When 2019 is over, I have a feeling that the year will have set a record for debut groups. Though my opinion on 2019’s K-pop slate has soured over the past few months, there’s no denying that it’s been incredibly strong for rookies. This glut of new talent sets the bar high and makes it … Continue reading
Back in February, IZ*ONE made their Japanese debut with the stirring Suki to Iwasetai. It remains my highest-rated song by the group, but it turned out to be a total red herring. Since that initial album, IZ*ONE’s J-pop singles have been shockingly unpolished. June’s Buenos Aires merged a poor vocal arrangement with an underdeveloped instrumental. … Continue reading
With YG Entertainment in continual freefall, the company seems unable to release anything but threadbare solo albums from its artists. BLACKPINK’s stuck in a one-per-year promotional schedule, iKON is in limbo after losing its leader, and Treasure 13’s debut has been postponed for who knows how long. In their place, YGX (an agency subsidiary) has … Continue reading
Whether they like it or not, the debut of new boy group Limitless will instantly be overpowered by the presence of Jang Moonbok’s presence in its line-up. Moonbok became a lightning rod for media attention throughout the first few episodes of Produce 101 Season Two, but the novelty quickly faded and he was eliminated mid-way … Continue reading
Over the last few years, mixtapes have become an increasingly bigger focus in the development of idol groups. Most of the time, the rapper position in these groups is limited by the needs of a title track. There’s not a whole lot of opportunity to get personal or specific, which explains the generic, swaggy nature … Continue reading
Oh, Sungwoon fans. You may as well just save yourself the grief and skip this review altogether. I swear, I’ve got nothing against the guy himself. He cut his teeth as a member of underrated idol group Hotshot, and more than proved himself as a vital part of K-pop sensation Wanna One. But his debut … Continue reading
In a preview of what will soon be facing all second generation boy groups, BTOB is rapidly decreasing in number as their members begin their mandatory military enlistment. It’s become common for artists to release a song or album prior to enlisting, and serves as a nice gesture towards their fans. It’s hard to fault what’s … Continue reading
