Mamamoo’s Moonbyul is gearing up to release her full album at the end of the month, and like so many others she’s kicking off with a pre-release track. Pre-releases usually go one of two ways: either the artist teases with their strongest material, relegating the actual title track to an afterthought, or they shine spotlight … Continue reading
In a period without many new K-pop releases, a few Japanese tracks from Korean artists are picking up the slack. First up is Yena’s DNA. Though it’s not her first foray into the J-pop market, this is the first original single she’s promoting there. Her pop/rock concept is well suited to Japanese tastes given the … Continue reading
Pre-releases are all the rage these days, and EPEX are preparing for the release of their first full album with the sentimental Graduation Day (졸업식). Over the course of the past few years, the group has ping ponged between genres, often going to opposite extremes. But we haven’t really heard them slow things down for … Continue reading
Just over three years after their debut, P1Harmony have unveiled their first full album. This always feels like a milestone for artists, and P1Harmony aren’t messing with the formula when it comes to its title track. Killin’ It (때깔) retains their attitude-fueled hip-hop sound. There’s no doubt the group excels in this realm, so it’s … Continue reading
ICHILLIN’s music has been on an upward trajectory lately, and last month’s Bite Me impressed with its edgy beat and exciting energy. The girls aren’t wasting any time with a follow up, releasing new digital single Demigod just weeks later. This song shares so much with Bite Me, succeeding and struggling in the exact same … Continue reading
I still can’t get over the name “Young Posse.” It sounds like something that would’ve been part of an original Disney Channel series — hip-hop as viewed by middle-aged executives. The group’s gimmicky Macaroni Cheese didn’t help alleviate these concerns, but to their credit Young Posse have gone straight to the K-hip-hop well with their … Continue reading
New sub-unit Super Junior-L.S.S. has somehow become the most prolific project from the group, releasing multiple Japanese tracks and now the one-two punch of Suit Up and C’mon. Though it had high points, Suit Up squandered much of its potential by failing to find an engaging chorus to compliment its fun funk instrumental. Follow-up C’mon … Continue reading
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. In addition to strong title tracks, … Continue reading
If we were to judge solely by Korean comebacks, Twice had a relatively sparse 2023. It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly a year since Set Me Free was released. The group has been on a roll awhile now, luxuriating in their space as a long-running, extremely stable idol act. JYP Entertainment has also been … 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. January 2024 Overall Thoughts Well, what a nice surprise this month has been! After many years … Continue reading
I keep seeing headlines about how well BABYMONSTER’s Batter Up has done with streams and views. The amount of interaction and hits on my review of the song bear that popularity out. Admittedly, I’m surprised there’s still such an appetite for this specific YG Entertainment song template. The debut of a new YG act is … Continue reading
I hadn’t really connected with Vanner’s music in the past, but their post-Peak Time comeback album impressed me last year. The group harnessed a sleek funk sound that took advantage of their impressive vocals and stage presence. Now it’s time to see if that track was a one-off or if the guys can forge an … Continue reading
(G)I-DLE’s music has gone through many transformations — most recently in the form of the polarizing, meme-ready Wife. Regardless of genre, their title tracks have become known for their catchphrases. Leader and composer Soyeon loves a concept, and nuance isn’t really her thing. Whether they’re a wife, a tomboy, a queen or a nude, the … Continue reading
Rather than contain my “Risers and Fallers” feature to a single post in June, I’m going to share a bite-sized version at the end of each month. This will let me account for more songs and make a nice lead-in to the monthly round-up post. I anticipate most of these ratings adjustments will be negligible: … Continue reading
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. I’ve been quite addicted to TWS’s … Continue reading
After a promising pre-debut single, rookie group POW’s subsequent songs didn’t hit me as hard. Their agency seems to be throwing many different sounds at the wall, which is always a tricky prospect when a group is first starting out. New single Valentine switches things up yet again, playing around with tempo and tone but … Continue reading
Kim Jaehwan continues to move away from the balladeer his early title tracks suggested. His albums have often dabbled in funk music, but it’s cool to see him embrace the genre on title tracks. New single Ponytail comes across as a natural follow-up to last year’s Lucky. This is a more reserved take on the … Continue reading
When we last saw CIX, they were mired in an angsty music video with surprisingly dark subject matter. Save Me, Kill Me‘s sound was a far cry from my favorite CIX track: 2021’s jubilant Cinema. New single Lovers Or Enemies splits the difference, melding edgier ideas to a funky synth palette. Though the song is … Continue reading
We’ve reached the end of ATEEZ’s sub-unit/solo music video releases with Jongho’s Everything. Out of all the members, I’m most curious to hear what Jongho can do on his own. As the group’s main vocal, he’s in charge of the stirring power notes that help make their music so dramatic. In a perfect world, Everything … Continue reading
It’s been nearly three years since IU released an album, but comeback season is upon us once again in 2024. This kicks off with pre-release ballad Love Wins All. The song’s video has already received buzz thanks to the participation of BTS’s V. But taken on its own, Love Wins All is the kind of … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 