Releasing a digital single to kick off the new year has been a successful gambit for many idol acts, and it also makes sense given BOYNEXTDOOR’s busy touring schedule during the first few months of 2025. The group has steadily climbed to the upper echelons of my own bias list, but compared to other favorite acts their music often takes longer to click with me. I imagine If I Say, I Love You (오늘만 I LOVE YOU) will follow a similar trajectory.
BOYNEXTDOOR continue to embrace their individual sound, which is beginning to share more in common with K-bands like Lucy than traditional idol tropes. This sets up an interesting dichotomy that works well when they get the balance just right. If I Say, I Love You leans more toward an indie sound, featuring a fitful band arrangement. Much like GFriend’s comeback track, this style feels more in line with what’s popular in the Japanese music industry right now. The closest Korean contemporary is probably last year’s breakout band QWER.
If I Say, I Love You opens with its chorus, which is always a show of confidence. This melody grows catchier with each listen, but I like the song’s jagged synth breakdown even better. The verses are less memorable than the multi-part centerpiece that anchors If I Say, I Love You, but they’re also a relatively shorter segment of the song. At only two minutes forty seconds, the track doesn’t have time to lollygag around. This potency might end up being its biggest asset, especially as the guys are able to imbue it with their natural charisma during live performances.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
it instantly clicked for me, I loveee it. a great way to start the year (at least music-wise.)
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Apparently Yoasobi’s music is going to be a trend this year. Well, it was better when only QWER did this. Still, it’s better than the beige/easy-listening trend, right?
8.25 (8, 9, 8, 8)
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This is how i enjoy my youth.
8,75 (9,8,9,9)
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Some chords reminded me so much of early Gfriend’s j-pop inspired released that I was kinda mesmerized. It’s a nice, cute little song, it’s an 8 for me
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It’s a really good song for a digital single. I like the youthful energy that they bring. And I loved the chorus. I am sure they will put out an amazing live performance with this✌️
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I know from years of doing this thing that kpop is inherently manufactured and highly polished, but this morning this song struck be as especially so. Crafted.
Especially as it came right after this one this morning, which – I don’t know who these people are at all – it just was there at the top of my youtube recommendations, despite being set in that abandoned mall or something that is in so many kpop videos, I clicked it anyway. Then a female voice started and I was like girl what! Then it kept going with multiple actual instrumental solos for a full 6 minutes and I thought girl what rock on!
I still don’t know ho these people are, but this one is for me, not that one up there.
Sharing, because sharing is caring.
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I like them both, but “Last Day” is the better of the two so your share is much appreciated.
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