In a sea change year for us older K-pop fans, BTOB are one of many established boy groups whose configuration has changed due to members beginning their mandatory military enlistment. Beautiful Pain (아름답고도 아프구나) is their first single as a six-member act, minus leader Eunkwang. Minhyuk is the next member scheduled for enlistment, at which … Continue reading
2018 has seen its share of trends, but the saddest has been groups having to make a comeback after the death of a member. First it was SHINee, then 100%, and now Spectrum. Only one single album into their career, Spectrum suddenly lost member Kim Dong Yoon. I can’t imagine how this would affect a … Continue reading
The last we heard from Eric Nam, he was trying on the tropical instrumental drop structure that K-pop has fallen so in love with these past few years. Honestly was a pleasant trifle of a pop song, but quickly forgotten. “Innocuous” is the name of the game when it comes to many of Nam’s songs, … Continue reading
Though they’ve yet to enjoy mainstream success, rookie group BLACK6IX have drawn on K-pop’s past to release a pair of solid singles. This refreshing adherence to a 2011/12 sound continues with the dramatically titled Swamp Of Despair (절망의 늪). There’s no trendy tropical house or EDM to be found here. In its place is a … Continue reading
It’s been interesting to watch the trajectory of JBJ’s members ever since the project group’s disbandment earlier this year. It’s like a mini precursor to the type of reconfiguration that will happen next year when Wanna One is no more. Some JBJ members have gone solo, others have returned to their original groups, and two … Continue reading
As the years have gone on I’ve become a bit disillusioned with the whole Produce 101 format. The show is still an absolute juggernaut, with a far-reaching shadow that touches almost every corner of the K-pop industry. But more often than not, it feels as if the powers-that-be are simply coasting on its popularity to … Continue reading
Ever since adding vocalist Yoo Hweseung to their roster, N.Flying has released a series of energetic — often goofy — power pop singles. And honestly, that’s what I’d like them to continue to do. Groups like DAY6 and The Rose have the angstier side of idol rock covered, but N.Flying have begun to develop something … Continue reading
