ITZY have re-recorded many of their singles in English, but Boys Like You marks their first full foray into the Western market. We’re getting more and more of these English-language tracks from K-pop groups, and the most successful ones tend to be those that hew closest to the artist’s signature sound and strengths. I hate … Continue reading
WEi’s music has gone through several iterations since their 2020 debut. Now, it seems they’ve entered a stage where their agency has given up on crafting a unique identity. The group has always struggled in this regard. Despite a stacked line-up of talent and pre-debut notoriety, none of their title tracks feel unique to them. … Continue reading
Military enlistment is looming for some members of N.Flying, making this comeback their final group promotions before hiatus. It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from the guys, and even longer since I’ve connected with one of their singles. Waaaay back in 2017 and 2018 I was firmly aboard the N.Flying train. Hweseung had just been … Continue reading
Back in August, Wonho warned us not to hesitate. Now, we’re being told not to regret. Honestly, I’m into these self-help guidelines as long as the music is good. And so far, Wonho’s singles run has been super consistent. Highlights like Open Mind, Lose and Crazy cast him as a reliable purveyor of polished dance … Continue reading
UP10TION have always been an unclassifiable group for me. I tend to either love their title tracks in a top-ten-of-the-year kind of way or feel absolutely nothing. This uncertainty has led me to keep them at a distance despite musical triumphs like Tonight, Going Crazy and Spin Off. This on-again-off-again relationship seems to be stuck … Continue reading
After so many years, it feels weird to be writing about the solo debut of a Nu’est member. Their albums often featured solos (many of them highlights), but watching the guys embark on their own careers makes Nu’est’s disbandment really sink in. As the group’s career matured, Baekho became a driving force behind song composition. … Continue reading
The release of a best-of compilation is incredibly rare for K-pop, and often suggests a group is reaching the end of active promotions. When Mamamoo’s I Say Mamamoo: The Best emerged just over a year ago, I wondered if their brand had any more tank in the gas or if the ladies would simply focus … Continue reading
The Rose have made a grand return with their first full-length album. It’s a hard-won comeback, arriving on the heels of a legal battle with their former agency. And while I may not have been particularly hyped about it in the beginning, pre-release Childhood caught my ear a few weeks ago. I still think it’s … Continue reading
Stray Kids have become one of a handful of groups defining the sound of K-pop’s fourth generation. Early on, I was a huge fan of their rap-meets-rock sound and its ensuing foray into EDM and trance. Since 2020, my interest in their music has become more hit and miss. The spark of creativity remains, but … Continue reading
2022 has seen an increasing trend of male idol groups releasing fan-servicey material while some (or all) members serve in the military. ONF and DAY6’s Even Of Day are prominent examples within the past two months. Calling your enlistment track “Still Here” is more than a little on the nose, but it’s reassuring to hear … Continue reading
AB6IX have had a rough go of it, initially emerging as a heavily-hyped, post-Wanna One group who seemed destined for instant a-list stardom. Since then, their musical output and chart positions have varied, without a signature sound taking hold. Member Daehwi has found great success as a producer, most recently competing in KBS’s Listen Up … Continue reading
2022 is the year of long-dormant girl groups making their return. We had Girls’ Generation in August and we’re looking forward to a loooong awaited comeback from Kara in November. This month, it’s EXID’s turn. They’re celebrating their tenth anniversary with a special single album, and they’ve brought longtime producer Shinsadong Tiger along for the … Continue reading
When K-pop’s title tracks are at their most polarizing, a common plea from fans is: “check out the b-sides! I swear they’re better than the title!” I’m guilty of this rallying cry, and I’m a firm believer that you need to listen to entire albums to get a realistic picture of an artist’s work. Unfortunately, … Continue reading
Limelight’s Starlight is one of those weird “pre-debuts” the K-pop industry occasionally churns out. It’s part of an actual mini album, which makes it feel more like a proper debut to me. But, what do I know? With members hailing from Girls Planet 999 and My Teenage Girl, the group has some built-in fans already. … Continue reading
With K-pop, it’s gotten to the point where I can almost predict how I’ll feel about a song from its title alone. The exclamation “Gratata” sends shivers down my spine, conjuring images of lame finger-gun dance moves and clanging beat drops that hit with all the nuance of a toilet tumbling down a staircase. This … Continue reading
I wonder if an intern at JYP Entertainment has been reading my reviews and predicting their content before releasing new music. Naming a new banger-clanger ITZY track “Blah Blah Blah” is just giving me too much to work with! Look, this is an ITZY song through and through. It’s fair to say I’ve made my … Continue reading
Most of the recent news surrounding LOONA has been about its poor members falling ill or becoming injured on their world tour. At this point, the tour feels more like a survival game than a series of concerts! I hope the girls get the rest they deserve and have been able to enjoy their travels … Continue reading
My initial thoughts on BLACKPINK’s Pink Venom included words like “predictable,” “catchphrasey” and “severely underwhelming.” Those thoughts still stand, but I can’t deny how catchy that big, dumb hook has become. Pink Venom isn’t particularly “good,” but its ridiculousness is fun in an awkward way. And as a pre-release, expectations must be set accordingly. BLACKPINK … Continue reading
It’s been almost a year since we heard from Weki Meki, but before we get a full group comeback we have the solo debut of member Choi Yoojung. Yoojung has long been one of the group’s most well-known members, beginning her career in IOI before moving on to become the “face” of Weki Meki. She … Continue reading
One the biggest feathers in SM Entertainment’s cap has been their ability to retain veteran artists on their roster. Kangta debuted all the way back in the mid-90’s as part of legendary idol group H.O.T. Like most pop acts in their fourth (!) decade of performing, Kangta’s output has become more sporadic. But, he’s back … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 