The longer SM Entertainment’s NCT project is in existence, the more excited I get about its potential. Some of that is due to the agency’s smart showcasing of members’ personalities through variety series, but most of it is a direct result of the project’s ambition and scope. More than anything, NCT is a vessel to channel … Continue reading
On Crush’s first album, there’s a collaboration with Zion. T called Hey Baby. I’ve wanted to love the rest of Crush’s music ever since I first heard this song. Hey Baby offered a pitch-perfect recreation of the early 90’s New Jack Swing sound, filtered through the lens of Michael Jackson era performance style. It’s a … Continue reading
Full disclosure: when Ailee’s on, she’s really on, but I have always preferred her more uptempo, aggressively soulful tracks to the ballads. Songs like Don’t Touch Me, or the almighty U&I, crackle with a certain k-pop energy that is hers and hers alone. So when it became clear that her newest comeback would be a … Continue reading
As the first season winner of successful singing competition K-Pop Star, you’d expect Jimin Park (or Park Jimin, I suppose…) to be Korea’s answer to Kelly Clarkson. But although the two share an incredible level of vocal talent, Jimin has struggled to capture the spotlight since signing with JYP. In my opinion, much of that … Continue reading
Laboum has been on the tip of many tongues when it comes to up-and-coming girl groups, and there’s a reason why. Their singles run has been on a continual upswing since their debut in 2014, and Shooting Love (푱푱) continues that pattern. While it took a couple of listens for the track’s rowdy go-for-broke production to … Continue reading
Coming back without a bit of teasing or build-up, Romeo have released Treasure as a special single from their repackaged album. I’ve previously lamented the fact that they no longer work with production team Sweetune after their label merged with Stardom Entertainment, and Treasure is no different. Once again, the song has been composed by Deeds … Continue reading
As a companion to my Top Ten Singles lists, it’s time to look at some of the best album tracks and b-sides from the best artists. VIXX are well known for having a remarkably consistent discography that goes far beyond their singles. Here’s the best of the best. Honorable Mentions: Echo What U Waiting For … Continue reading
For fifteen years now, Nell has held a very special place in the Korean music scene. Their brand of introspective, psychadelic rock offers a necessary compliment to k-pop’s glitzy allure. They also have a special place in my heart, as lead vocal Kim Jong-wan has done production and songwriting work on Infinite’s Sungkyu’s solo albums. With … Continue reading
With a group name as hilariously misguided as MASC’s (just look it up on urban dictionary), it was hard to expect much from their debut single. But, I’m happy to be proven wrong, as MASC joins 2016’s already impressive list of excellent rookie debuts. Unlike so many others from agencies of their size, MASC feels … Continue reading
It’s interesting how SM’s Station platform has started to include songs that are closer to CFs (ie: advertisements). First, we had NCT 127’s Coca Cola/Olympics anthem, and now Yuri and Seohyun from Girls’ Generation are pairing with Pantene for the hair-tastic music video that compliments Secret. Thankfully, the song hides its corporate inspiration well, at … Continue reading
It seems as if CL’s official American debut has been “imminent” for years now. But even without the ridiculously long wait (which has been a YG hallmark of late), I was never very enthused by the prospect of her going international. I don’t want k-pop artists to “break” the U.S. if it means they’ll be … Continue reading
I’m a wishful sort of music listener, often finding myself wanting to jump in and help guide my favorite artists when it comes to choice of material and concept. I guess that’s pretty much describes any fan, right? With Infinite’s comeback looming around the corner, I thought it would be fun to imagine a situation … Continue reading
Just nine days after I.O.I returned as an (almost full) group, Produce 101 is once again churning out material, this time in the form of I.O.I’s sister group, I.B.I, which is composed of girls who didn’t quite make it into the final line-up (still with me?). In contrast to the hard-hitting r&b-styled pop of Whatta Man, I.B.I … Continue reading
It’s hard to remember the last time a major k-pop release was hit with near across-the-board disappointment moments after its release. I suppose there was a similar feeling last summer when it came to the chorus of Bigbang’s Bang Bang Bang, but that turned out to be one of the biggest hits of the year. … Continue reading
I try to keep the focus of my reviews on the songs themselves, but I have to start out by noting that the music video for Cosmic Girls’ new single, Secret (비밀이야), is stunning. Really, it’s one of the most stylish music videos of the entire year. It’s an enormous leap up for the girls in … Continue reading
Girl group Badkiz is coming back after a year away. They haven’t yet found their place in the k-pop world, and a year’s hiatus certainly isn’t going to help that. This is no knock on Badkiz themselves, but it does make me wonder what their management is expecting from this new single. Unless you’re one of … Continue reading
I’m usually not one to care much for mixtapes. Now don’t get me wrong, I understand why rappers release them. Especially in the idol world, there isn’t often much opportunity for them to carry an entire song. Instead, they’re shoehorned into being one aspect of a track that usually has a lot more going on. Mixtapes shine … Continue reading
VIXX continues their Greek God inspired series of albums with a stark contrast to the 80’s funk pop of April’s excellent Dynamite. The group first found major success with darker concepts, so it makes sense to see them back in the brooding, gothic mood for Fantasy. But even if the concept seems somewhat familiar for … Continue reading
Mention the name Shinhwa and most people will immediately think: “k-pop’s longest running boy band.” It’s quite a title, and also quite an accomplishment for any group. Shinhwa debuted in 1998 and have remained strong since, reinventing their sound several times over amidst label changes and military conscription hiatuses. They now stand as a beacon … 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. SEO YOUNG-BAE … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 