With the constant influx of rookie groups to k-pop’s already crowded marketplace, you’d think you’d want to give your act a unique name that helps them stand out. New boy group NTB is bound to get mixed up with the likes of NCT and UNB, but I guess the lure towards mysterious three letter acronyms … Continue reading
Though they’re still early in their career, Pristin have quickly become known for their bright, light-hearted pop style. Most groups don’t venture out to sub-unit activities until several years into promotion, but it seems that these girls are already hungry to display their versatility. Place Pristin V’s Get It (네 멋대로) next to the full … Continue reading
So many veteran idol groups have gone through changes these past few years — some of them losing members and some disbanding altogether. Seventeen months after their last comeback, AOA are still kicking, but without their former main vocal Choa. So while Bingle Bangle (빙글뱅글) retains the fun, upbeat style the group has pursued for … Continue reading
Three years ago this month, SHINee released their masterful View, which would go on to become one of 2015’s most enduring songs of summer and jump-start k-pop’s fascination with 90’s deep house. Now, three years later, the group finds themselves at an altogether different crossroads. After the loss of member Jonghyun last December, their tenth … Continue reading
With over 2,300 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 the … Continue reading
Dominant j-pop agency Johnny’s Entertainment hasn’t debuted a new act since 2014, making King & Prince’s arrival highly anticipated. The group is a combination of two trainee units, Mr. King and Prince, and has already proven to be a huge commercial success with first single Cinderella Girl (シンデレラガール). As with most Johnny’s acts, no one voice … Continue reading
Oh, 24K. We’ve had a rough history together. For every impressive Only You, there’s been a disappointing Bingo. I appreciate this group’s passion and I respect any idol act who contributes to their own song composition, but I just don’t think 24K’s noisy sound will ever be for me. New single Bonnie N Clyde wraps itself in … Continue reading
Boyfriend are the latest group to find themselves at that precarious seven year mark, where contracts are up and the guys are forced to decide whether to stick together or go their separate ways. Whatever happens, they’ve left behind an incredibly strong (and underrated) discography. Their lengthy run of Sweetune-produced singles always gets eclipsed by … Continue reading
Bolbbalgan4 have been an absolute force in the Korean music scene ever since their 2016 breakout hit Galaxy. Yet even as their music has become ubiquitous, I’ve continued to consider them too indie/acoustic to compare to the usual acts I write about on The Bias List. New title track Travel (여행) changes that. It’s their … Continue reading
The East Light’s January release Real Man was one of that month’s biggest growers, and its disco pulse proved to be a perfect match for the young band. With new single Love Flutters (설레임), the guys have reverted to the tropical pop they dabbled in last year, this time with an acoustic edge. Love Flutters’ … Continue reading
I’ve long been fascinated by the story of Korean girl group The Ark. The girls debuted in the spring of 2015 with the very strong Light, but disbanded shortly after due to company troubles outside of their control. This is not a particularly unusual story within the k-pop industry. Rookie groups come and go all … Continue reading
Despite releasing a steady stream of material since their debut in late 2016, Victon have never really connected with me. That’s not a critique of the guys themselves. I’ve just been pretty unimpressed with the producers and style they’ve been paired with. New single Time Of Sorrow (오월애 (俉月哀)) doesn’t do much to turn those … Continue reading
Though Mamamoo have always been a vocal-centered group, their secret weapon is rapper Moon Byul. With her ultra-cool, gender-bending performance style, she’s brought fans of all persuasions into the group’s fold — even if her voice is often relegated to a short verse or two within bigger pop songs. She seems like the perfect candidate … Continue reading
TST (formerly Top Secret) are one of a handful of boy groups who’ve enlisted production team Sweetune to craft their discography. But compared to the top shelf material recorded by Snuper and Golden Child, I feel like TST continue to get saddled with the bargain basement dregs. New single Love Story follows this trend. Sweetune ensure a … Continue reading
With over 2,300 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 brand new “Random Shuffle Review” feature. The rules are simple. I fire up my playlist, press “shuffle,” and whatever song plays first … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. It’s a wonder I enjoy BTS’ new album as much … Continue reading
With over 2,300 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 brand new “Random Shuffle Review” feature. The rules are simple. I fire up my playlist, press “shuffle,” and whatever song plays first … Continue reading
Comparing the debuts of UNI.T and UNB encapsulates the k-pop scene as a whole. Both groups hail from KBS’s survival series The Unit, but there’s clearly been a stronger promotional focus on the boys. Not only did UNI.T debut second, but they’ve been given less original tracks and a cheaper music video (compared to UNB’s … Continue reading
To be honest, BTS’ explosive international fame has coincided with my growing ambivalence towards their music. Though I enjoyed last year’s Love Yourself: Her album, I can’t say that either DNA or Mic Drop held a candle to their peak run of 2015-2016 singles. This has resulted in an awkward mix of feelings surrounding the … Continue reading
If any group might have been spared the effects of k-pop’s prolonged tropical love affair, I assumed it would be one like N.Flying. Since reemerging with new member Hweseung last summer, they’ve consistently delivered a rollicking brand of punchy power pop, as joyously silly as it is addictive. Tropical house doesn’t usually play well with … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 