These Produce 101 groups are so frustrating. The program compiles such a talented and likable collection of performers, only to undermine that potential with frustratingly generic material. Wanna One’s outstanding first mini album gave me hope that they’d be able to develop a signature sound, but each release since has been a disappointment. New single … Continue reading
In the short time since it’s been on the air, Produce 101 has spawned its own mini-genre of hyperactive, multitracked pop anthem. Whether it’s Midas-T, Ryan S. Jhun, or now Flow Blow in charge of production, the end product sounds roughly the same. Last year’s Season 2 theme set the bar incredibly high, so it’s … Continue reading
Fandom culture springs up so quickly these days. Project group JBJ have only been active since last October, but in that short space of time they’ve amassed a following large enough to make their impending disbandment seem like a big deal. Call Your Name (부를게) acts as both their latest single and their swan song, … Continue reading
Back in 2016, when I.O.I charted the course for what a post-Produce 101 group would look like, I felt like one of the few listeners who didn’t completely succumb to their charms. Part of that was due to an uneven series of releases with a quality level that didn’t seem to match the girls’ potential. … Continue reading
More and more, it seems as though a simple k-pop comeback is not enough. Instead, groups are beginning to herald entire eras with pre-releases and short films that tease an extended release schedule. Such is the case with Wanna One, whose I.P.U (unfortunate acronym and all) acts as the kick-off “theme” to their upcoming comeback. … Continue reading
In the months since its conclusion, season two of Produce 101 has dramatically altered the k-pop landscape — at least when it comes to boy groups. Its reach extends to so many corners of the industry that it can be difficult to keep up with it all. That’s where this handy guide comes in, as … Continue reading
Despite an extended strike sidelining much of the major networks’ output during 2017’s second half, Korean variety was quite strong this year. Taking a look at the following list, it will quickly become clear that my taste tends to steer towards idol-specific variety series, which makes sense since this is a k-pop blog first and … Continue reading
