When it comes to K-idol bands, it takes a lot to capture my attention. I’d consider myself a fan of rock music, but it’s not what I flock to the Korean music scene for because I can get my rock fix pretty much anywhere. With that said, Catch The Young have had my attention since … Continue reading
Song Review: H1-KEY – Summer Was You
In my corner of the world, the first few days of this summer have been mired in showers and a cool breeze, but in K-pop we’re witnessing the beginning of a battle between girl group summer tracks. From where I stand now, Hearts2Hearts’ Style has only grown in stature while I’m worried I might have … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: TWS – Brand New Day
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. It’s summertime OST season, with TWS … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: ZEROBASEONE – D-DAY
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. ZEROBASEONE have been racking up OSTs … Continue reading
Song Review: X-UNIT (XODIAC) – Because I Am Stupid
XODIAC are one of those under-the-radar groups who make far more comebacks than their limited notoriety might suggest. I’m always amazed that an agency like JACSO Entertainment has the funds to promote so often, but then again they’re based in China and financial endeavors in that part of the world are a mystery to me. … Continue reading
Song Review: fromis_9 – Like You Better
It’s been a year of changes for fromis_9. Not only did their contract expire with Pledis Entertainment but the group went through a reconfiguration upon signing with new label Asnd, reduced from nine to five members. “fromis_5” doesn’t have the same ring to it, so the girls have retained their name as a nod to … Continue reading
Song Review: Onew (SHINee) – Confidence
Since going their separate ways for solo promotions, no SHINee member has been as musically prolific as Onew. This isn’t what I would have expected based on past history, but he’s been churning out material with great consistency. Next up is summer single Confidence, pre-released ahead of this third full album next month. As you … Continue reading
Song Review: Jang Wooyoung (2PM) – Simple Dance
The guys of 2PM have remained quite active as soloists even if they don’t often release group material these days. Some of their best work has emerged from solo albums, though it’s been awhile since a song has really connected with me. Jang Wooyoung’s Sexy Lady and R.O.S.E still hold great nostalgic memories, and even … Continue reading
Song Review: CRAVITY – SET NET G0?!
Five years since their debut, CRAVITY are in a rebirth phase. They’ve changed leaders and teased their new album with images of the members emerging from giant eggs covered in amniotic fluid. Yes, you read that correctly. And yes, it’s kind of awesome in its sheer nerve. Rebirths in K-pop don’t always mean drastic shifts … Continue reading
Song Review: Baby DONT Cry – F Girl
P Nation’s first girl group Baby DONT Cry made their pre-debut last week with the predictable but pleasant Bet You’ll Regret It. Now, it’s time for them to unleash their title track. As with much of the promotion surrounding them so far, F Girl‘s provocative title is bound to raise eyebrows. The agency’s goal is … Continue reading
Song Review: ALLDAY PROJECT – Wicked
Newly-debuted co-ed group ALLDAY PROJECT released their single Famous a week ago to mixed reviews. Some loved its rhythmic, chorus-less approach while others found its sound dated and dull. I count myself in the latter group, though I’d gladly take a dozen Famous‘s over one Wicked. At some point, a large swath of K-pop’s output … Continue reading
Song Review: ENHYPEN – Outside
As time has gone on, any enthusiasm I mustered around ENHYPEN’s recent title track Bad Desire (With or Without You) has fizzled. The music just feels so undeveloped, trussed up with overly dramatic visuals that only serve to highlight how threadbare the actual sound is. This extends to their newest album, which is getting a … Continue reading
THIS WEEK IN K-POP: Ranking the New Releases from June 15 – 21
At the end of each month, I compile my top three K-pop title tracks and list a ton of honorable mentions. In 2025, I thought I’d try something new and add a weekly feature to supplement my monthly round-up. Each Sunday, I’ll offer a compendium of the week’s new releases featured on the blog. And … Continue reading
New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (June 22, 2025)
In connection with my desire to fully keep up with the J-pop industry, I’m planning to do a weekly round-up of any new releases that have caught my ear. Some of these may have been covered on the blog already, but my hope is that this will become a one-stop shop for anyone interested in … Continue reading
Global Pop Round-Up: June 2025 Edition Pt.3 (M-Z)
The Bias List is a K-pop blog that also covers a fair amount of J-pop. But just like most music fans, I enjoy tracks from all around the world. So, I thought I’d start a monthly round-up of some of the non-K-pop songs that have caught my ear. No ratings — just highlights! February 2022 … Continue reading
Global Pop Round-Up: June 2025 Edition Pt.2 (D-M)
The Bias List is a K-pop blog that also covers a fair amount of J-pop. But just like most music fans, I enjoy tracks from all around the world. So, I thought I’d start a monthly round-up of some of the non-K-pop songs that have caught my ear. No ratings — just highlights! February 2022 … Continue reading
Global Pop Round-Up: June 2025 Edition Pt.1 (A-D)
The Bias List is a K-pop blog that also covers a fair amount of J-pop. But just like most music fans, I enjoy tracks from all around the world. So, I thought I’d start a monthly round-up of some of the non-K-pop songs that have caught my ear. No ratings — just highlights! February 2022 … Continue reading
Song Review: VVUP – Giddy Boy
It’s been about a year since I last wrote about girl group VVUP, though I realize I mixed them up with the newly debuted VVS in my mind, assuming they were one and the same. That’s what your insistent acronyms do to us, K-pop! That’s also what forgettable music does, as I can’t remember a … Continue reading
Song Review: OX:N (Omega X) – You
Boy group Omega X has had a tough go of it, wrangling free from an abusive agency before briefly trying their hands at self-management. Now, they’re with new agency IPQ and seem to be stuck in a hiatus of sorts. You is the first new music we’ve heard in awhile and comes courtesy of sub-unit … Continue reading
Song Review: Katseye – Gabriela
Here’s a little secret about the ratings on this blog, and it may seem counterintuitive. I rarely venture below a “6” on my overall scale, but any song that hits below this mark has a special place in my heart. In fact, I tend to “like” them more than many of the songs rated in … Continue reading