If you’ve been following Korean pop culture for a while, you’re probably already familiar with I Believe. But… you’ve never heard the song arranged in this way! The original is a quintessential OST ballad – a huge, enduring hit in its own right but even bigger when paired with the massive success of romantic comedy … Continue reading
Rookie group CIX seem to have their sights set on EXO’s sound, but in a pretty narrow way. Rather than borrow the more bombastic elements of their title tracks, most of CIX’s songs feel more like the kind of mid-tempo r&b that often laces EXO’s albums. In a world of trap and tropical, this is … Continue reading
CIX are one of those 2019 debuts with a fan base already baked in. Their roster includes former contestants of Produce 101, Mix Nine and YG Treasure Box. They’re a hodgepodge of already-known personas, which makes it easy to root for them. This name recognition helped secure a quick Japanese debut, with My New World … Continue reading
Days after railing against the Produce series’ negative effect on the K-pop industry, it’s time to look at the juggernaut from another angle. Since Wanna One’s disbandment at the start of the year, all of its members have gone on to release music of some sort. I’ve not been shy when it comes to my … Continue reading
I’ll begin this latest Bias List screed by stating that I’m an avid watcher of K-pop’s survival series. From juggernauts like Produce 101 to barely-remembered blips like Under Nineteen, I love a good competition. And yet, I fear that the proliferation of these series is killing K-pop’s creativity. An Old-Fashioned Approach Back in the day … Continue reading
The year of debuts rolls on with 2019’s second Wanna One-spawned idol group. CIX will likely enjoy instant success due to the presence of member Bae Jinyoung. They’re C9 Entertainment’s first male idol group, following the ill-managed Good Day, who have yet to deliver a single comeback since their 2017 debut. With the continued popularity … Continue reading
