Stray Kids fans know that the group’s promotion doesn’t end with a single title track. In almost all cases, the group has released a follow-up music video (or more!) for album b-sides. This has quickly established a vast singles run (if you want to count these extra releases as official “singles”). Either way, it’s a … Continue reading
Lee Hi rose to fame as a contestant on the very first K-variety show I ever watched: K-pop Star. I still remember the excitement of her debut, marking the arrival of a new voice in the industry. 1,2,3,4 and – much later – Breathe, were the kind of crossover hits that stay lodged in the … Continue reading
Fresh off the heels of a collaboration with NCT’s Doyoung and Haechan, Ryan Jhun has delivered the second installment of his new Maxis series. I love when notable producers tackle this concept – finding channels for their own work rather than submitting songs to an agency. I’m not sure how long this project is slated … Continue reading
Nearly all of MCND’s title tracks follow the same path for me. For the first few days, I’m largely unimpressed and craving choruses that are more melodic and less shouty. Then, I watch the live stages and the guys’ energy brings the song to life. As the weeks wear on, those shouty hooks become total … Continue reading
In an unexpected move, veteran group BTOB joined Mnet’s Kingdom competition. While most of their junior competitors opted for the hard-hitting, performance-focused style that’s come to characterize this generation of K-pop, BTOB got by on old-school appeal. Vocals were always put front and center, and their stages often felt like old-fashioned theater pieces. The guys … Continue reading
K-pop acts should never publicize comeback plans too far in advance. Schedules are fraught with uncertainty, especially when it comes to big agencies like SM Entertainment. Key’s new solo album was initially promised for July, but has now been pushed back to the end of September. To satiate eager fans, he’s pre-released Hate That — … Continue reading
GOT7’s Jay B offered the first peek at his solo work with May’s Switch It Up. Like many of his fellow group members, he’s opted from a subdued r&b style with heavy trap influences. It’s an ultra-trendy sound, and not one I usually flock toward. But, I thought Switch It Up was very successful, bringing … Continue reading
In a year without many excellent debuts, Mirae’s Killa easily stands at the top of the pack. The guys emerged with a fully-realized futuristic sound that complimented their group name and showcased their skills. They did exactly what a good rookie is supposed to: invite listeners into their world and make a convincing claim as … Continue reading
Rather than a series of comebacks, CL’s solo career has felt like a constant re-debut, trying to get things off the ground after too many unfortunate setbacks. It’s hard to believe her first solo release dropped more than eight years ago. Since then, we’ve seen the disbandment of 2NE1 and an ill-fated attempt to break … Continue reading
Several months after IZ*ONE’s disbandment, we’re beginning to see the re-debut of its members. Some will form new groups or join projects already in progress. Others – like Woollim Entertainment’s Kwon Eunbi – will debut as soloists. It’s always interesting to see which members pursue which careers, and which end up being successful. IOI, Wanna … Continue reading
T1419 are one of several rookies who have yet to win me over. I’m easily convinced if given a fantastic song or engaging performance, but both Asurabalbalta and Exit felt undercooked. The former hinged upon a noisy soundscape that failed to distinguish T1419 from the boy group pack, while the latter brought greater hip-hop focus … Continue reading
Fresh off their Kingdom victory, Stray Kids have returned with their second full-length album. Not many K-pop groups release two full albums back-to-back, but I’m sure Stray Kids’ self-producing status leaves them with plenty of material to choose from. Although last year’s God’s Menu was a fun, memorable title track, its parent album was stuffed … Continue reading
CRAVITY have had a very successful debut year, but I’ve yet to connect with any of their title tracks. Some of their b-sides and follow-up promotions have shown more promise, but the group’s sound seems stuck in this noisy, shouty style that takes promising concepts and upends them with ill-fitting breakdowns. This was especially apparent … Continue reading
Military enlistment has always been part of K-pop’s boy group narrative, but in past generations these enlistments often occurred after a group had already reached their commercial peak (or ended their contract). This newer generation tends to have a slower, steadier rise in fan base, meaning that some members enlist just as their group is … Continue reading
CIX’s debut-era sound wasn’t for me, but they captured my attention with the bright, melodic Cinema. With the release of their first full album, the group continues to move toward a lighter style, even donning the age-old K-pop sailor suits for promo shots. While clichés like that don’t usually bode well, I appreciate the group’s … Continue reading
Nearly a year after covering Turbo’s 90’s hit Black Cat Nero, ATEEZ have teamed with the group’s frontman, Kim Jong Kook, for an old-school summer song. This project includes an online variety series and a fun, fan service music video. It also marks the return of ATEEZ member Mingi, who has been absent from the … Continue reading
With Queendom, Red Velvet have come off the longest hiatus of their career. It’s been over a year and a half since 2019’s Psycho. And while the girls have kept busy with solo projects, the unique Red Velvet sound has been missed. Momentous comebacks call for momentous songs, and Queendom’s dramatic title seems to promise … Continue reading
BZ-Boys debuted over two years ago as part of Chrome Entertainment (former home of Crayon Pop). Chrome has struggled to get any of its groups off the ground since Bar Bar Bar’s surprising success in 2013, and BZ-Boys haven’t made many waves yet. In fact, I had to search back to see if I’d ever … Continue reading
K-pop supergroups aren’t common, but the idea is very fun. GH Entertainment seems to agree, as they’ve taken their two idol groups (B.I.G and 3YE) and merged them into 777 – a co-ed project group. Today, they’ve made their debut with digital single Presente, which takes obvious influence from another notable co-ed act. What is … Continue reading
A full summertime Sistar reunion is on my shortlist of “things I’d most like to see in K-pop.” So when it was announced that members Hyolyn and Dasom would pair for a summer track (produced by Duble Sidekick!), I tried to keep my expectations in check. We certainly couldn’t expect something as fantastic as Loving … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 