I have not been shy about expressing how completely underwhelming this month (and last month) of K-pop has been. In fact, when January’s average rating is calculated, we’ll probably be looking at a historically low number. Because of this, I’m grabbing onto anything halfway decent I can find. Hell, at this point I’m clinging onto … Continue reading
In a very short time, the newly-debuted LNGSHOT have racked up plenty of hype and plenty of controversy. Their music has one tiny toe in the world of idols but feels primarily indebted to K-R&B, making it more palatable to those “too cool” for pure pop. While I was impressed with the vocals on their … Continue reading
We seem to be in K-pop’s era of “rage hip-hop,” as the genre has slowly entrenched itself within idol releases. So far, this has largely been limited to a boy group phenomenon, but it makes sense that an act like Young Posse would give it a try. After all, they’ve covered many hip-hop sub-genres already. … Continue reading
i-dle are one of those K-pop groups that actively reach out to global audiences and try to incorporate cultural touchstones they may not always be well-versed in. This has led to valid criticism in the past, though their music has leaned in a more generic direction the last few years. With new digital single Mono, … Continue reading
KiiiKiii’s debut year had a somewhat confused sonic landscape, pivoting between quirky sub-genres and meme culture to broad pop brushstrokes that felt more generic. Judging by pre-release Delulu and new title track 404 (New Era), they seem to have regained their focus in 2026 by pivoting toward the dancefloor. 404 (New Era) arrives bolstered by … Continue reading
At the end of each month, I compile my top three K-pop title tracks and list a ton of honorable mentions. But each Sunday, I’ll offer a compendium of the week’s new releases featured on the blog. And even more than that, I’ll attempt to rank them from my least-to-most-liked. I invite you to share … Continue reading
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
EXO have been inaugurated into my “K-Pop A-Z” feature, which means anything they release automatically gets a full review. To be honest, I’ve regretted that rule over the past few years since I haven’t vibed with the group’s albums since 2018. Is there new work REVERXE any different? Read on to find out! 1. Crown … Continue reading
New J-pop group STARGLOW made their pre-debut last year with the excellent EDM banger Moonchaser. That song became one of my favorites of they year and made me hope for an official debut that followed a similar soundscape. With Star Wish, the guys have moved in a different direction but proven themselves just as adept … Continue reading
EXO have been inaugurated into my “K-Pop A-Z” feature, which means anything they release automatically gets a full review. To be honest, I’ve regretted that rule over the past few years since I haven’t vibed with the group’s albums since 2018. Is there new work REVERXE any different? Read on to find out! 1. Crown … Continue reading
Rather than contain my “Risers and Fallers” feature to a single post in June, I’m going to share a bite-sized version at the end of each month. This will let me account for more songs and make a nice lead-in to the monthly round-up post. I anticipate most of these ratings adjustments will be negligible: … Continue reading
EXO have been inaugurated into my “K-Pop A-Z” feature, which means anything they release automatically gets a full review. To be honest, I’ve regretted that rule over the past few years since I haven’t vibed with the group’s albums since 2018. Is there new work REVERXE any different? Read on to find out! 1. Crown … Continue reading
Though XG are technically a global group based in Japan, their music has necessitated full song reviews on this blog because it’s so beloved by K-pop fans. I’ve found their output to be a mixed bag and generally prefer when they take a dancier approach. That happened last year with their excellent single GALA and … Continue reading
Two weeks ago, ZEROBASEONE released the fan song ballad Running To Future as the first pre-release from their upcoming “special” (ie: final) album. Today, they’re back with its second pre-release Roses. This one adds rock guitar for texture and a bit more bounce to its percussion but ultimately serves the same purpose as its predecessor. … Continue reading
EXO have been inaugurated into my “K-Pop A-Z” feature, which means anything they release automatically gets a full review. To be honest, I’ve regretted that rule over the past few years since I haven’t vibed with the group’s albums since 2018. Is there new work REVERXE any different? Read on to find out! 1. Crown … Continue reading
It’s funny. For years after 2021’s LOUD series ended, I complained about JYP not debuting his winning team while PSY’s TNX were already promoting their music. Yet after only a year of activities, KickFlip has already released more songs than TNX have in their entire life as a group. I guess that’s the benefit of … Continue reading
EXO have been inaugurated into my “K-Pop A-Z” feature, which means anything they release automatically gets a full review. To be honest, I’ve regretted that rule over the past few years since I haven’t vibed with the group’s albums since 2018. Is there new work REVERXE any different? Read on to find out! 1. Crown … Continue reading
dodree are a female duo debuting under INNIT Entertainment, which probably means very little until you realize that INNIT is a JYP subsidiary. This means their music video for Just Like A Dream (꿈만 같았다) benefits from JYP’s strong distribution and gets a lot of eyes and ears on the track. And for a unique … Continue reading
It’s 1VERSE’s first comeback and they’re already down a member, as Hyuk remains on hiatus during the release of digital single WABIF (Wide Awake Before I Fall). We’re also in visualizer territory rather than a music video, which is probably a smart idea for a group with limited financial resources. I’m always of the mind … Continue reading
I feel like I’ve been writing about a lot of bands recently. Band music is certainly popular at this moment in Korea, with many active groups both junior and senior. FNC Entertainment has always been a hub for these acts, and AxMxP made their debut under the agency last year with a full album. Now, … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 