It’s pretty ballsy for a k-pop group to title a new single “Rising Sun,” which instantly conjures memories of one of the genre’s undisputed classics. But while Beat Win have never really taken off domestically or internationally, they’ve given us a very strong run of diverse dance pop. So in essence, the title is in … Continue reading
Thunder (whose moniker sounds more like a stripper than a k-pop star), is branching out on his own with his first mini album since leaving boy group MBLAQ in 2014. To help him in his solo efforts, he’s enlisted Goo Hara, who’s also a former member of a group (this time the disbanded Kara). They team … Continue reading
Fresh off their debut in October, rookie Cube boy group Pentagon is making a quick comeback with second single Can You Feel It (감이 오지). Keeping them in the spotlight is a smart move, and there are enough musical through-lines between their two singles to begin to form a distinct identity for the group. In … Continue reading
The holiday season is in full swing, as more and more festive, winter-inspired songs start to come out of Korea. Up next is girl group Laboum, who have been an incredibly consistent purveyor of quality material. They’re just waiting for that one big hit to break them into the mainstream. Winter Story (겨울동화) is unlikely … Continue reading
As part of their multi-pronged comeback under YG Entertainment, late 90’s veteran group Sechs Kies has released an entire album of reworked and re-recorded versions of their hits. It’s a novel approach, catering to both nostalgia and current trends, but its level of satisfaction is entirely dependent on the creativity and willingness to experiment behind … Continue reading
Block B‘s Zico has become one of Korea’s most prolific hit-makers, routinely releasing hip-hop tracks of various styles to massive success. His newest single is a collaboration with fellow “it” boys Crush and DEAN. By name recognition alone, the trio is a real supergroup, representing three of the biggest names in this particular k-pop sub-genre. … Continue reading
Rookie group KNK are back with a new single… and no music video. Citing quality issues, the (presumably) completed video was cancelled and won’t be re-filmed. It’s a head-scratcher of a move, and would actually be kind of laughable if it wasn’t so sad. I mean, imagine the poor editor realizing that, no matter how … Continue reading
K-pop group names are just getting weirder and weirder. One look at “Momoland,” coupled with “JJan! Koong! Kwang!” and I think the glazed over looks some friends give me when I say I’m a massive k-pop fan become more understandable. Now, this is in no way a complaint. I’m a big supporter of #keepkpopweird, if … Continue reading
Plan A (formerly A-Cube) have finally launched their first boy group in the form of Victon. Like may k-pop acts, the guys have been given a cobbled together, seemingly nonsensical group name that sheds little light on what their sound is. Debut track I’m Fine (아무렇지 않은 척) is similar in this way. It’s an … Continue reading
T-ara’s one of those veteran idol groups who have become content to coast on their past glories rather than continue to drive the k-pop music scene forward. Though scandals and lack of promotion have dulled their popularity quite a bit over the years, they’re also one of the few 2009-debuted girls groups to remain standing. … Continue reading
When it comes down to it, the whole BOYS24 experience has been kind of frustrating. Though the program didn’t have close to the cultural impact of its similarly-minded predecessor, Produce 101, it was a highly entertaining series with great talent. Even better, it resulted in a very strong mini album of original songs that were used … Continue reading
For the second pre-release before Sistar member Hyolyn’s debut solo album, she’s teamed up with Jay Park. Despite the high wattage of star power on display, One Step still feels like an album track rather than a proper single. But unlike last week’s offering, the song’s sound is much better suited to Hyolyn’s inimitable performance … Continue reading
It feels like we’re reaching the breaking point when it comes to the tropical house trend. Big name groups like BTS and BLACKPINK have managed to wring some life from it this past month, but when even lower-profile acts like Berry Good jump on the bandwagon, the market starts to feel a bit over-saturated. Luckily, … Continue reading
One of the selling points upon Seventeen’s debut last year was their unique configuration as three separate units (performance, hip-hop and vocal) within their thirteen-member group. Though the vocal unit delivered a fantastic one-off in February, I’m surprised that we haven’t had releases from the other units outside of side tracks on the group’s albums. … Continue reading
Given last week’s funky and laidback pre-release, it was only a matter of time before Bastarz returned with something closer to last year’s hard-hitting Zero For Conduct. Make It Rain is definitely that track, slamming listeners over the head with an aggressive, grimy hip-hop sound. Block B made their name on edgy material, but even … Continue reading
At the tail end of last year, it seemed as if LuHan was releasing songs and music videos every other week, including the brilliant (and underrated) Medals. But after months away, he returns with the moody Catch Me When I Fall. And although it doesn’t quite live up to the best of his past material, it’s … Continue reading
Although Block B sub-unit Bastarz’s 2015 mini album was heralded by its heavy hip-hop title track, the rest of the EP ended up being far more diverse in sound. With this in mind, the retro funk/jazz fusion vibe of Selfish & Beautiful Girl (이기적인 걸) isn’t as surprising as it first may seem. Co-composed by member … Continue reading
Fans of mega-successful project group I.O.I probably haven’t been very happy with me over the year, as I haven’t often been kind to their music. This is despite absolutely loving Pick Me and the Produce 101 series that spawned the group. Beyond that, it’s been hard for me to understand the hype. In general, the whole … Continue reading
Block B are a group who have become increasingly unpredictable in their output. While hip-hop will likely be at their core for their entire career, they’ve incorporated much more soulful elements into their music of late. And of course, when it comes to original j-pop releases from k-pop artists, all bets are off. Japan is … Continue reading
It’s hard to imagine what exactly SE7EN could do to usher in a career resurgence. He enjoyed a massive amount of success during his first decade as a solo artist, but a scandal and two years away for military enlistment have dulled his status as one of k-pop’s leading r&b acts. His pre-release back in … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 