It’s ironic that the title of MAP6’s new single album is Momentum, because I don’t know what kind of momentum their agency thinks the group is creating with their current promotional schedule. Since their debut in 2015, the boys have released a grand total of seven songs in Korea, making only one comeback per year. … Continue reading
The recently-concluded final season of K-Pop Star was one of the series’ best years, largely due to the producers’ decision to include trainees in the process. This has continued to pay off, as multiple contestants are releasing material only weeks after the final episode aired. Many of these acts come from smaller agencies that are hungry for … Continue reading
Boy group VAV have been around for six singles now, but they’ve yet to release a song that has had the impact necessary to shoot them to stardom. February’s 80’s-influenced Dance With Me was a step in the right direction, and they’ve definitely chosen the right collaborator in producer/composer Ryan S. Jhun, but it feels … Continue reading
Rather than a full-fledged comeback, Lonely (종현) is part of the second half of Jonghyun’s Story OP project, which collects songs he’s written based on stories sent in by listeners of his now-completed Blue Night radio program. It’s an interesting conceit for an album, and the work itself couldn’t be more different than the material … Continue reading
Whenever you have a music market that’s over-saturated, there are bound to be groups that struggle to stand out. For DIA, this struggle has been a constant one. None of their singles have been unpleasant, but time after time it feels like they’ve been given another group’s leftovers. I don’t doubt the girls’ talent or … Continue reading
It’s been awhile since listeners have heard the softer side of Zico’s solo music. As the leader of rambunctious boy group Block B, his sound is most closely tied with his playful, charismatic image. But of all his solo work, my favorite track is probably the soft, melodic I Am You, You Are Me from … Continue reading
Even with all its quirks and innovations, I consider myself to have a very solid understanding of the k-pop landscape. NCT’s ever-evolving configuration? Easy. LOONA’s year-long debut process? Not a problem. But the whole BOYS24 project is still a bit of a head-scratcher. This is despite watching (and enjoying) the entire competition series that launched … Continue reading
