At the end of each month, I compile my top three K-pop title tracks and list a ton of honorable mentions. But each Sunday, I’ll offer a compendium of the week’s new releases featured on the blog. And even more than that, I’ll attempt to rank them from my least-to-most-liked. I invite you to share … Continue reading
Writing reviews for established, beloved acts has been dicey of late. Very few of them seek to do anything different or groundbreaking, so instead we usually get material that fits within their general sound but feels like a much lesser, more inconsequential version of it. Apink have released anniversary singles every year, but they haven’t … Continue reading
At the end of each month, I look back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists. I take my own ratings into account, but there’s a bit of wiggle room as certain songs tend to grow or fade. April 2025 Overall Thoughts Oof. What a month. K-pop in 2025 hasn’t been overwhelmingly awesome so … Continue reading
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
Even though Apink’s annual anniversary releases aren’t promoted beyond a simple behind-the-scenes video, they’re still worth writing about based on the group’s stature alone. Unlike so many of their peers, Apink are still active fourteen (!) years after their debut. And, I appreciate that these celebratory singles aren’t the kind of drippy ballad most groups … Continue reading
After taking a look at K-pop’s biggest agencies, I’d like to turn my attention to the smaller (but still important) players in the K-pop game, three at a time. Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on K-Pop’s biggest agencies, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related financial information beyond what … Continue reading
During this lull in new K-pop releases, I decided to go back and watch 2012’s MBC Gayo Daejun – the end-of-year extravaganza that ushered in 2013. Not only was it a euphoric time capsule of excellent music and stunning performances, but it brought to mind many thoughts after twelve years of K-pop fandom. Here were … Continue reading
Apink’s Kim Nam Joo made her solo debut in 2020 but hasn’t released new material since then. Sticking with the monosyllabic b-word pattern of past track Bird, she’s returned with new single Bad. It’s a mix of blazing potential and crushing frustration. When it comes to girl group material this year, there’s been a persistent … Continue reading
Following a tradition first established in 2020, I’m celebrating the holidays today with the opening of gifts. These packages come in the form of seasonal K-pop tracks not yet reviewed on the blog. Like last year, I’m either keeping the gifts or planning to return them. Nothing this year is objectively bad, but I only … Continue reading
Every Apink review should start with a recognition of the group’s longevity. The fact that they continue to release new music is admirable and it’s great to have more active sunbaenims in K-pop’s girl group sphere. Even if I haven’t connected with much of what they’ve done post-2019, Apink have consistently delivering strong, stylish material … 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
At the end of each month, I look back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists. I take my own ratings into account, but there’s a bit of wiggle room as certain songs tend to grow or fade. February 2022 Overall Thoughts Oof. I predicted February would be slow, and unfortunately I was right. … Continue reading
It’s been two years since Apink had a proper comeback, though they’ve released music since then. New full-length Horn is deemed a “special” album, which usually means limited promotion. But, it’s great to have the group back with hit-making production team Black Eyed Pilseung. Though I wasn’t as effusive as others when it came to … Continue reading
K-Pop debuts can be tricky things. At times, they’re the best song a group delivers. Sometimes, they’re the only song a group delivers! But, debuts can also be huge wtf moments in an artist’s career. In this feature, I’ll be looking back at debut songs through the prism of time, re-evaluating how well they hold … Continue reading
Though they might not make full-fledged comebacks as frequently as they used to, Apink can always be counted on for an anniversary track. Every April, they release a new song in honor of their debut milestone, and most of these have been upbeat affairs rather than schlocky fan service ballads. Thank You (고마워) keeps this … Continue reading
Since the start of The Bias List in January 2016, I’ve always looked back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists each month. Now, it’s time to look even further into the past, one month at a time. And, yes, the top three rankings count toward The Bias List’s personal artist scorecard! March … Continue reading
Since the start of The Bias List in January 2016, I’ve always looked back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists each month. Now, it’s time to look even further into the past, one month at a time. And, yes, the top three rankings count toward The Bias List’s personal artist scorecard! July … Continue reading
Over the course of the past few years, Apink have settled into their place as elder stateswomen of K-pop. While most of their peers have gone on indefinite hiatus or disbanded, they continue to reinvent themselves to great success. This transformation includes solo releases of varying genres. Jeong Eunji has been releasing her own music … Continue reading
Given Apink’s continued success, it’s no surprise to see another solo release from Jeong Eunji. So far, her work has hinged on ballads and mid-tempos, but Simple’s summery theme seemed poised to deliver more upbeat fare. AWay certainly has more energy than most of her solo material, though the cathartic pop track still draws from … Continue reading
Since the start of The Bias List in January 2016, I’ve always looked back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists each month. Now, it’s time to look even further into the past, one month at a time. And, yes, the top three rankings count toward The Bias List’s personal artist scorecard! May … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 