MBC’s Gayo Daejejun had the best theme of the three end-of-year specials, and as usual it had the most stacked line-up. But I can’t help but feel like it lacked the kind of watercooler moments that make these specials so thrilling. The idea of pairing idol groups with fans resulted in some really endearing performances. … Continue reading
Tag Archives: feature
K-Pop New Year’s Resolutions: 10 Things I Want To See Happen In 2018
For a variety of reasons (not all of them k-pop related), I don’t think too many people are going to miss 2017. But as we turn the calendar to 2018, I’m filled with a sense of optimism for what the new year might bring us. With this in mind, here are the top ten things … Continue reading
Looking Back at Last Year’s K-Pop Resolutions — Did 2017 Deliver?
Last year, I wrote up ten k-pop resolutions that I hoped would come true in 2017. Now that we’re in the final days of the year, it’s time to look back and see how I did. Make sure to read through the original post, first! And check back tomorrow for 2018’s resolutions! 1. The Re-emergence of … Continue reading
2017 KBS Gayo Daechukje Recap (Ranking the Best Performances)
More often than not the KBS Gayo feels like the most intimate of the three end-of-year festivals, held in a theater rather than a stadium. This has its pluses and minuses, but the idea to structure this year’s special more like a traditional concert was an interesting choice. It was one made out of necessity, … Continue reading
2017 SBS Gayo Daejun Recap (+ the 10 Best Performances)
Given the tragic passing of SHINee’s Jonghyun last week, this year’s annual Gayos carry an undeniable cloud of sadness around them. I’m actually surprised that SM artists have decided to perform at all, but I suppose the distraction might be needed. This year’s SBS Gayo Daejun had the theme of “Number 1” (as hosts … Continue reading
THE BIAS LIST Hits One Million!
Late last night, as I was sleeping, the Bias List officially racked up its millionth view. In the grand scheme of things, I know that I’m a relatively small fish in a big pond. Hell, many of the k-pop acts I write about routinely manage over a million views in under an hour! But I’m … Continue reading
The Top 50 K-Pop Songs of 2017 (Day Five: 10-1)
The end of the year countdowns are here! We’re kicking things off with the big one… the top 50 songs of the year! Each day this week, I’ll be counting down ten of the year’s best, until number one is revealed on Friday. To be eligible for this top 50 list, songs must have had … Continue reading
The Top 50 K-Pop Songs of 2017 (Day Four: 20-11)
The end of the year countdowns are here! We’re kicking things off with the big one… the top 50 songs of the year! Each day this week, I’ll be counting down ten of the year’s best, until number one is revealed on Friday. To be eligible for this top 50 list, songs must have had … Continue reading
The Top 50 K-Pop Songs of 2017 (Day Three: 30-21)
The end of the year countdowns are here! We’re kicking things off with the big one… the top 50 songs of the year! Each day this week, I’ll be counting down ten of the year’s best, until number one is revealed on Friday. To be eligible for this top 50 list, songs must have had … Continue reading
The Top 50 K-Pop Songs of 2017 (Day Two: 40-31)
The end of the year countdowns are here! We’re kicking things off with the big one… the top 50 songs of the year! Each day this week, I’ll be counting down ten of the year’s best, until number one is revealed on Friday. To be eligible for this top 50 list, songs must have had … Continue reading
The Top 50 K-Pop Songs of 2017 (Day One: 50-41)
The end of the year countdowns are here! We’re kicking things off with the big one… the top 50 songs of the year! Each day this week, I’ll be counting down ten of the year’s best, until number one is revealed on Friday. To be eligible for this top 50 list, songs must have had … Continue reading
End Of Year Countdowns Preview & Honorable Mentions
The Bias List‘s end of the year countdowns officially kick off tomorrow, and I’m starting with the big one. The first ten selections of my Top 50 Singles of 2017 will be unveiled on Monday, with ten more each weekday until the number one song is revealed on Friday. After that, I’ll be looking at … Continue reading
K-Pop Producer Spotlight: Flow Blow & Hui
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. Flow Blow … Continue reading
Grading the K-Pop Agencies: Part Two (Plan A, Pledis, Star Empire, Starship, Top, TS, WM, Woollim)
Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on the Big Three agencies, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related financial information beyond what any other fan would know. The purpose of these articles is to examine how well these agencies are serving their artists and the general k-pop fan-base. Read Part … Continue reading
Grading the K-Pop Agencies: Part One (Big Hit, Brave, Cube, DSP, Fantagio, FNC, Jellyfish, MBK)
Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on the Big Three agencies, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related financial information beyond what any other fan would know. The purpose of these articles is to examine how well these agencies are serving their artists and the general k-pop fan-base. Big Hit … Continue reading
The Top Ten Best Songs by S.E.S.
As SM Entertainment’s original girl group, it’s hard to overstate just how successful S.E.S were when they debuted in the late 90’s. Long before “cute” was the girl group template of choice, the trio built their name on a catchy blend of hip-hop and 90’s r&b. Their music stretched into the early 00’s before a lengthy … Continue reading
K-Pop Producer Spotlight: 1Take & TAK
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. 1Take & … Continue reading
K-Pop Producer Spotlight: Glory Face
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. Glory Face … Continue reading
The Top Ten Best Songs by F.CUZ
It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to call F.Cuz the most consistently underrated group in modern k-pop. Over the course of their six years together, the guys recorded tracks in three languages and released a string of incredibly solid singles. But no matter how strong their material was, they were always overshadowed by … Continue reading
K-Pop Producer Spotlight: Daniel Caesar & Ludwig Lindell (Caesar & Loui)
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. Daniel Caesar … Continue reading