With mega-hit songs like aespa’s Supernova and TWS’s Plot Twist sucking up the oxygen for female and male idol groups this year, we can’t forget to mention the incredible fortunes of QWER’s latest single TBH. Hailing from a little-known subsidiary, this all-female rock group has been lodged in the top ten for much of 2024. It’s really surprising, but I love when a song connects with the public simply based upon its own strengths. New single Fake Idol (가짜 아이돌) hopes to replicate that success, even bringing in (G)I-DLE’s Soyeon for the music video.

QWER have a nice blend of band and idol sounds, tied together with a unique, humorous perspective. Fake Idol leans further into comedy than past efforts, propelled by a peppy, clap-along beat that practically begs for audience participation. A bit of punk energy runs through the song as well — abrasive but not overly so.

However, TBH‘s secret weapon was its incredibly addictive chorus. Even after one listen, you could sing the melody back. Fake Idol struggles to replicate this charm, moving through a variety of melodic bursts without ever landing on something as instant as its predecessor. The song’s ultra-brisk pace doesn’t leave room to play catch-up, so it’s most successful as a concentrated blast of energy. In fact, Fake Idol‘s strongest point comes during its wordless bridge, when guitar meets keys in an exciting explosion of quirky rock intensity.

Grade: C