surprised this isn’t a ballad and surprised that Xander the “foxy handsign” member is in this comeback LOL. The song is pure energy all throughout, and I love it for that. U-Kiss’ songs are unapologetic EDM and I’m glad this song is exactly that.
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