As the years have gone on I’ve become a bit disillusioned with the whole Produce 101 format. The show is still an absolute juggernaut, with a far-reaching shadow that touches almost every corner of the K-pop industry. But more often than not, it feels as if the powers-that-be are simply coasting on its popularity to … Continue reading
If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers. LEEZ Years … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Monsta X’s Shoot Out is a fine single, but it’s one … Continue reading
Ever since adding vocalist Yoo Hweseung to their roster, N.Flying has released a series of energetic — often goofy — power pop singles. And honestly, that’s what I’d like them to continue to do. Groups like DAY6 and The Rose have the angstier side of idol rock covered, but N.Flying have begun to develop something … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. I don’t often post buried treasures within twenty-four hours of a … Continue reading
As Block B seems poised to move on to different things, their agency has debuted a younger brother group in the form of ATEEZ. Before even listening to their music, I assumed they’d be given a hip-hop sound similar to their seniors. But then I saw the name LEEZ pop up as a producer for … Continue reading
After a long drought of Korean material, K-pop legend BoA is now gracing us with her third title track of the year. Woman, her ninth album, was unexpected announced only a few days ago, but as soon as teasers of the title track were released it became clear we were in for something iconic. I’m … Continue reading
When it comes to boy groups, it seems like the majority of international fans prefer a darker, more brooding concept. I’m the exact opposite, which makes Golden Child a gift straight from K-pop heaven. I’ve seen some online chatter hoping that the group will quickly transition to a “dark child” concept, presumably tackling moody sounds … Continue reading
The K-pop industry has always had a tricky relationship with mental health. Its performers put on an impossibly cheerful façade, so much so that media training is almost as important as dance, vocal or hip-hop. It’s easy to forget the humanity behind the veneer. But, I think things are starting to change — even if … Continue reading
What’s up with this month’s strongest boy group tracks going to acts so under-funded that their management can’t even properly encode a music video? Seriously, the video for N.Tic’s second single, Do You Know Who I Am (내가 누군지 아니), is of incredibly poor quality. It’s jittery, pixelated and lumbers along with occasional audio sync issues. … Continue reading
Thanks to my daily publication schedule, there’s very little in the K-pop world that passes me by. But every once and awhile, I miss a song that deserves my attention. Soloist Soya hadn’t caught my ear yet this year, releasing a pair of uninspired tropical tracks over the spring and summer. But, I really shouldn’t … Continue reading
Stray Kids threw down the gauntlet with March’s awesome District 9, blending hip-hop and rock for a refreshingly old-school sound that turned things up to eleven to harness K-pop’s unashamed energy. The song’s rock elements were toned down for August’s My Pace, and that continues to be the case with new single I Am YOU. I’m … Continue reading
Any issues I’ve had with Monsta X’s sound are laid bare during Underwater, the opening track on their new album. You’ve got this gorgeous melody, impeccably performed and carefully arranged. But then the track shifts to incorporate the group’s rappers, resulting in the jarring inclusion of noisy, clattertrap synths and overly-aggressive hip-hop. This kind of … Continue reading
Launching in mid-2015, DSP Media’s April debuted with six members (including KARD’s Somin as their leader). Three years later, the group still has six members, but not without a few changes over time. What hasn’t changed all that much is their sound — an effervescent burst of innocent pop music with the occasional symphonic flourish. … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Today, I’ve got a real buried treasure for you. Not that … Continue reading
As much as I love anything EXO-related, I’ve always found Lay’s solo music to be oddly hookless. His songs have mood and texture, and I enjoy his vocal tone and undeniable charisma. Yet even now I can’t recall a single melody from his discography. There have been highlights, for sure, and notable WTF moments (mostly … Continue reading
The third iteration of SM’s Station project is living up to its promise of providing momentous — and often unexpected — duets. So far, this has mainly consisted of collaborations between various Korean acts from differing agencies. But with Written in the Stars, SM has cast its sights globally. American notoriety seems to have become … Continue reading
When I think of the artists I would have pegged to go the tropical route, Lee Hongki wouldn’t have even entered the conversation. As the front man of rock band FTIsland, his raspy, powerful voice seems too intense for the style, easily becoming the focal point of anything he records. But as last week’s oddball … Continue reading
Before there was girl group Elris, there was soloist Sohee. She participated in the final season of audition series K-Pop Star, and went on to release a solo track before her group debuted. I’m actually surprised to hear her on her own again this soon, but Hurry Up was probably too good an opportunity to … Continue reading
The idea of a “healing song” must seem especially attractive in a culture like Seoul’s, which values the kind of non-stop work ethic that has resulted in massive technological advancement over a comparatively short period of time. Music can certainly be healing — but like everything, “healing” is subjective. The idea of a calming, barely-above-a-whisper … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 