After taking a look at K-pop’s biggest agencies, I’d like to turn my attention to the smaller (but still important) players in the K-pop game, three at a time. Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on K-Pop’s biggest agencies, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related financial information beyond what … Continue reading
At the end of each month, I compile my top three K-pop title tracks and list a ton of honorable mentions. In 2025, I thought I’d try something new and add a weekly feature to supplement my monthly round-up. Each Sunday, I’ll offer a compendium of the week’s new releases featured on the blog. And … Continue reading
Though ONEWE debuted all the way back in 2019, K-pop is currently experiencing a resurgence of bands and rock music in general. This opens possible inroads that were harder travelled before, though it also means a more stuffed marketplace. Today, they guys are back with their sixth mini album and its sprightly title track Maze. … Continue reading
At the end of each month, I compile my top three K-pop title tracks and list a ton of honorable mentions. In 2025, I thought I’d try something new and add a weekly feature to supplement my monthly round-up. Each Sunday, I’ll offer a compendium of the week’s new releases featured on the blog. And … Continue reading
Debuting in 2019, ONEWE has amassed a large catalog of music in their just-over-five-years. Today’s album is already their third full-length and is heralded by title track The Starry Night (별 헤는 밤). Rather than tackle the moodier ballads they’ve become known for, the song is a sprightly blast of indie-rock intensity. Bright synths kick … Continue reading
Following a tradition first established in 2020, I’m celebrating the holidays today with the opening of gifts. These packages come in the form of seasonal K-pop tracks not yet reviewed on the blog. Like last year, I’m either keeping the gifts or planning to return them. Unfortunately, there was a lot of coal in the … Continue reading
A few years ago, many of K-pop’s best tracks were buried as b-sides. This year was different, with most of my favorite music promoted as title tracks. I certainly prefer this approach. After all, great songs should be paired with great visuals/choreo whenever possible. However, it made for a slightly less prolific slate of “buried … Continue reading
After taking a look at K-pop’s biggest agencies, I’d like to turn my attention to the smaller (but still important) players in the K-pop game, three at a time. Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on K-Pop’s biggest agencies, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related financial information beyond what … 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. September 2024 Overall Thoughts While the first half of 2024 was quite strong, these past few … 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. ONEWE tried their hand at a … Continue reading
Idol bands are more popular than ever and ONEWE have been part of this wave since their re-debut in 2019. They’re immensely talented, yet I’ve often wished their music would go bigger and bolder. Many past singles favored a soft, melancholic sound. This matches well with frontman Yonghoon’s evocative vocals, but there’s no harm in … Continue reading
I haven’t been keeping up with idol band ONEWE and didn’t realize two of its members had been discharged from the military earlier this year. Yonghoon and Kanghyun are back for the group’s new track and they’ve certainly been missed. Beautiful Ashes (추억의 소각장) sees the guys continuing where they left off, though it’s a … Continue reading
As ONEWE’s activities wind down, rapper/singer/producer Giuk (formerly known as CyA) has been steadily crafting a solo discography. I never wrote about his spring solo debut, but the dramatic teasers for Scratch (내 영혼에 낸) caught my attention. I appreciate the direction Giuk’s taking his music, even if the songs could stand to be more … Continue reading
ONEWE have taken an interesting approach to military enlistment, continuing to release music no matter how many (or few) members are left in their group at any moment. Salty Boy is a project track between Dongmyeong, Giuk and Harin — one half of a special single album that gives these guys some room to stretch … Continue reading
2022 has seen an increasing trend of male idol groups releasing fan-servicey material while some (or all) members serve in the military. ONF and DAY6’s Even Of Day are prominent examples within the past two months. Calling your enlistment track “Still Here” is more than a little on the nose, but it’s reassuring to hear … Continue reading
ONEUS and ONEWE in the same week?? It almost feels like we’re getting closer to a reunion of both groups, where ONEWE supply a killer track as ONEUS bust out striking choreography. It’s happened before, but I need it to happen for a promoted comeback. Until then, ONEWE are back with special single Roommate (룸메이트). … Continue reading
A few days ago, ONEWE covered Infinite’s The Chaser and (obviously) scored huge brownie points from me. It also reminded me how much I enjoy the band when they really rock out. Too often, their title tracks settle on a more morose energy. On the plus side, this offers the chance to spotlight the group’s … Continue reading
“Brother” groups ONEUS and ONEWE have a history of collaborations, from a pre-debut single to a fun variety show. They also share real (twin) brothers. I’ve long hoped for another collaboration – perhaps a full album? In my mind, they need to unite their specific skills and release a full-on idol dance track backed by … Continue reading
As expected, ONEWE and ONEUS’s careers are closely entangled. I’m still waiting for another inter-group collaboration, but the acts often seem to release music within weeks of each other. In ONEWE’s case, Star (별) is a pre-release for upcoming projects, setting the stage for the return of their melancholic rock sound. It’s a very affecting … Continue reading
It’s “idol band” day, with ONEWE and Lucy revealing their comeback tracks at the same time. In ONEWE’s case, Rain To Be (비를 몰고 오는 소년) comes from their first mini album and is their first single since December’s A Book In Memory. Like many of their tracks, Rain opts for an angstier sound but … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 