Reviews of any sort represent a snapshot in time. I’d like to think that what I write about a song the day after its release ends up being what I think about it in the long term, and more often than not that’s the case. But certain songs have a way of creeping up on you … Continue reading
Now that U-KISS is set to come back in Korea after quite awhile, it’s the perfect time to look back at their title tracks so far. U-KISS are one of about a half dozen groups/artists that debuted in 2008 and still enjoy some level of success. But their notoriety in Korea has taken quite a tumble over … Continue reading
SS501 was DSP Media’s juggernaut boy group in the mid to late 00’s. Along with groups like TVXQ, Shinhwa, Super Junior and Bigbang, they’re responsible for writing the template of modern k-pop, but unlike those other groups, I feel like they don’t often get as much recognition as they deserve. Leaving behind a stellar kpop discography, … Continue reading
At the end of each month, I’ll look back at my three favorite title tracks by k-pop artists. Unlike my end-of-year countdowns, jpop and Japanese releases by kpop artists are ineligible, though I will give the great ones a spotlight. For my top three tracks, I’ll take my own ratings into account, but there is a … Continue reading
News has slowly inched their way to the very top of my J-Pop bias list, releasing brilliant pop song after brilliant pop song. They’ve been active for an incredible thirteen years now, first as a nine-member group, then as a six-piece and finally as the very strong four-member configuration they are today. Throughout it all, their … Continue reading
In just a few short years, BTS (Bangtan Boys) have risen to utter domination of the k-pop world, taking their initial hip-hop sound and fusing it to something more melodic and adventurous. They’re a group that has gradually worked their way up my own personal bias list, through the combination of their undeniably charming personalities … Continue reading
AOA debuted with an ambitious concept having to do with angels and band-oriented sub-units, but ultimately found success adhering to a tried and true formula. A string of hits with producer Brave Brothers cemented them as a girl group on the rise, even if it meant abandoning some of their more unique trappings. But regardless … Continue reading
SM girl group f(x) has rewritten the expectations for female kpop performers more than once during their career. Always looking forward, the girls have given us some of the most experimental, ambitious pop music in all of Korea. Yet somehow, each song’s complicating trappings are always wrapped in catchy, accessible hooks that offer the perfect balance between avant … Continue reading
In honor of Nam Woohyun’s solo debut, it seemed like a good time to look back at the ten best singles released from solos and sub-units of boy group (and personal bias) Infinite. Other than Bigbang and Super Junior, Infinite have most successfully harnessed the power of their individual members through side projects. What makes … Continue reading
Park Jinyoung (JYP) is many things to many people. You may know him as Korea’s answer to Prince, forging a sexually-charged performance style in the 90’s. Or, you may know him as the head of his self-titled music agency, and as a veteran judge on audition show K-Pop Star. And if none of that rings … Continue reading
In the world of kpop, T-ara is really a one of a kind girl group. At their best, they merge an addictive electro dance club bounce to more traditional Korean trot elements. One glance and you may dismiss them as a gimmicky novelty act, but they possess one of the strongest, most reliably catchy discographies … Continue reading
At the end of each month, I’ll look back at my three favorite title tracks by k-pop artists. Unlike my end-of-year countdowns, jpop and Japanese releases by kpop artists are ineligible, though I will give the great ones a spotlight. For my top three tracks, I’ll take my own ratings into account, but there is a … Continue reading
Now that Hyunseung has officially left Beast, permanently changing the group’s DNA, I thought it was a perfect time to share this gem of a performance. Sketchbook is a show that’s known for its live performances. Often backed by a live band, the stage is the best possible showcase for Korean artists on TV. I’ve … Continue reading
For the first solo artist to feature on my Top Ten lists, I could really only choose one person. In many ways, G-Dragon represents the epitome of k-pop — endlessly creative, wildly influential as a fashion icon, and charismatic to a fault. He’s the brains behind most of Bigbang‘s best songs, but his solo career … Continue reading
When I first started getting into kpop back in 2012, K-Pop Star was one of my first tastes of Korean variety. Having been a longtime fan of western competition shows like X-Factor and American Idol, I was totally won over by the series’ format and the judges’ well-researched, astute criticisms. Having watched all five K-Pop … Continue reading
As far as girl groups go, Apink has been the one to fully master and maintain the upbeat, cutesy image. Even as their music has become more sophisticated in sound, its bubblegum hooks have always stood front and center. Initially, I feared that they would be a little too “girly” for me, and that kept … Continue reading
Despite only releasing ten group singles, Block B has risen to incredible fame in Korea. They’re really unlike any other idol groups, with a sense of individual style and idiosyncratic concepts. In the past, I’ve likened their music to a carnival. It’s bright and in-your-face, but underneath lies a grittier, rambunctious edge. They’re also a … Continue reading
I’ve been purposefully holding off on creating a Bigbang list because it’s so freaking hard to do. Not only are they the biggest group in kpop, but they’ve been around for a decade and have over thirty singles to choose from. Oddly, I find that most of my favorite singles are those recorded by the … Continue reading
As Cube Entertainment’s second boy group after Beast, BTOB had a lot to live up to. They debuted strongly in 2012, but began to see a lull in the years that followed. Then, in 2015 they enjoyed a resurgence as a pop ballad group. So, which side is their best side? Read on to find out! Updated … Continue reading
Though Sistar are undoubtedly one of Korea’s leading girl groups, they’ve barely released enough singles to fill a top ten list. Still, quality over quantity, right? Throughout their career, they’ve explored three distinct genres. Debuting with an attitude-infused electro pop sound, they segued into sultry/sexy before eventually winding up as the queens of summertime pop. My … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 