With so many K-pop acts trying their luck at a global career, it can be hard to determine what “counts” as K-pop anymore. I don’t know that I’ll be writing much about former NCT member Mark Lee’s burgeoning solo career in the future, but this track feels like an important milestone that deserves some kind of write-up.
Mark’s new musical venture has been fraught with controversy even before it started. I won’t bring up all these issues because there are other sites that do that sort of thing better than me, but suffice it to say I’m come into My Friend with a whole lot of side-eye loaded and ready to be unleashed. Mark has not shied away from his interest in Christian music, and if that’s what he wants to move into more power to him, I guess. There’s certainly a market for it at the moment, at least in America.
I can’t tell if My Friend is supposed to be a worship song or not as its lyrics are vague enough to be just about anything. Unlike with his past material, My Friend features absolutely no rap, aiming for soft melody instead. Mark fits this style surprisingly well, but the song itself is way too lightweight and sanitized to stick. It’s a sound designed to be pleasant and edgeless and succeeds in this aim. The problem is, I’m not in the market for “pleasant and edgeless” and there’s already a wide swath of the industry targeting this aesthetic. Fans may enjoy it. For everyone else, this Friend might be worth letting go of.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
Grade: C
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
It’s okay, let him pay tribute to his friend Charlie
7 (7, 7, 7, 7) for me
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Him realeasing this on the kirkaversary is crazy
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someone said it’s giving Amber Liu and it made sense. it’s also very Justice-era Justin Bieber which makes sense since he’s a fan. it’s a fine song, I love me some (pseudo-)worship songs but I probably would like it more if it were sung by someone who isn’t actually a Christian.
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Such an interesting turn immediately after going solo, definitely wasn’t expecting this given how he was used in NCT.
In other news, was trying to wait for the global roundup later this month but I’ve been head over heels for Rebecca Black’s new album. Absolutely insane production and direction on it, so impressed by her and how far she’s come. Will save particular highlights for the roundup but wanted to know what you think!
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I don’t think I’m quite as enamored with the Rebecca Black album as others are, mostly because the production isn’t enough to carry a ton of spoken/chanted hooks for me, but there are definitely a few highlights and one will be featured on the global round up later this month. I still think her last EP was her best work.
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My Christian heart is so full of joy right now! I felt a little saddened when Mark wore that controversial shirt in the past, but this song completely hit me in the best way possible, and I could genuinely feel the warmth of his voice. I usually don’t gravitate toward this specific genre of CCM-adjacent music, but this time around, I found myself smiling from ear to ear.
God bless you, Mark, and truly, God bless everyone reading this. His grace reigns forever and ever, and I am so grateful for the light He brings into our lives. He has been such an anchor for me, and I know His love is freely available to all who seek it. I would never want to force anyone’s beliefs, but I also refuse to hide my faith out of fear of what others might think. Walking in that truth just feels so wonderful and grounding!
9
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God bless you as well!
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it is fine. Very muted. Typical of this year. Very almost.
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This isn’t my preferred style of music, but I appreciate the sentiments of the song. I admire Mark’s decision to leave the comfort and fame of NCT in order to make the music he felt called to, that definitely was not an easy decision and one he knew he would receive a lot of backlash for. I do hope he makes more interesting music in the future (we saw what he is capable of on The Firstfruit), but even if he doesn’t I’ll tune in just cuz I love my guy
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If christian music is what he is going for, then I believe he is in the right path. I can totally imagine hearing his song during church outings and would never expect it to be ‘kpop’
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Not gonna listen to the song. I’m not giving idols the benefit of the doubt, they know what they’re doing. Reading the review to stay up to date
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Song, muted but fine. This sounds like something a few radio channels would play, eg that Delilah one.
The t-shirt. I live in a cave, so I had to google it. Yeeesh. I live in the south, so I have thoughts, but I will save it for a different blog.
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diiiiiiiisssssssssssssgggguuuuuuusssssssssstttteeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnn
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