Hey! Say! JUMP have been on an experimental kick since 2019, and I’ve enjoyed watching them grow into their more mature, adventurous style. Of course, “experimental” won’t be for everyone and some musical choices have been stronger than others. New single Gunjo Runaway (群青ランナウェイ) is definitely an odd one, filled to the brim with chaotic, … Continue reading
A K-pop group’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. It’s very common for K-pop acts … Continue reading
A K-pop group’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Stray Kids’ new album is perfectly … Continue reading
A K-pop group’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. After a string of VERIVERY releases … Continue reading
Those of you who follow my twitter account know that I’ve spent the past few weeks gushing about how great survival series LOUD has been. If you’re not already watching the show, there’s still time to catch up! I’m a veteran watcher of Korean survival/audition series, having followed the vast majority of them since 2013. … Continue reading
Since Johnny’s Entertainment (and its related labels) don’t post full music videos online, I usually wait until the physical release of a new single to review it. But unless there’s some extra dance break hidden in the album version, the online video for Snow Man’s new track Evolution seems complete. I can hardly believe it, … Continue reading
GOT7’s Jay B offered the first peek at his solo work with May’s Switch It Up. Like many of his fellow group members, he’s opted from a subdued r&b style with heavy trap influences. It’s an ultra-trendy sound, and not one I usually flock toward. But, I thought Switch It Up was very successful, bringing … Continue reading
Sometimes, being a K-pop fan requires selective memory. This wasn’t the case during earlier generations, when it was common for groups to find their own distinct sound and (mostly) stick with it for long stretches of title tracks. These days, many groups swerve from one style or concept to another, hoping to cast their net … Continue reading
In a year without many excellent debuts, Mirae’s Killa easily stands at the top of the pack. The guys emerged with a fully-realized futuristic sound that complimented their group name and showcased their skills. They did exactly what a good rookie is supposed to: invite listeners into their world and make a convincing claim as … Continue reading
Rather than a series of comebacks, CL’s solo career has felt like a constant re-debut, trying to get things off the ground after too many unfortunate setbacks. It’s hard to believe her first solo release dropped more than eight years ago. Since then, we’ve seen the disbandment of 2NE1 and an ill-fated attempt to break … Continue reading
Several months after IZ*ONE’s disbandment, we’re beginning to see the re-debut of its members. Some will form new groups or join projects already in progress. Others – like Woollim Entertainment’s Kwon Eunbi – will debut as soloists. It’s always interesting to see which members pursue which careers, and which end up being successful. IOI, Wanna … Continue reading
T1419 are one of several rookies who have yet to win me over. I’m easily convinced if given a fantastic song or engaging performance, but both Asurabalbalta and Exit felt undercooked. The former hinged upon a noisy soundscape that failed to distinguish T1419 from the boy group pack, while the latter brought greater hip-hop focus … Continue reading
During VERIVERY’s debut year, their fun new jack swing sound set them apart from other rookies. It may not have built a huge fan base, but those of us who enjoyed it did so with a loyalty and enthusiasm that seems to be missing from their post-2020 work. Their Face It series unfolded as a … Continue reading
Brave Girls’ 2021 resurgence has been a perfect storm. Not only did it kick off because of one of their best singles, but this viral attention has led to a new era of music that surpasses their already-strong back catalog. June’s Chi Mat Ba Ram quickly grew into a bonafide song of summer, coupled with … Continue reading
Fresh off their Kingdom victory, Stray Kids have returned with their second full-length album. Not many K-pop groups release two full albums back-to-back, but I’m sure Stray Kids’ self-producing status leaves them with plenty of material to choose from. Although last year’s God’s Menu was a fun, memorable title track, its parent album was stuffed … Continue reading
A K-pop group’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. I hate to admit it, but … Continue reading
A K-pop group’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. This week in K-pop followed 2021 … Continue reading
One of the cool (and frustrating) things about the Johnny’s Entertainment system is its junior groups. Yes, all agencies have trainees waiting for debut, but Johnny’s Junior have their own televised performance show and their own songs. They also star in dramas, stage plays and variety. It’s a way to build fan bases and cut … Continue reading
One advantage of being a self-produced band is that you can release new music whenever you like. Irrelevant Answer (동문서답) is a special surprise single from Lucy, released alongside a lo-fi music video that focuses on the group’s performance. Without the gloss of a full-fledged comeback, the song feels more extraneous than essential. But, more … Continue reading
CRAVITY have had a very successful debut year, but I’ve yet to connect with any of their title tracks. Some of their b-sides and follow-up promotions have shown more promise, but the group’s sound seems stuck in this noisy, shouty style that takes promising concepts and upends them with ill-fitting breakdowns. This was especially apparent … Continue reading
