I:MOND made their debut last summer but completely passed me by, as fledging rookie groups occasionally do. Now they’re back with their first mini album and title track Wonderland (원더랜드). Interestingly, the group are independently managed without the backing of a label. That’s pretty rare in K-pop’s idol landscape and certainly makes me want to … Continue reading
Fresh off their pre-release ballad Saturn last week, MADEIN are back with their latest title track Love, Afraid (사랑, 두려움). That title might as well stand for the dueling emotions listeners have felt before and after sexual abuse allegations were leveled at the group’s CEO. It’s a messy, unsure time to be a MADEIN fan, … Continue reading
Despite featuring a strong member line-up, I haven’t yet been able to connect with One Pact’s music. I admire how they compose their own work, but in my case it’s a matter of diverging musical tastes. However, teasers for new single 100! unveiled a promising funk pop sound, joining the ranks of many current boy … Continue reading
The month (year?) of BLACKPINK solos rolls on with the release of Jisoo’s second single and first since cutting ties with YG Entertainment for her solo efforts. So far, that decision has played well for every other BLACKPINK member, and given the lukewarm nature of 2023’s Flower Jisoo has plenty of room for musical improvement. … Continue reading
I often consider Boyfriend one of K-pop’s most underrated acts, especially when it comes to international fans. While they may not have ever reached the A-list, their run with Sweetune remains as epic as any of their contemporaries. Unfortunately, once they started to work with other producers their sound took a noticeable dip. We’d still … Continue reading
After taking Korea by storm in the spring of 2024, ILLIT’s Magnetic went on to see great success in markets like Japan. It only makes sense that they’d expand their career there, especially given HYBE’s existing infrastructure in the country. Almond Chocolate sees them getting in on the lucrative OST business, closely mirroring the sound … Continue reading
Around this time last year, Chungha promoted the disappointing Eenie Meenie when fantastic b-side I’m Ready was just begging for single treatment instead. Artists have every right to explore a variety of genres, but Chungha is such a convincing dancefloor diva that it feels like a missed opportunity whenever her music ventures elsewhere. Thankfully, new … Continue reading
K-Pop’s first generation is often referenced as the foundation for the industry we enjoy now, but there aren’t enough good English-language sources that give its music the focus it deserves. I’m hoping to change that with a continuing flashback series, spotlighting personal highlights from the era – both iconic and obscure. The era in question … Continue reading
The title of EVNNE’s new single practically begs for a snarky review. The quotes write themselves, but the truth is K-pop songs are rarely hot messes anymore. The industry has become too streamlined and safe for things like that to happen. This Hot Mess also feels safe with current trends in mind, but it’s still … Continue reading
K-pop is littered with acts who – for one reason or another – didn’t get the full spotlight they deserved. I’ve spent plenty of time ranking and reviewed the industry’s biggest artists, but these underrated acts should never be forgotten. This feature will take a look at disbanded groups and rank/rate their entire singles run, … Continue reading
Let’s get the elephant out of the room first. Since I last wrote about MADEIN, member Gaeun withdrew from the group after alleging sexual harassment from the CEO of the group’s agency. Given 143 Entertainment’s messy reaction and the general repulsiveness of the allegations themselves, I understand why you might want to stop reading now … Continue reading
With Lady Gaga’s excellent Abracadabra being rapturously received around the globe, there’s a tantalizing feeling in the air that big shiny choruses and grandiose ideas may just be coming back to pop music. Us K-pop fans know any global trend takes a bit of time to filter down to the industry, but Born Again is … Continue reading
Performance videos don’t always warrant a full review on this site, especially when they’re supporting follow-up tracks rather than fully-promoted titles. However, I know how popular BABYMONSTER’s music has become and assume fans may want a space to discuss the merits of Billionaire. This song follows five (!) other promoted tracks on the album — … Continue reading
K-Pop debuts can be tricky things. At times, they’re the best song a group delivers. Sometimes, they’re the only song a group delivers! But, debuts can also be huge wtf moments in an artist’s career. In this feature, I’ll be looking back at debut songs through the prism of time, re-evaluating how well they hold … Continue reading
OnlyOneOf are among the most compelling artists working in K-pop right now, but I have a bone to pick with their agency. The group rarely releases new music, touring incessantly instead. I’m happy they continue to visit a multitude of countries (I’ve gotten to see them twice) and I’m sure that’s where the bulk of … Continue reading
Across several releases in 2024, RESCENE proved themselves an exciting rookie act capable of offering a somewhat different sound than most of their peers. K-pop’s girl groups are stuck in a very airy (often “beige”) style of muted pop music at the moment and I’m waiting for a new voice that popularizes a change in … Continue reading
Mamamoo’s Moonbyul impressed with a series of strong singles last year, taking her solo music in directions I wouldn’t have expected. Now, she’s extending that victory lap to new markets with her first Japanese single Aurora (ほしあかり). The song sees her playing in relatively safe genre spaces, especially given Japan’s love for this style of … Continue reading
ALL(H)OURS joined January’s pre-release rush with the underwhelming Graffiti, but teasers for new title track Gimme Gimme seemed to promise a return to the pounding dance sound of last summer’s Shock. In this current K-pop climate, it’s more important than ever to develop a distinct sonic identity and ALL(H)OURS would do well to hitch their … Continue reading
While “virtual” artists are incredibly popular and common in Japanese music, PLAVE have carved out their own niche in Korea. I still don’t understand why or how they’re as successful as they are, but I’m certainly not going to begrudge fans for enjoying their content. As usual, my commentary focuses on the music itself and … Continue reading
IVE have built a sizable portion of their singles run around iconic samples, from Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive to Blackstreet’s No Diggity to Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence. These interpolations have almost become a concept of sorts, and new single Attitude follows suit by borrowing the iconic hook from Suzanne Vega’s Tom’s Diner. … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 