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
In the world of silly K-pop names, “SMORZ” is pretty cute but also ridiculous when you realize that it’s a combination of “S’mores” and “Generation Z” and means that you’ll want more of… Gen Z? This project group has debuted with an English-language EP, showcasing their global ambitions. K-pop in English always gives me pause … Continue reading
RIIZE’s new album has a very strong visual element, with music videos or shortened “track videos” for each song. Because of this (and because the album is so strong), I’ll be working through the entire track list over the next few days. Make sure to check back often! 1. Odyssey // 2. Bag Bad Back … Continue reading
Multinational girl group Blackswan don’t return with new music often, averaging about one comeback per year. This is a difficult approach for an idol group. So much of an act’s success hinges on constant content for fans, but too often Blackswan’s career feels like a series of fits and starts. Because of this, each song … Continue reading
Despite many forces working against him, Kim Jaejoong has become one of K-pop’s longest-running success stories. In addition to his music career, he hosts a fun online show and continues to be a successful actor. Through it all, his music hasn’t changed much. At heart, he’s still a rocker. Rock Star is aptly named, and … Continue reading
EXO’s Baekhyun possesses one of my favorite voices in K-pop, but our musical tastes don’t usually seem to align. His solo work has favored the kind of slow, vibey sound that too often feels like background music to me, even as those vocals pull me back in fits and spurts. New single Elevator is no … Continue reading
Ahead of an eventual BTS reunion once everyone has completed their military service, oldest member Jin is back with his second solo mini album. I recently enjoyed watching him as part of the cast of Netflix variety series Kian’s Bizarre B&B, where he came off very well and added a quirky sense of humor. That … Continue reading
Like many boy groups of their stature, The Wind will be sending a member off to compete in the upcoming season two of Boys Planet. Thanatorn will be absent for promotions during this time and — if he makes the eventual group — for quite some time after. Before that, the group is celebrating their … Continue reading
Rose is an interesting display of time travel. NCT’s Taeyong is still on hiatus as he fulfils his military service. This song was first unveiled in 2021 and the video premiered during an event last year. Now, it’s finally made its way online in time for Korea’s Rose Day. I don’t think we can call … Continue reading
It’s become common for idol acts to release special music videos after promotions end for their title track. This allows the albums a longer cycle and spotlights various sounds that may appeal to a wider audience. Fifty Fifty’s perky Pookie saw them aiming straight for the pop jugular, but follow-up Midnight Special offers a moodier … Continue reading
After the release of many sub-unit projects, tripleS are back with their newest full group album. Coincidentally, the name of their title track is the same question I’ve been wanting to ask the K-pop industry for most of this year. Are you alive? This song does exactly what we’ve been conditioned to expect from tripleS. … Continue reading
MEOVV pre-released their Hands Up a few weeks ago and, though the song didn’t bowl me over, I’ll admit that its chorus has stuck in my head. Now, it’s time to see what they’ve got for a title track. Drop Top was written by a variety of YG Entertainment staples, responsible for crafting the greatest … Continue reading
The sprawling Fifty Fifty saga continues with two distinct acts. The re-formatted Fifty Fifty continue to promote with label Attrakt, most recently releasing title track Pookie. Meanwhile, the three former members who left the agency amidst legal issues have re-formed and re-debuted as ablume. To be completely honest, I’ve never cared about the music enough … Continue reading
The upcoming soundtrack to F1® The Movie (which is completely outside my wheelhouse – pun intended) promises to be a star-studded affair. And in 2025, that means a bit of K-pop representation — even if it’s tangential. Rosé has certainly leapfrogged over the classification of “K-pop,” and songs like Messy push her further into the … Continue reading
P1Harmony have developed a big global following, particularly in the States. However, I’ve had a hard time connecting to their music in any reliable way. It’s funny — from music to personality to variety content — some idols are just an instant match with my personal taste while I struggle to get into others no … Continue reading
It’s hard to come into Kiss Of Life’s new digital single Live, Love, Laugh without the impact of their severely misguided livestream rattling around in your head. That event, filmed and released a few weeks ago, left a bad taste in my mouth and makes even the title “Live, Love, Laugh” feel patronizing and tone … Continue reading
Collaborations between K-pop acts and western artists are nothing new, but occasionally a track will be released and I’ll have no idea who the western artist is. American duo Joan are new to me, and I’d consider myself very in-the-know when it comes to global pop music. This makes me wonder how exactly EPEX’s agency … Continue reading
It’s a slow day (week? year??) in K-pop, so I’m going to sidestep over to the Chinese market for a moment with the debut solo single from NCT Dream’s Chenle. The song is part of a “special EP,” and given the way Chinese music is usually promoted I assume this album will be released in … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 