Of all the former Wanna One members, Kang Daniel continues to be the most musically prolific. Free to do his own thing, he reliably releases new albums every year. Unfortunately, most of this music hasn’t hit me with much force, tending to slide in one ear and out the other. New single Episode boasts a slightly more sprightly energy than usual, harnessing the popular Afrobeats trend to provide a consistent dance sound.
Even so, the production here feels pretty muted. Rather than paint its own unique musical world, the tone and percussion are dull and functional. And since K-pop in 2025 has become allergic to melodies bearing any range or color, Kang Daniel spends the bulk of Episode casting off sing-talk style hooks that evaporate as soon as they land. If you’re pitching yourself as the latest K-pop act to pull from the Afrobeats genre and are unwilling to buoy it with compelling songwriting, you must put everything you have into crafting an atmosphere so evocative the listener can’t help but become absorbed. Episode does not do this, making it an easy skip.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
It is an interesting artistic choice to start a song with crickets and then implore people to “give me something”.
Actually the song is alright, maybe high 7’s for me.
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He’s such a good performer that he elevates it, but I do find the song a bit boring as well. I’d like to see him experiment more, he has the chops to pull off something more energetic and daring!
Speaking of Wanna One members, I always loved Ong Seongwoo’s voice. It’s a shame he barely has any solo music out, but now that he’s out from the military I really hope he’ll get back to music again too
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