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
In many ways, P1Harmony represent a new generation of K-pop idol groups. While they certainly have a fanbase in Korea, so much of their focus seems to be targeted toward western markets. It feels like they’re always touring in the States and now they’ve released an English-language album. They even premiered its single Ex on … Continue reading
I’ve been attending KCON LA since 2015, so with pandemic-closures in 2020 and 2021 that makes this year my eighth time at the event. Over the years, I’ve watched it change and grow in both good and bad ways, and those changes were certainly on display this year. It was going to be difficult (impossible?) … 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
P1Harmony have developed a big global following, particularly in the States. However, I’ve had a hard time connecting to their music in any reliable way. It’s funny — from music to personality to variety content — some idols are just an instant match with my personal taste while I struggle to get into others no … 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
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. When writing about P1Harmony’s new comeback … Continue reading
You know… P1harmony’s music really frustrates me sometimes. They’ve developed this habit of hiding excellent material as b-sides while promoting their most gimmicky tracks. February’s Killin’ It album was quite strong, but the title track didn’t feel representative or fresh. Judging by the highlight medley for their newest comeback, I fear this pattern continues. Sad … 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’m one of those weird people … 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
I’ve got lots of love for a big, dumb EDM chorus. Bonus points if the lyrics instruct you to jump or throw your hands in the air like you just don’t care. When attached to an excellent song, these hooks can transform from cliché to transcendent. I wish P1Harmony’s Jump was such a song. There … Continue reading
When evaluating FNC Entertainment a few days ago, I noted P1Harmony as one of the agency’s bright spots. This is largely due to their robust promotion in the States. They seem to be targeting an international audience and this work has paid off. The heavy hip-hop influence in their music feels authentic and welcoming to … Continue reading
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
One of the coolest things about the KCON concert is that it stretches across multiple nights. If you get the combo tickets, you’ve got two days of artists to look forward to. By Sunday, things feel familiar. You’ve got your same seat but there’s a different roster waiting to perform. I was a little frustrated … 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. July 2022 Overall Thoughts Counting up all of July’s releases, I’m not sure we’ve ever had … Continue reading
I’ve decided to try something new! 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 … Continue reading
P1Harmony have been spending a lot of time in America this year. As an American myself, I can only apologize for the state of things. Idol groups often make this trek across continents in search of a perceived “authenticity” the idol industry can’t always supply. For an act with such strong hip-hop influence, it makes … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 