2024 is already delivering several debuts, and boy group Waker is next on the docket. They pre-released Dash last month, which I really should have covered on the blog because it’s quite good. Now, they’ve turned the page with a softer sound on the anthemic Atlantis. Songs with “Atlantis” in the title have a pretty … Continue reading
![Buried Treasure: TXT x SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] – LEvel](https://thebiaslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/txt-x-sawanohiroyukinzk-level.jpg?w=290&h=290&crop=1 "Buried Treasure: TXT x SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] – LEvel")
A K-pop act’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. Readers, this is why I’m always … Continue reading
Before December 2022, Minho was the only SHINee member without a solo album to his name. His music continues to be released in drips and drabs, taking a far more understated approach compared to his bandmates. SHINee tend to offer something for everyone, and if you like softer, coffeehouse fair you’ve found the right guy … Continue reading
Every once and awhile, a favorite act releases a song that simply lands with a thud. For me, Love Trigger is that song for Snow Man. I’m a big Snow Man fan. They often appear near the top of my year-end J-pop lists and I find the group endlessly entertaining. Their musical output has been … Continue reading
The year is only a few days old, but we already have a new debut! The five-member Geenius hail from Sure Place Music & Creative, but had previous ties with the embattled Blockberry Creative. Their first digital single Voyage shows promise, even if its unfocused nature ultimately makes for a frustrating listen. In my recent … Continue reading
Rather than debut with a mini or full album, RIIZE have blitzed the market with digital singles. While it’s nice to promote music more often, I firmly believe that — during the first year of a rookie’s debut — every song needs to be a stone-cold classic. Like… one mega-hit after another to quickly cement … Continue reading
The Boyz have recently started releasing music videos for unit tracks. Last summer’s Passion Fruit got one and now we have a stylish visual for Sunwoo and Eric’s hip-hop track Honey, originally released on the group’s November album. Apart from its excellent title track, that album didn’t resonate with me the same way Christmas In … Continue reading
Over the years, the length between Jeong Sewoon’s comebacks has grown, making him more of a niche artist in K-pop. There was a time when his groovy pop sound consistently found its way onto my playlist, peaking with 2020’s addictive Say Yes. Since then, I’ve had a harder time connecting with his music. Sewoon’s vocals … Continue reading
Thus far, ICHILLIN’ have pinballed through a variety of styles, most recently getting caught in the sing-chant nursery rhyme style that plagues many of their peers’ discographies. New digital single Bite Me still has a (lack of) melody problem, but its dynamic instrumental counterpunches with surprising force. Bite Me opens with a wallop, as thundering … Continue reading
Kim Jonghyeon’s newest comeback snuck up on me, but he’s always a welcome presence in K-pop. Nu’est’s solo tracks did a good job tailoring each member’s personality to the music. I had a pretty clear idea of who they wanted to be as performers, and that sense has extended to most of their post-group work. … Continue reading
With the new year, ATEEZ have established an ambitious project of releasing music videos for the unit tracks on their most recent album. First up is the aggressive MATZ, performed by Hongjoong and Seonghwa. Apart from one standout b-side, I wasn’t a huge fan of The World Ep.Fin: Will, so these unit tracks will likely … Continue reading
TWS are not set to debut until later this month, but as the first Pledis Entertainment boy group following the incredible success of Seventeen, many eyes are already on them. As a taste of their self-described “boyhood pop,” they’ve dropped a fun music video for pre-release Oh Mymy: 7s. The early Seventeen vibes are strong … Continue reading
DXMON have already captured attention with their dramatic, anime-style haircuts, reminiscent of early-TVXQ in their sheer ridiculousness. I’m all for “ridiculous” in K-pop, and this image gave me hope that the group would deliver a similarly bombastic, cartoonish sound. Unfortunately, pre-debut track Burn Up is just the latest in shouty boy group slop. When thinking … Continue reading
ITZY’s new album won’t be with us until next week, but they’ve already given us two pre-release tracks and short versions of the members’ solo songs. I love seeing album rollouts this insistent! Mr. Vampire emerges as the second pre-release, following the more combative Born To Be last month. Given its title, I half-expected a … Continue reading
Every year at this time, I like to look back at which of my posts received the most views. If nothing else, it’s a good gauge of artist popularity. I know there are readers who take a look at everything I post, but there are also a lot of people who come to the blog … Continue reading
2023 may nearly be over, but fear not! The ever-expanding tripleS project won’t let the year end before unveiling another sub-unit. tripleS NXT is composed of members Park ShiOn, Lynn, Jeong HaYeon, and JooBin, each in their teens and debuting with the sprightly Just Do It. This song was revealed earlier in December, but today … Continue reading
TVXQ are celebrating their twentieth anniversary with the release of their first Korean album in five years. There are few active K-pop acts I’d consider “royalty,” but TVXQ are legends among legends. It’s always exciting to have them back with new music, even if a lot has changed since 2018’s New Chapter #2: The Truth … Continue reading
I wasn’t sure whether to write about Jimin’s Closer Than This or not. These fan songs and nostalgic behind-the-scenes videos skirt the line between “single” and “b-side,” but he seems too big of an artist to ignore. This style of track tends to follow a familiar template, making it hard to have a strong opinion … Continue reading
It’s become a tradition for at least one SM Entertainment artist to release winter-themed material each year. Sometimes, the whole agency gets in on the fun, but this year it’s NCT 127’s turn to deliver the holiday cheer. Be There For Me is broad enough to work as a “normal” single, but its cozy video … Continue reading
Korea’s mandatory military conscription seems like it’s hitting K-pop especially hard at the moment, with soloist WOODZ the latest to announce an impending hiatus. Before he fulfils his service, he’s gifted fans with a pair of new songs. It’s easy to think of this work as an extension of his excellent album OO-LI, fully embracing … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 