Just yesterday, I wrote about a solo track from Infinite’s Sungyeol but did so mainly out of loyalty. The song itself did very little for me. Flash forward twenty four hours and we’re in the exact same boat. This time, it’s the solo debut (!) from one of Golden Child’s main vocalists, Choi Sungyun — … Continue reading
Author Archives: Nick
Song Review: Lee Sungyeol (Infinite) – Asteroid
Sadly, it’s been a long time since I’ve been interested in any Infinite-related music. If you would have shown me that statement a decade ago I would’ve been shocked, but their newer material just hasn’t lived up to the potential we know they have. However, as a longtime fan I still feel loyal to the … Continue reading
Song Review: Kang Daniel – Backseat Promises
It’s a very slow week (month) for K-pop, so while I might not usually cover a “track video” like the one promoting Kang Daniel’s new song Backseat Promises, a dearth of new material has forced my hand. But sometimes, a forced hand can be a gift in disguise. I’m glad I gave this track a … Continue reading
Random Shuffle Review: Kara – Mamma Mia
With over 5,000 songs on my iPhone’s “K-Pop Singles” playlist, I thought it would be fun to add a bit of unpredictability to my song review posts. So as a result, we have the “Random Shuffle Review” feature. The rules are simple. I fire up my playlist, press “shuffle,” and whatever song plays first gets … Continue reading
Song Review: Daesung (Bigbang) – HANDO-CHOGUA
In addition to his career as a singer, Daesung has continued to be a reliable variety star — especially with his own YouTube series. This takes advantage of his jovial side, which wasn’t always allowed to flourish as part of his group’s more serious hip-hop work. After a serious comeback of his own earlier this … Continue reading
Song Review: Doyoung (NCT) – Promise
It’s time to say “farewell, for now” to NCT’s Doyoung. He enlisted yesterday, alongside fellow member Jungwoo. And like Jungwoo, he’s released a parting gift for fans in the form or a digital single. Unfortunately, he won’t be promoting this on music shows but Promise (늦은 말) still stands as a welcome balm for those … Continue reading
Song Review: WayV – Eternal White
We’re knee-deep in wintery releases this month, and SM Entertainment has always been a huge fan of the snow-draped ballad or festive midtempo. WayV are the latest to deliver a winter-themed album, though title track Eternal White (白色定格) is malleable enough to play all year. Rather than throw sleighbells at the song, Eternal White is … Continue reading
Song Review: ALLDAY PROJECT – Look At Me
ALLDAY PROJECT have been one of the year’s biggest success stories, and they’ve been pretty successful on my own playlist as well. After a rough start, Famous grew on me immensely and last month’s pre-release One More Time was an instant hit. In general, I find co-ed groups pretty exciting and it’s been nice to … Continue reading
THIS WEEK IN K-POP: Ranking the New Releases from November 30 – December 6
At the end of each month, I compile my top three K-pop title tracks and list a ton of honorable mentions. In 2025, I thought I’d try something new and add a weekly feature to supplement my monthly round-up. Each Sunday, I’ll offer a compendium of the week’s new releases featured on the blog. And … Continue reading
New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (December 7, 2025)
In connection with my desire to fully keep up with the J-pop industry, I’m planning to do a weekly round-up of any new releases that have caught my ear. Some of these may have been covered on the blog already, but my hope is that this will become a one-stop shop for anyone interested in … Continue reading
Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2025: UNCORE / WakeOne / Woollim
After taking a look at K-pop’s biggest agencies, I’d like to turn my attention to the smaller (but still important) players in the K-pop game, three at a time. Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on K-Pop’s biggest agencies, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related financial information beyond what … Continue reading
Song Review: Yim Siwan – The Reason
Most people know Yim Siwan as one of Korea’s leading actors, but once upon a time he was also in boy group ZE:A. If nothing else, I’d love for this review to be an excuse for readers to go back to ZE:A’s discography, which is truly one of K-pop’s most underrated. We simply don’t get … Continue reading
Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2025: KQ / MYSTIC STORY / RBW
After taking a look at K-pop’s biggest agencies, I’d like to turn my attention to the smaller (but still important) players in the K-pop game, three at a time. Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on K-Pop’s biggest agencies, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related financial information beyond what … Continue reading
Song Review: Chuei Li Yu – UxYOUxU
We’ve officially reached the point where numerous Boys II Planet contestants start to release their first post-show music. Just this week, we’ve had the pre-debut of ALPHA DRIVE ONE, a long-awaited comeback for participants VERIVERY and the solo debut of Chuei Li Yu, who came in tenth place during the series’ finale. My only questions … Continue reading
Song Review: ALPHA DRIVE ONE – Formula
To my great continual regret, I “recapped” the entirety of this year’s Boys II Planet, though these write-ups became shorter and less enthused as the series went on. If you want to read the perspective of someone losing interest in real time, I guess I’d recommend you check them out. Otherwise, you’re probably safe to … Continue reading
Song Review: fromis_9 – White Memories
It’s about time for K-pop to start unveiling its special winter songs. We haven’t had too many yet this year. tripleS released a track video last week and Rainbow18 stealthily dropped an unpromoted, Sweetune-produced (!) carol that even passed me by. Now, fromis_9 have taken the baton with White Memories (하얀 그리움), their soundtrack to … Continue reading
Song Review: VERIVERY – Red (Beggin’)
Fresh off the members’ participation in Boys II Planet (none of them made the final group), VERIVERY are hoping to pull a Nu’est and re-emerge with new material and a vaulted level of success. Time will tell if that will happen. K-pop is fickle and the guys have been away since 2023. However, Jellyfish Entertainment … Continue reading
Song Review: Taeyeon – Panorama
Greatest Hits compilations are rare in K-pop. In fact, I think Japan is the only music market where they’re still commonly released. Nevertheless, SNSD’s Taeyeon has just released a twenty-three track anthology (including a not-as-good 2025 mix of her best song Time Lapse). To celebrate this album, she’s also unveiled new song Panorama (인사). Taeyeon … Continue reading
The Top Three K-Pop Songs of November 2025
At the end of each month, I look back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists. I take my own ratings into account, but there’s a bit of wiggle room as certain songs tend to grow or fade. November 2025 Overall Thoughts Though there’s still another month left of 2025, I always consider November … Continue reading
THIS WEEK IN K-POP: Ranking the New Releases from November 23 – 29
At the end of each month, I compile my top three K-pop title tracks and list a ton of honorable mentions. In 2025, I thought I’d try something new and add a weekly feature to supplement my monthly round-up. Each Sunday, I’ll offer a compendium of the week’s new releases featured on the blog. And … Continue reading