It’s so fun when an unexpected or unknown K-pop group surprises you in a good way. Prior to googling their name (which immediately brings up Upper Iowa University), I couldn’t tell you anything about UiU besides the fact that the stylization of their name looks cute (or naughty, depending on how you look at it). … Continue reading
Back in April, I found myself very impressed by NiziU’s digital single ASOBO. But after reviewing it, I went on to… never play the song again. Weird, huh? I guess I was able to recognize the strengths of the song even if they didn’t match my own musical preferences. But though I never returned to … Continue reading
Chobom may not be Apink’s first official sub-unit (anyone remember Apink BnN?), but it’s the first unit with an actual album and full promotions. Chobom brings together members Chorong and Bomi. Its teasers hinted at a quirky concept, which certainly has precedent when it comes to sub-units from female idol groups. But rather than go … Continue reading
Only a fraction of K-pop groups last beyond their initial seven-year contract, but Super Junior are still going strong after seventeen (!) years. I’d wager that’s longer than the age of many K-pop fans, and it’s a legacy that should be respected. The group is currently in a phase where they just release what they … Continue reading
After nearly eight months away, Chungha has returned just in time for summer. Many of her most notable singles have been tied to this season, and Sparkling is bound to join their ranks. Like so many of her peers, she’s opted for a series of retro influences, tying them to more familiar K-pop tropes. This … Continue reading
It’s Sunday, which means it’s time to end the week with an open discussion post! To keep things civil, there are a few rules: Be kind and respectful to one another. Any harassing language will be deleted. This is not a place to state what you don’t like about me and/or my blog. Move elsewhere, … Continue reading
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. H1-KEY’s newest single album has been … Continue reading
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. We have our first summer album … Continue reading
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. WJSN have a reputation for standout … Continue reading
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. Preceding the release of their newest … Continue reading
Based on agency clout alone, aespa were always going to be successful. However, I recall their AI, lore-heavy concept raising many eyebrows pre-debut. And although it was a hit for me right away, the addictive Next Level took time to seep into public consciousness. But quicker than you can say “Kwangya,” we’ve arrived at the … Continue reading
I’ve been wanting to write this post for awhile because I think it’s really fun to look back at old reviews and re-evaluate them with fresh eyes. Opinions on music change over time, and that’s just as true for songs I despised when they were first released. Here, you’ll find the nine lowest-rated songs in … Continue reading
Are you kidding me? Another Universe release? This app needs to stop doing this to me! Worse yet, this is the second Monsta X song to be released via Universe. Groups. are. double. dipping. Will the madness ever end?? Well, there’s not much to say about If With U. It’s pleasant but dull, somewhere between … Continue reading
Fresh off their solid pre-release W.A.T.1, MCND have returned with a new mini album – the sequel to last year’s Secret Mission Chapter 1. Over the years, this group has had a knack for making music I dismiss at first, yet come to love over repeated plays. This happened with Ice Age, Not Over and … Continue reading
Recently, Seventeen have established an unsteady alliance with vocal processing. It’s hard to determine whether this is HYBE’s influence or simply a progression in the members’ musical taste, but it has markedly changed the group’s sound. Judging by their past few efforts, it’s almost hard to believe this is the same group that gave us … Continue reading
H1-KEY debuted earlier this year with Athletic Girl, a song that flew under my radar at first but acquitted itself well during music show promotions. Still, it wasn’t memorable enough to offer any big expectations for the group’s comeback. Any expectations would have proven moot regardless, as new single Run drastically shifts their sound in … Continue reading
As a massive fan of K-pop’s summery tracks, I’ve been waiting for my song of summer to arrive. Usually, the month of June gives us one or two future classics, but we’ve yet to hear anything that competes with past years. So, when the highlight medley for VIVIZ’s new mini album dropped, my spirits instantly … Continue reading
With half of its members completing their military service, Winner have found the perfect window to release an album before another inevitable hiatus. When it comes to most groups, military enlistment feels like a huge upheaval of momentum and schedules. But, YG Entertainment makes its fans suffer through lengthy periods between releases anyway, so a … Continue reading
After WJSN’s victorious Queendom result, the group has made a long-awaited comeback. It’s been over a year since they delivered the high-octane dance pop of Unnatural, but they haven’t missed a step. Last Sequence builds upon that sound in blazing fashion, proving you don’t have to shout and chant to elicit big K-pop energy. WJSN … Continue reading
The other day, I was reminiscing about ENHYPEN’s October title track Tamed-Dashed. I realized I would’ve appreciated it even more if it had been released during the summer. But since K-pop boy groups are apparently limited to one sound only in 2022 (ie: shouting), we’re treated to the blustery Future Perfect (Pass The Mic) instead. … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 