Dignity debuted last summer with a fun new jack swing track and an even better b-side that recalled the best of late-second-gen group Block B, landing them on two of my year-end countdowns. But like many rookie groups from small agencies, they swiftly disappeared after that. Almost a year later, they’ve finally returned with new … Continue reading
Of all the former Wanna One members, Kang Daniel continues to be the most musically prolific. Free to do his own thing, he reliably releases new albums every year. Unfortunately, most of this music hasn’t hit me with much force, tending to slide in one ear and out the other. New single Episode boasts a … Continue reading
Mixed gender groups are notoriously difficult for K-pop. Though many have thrived overseas (especially in Japan), the formula often results in quick disbandment in Korea — at least post-90’s. Here to buck that trend are ALLDAY PROJECT, a new five-member group from Teddy’s Black Label. Digital single Famous introduces them to the world with plenty … Continue reading
The first girl group from PSY’s P Nation is set to make their debut in about a week, but as with so many other K-pop rookies they’ve released a pre-debut taster. Bet You’ll Regret It (지금을 놓치면 분명 너 후회할 거야) showcases a possible sound for the group that takes cues from the poppier side … Continue reading
With two members of BAE173 currently participating in other survival series spawned groups, the rest of the members have joined forces with Fantasy Boys (another survival series act) to form project group Double 0ne. In a perfect world, this would “maximize their joint slay,” but despite each group releasing a few tracks I really enjoy, … Continue reading
K-pop has been mired in early-2000s nostalgia for the past few years. In my opinion, the industry has often adopted the most boring musical trends of that era, but occasionally we’ll see a group hijack the iconic production style of Y2K superstar producers Timbaland and The Neptunes. For Seventeen’s newest album, they skipped the middleman … Continue reading
Last month, China partially lifted its nine-year ban on Korean content, including K-pop concerts and releases. This news didn’t receive nearly as much attention as it should have, especially considering the massive effect it may have on the industry. Given this year’s global affairs, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if K-pop agencies pulled resources … Continue reading
Since their Japanese debut in 2020, Stray Kids have amassed a rather large J-pop discography. JYP Entertainment has always been good at keeping multiple markets fed, and Stray Kids’ self-producing status ensures a certain level of continuity between their multi-language catalogs. New single Hollow hails from their upcoming third Japanese mini album and sees them … Continue reading
On this busy comeback day, NCT’s Doyoung stands as the sole male performer in a flock of competing girl groups/bands. Memory (안녕, 우주) comes from his second solo album and sees him continuing the sound he established on the first. His rich voice is well suited to OST-style music, sacrificing edge for comforting emotion. Because … Continue reading
Rookie girl group izna released an enjoyable springtime bop with March’s Sign. That song was a case of so-so verses being lifted by a satisfying earworm of a chorus. However, teasers for new single Beep seemed to promise another sound effect filled onomatopoeia track, of which we already have too many this year. In fact, … Continue reading
Kiss Of Life are currently clawing their way back from one of K-pop’s bigger 2025 scandals, trying to assuage the very fans they insulted via a now-infamous livestream. Time will tell if their redemption arc is successful, but this being K-pop they’re chugging along with new music regardless. Title track Lips Hips Kiss comes courtesy … Continue reading
Compared to other HYBE groups, I’ve had a harder time getting into the groove of ENHYPEN’s discography. Each time they release a song that I love, they’ll follow it with two or three that leave me cold. That track record doesn’t exactly build confidence in new material, but I recognize how popular the group has … Continue reading
It’s been eight years since WM Entertainment debuted its latest group, and a full decade since their last girl group. Thus far, it’s been quality over quantity for this agency. B1A4, Oh My Girl and ONF all have discographies that are pretty bulletproof. Now, it’s time for another act to join this impressive roster. Enter … Continue reading
Baekhyun has done enough amazing things with EXO to warrant a steady stream of write-ups on this blog, even if his solo music has rarely connected with me. I hate coming into a song knowing that I probably won’t like it, though I’m always open (and hoping) to having my mind changed. R&B is a … Continue reading
It’s an uphill battle for new acts from small-to-medium sized agencies, requiring most to deliver eye-raising material that seizes the K-pop conversation. Rather than focus on legitimately great music, many of these smaller acts opt for gimmicks or — more recently — bold statements designed to grab listeners’ attention. The title of KIIRAS’s pre-release certainly … Continue reading
It’s crazy to remember just how huge N.Flying were in 2019 with their breakthrough hit Rooftop. For a short period, they were the K-pop band of note. Member changes and military enlistment complicated their run, leading to a precipitous drop in popularity with the general public. Now, their music feels almost interchangeable with their FNC … Continue reading
Promotion of Japanese music is often unpredictable. Ten’s Silence was released over a month ago as part of his first Japanese mini album but its music video has finally arrived today. I listened to the song back when it first came out and can’t remember a thing about it, but sometimes extra promotion unveils aspects … Continue reading
UAU is technically Dreamcatcher’s first sub-unit, but with the group’s uncertain future after half of the members chose not to renew with their agency, this project may become the most reliable Dreamcatcher content for the foreseeable future. The group’s transformation from super-pop act MINX to J-rock inspired Dreamcatcher is well-known, and 2 Months sounds as … Continue reading
Chart titan IU is back with a special remake album, following up her original work last year. As much as I would have loved it, Never Ending Story is not a cover of the 1984 Limahl hit from the film of the same name. I mean… can you imagine?? Instead, this Never Ending Story was … Continue reading
Seventeen are celebrating a huge ten year anniversary today. They were popular right out of the gate, but few could have predicted just how massive they’ve become. I remember staying up very late to watch the premiere of their first music video (the ebullient Adore U) ten years ago, but I’ve grown more distant from … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 