It’s hard to believe it’s already been nearly eight years since Beat Interactive’s A.C.E made their hotpants-wearing debut. As with every established idol group, there are juniors waiting in the wings and the agency’s long-gestating Newbeat is set for their debut later this month. Before that, they’ve pre-released JeLLo as a taster. “Taster” is an … Continue reading
When last we heard from BTOB, they were peddling the kind of emotive ballad they’ve become known for. This is a group that’s comfortable with its own sound and image and doesn’t often feel the need to switch things up drastically — even when they’re embarking on a new journey under their own agency. As … Continue reading
8TURN’s Like A Friend had the unfortunate fate of being released in mid-December just as most music shows were going on hiatus. The guys finally promoted it (briefly) a month later, but I can’t help but think that if the song had arrived in summer it would have found a more enthusiastic audience. For me, … Continue reading
While it was easy to pigeonhole Young Posse as a joke when they first emerged, last year’s g-funk nodding Ate That found the perfect balance between funny and awesome. There’s a huge gap in the market for colorful hip-hop that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and Young Posse feel uniquely equipped to fill it. Because … Continue reading
The month of BLACKPINK solos comes to a conclusion as Lisa caps off February with the release of her first full album. This project has been preceded by a number of singles dating all the way back to last June. Like bandmate Jennie, the album’s tracklist unveils a host of big-name collaborators including popular rapper … Continue reading
Rookies 3WAY Project have rebranded to 3WAY, which somehow seems even more provocative as a group name. Confusingly, the group is actually comprised of nine members, but I guess 9WAY doesn’t have quite the same ring to it. In any case, nine is divisible by three so I’m sure there’s some meaning there. I worry … Continue reading
I often find myself playing the expectation game with K-pop, trying to enjoy music for what it is rather than what I’ve built it up to be in my head. For over a year now, SM’s new girl group has been rumored to be the second coming of SNSD — a possibility that got me … Continue reading
1. The Stranger // 2. Night Tale // 3. Nothing But A Stranger (On Team) // 4. Anti Hero (Off Team) // 5. Good Place // 6. Collab COLLAB If I were to pick any song on this new album that felt like filler, it would be Collab. It’s not slow enough to offer the … Continue reading
1. The Stranger // 2. Night Tale // 3. Nothing But A Stranger (On Team) // 4. Anti Hero (Off Team) // 5. Good Place // 6. Collab NOTHING BUT A STRANGER Most ONF albums feature at least one ballad/mid-tempo, and My Identity is no different. This time, it comes courtesy of the group’s “On … Continue reading
Fantagio’s LUN8 have pinballed from trend to trend, not yet landing on a sound that distinguishes them from K-pop’s always packed crowd of rookie acts. New single Butterfly (나비) shifts style yet again, though this time they’re attempting something a bit more ambitious and unique. This transformation comes alongside a shift in members. One has … Continue reading
After years of waiting for JYP Entertainment to debut their team from 2021’s LOUD survival series, KickFlip were one of my most anticipated new acts of 2025. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to connect with their music so far. I was hoping the songs would grow on me with time, but if anything the opposite … Continue reading
When last we heard from POW, they were interpolating the chorus of Avril Lavigne’s Girlfriend to middling effect, diluting that song’s power with too many overused K-pop tropes. Now they’re back with a special digital single that’s much more of a stripped back affair. If this month was delivering new K-pop comebacks with any regularity, … Continue reading
With the debut of SM Entertainment’s new girl group just around the corner, Starship Entertainment has lodged a stealth attack by pre-releasing music from their upcoming girl group KiiiKiii first. Given the agency’s huge success with IVE, all eyes are on KiiiKiii’s emergence in the industry. And if I Do Me is any indication, the … Continue reading
I:MOND made their debut last summer but completely passed me by, as fledging rookie groups occasionally do. Now they’re back with their first mini album and title track Wonderland (원더랜드). Interestingly, the group are independently managed without the backing of a label. That’s pretty rare in K-pop’s idol landscape and certainly makes me want to … Continue reading
The month (year?) of BLACKPINK solos rolls on with the release of Jisoo’s second single and first since cutting ties with YG Entertainment for her solo efforts. So far, that decision has played well for every other BLACKPINK member, and given the lukewarm nature of 2023’s Flower Jisoo has plenty of room for musical improvement. … Continue reading
I often consider Boyfriend one of K-pop’s most underrated acts, especially when it comes to international fans. While they may not have ever reached the A-list, their run with Sweetune remains as epic as any of their contemporaries. Unfortunately, once they started to work with other producers their sound took a noticeable dip. We’d still … Continue reading
After taking Korea by storm in the spring of 2024, ILLIT’s Magnetic went on to see great success in markets like Japan. It only makes sense that they’d expand their career there, especially given HYBE’s existing infrastructure in the country. Almond Chocolate sees them getting in on the lucrative OST business, closely mirroring the sound … Continue reading
Let’s get the elephant out of the room first. Since I last wrote about MADEIN, member Gaeun withdrew from the group after alleging sexual harassment from the CEO of the group’s agency. Given 143 Entertainment’s messy reaction and the general repulsiveness of the allegations themselves, I understand why you might want to stop reading now … Continue reading
Performance videos don’t always warrant a full review on this site, especially when they’re supporting follow-up tracks rather than fully-promoted titles. However, I know how popular BABYMONSTER’s music has become and assume fans may want a space to discuss the merits of Billionaire. This song follows five (!) other promoted tracks on the album — … Continue reading
OnlyOneOf are among the most compelling artists working in K-pop right now, but I have a bone to pick with their agency. The group rarely releases new music, touring incessantly instead. I’m happy they continue to visit a multitude of countries (I’ve gotten to see them twice) and I’m sure that’s where the bulk of … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 