R.I.P. K-Pop’s UNIVERSE App (2021-2023)
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R.I.P. K-Pop’s UNIVERSE App (2021-2023)

Upon the announcement of its official closure, I joked about owing K-pop’s Universe app a proper obituary. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I really do need to document the demise of this longstanding frenemy. During its brief existence, Universe promised creepy AI-generated idol interactions (or so I’m told). … Continue reading

The Top 10 K-Pop Albums of 2022
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The Top 10 K-Pop Albums of 2022

Compared to 2021, this year definitely felt weaker when it comes to albums. Mini albums faired better than full-lengths, but apart from a few mega-standouts, most K-pop releases took a piecemeal approach to their music — too often stuffing tracklists with a horde of different producers rather than settling on one unique vision. Like usual, … Continue reading

Battle of the B-Sides: STAYC, IZ*ONE, YooA, PSY, JJ Project
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Battle of the B-Sides: STAYC, IZ*ONE, YooA, PSY, JJ Project

K-pop’s title tracks might gain most of listeners’ attention, but many album tracks are worth equal spotlight. I call these “buried treasures.” Beyond this, K-pop’s albums deliver thousands of additional tracks that settle for a more limited audience. It’s these songs that will become a part of my “battle of the b-sides” feature. In this … Continue reading

Battle of the B-Sides: Elris, Wonder Girls, Oh My Girl, B1A4, NCT 127
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Battle of the B-Sides: Elris, Wonder Girls, Oh My Girl, B1A4, NCT 127

K-pop’s title tracks might gain most of listeners’ attention, but many album tracks are worth equal spotlight. I call these “buried treasures.” Beyond this, K-pop’s albums deliver thousands of additional tracks that settle for a more limited audience. It’s these songs that will become a part of my “battle of the b-sides” feature. In this … Continue reading

Battle of the B-Sides: Oh My Girl, Sistar, GOT7, Twice, ONEUS
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Battle of the B-Sides: Oh My Girl, Sistar, GOT7, Twice, ONEUS

K-pop’s title tracks might gain most of listeners’ attention, but many album tracks are worth equal spotlight. I call these “buried treasures.” Beyond this, K-pop’s albums deliver thousands of additional tracks that settle for a more limited audience. It’s these songs that will become a part of my “battle of the b-sides” feature. In this … Continue reading

Battle of the B-Sides: YooA, Bigstar, Jonghyun, GFriend, IMFACT
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Battle of the B-Sides: YooA, Bigstar, Jonghyun, GFriend, IMFACT

K-pop’s title tracks might gain most of listeners’ attention, but many album tracks are worth equal spotlight. I call these “buried treasures.” Beyond this, K-pop’s albums deliver thousands of additional tracks that settle for a more limited audience. It’s these songs that will become a part of my “battle of the b-sides” feature. In this … Continue reading