It’s difficult to know whether to write about a performance video, but the pre-debut of a new group from a major agency feels worth a few words. AEN is Starship Entertainment’s latest boy group, debuting less than a year after IDID. They’re co-managed by a Japanese agency with the idea of actively promoting in both countries and their upcoming debut album features recordings in both Korean and Japanese.
Album opener Clockwise kicks off the promotional campaign with a slick performance video. As with so many 2026 K-pop choices, this song is exciting and frustrating in equal measure. I’m excited by the production choices. The electro groove running throughout the track is instantly addictive and so much more dynamic than yet another pots-and-pans trap instrumental. I love the guitar that weaves in during Clockwise‘s finale and when the guys are actually allowed to sing their vocal flourishes are super satisfying.
This all points toward a great direction for AEN, but Clockwise kneecaps that potential with a chanted chorus that fails to ignite the sparks generated by the song’s instrumental. K-pop industry: WHY CAN’T WE HAVE SUNG CHORUSES ANYMORE? I’m beyond tired of complaining about this. 90% of current tracks would be improved by an influx of melody. There’s only so much you can do with the monotony of a chant and it drags down an otherwise exciting production, robbing AEN of the unique vocal texture I’m sure they have. It’s an absolutely maddening loop we’re stuck in.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
Grade: B-
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Production on this is really good, and the chanted chorus isn’t the worst, but it also kinda keeps the song in one gear the entire time. ‘Clockwise’ also isn’t exactly the coolest word to chant tauntingly about.
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The chorus is dynamic and appealing, and sung plenty. Lots of fun vocal moments throughout. Love the electro production. It reminds me of BTTF actually. BTTF was a bit more intense and exciting, but this is less annoying and more coherent. 8.5
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Debut’s Plan remains the easiest survival show watching experience (everything uploaded to YouTube with giant EPISODE # on the thumbnails). Not sure why Taegeon made it to the finale but didn’t get into IDID or AEN. I really liked him and his unique vocal tone.
All that to say, haven’t listened to this song yet, but glad that more kids from Debut’s Plan are debuting!
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Sadly, everyone who didn’t get into IDID or AEN already left starship by now. After IDID was formed, the AEN members were spotted training in sse
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The songcraft is a bit workaday and a bit try hard. Someone in a conference room though up “go clockwiiiiiiise” and thought it sounded good enough to build a song around that would sell enough to be worth it to them.
The boys performance meets expectations. Production is fine.
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