When it comes to my favorite songs of a year, there are two categories. There are those songs that come from artists who go on to release more incredible material, thus making them an act I follow closely. Then, there are the flukes. The one-offs. TRENDZ have some decent singles in their discography, but as … Continue reading
Seven days into the year and we have our first notable debut of 2025 (KickFlip’s song earlier this week was a pre-release). Three of the four XLOV members were contestants on 2023’s Boys Planet, ensuring a certain level of notoriety even before the release of I’mma Be. The group also has a “genderless” concept, which … Continue reading
Remember when Tempest couldn’t stop shining? Hell, I’d gladly rewind to their Dangerous days of 2023. This year has been such a buzzkill for the group. Losing member Hwarang was a huge blow and musically their burgeoning Japanese discography feels like a misguided attempt to brand them into some bad boy stereotypes. From Vroom Vroom … Continue reading
For a group of their stature, A.C.E have developed an outsized fanbase internationally, touring extensively to cultivate fans all over the world. Their music has occasionally catered to this market, though the past few years have been quite inconsistent when it comes to sound. In my heart, I’ll always hold A.C.E as those daring upstarts … Continue reading
I loved Kep1er’s nine-member swan song Shooting Star and was upset when they never performed it at this year’s KCON LA. Now the group is down to seven, as Mashiro and Yeseo parted ways to join 143 Entertainment’s Madein. A new configuration opens potential for a new sound, and Tipi-Tap certainly switches things up. Unfortunately, … Continue reading
DXMON are making their first comeback since the withdrawal of member Jo (the guy who used to sport the spiky red hair). I wasn’t a huge fan of their debut, but follow-up Girls, Love Boys, Love Girls stood as a late-spring highlight. I’d love to hear them go further down that melodic route, but new … Continue reading
Since their establishment in 2005, Top Media has exclusively managed male acts. Teen Top, 100%, UP10TION and MCND have all made their way through the agency’s ranks, but now Top is branching out to debut their first ever girl group. Odd Youth haven’t taken that all-important debut step yet, but we get a first look … Continue reading
On the surface, Say My Name may seem like a typical new girl group, but they have an interesting mentor. They’re the first idol act from INKODE, the agency co-founded by ex-TVXQ member Kim Jaejoong. Jaejoong often interacts with younger idol groups as part of his variety work, but this is the first time we’ve … Continue reading
ITZY were without their main vocalist for January’s comeback, but still managed to drop an early-2024 highlight with the rugged, exciting Untouchable. Now, Lia has returned to the group and everything’s golden. At least, that’s what their new single Gold seeks to portray. It’s an interesting sonic shift for them, throwing disparate musical elements together … Continue reading
Nomad debuted earlier this year with the groovy No Pressure. I honestly had to go back and re-read my review to remember that song, but after jarring my memory its “no pressure, no diamond” hook quickly wormed its way back in. I suppose this is a testament to its enduring catchiness, even if I personally … Continue reading
Yesterday, WayV told us to “go higher” and now Super Junior-D&E are back with a similar message. The timing is pure coincidence, but it always amuses me when these things happen. Since establishing their own label, the duo have taken even greater control of their music. Judging by Go High‘s approach, that may not be … Continue reading
Kang Daniel has had a dramatic 2024, with his self-created agency Konnect Entertainment folding after five years. His new mini album is credited under Warner Music, which also oversees his Japanese career. I’m not sure what’s next for Kang Daniel the businessman, but I’m glad he’s still releasing music. With that said, new single Electric … Continue reading
Though it has obvious commercial firepower behind it, Teddy and Kush’s The Black Label has also developed a reputation for infrequent comebacks and — at times — dated production choices. With all the talent involved, it’s a bit surprising how little the agency actually does. That work schedule will be tested with the debut of … Continue reading
As one of the earliest purveyors of K-pop’s tropical trend in 2017, KARD quickly developed a signature sound. That’s since shifted as they’ve explored a variety of approaches over the past five years. Hip-hop has been a notable touchstone and their results with the genre have been mixed. New single Tell My Momma takes a … Continue reading
Across their Rania, BP Rania and Blackswan days, this group has been home to a whopping twenty four members. This revolving door has gained some stability in the past few years, with the current line-up performing together since 2022. Roll Up arrives just over a year since their last comeback and sees the group trying … Continue reading
HYBE and Geffen’s American (K-pop adjacent) girl group KATSEYE made a pre-debut last month with the solid but underdeveloped Debut. Less than a month later, they’re back with follow-up Touch, which succumbs to the same issues as its predecessor without developing its own strengths. Like Debut, Touch is a wisp of pop track. At just … Continue reading
Since moving on from Wanna One, the quality of Ha Sungwoon’s solo career has been mixed. For me, his music peaked in 2021 with the one-two punch of Sneakers and Strawberry Gum. New single Blessed takes him down a more aggressive sonic route, but falls apart once it reaches its chorus. By now, anyone with … Continue reading
NTX debuted all the way back in 2021, though their under-the-radar career may have passed many by. Releasing one title track per year hasn’t been a winning formula, even if much of the music has been decent. Most recently, Holy Grail tied a so-so song to a very cool instrumental. New single Problematic struggles on … Continue reading
It’s pretty ballsy to name your single “Hot Mess,” essentially teeing up critics and naysayers if the song is anything less than amazing. But if we’re speaking of “amazing,” aespa already have a super solid track record. And with Supernova‘s incredible chart dominance this spring, the girls seem to have entered an imperial phase. Can … Continue reading
It wouldn’t be a K-pop summer without some random Pepsi ad song. Over the past few years, Starship Entertainment has collaborated with the brand to release innocuous (sometimes decent) releases that see various idols teaming together. This time, IVE take on the challenge by themselves, delivering the “easy, fizzy” Summer Festa. “Baby, you can drink … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 