Bullet Train (Choutokkyuu) have never been the most subtle of groups. I mean, just look at that song title. If it wasn’t already demanding enough, they just had to go and capitalize DANCE. But as k-pop continues to strive for the cooler and sleeker and trendier, it can be refreshing to listen to a group … Continue reading
Rather than a full-fledged comeback, Lonely (종현) is part of the second half of Jonghyun’s Story OP project, which collects songs he’s written based on stories sent in by listeners of his now-completed Blue Night radio program. It’s an interesting conceit for an album, and the work itself couldn’t be more different than the material … Continue reading
There’s something to be said for sticking with a producer for longer than a handful of releases. And when that producer is Sweetune, a group can be assured that they’re in good hands. Though Snuper may not have reaped the same commercial success as some of their peers, they have been the most consistent rookie group … Continue reading
Co-ed group K.A.R.D’s pre-release strategy has been ambitious and quite successful, and with Rumor they’ve completed the trilogy of singles that herald their upcoming debut. If K.A.R.D’s story so far is one of rising tension and interest, we should be heading toward a climax. But strangely enough, the group has given us similar-sounding tracks three … Continue reading
Many have given IU the nickname “digital queen.” Such is the strength of her wide-reaching popularity in Korea. Nearly anything she releases instantly jumps to the top of the charts, even if her music may not make the same waves internationally. She’s by no means unpopular outside of Korea, but like Taylor Swift in the States, … Continue reading
This time last year I was writing about Apink’s 2016 fan appreciation song, which managed to be a pretty solid representation of a sub-genre that’s severely limited in scope and creativity. There’s just not a lot you can do with this style of release. Always was never going to be edgy or inventive. Its production … Continue reading
Whenever you have a music market that’s over-saturated, there are bound to be groups that struggle to stand out. For DIA, this struggle has been a constant one. None of their singles have been unpleasant, but time after time it feels like they’ve been given another group’s leftovers. I don’t doubt the girls’ talent or … Continue reading
With Kyuhyun soon to fulfill his mandatory military conscription, there’s a hole for another solo Super Junior balladeer to fill. Yesung seems to be up to the task, releasing the very OST-sounding Paper Umbrella (봄날의 소나기). This follows his spring-like Here I Am from last April, which I was not a fan of. When it … Continue reading
Breakout rookies SF9 are wasting no time establishing themselves, releasing a new mini album just two months after the last one. Thus far, the group has adopted an aggressive hip-hop style with mixed results, but for Easy Love (쉽다) they’ve switched it up quite a bit. This is SF9 as melodic as we’ve ever heard … Continue reading
No, this is not a cover version of I.O.I’s hit from last year. It’s one of those happy surprises k-pop gives us every so often, arriving with absolutely no fanfare but captivating with its high energy and breakneck pace. 14U (pronounced “one for you”) is one of the largest groups k-pop has ever seen. I’m … Continue reading
Last month’s Love & Live promotions finally felt like a step toward proper debut for the girls of LOONA. It’s not that the sub-unit were incredibly original or commercially lucrative, but it was the first time I got a sense of the endgame this project is working towards. With Everyday I Love You, we’re back to hearing from … Continue reading
To put it bluntly, Berry Good’s new music video is berry bad. Sorry for the lame pun, but it almost seems as if the director went out of their way to create the cheapest, most visually unappealing video they could muster. Luckily, I write my reviews without focusing too much on a song’s accompanying visuals. And … Continue reading
Girl group Laboum have been on the cusp of breaking through for several years now. They have a strong discography under their belt, but every time they release a single it feels as if it’s missing that extra little oomph that might help them climb to their rightful position at the top of the charts. With … Continue reading
Until today, Minzy was the only member of now-disbanded group 2NE1 without a solo release to her name. But now she’s struck out on her own, signing with a new label and enjoying a different sort of fame through popular variety show Sister’s Slam Dunk. Fortunately, she hasn’t forgotten the sound that forged her career, … Continue reading
Girl group Wa$$up are an excellent example of novelty-dependent hype failing to pay off in the long run. Rising to fame as a “twerking” group, the girls debuted in late 2013 amidst a swarm of controversy. Now three and a half years later, the controversy has died down and Wa$$up exist in uncertain territory without an identifiable brand … Continue reading
We’re officially in spring overload. And with that, I have to apologize for my continued lack of enthusiasm over many of the “springlike” songs released lately. More than almost any other country, Korea is obsessed with supplying an unending series of inoffensive seasonal tracks so light and unassuming that they just kind of fizzle into … Continue reading
It’s been awhile since listeners have heard the softer side of Zico’s solo music. As the leader of rambunctious boy group Block B, his sound is most closely tied with his playful, charismatic image. But of all his solo work, my favorite track is probably the soft, melodic I Am You, You Are Me from … Continue reading
Most of the time, a kpop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of kpop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. It’s been weeks since I’ve written one of these buried treasure … Continue reading
Even with all its quirks and innovations, I consider myself to have a very solid understanding of the k-pop landscape. NCT’s ever-evolving configuration? Easy. LOONA’s year-long debut process? Not a problem. But the whole BOYS24 project is still a bit of a head-scratcher. This is despite watching (and enjoying) the entire competition series that launched … Continue reading
It’s been nearly four years since Teen Top has worked with producer Brave Brothers on a title track, even though he was largely responsible for building their trademark sound. But 2017 seems like the perfect time for a reunion. The group has lost a member in rapper L.Joe, and last year’s tepid Warning Sign was … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 