Shinhwa have a long history in k-pop, ranking as the longest running boy group in the genre with all of its original members intact. They’ve also written the template of how to stage an effective comeback after years away from the scene. Their music since their return in 2012 has been a masterclass in how … Continue reading
Block B‘s Zico has become one of Korea’s most prolific hit-makers, routinely releasing hip-hop tracks of various styles to massive success. His newest single is a collaboration with fellow “it” boys Crush and DEAN. By name recognition alone, the trio is a real supergroup, representing three of the biggest names in this particular k-pop sub-genre. … Continue reading
It’s been nearly a year and a half since B1A4 made a comeback in Korea, and the wait has felt like forever. They’re one of the few idol groups who truly have a sound all their own, and even though leader/composer Jinyoung has found much success this year producing for girl groups, there’s nothing that can … 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. Over their relatively brief career, UP10TION have already dabbled in a … 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. Of all the title tracks that I’ve written about this month, … Continue reading
Though she’s been a member of two girl groups this year, neither I.O.I nor Gugudan have managed to display Kim Sejeong’s full talent. Consistently ranked at or near the top during the Produce 101 variety series, she quickly became known for her incredible vocals and refined image. She seems perfectly suited to ballads, which makes … Continue reading
In a truly how-the-hell-did-that-happen moment for k-pop, veteran girl group Sistar have collaborated with disco/dance legend Giorgio Moroder for special single One More Day. Given that Moroder is practically the originator of what we now call EDM, it makes sense that the track is dance music at its most classic, eschewing today’s tired build/drop format … Continue reading
VIXX have had an incredibly prolific 2016, releasing six singles between both Korea and Japan. Though there have been some major standouts, as the year’s gone on it’s begun to feel a bit more like quantity over quality. But thankfully, after the downbeat double header of Fantasy and The Closer, Milky Way brings back a … Continue reading
Boy group UP10TION are back with their fifth (!) mini album in the space of just over a year. This is the way to do it for rookies — just blitz the market with continual comebacks so that no one can forget you. And it’s working. The guys wowed me with August’s Tonight, which felt very … 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. Astro’s music is consistently strong, whether we’re talking about title tracks … Continue reading
Rookie group KNK are back with a new single… and no music video. Citing quality issues, the (presumably) completed video was cancelled and won’t be re-filmed. It’s a head-scratcher of a move, and would actually be kind of laughable if it wasn’t so sad. I mean, imagine the poor editor realizing that, no matter how … Continue reading
Taking into account both Korean and Japanese releases, BAP has now given us six singles since last November. And although none have become instant classics in their discography, the fact that they’ve all been so consistently good (and varied in sound) is quite a feat. Fly High continues that trend, opting for a more generic … Continue reading
The moment I heard a brief preview for It’s Raining, I nearly jumped out of my seat with excitement. I’ve long held the opinion that Infinite’s The Chaser is the best k-pop song of all time, and It’s Raining seemed to be using its sound as a template. Snuper have made their name in partnership … Continue reading
Repackages of albums are pretty common in k-pop, especially when you’re dealing with SM Entertainment. But Shinee’s new one has got to be a record, arriving only five weeks after October’s 1of1. Not that I’m complaining. The hypnotic Tell Me What To Do pairs the group with prolific producer/composer Yoo Young-Jin for the first time since … Continue reading
After two years with a stranglehold on the charts, AOA have had a difficult year in Korea. So, it makes sense that they’d put renewed focus on their Japanese career with the release of Wow War Tonight. The song sounds nothing like the two original j-pop singles they’ve given us thus far, but that’s actually … Continue reading
Those of you that have been following this site for the better part of the year will probably be able to accurately predict my thoughts on IMFACT’s Feel So Good. But before I go on to confirm those predictions, it’s worth noting how incredibly different the group’s February debut was in both sound and image. Looking … Continue reading
For the past several years, Super Junior’s Kyuhyun has been a reliable deliverer of autumn ballads. Now that he’s set to transition into his military enlistment soon, he’s overcompensated for his upcoming absence with a full album of them. For me, a Kyuhyun ballad is a Kyuhyun ballad — really just the same thing repeated … Continue reading
K-pop group names are just getting weirder and weirder. One look at “Momoland,” coupled with “JJan! Koong! Kwang!” and I think the glazed over looks some friends give me when I say I’m a massive k-pop fan become more understandable. Now, this is in no way a complaint. I’m a big supporter of #keepkpopweird, if … Continue reading
Astro have been one of 2016’s brightest k-pop hopes, debuting as a rookie group with an instantly recognizable upbeat style and image. In these uncertain times, their particular brand of hooky power pop is just what the doctor ordered. And luckily, that sunniness and youthful energy continues with their new single, Confession (고백). Composed by … Continue reading
Plan A (formerly A-Cube) have finally launched their first boy group in the form of Victon. Like may k-pop acts, the guys have been given a cobbled together, seemingly nonsensical group name that sheds little light on what their sound is. Debut track I’m Fine (아무렇지 않은 척) is similar in this way. It’s an … Continue reading
