Cube Entertainment’s girl group that’s not (G)I-DLE continues their ‘one comeback a year’ streak. I don’t mean this as a diss to LIGHTSUM — more as frustration with agency’s ability to promote them properly. How are you supposed to develop a fanbase with such infrequent releases? Making matters worse, their ranks are down to six … Continue reading
As the LOONA universe continues to fragment, members are moving on to new things. We’ve seen the return of unit Odd Eye Circle and the debut of Loossemble. Now it’s time for a solo debut from member Chuu. She’s been a fan favorite for years and has a great chance of breaking out as a … Continue reading
Freed from the clutches of YG Entertainment, iKON and its members have a newfound freedom of expression that’s resulting in a wide variety of music. Bobby’s solo work has run the gamut, at times melodic but often combative. f is driven by rock energy, and the punchy guitar makes for an ideal setting for Bobby … Continue reading
A few months ago, (G)I-DLE previewed their first English-language EP with I Do — a synthy, atmospheric slow burn that worked well for the group. That sound didn’t turn out to be an indication of where the EP would go, as (G)I-DLE explores a multitude of genres. The dancefloor drive of I Want That is … Continue reading
Combing through my archives, I was shocked to find the last time I wrote about a Jennie song was way back in 2018 with Solo. That’s pre-pandemic, folks! You & Me marks a welcome return for the BLACKPINK member, though the song has been kicking around for a few months after being performed live. You … Continue reading
IVE’s I Am remains a triumphant 2023 highlight, raising expectations for how the group’s music will evolve. Their new EP will be out in a matter days, and we’ve now heard two of its tracks. Pre-release Either Way wasn’t designed to be a knock-your-socks-off showpiece, but even within its genre I found the song pretty … Continue reading
Boy group POW’s pre-release Favorite has been a grower for me, and judging by their album’s highlight medley it may end up being the strongest track the guys have to offer. But before they make their official debut, POW have delivered another pre-release in the form of Amazing. Like Favorite, Amazing is built upon rock … Continue reading
Looking back at EPEX’s discography, I’ve rarely clicked with their music. They pinball between ultra-bright and ultra-aggressive sounds, making it difficult to get a foothold on their concept. New single Full Metal Jacket is a complete 180 from this spring’s buoyant Sunshower, stuffed to the brim with distorted guitar and combative chants. I’m largely on … Continue reading
Given that this week is Chuseok, there have been way more K-pop (and K-pop adjacent) releases than I’d expected. Even so, today is empty until a trio of soloists return at midnight. Luckily, I missed a song from yesterday. Kwangmin is a member of Boyfriend (now known as BF) — one of K-pop’s most underrated … Continue reading
Though I still wouldn’t call myself a fan, XG’s music has appealed to me more and more as their discography has grown. Last month’s New Dance was a catchy earworm, while GRL GVNG felt like their most convincing hip-hop track yet. After months of pre-releases, their first EP has finally been released alongside the music … Continue reading
The Boys Planet spin-off groups continue to spawn — this time, Japanese style! TOZ consists of trainees Anthonny, Hart, Yuto, and Takuto. During my recaps of the series, I made no bones about my soft spot for quirky Takuto. It became a bit of a running gag but was mostly serious. He’s got his own … Continue reading
When looking back at their discography, I released it’s been a couple of years since a ONEUS title track really grabbed me. Their music is always solid and they come back frequently, but their sound has been stuck in this nebulous zone since 2021, borrowing from various trends rather than developing their own perspective. Baila … Continue reading
Fantasy Boys come from the MBC survival series of the same name — another 2023 debut spawning from a TV show. I didn’t watch Fantasy Boys when it aired, but appreciated the fact that it cast B1A4’s Jinyoung as a mentor. If only he could have been in charge of the group’s debut single! New … Continue reading
Despite having all the potential in the world, Yuju’s solo career thus far has steered closer to calming coffee shops than the big power notes fueling GFriend’s best material. New single Dalala ups the energy a bit, but succumbs to a subdued groove that threatens to fade into the background. There have been many songs … Continue reading
As expected, the popular Boys Planet series is set to spin off more than just its winning group ZEROBASEONE. EVNNE is the first out of the gate, comprised of members who didn’t quite make the final cut. They’ve immediately distinguished themselves from ZB1’s bright pop sound, debuting with their take on the brash Baltimore Club … Continue reading
Years ago, I used to refer to the impending autumn as K-pop’s “ballad season.” That’s changed recently, with many ballads replaced by more upbeat idol tracks on the charts. But with BTS’s V and EXO’s D.O. releasing solo music this month, we’re seeing a resurgence of slower material. Somebody is not a ballad, but its … Continue reading
We’re now at the point where I’m writing about these V solo songs out of sheer stubbornness. It’s like Pokémon — you gotta catch them all! Never mind the fact that I have nothing new to add to my existing thoughts. For Us is the fifth (!) music video to spawn from his debut solo … Continue reading
It’s been a year since Mimiirose made their debut with the promising Rose. That’s a long hiatus for a rookie group, making follow-up single Flirting quite important. Listening to their first album, Mimiirose’s potential was obvious. Now’s the time to capitalize on that and remind fans why they’re a vital part of the K-pop landscape. … Continue reading
Project group EL7Z UP hails from this year’s Queendom Puzzle competition show, which aired its finale on August 15th. In only a month’s time, they’ve made their debut with Cheeky. That’s some quick movement! The group consists of members from Lovelyz, CLC, Rocket Punch, WJSN, Purple Kiss, H1-Key and woo!ah!. There’s clearly a ton of … Continue reading
HYBE’s love for releasing multiple music videos from each project really messes with my review system! Do I write about every one of them? For a release as high-profile as V’s solo album, it seems silly not to. Yet, I find myself essentially copying and pasting my thoughts from song to song. I’m not sure … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 