Though it wasn’t everyone’s preferred style for the group, I loved STAYC’s transformation into bubblegum pop last year. It provided a nice counter to many of the year’s subdued, cooler-than-cool trends. Judging by its title alone, Cheeky Icy Thang seemed poised to continue this run. I’d love nothing more than a campy summertime anthem from … Continue reading
The parade of post-enlistment BTS solo projects continues with a pre-release from Jimin, leading up to a full album in July. I had to look up what a “smeraldo” is (it’s a type of flower), but apart from that brief confusion the title “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” instantly reminded me of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s … Continue reading
BLACKPINK members have managed to sustain their global popularity despite a dearth of actual music. The long wait between releases adds mystique to their name, ensuring every group or solo track incredible chart success. In Lisa’s case, a song doesn’t even have to be an official single to smash. 2021’s Money trended for many months … Continue reading
The ambitious tripleS project is growing and multiplying faster than NCT ever did, with new units seeming to emerge every month. tripleS Glow is composed of members Chaewon, Sullin, SeoAh and JiYeon and they debuted with Inner Dance (내적 댄스) last week. Now, they’ve released a performance video to add a visual aspect to the … Continue reading
K-pop legend Kim Jaejoong’s J-pop career has been continually active, but it’s been two years since he last released a Korean album. He’s made the comeback worth the wait with a full thirteen-track opus, including guests as diverse as Mamamoo’s Moonbyul and J-pop star Miyavi. Title track Glorious Day makes for a rousing addition to … Continue reading
Gather round, friends. I would like to recite a poem. The deep meaning behind these words may resonate with you in unexpected ways, so don’t be surprised if your eyes suddenly start to well up. There are tissues in the back of the room if you need them. (clears throat, adopts the poise and phrasing … Continue reading
There are few K-ballads I’d write a review for, but I’ll make an exception for any member of Infinite — especially one of my all-time favorite vocalists. Nam Woohyun has released a live album and included the studio recording of new track Sunshine (눈부셨다) as a special treat for fans. This comes mere weeks after … Continue reading
Around this time last year, U-KISS re-emerged with a song that ended up in my year-end top ten, showcasing the continued power of second-gen stalwarts. Fortunately, this wasn’t just a fleeting reunion. The guys are back with another new album and title track Stay With Me (너는 내 모든 곳에 있어). This time around, the … Continue reading
K-pop is unique in the way idol performers can establish a solo career while still actively promoting with their group. But I often wonder what necessitates a soloist. Of course, fans are eager to see their bias develop their artistry outside the confines of traditional comebacks, but not every performer is equally predisposed to a … Continue reading
Longevity isn’t always a given in K-pop, but Epik High have steadily released music since 2003. They’ve gone through various shifts — from indie to major label — and are at the point where their title tracks often feature big-name guest stars who’ve likely grown up with their music. Given this, new single Antihero is … Continue reading
Blitzers’ quirky Macarena won them fans in 2023, harnessing a goofy, freewheeling energy while still working within established boy group tropes. Superpower seems intent on replicating that success, fusing a catchy brass loop to the rambunctious sing-talk we hear from many of their peers. Superpower is indeed fun, but I don’t think the song itself … Continue reading
When we last heard from H1-KEY, they offered the shimmering pop goodness of Seoul (Such A Beautiful City). That song built upon a varied discography with little sonic through line apart from strong melodies. New single Let It Burn (뜨거워지자) continues to shift their sound, taking a pop/rock approach that feels grittier than most idol … Continue reading
Though just a year and a half old, Primrose have already gone from a duo to a solo to a four-piece group. Freyja is their second comeback as a quartet, including members from disbanded groups Hot Issue and BugAboo. It’s a striking title for a song, referencing Norse mythology. But the music of K-pop has … Continue reading
In between being part of the biggest K-pop group on the planet, the members of Seventeen have found time to slowly but steadily develop side careers as soloists and sub-units. Unit tracks are usually divided between their Dance, Vocal and Hip-Hop teams, but albums have occasionally featured duo recordings as well. This is the first … Continue reading
woo!ah! have removed the exclamation points from their name and opted for an ultra-trendy ALL CAPS stylization for promotions going forward. Along with this nomenclatural reinvention comes a new sound. April’s Blush saw them attempting a subdued NewJeans/ILLIT sound to middling effect, but Pom Pom Pom flips things 180 degrees with punk rock attitude and … Continue reading
NewJeans are spoiling fans with back to back releases of double A-side singles. Last month gave us Bubble Gum and How Sweet, while June promises Right Now and Supernatural. And if you’re one of the many NewJeans faithful, you’ll be happy the group has stuck with their trademark, lighter-than-air sound. On the plus side, songs … Continue reading
BOL4 transitioned to a solo act four years ago, but new single Lips recalls their days as a duo by enlisting aespa’s Giselle as guest rapper. This is a smart feature, as aespa are currently red hot on the charts and BOL4 could use a burst of rekindled public attention. To be honest, there’s only … Continue reading
It’s been a rough couple of weeks for fans of underrated girl groups. We’ve seen the departure of members and even the disbandment of long-standing acts. The latest to suffer this fate is Fantagio Entertainment’s Weki Meki. The girls debuted in 2017 but have essentially been inactive for the last two years. Now, instead of … Continue reading
When CSR made their debut in the summer of 2022, I hoped they might inherit GFriend’s “powerful innocence” concept, releasing upbeat, melodic showcases that defied many current girl group trends. That first mini album is still their best. But as comebacks have become more infrequent, their sound has also started to shift. New single Pretty … Continue reading
About a month ago, we got word of an Infinite comeback. It was vague, but that combination of words will always get my heart racing. As the weeks went on, it became clear that this release would be a “song for the fans” anniversary single and not a full, promoted title track. I can’t say … Continue reading
