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
Debuting in 2015, the ten-member UP10TION is the latest (and largest) boy group to carry the torch for TOP Media. They’ve managed to quickly develop a strong fan base, even as they constantly explore different sounds and genres with their title tracks. And though they haven’t yet had ten official comebacks, they’ve released just enough … Continue reading
Late last year, I took a look at the “big three” k-pop agencies and offered my thoughts about how they were doing in 2016. Now that a year has passed, it’s the perfect time for a second evaluation. As with 2016’s review, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related … Continue reading
Late last year, I took a look at the “big three” k-pop agencies and offered my thoughts about how they were doing in 2016. Now that a year has passed, it’s the perfect time for a second evaluation. As with 2016’s review, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related … Continue reading
Late last year, I took a look at the “big three” k-pop agencies and offered my thoughts about how they were doing in 2016. Now that a year has passed, it’s the perfect time for a second evaluation. As with 2016’s review, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related … Continue reading
Before Seventeen or After School or Nu’est, dance diva Son Dam Bi was the original Pledis artist. Debuting as the “female Rain,” she found success with a synth-pop sound that capitalized on her effortless charisma. She hasn’t released a single since 2013, but her string of k-pop classics still electrify dance floors today. 10. Amoled … 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. September 2017 Overall Thoughts September is oftentimes underwhelming, since it marks the point in the year where … Continue reading
Criminally underrated, Fiestar has not yet had the opportunity to release ten title tracks. But with the future of the group in limbo, I still wanted to spotlight their singles discography by adding a pair of songs from their main rapper, Yezi. The girls have had an undeniably strong run so far, covering a large … Continue reading
2017 has been the year of Bigbang members’ solo tours, organized as farewell victory laps as military conscription looms in the near future. After G-Dragon visited Seattle back in July, I was happy to see that band mate Taeyang would be coming even closer to my corner of the world — landing in Vancouver, BC … Continue reading
One of k-pop’s best-selling and most successful acts, Turbo took over the 90’s with their high energy blend of techno and pop. Buoyed by Kim Jong Kook’s unmistakable vocals, Turbo songs sound like nothing else out there. Many modern fans may be more familiar with Jong Kook as a variety personality, but before his stint … Continue reading
One fourth of a quartet of game-changing first generation k-pop boybands that also includes H.O.T, Sechs Kies and Shinhwa, g.o.d quickly established their signature blend of funk and balladry. In many ways, their sound and success became the framework for what would eventually become JYP Entertainment. Though they promoted together for six years before a … 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. August 2017 Overall Thoughts August was a weird month. Based on prior releases, if you would have … Continue reading
They may have only debuted in the spring of 2016, but NCT’s unit-based, rotational nature has already provided enough singles for a top ten countdown. As SM Entertainment’s newest group, NCT offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of upbeat dance pop, experimental hip-hop/EDM, or soaring balladry, you’ll find at least one song to … Continue reading
As rookie acts become more and more prevalent, it seems like a good time to focus on a few that really deserve your attention. Underrated groups are a dime a dozen in k-pop, but some of them are releasing material that matches or surpasses their peers from much bigger agencies. To kick off this feature, … Continue reading
As JYP Entertainment’s first idol band, DAY6 had a large hill to climb. And for the first couple of years, it looked as if they would never receive the type of heavy promotion it would take to popularize a rock group in the world of flashy dance acts. But then the 2017 Every DAY6 project … Continue reading
Last year, I marked the halfway point of 2016 by looking at some tracks that had either grown better or worse with time. This year, I’m a little late — but better late than never! As with 2016, the vast majority of my reviews still reflect my thoughts about a song, but sometimes it’s impossible … Continue reading
Formed through YG Entertainment competition show Who Is Next in late 2013, Winner went on to enjoy breakout success with their first full length album. Since that time, the group has seen ups and downs, with truncated promotional campaigns and the loss of founding member Taehyun. But against all odds, Winner has returned as one … 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. ANDREW CHOI … Continue reading
K-pop’s original dance floor diva, Uhm Jung Hwa was crafting classic club music at a time when the trend favored hip-hop and ballads. She’s beloved within the industry, and the inspiration for countless female artists and girl group members that grew up watching her stylish music videos. Add to that one of the genre’s most … 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. July 2017 Overall Thoughts July is always the month I look most forward to when it comes … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 