Oh, AMPERS&ONE. You debuted with such a strong track, but since then it’s been dimished returns for every single comeback. The guys have quite a few great b-sides to their name (and their new album’s highlight medley suggests there will be more), but their title tracks have struggled to harness any hint of unique identity. … Continue reading
In a year already stuffed with competitive boy group debuts, it’s time for another new act. idntt (pronounced “Identity”) is the brainchild of Jaden Jeong, the man behind LOONA, tripleS and ARTMS. The group follows the same interactive system as tripleS, with twenty-four members split into sub-units based on fan input. The agency is also … Continue reading
In a year already stuffed with competitive boy group debuts, it’s time for another new act. idntt (pronounced “Identity”) is the brainchild of Jaden Jeong, the man behind LOONA, tripleS and ARTMS. The group follows the same interactive system as tripleS, with twenty-four members split into sub-units based on fan input. The agency is also … Continue reading
As if BoA wasn’t busy enough with her album released last week, she’s back with a new Japanese single as well. We have groundbreakers like BoA and Tohoshinki to thank for K-pop’s popularity in Japan, and it’s always nice to see them take another well-deserved victory lap. Good For U may not be a revelatory … Continue reading
I last wrote about Queenz Eye all the way back in 2023 and can’t remember anything about their music. Such is the fate of too many nugu groups, under-promoted and given infrequent comebacks to the point where everyone but their most dedicated fans forget they exist. With new track Feel The Vibe, they’re back to … Continue reading
In a move that no one asked for, SM Entertainment is back with the second single from their virtual idol nævis. The agency seems intent on throwing money at this strange project, and I assume that’s part of a bigger goal of establishing virtual artists as a norm within the industry. After all, virtual performers … Continue reading
Hyperpop has become a driving force in electronic music, and whenever a trend takes hold you know that K-pop is lurking right around the corner, ready to pounce on it. Yves has gone full bore into the genre with her new album, crafting the kind of quirky soundscapes the internet seems to love even as … Continue reading
Across their past few comebacks, EVNNE have carved out an upbeat pop/rock sound. This genre may not be unique among boy groups, but they pull it off well. However, it does make me wonder how fans of their debut era feel, as this is quite a change in style from club bangers like Trouble. New … Continue reading
TXT’s new (full) album weighs in at eight tracks and a paltry twenty-one minutes. This brevity isn’t unique to TXT and I don’t mean to call them out specifically, but it’s representative of choices the K-pop industry is currently making. So much effort seems to go into everything surrounding the music, even as the actual … Continue reading
TXT’s new (full) album weighs in at eight tracks and a paltry twenty-one minutes. This brevity isn’t unique to TXT and I don’t mean to call them out specifically, but it’s representative of choices the K-pop industry is currently making. So much effort seems to go into everything surrounding the music, even as the actual … Continue reading
Say My Name debuted last year as the first idol group on Kim Jaejoong’s agency iNKODE. That debut didn’t do anything for me, but their follow-up ShaLala showed promise. Now, it’s time for them to take on a summer concept with new single iLy, which ambitiously interpolates Frankie Valli’s iconic 1967 classic Can’t Take My … Continue reading
TXT’s new (full) album weighs in at eight tracks and a paltry twenty-one minutes. This brevity isn’t unique to TXT and I don’t mean to call them out specifically, but it’s representative of choices the K-pop industry is currently making. So much effort seems to go into everything surrounding the music, even as the actual … Continue reading
Ahead of his new album, iKON’s Jay (aka: Jinhwan) pre-released We Can’t Explain last week. That song didn’t do much for me, but title track Obey promised edgier sounds. Obey certainly has some ideas, but the way they’re executed isn’t very satisfying. The track starts promisingly enough, establishing a moody build toward an anticipated payoff. … Continue reading
ICHILLIN’ pre-released their song Glass Heart at the beginning of the month, but without a music video it never made its way onto this blog. Now, they’re back with that song’s attached mini album and title track XL (Extra Love). In the past, I’ve given credit to this group for bucking trends and offering sounds … Continue reading
TXT’s new (full) album weighs in at eight tracks and a paltry twenty-one minutes. This brevity isn’t unique to TXT and I don’t mean to call them out specifically, but it’s representative of choices the K-pop industry is currently making. So much effort seems to go into everything surrounding the music, even as the actual … Continue reading
Less than a month since the release of their new Korean album, Twice have already returned with the lead track of their upcoming Japanese album. They’re certainly busy, and Enemy represents a new sonic challenge for them. The group has long been known for their glossy pop sound but this track injects a grittier rock … Continue reading
Mandatory military enlistment can often be a big hurdle in a male idol’s career, but WOODZ has seen his popularity skyrocket during the time he was serving. I can’t remember such a huge enlistment-era glow-up happening before, and WOODZ seems eager to capitalize on the surge. Ahead of a new album, he’s released new song … Continue reading
Last week, EPEX teased their new album with pre-release Picasso — a track so confrontational and unpleasant that it seemed to put a curse on the entire industry. Seriously, every new song released in its wake has struggled to reach the high quality of July’s first half! Now, the group is grateful for our collective … Continue reading
As is often the case with J-pop singles, ENHYPEN’s Shine On Me has been available for a few weeks now, but today it’s finally paired with its half-animated, half-live action music video. As a straight-down-the-middle ballad, the song offers a different texture for the group. This style of lovelorn summer ballad rears its head every … Continue reading
iKON’s Jay made his solo debut back in 2023 with a smooth R&B sound that was high on style but low on the kind of addictive melodies that usually make my ears perk up. He’s set to release a new album next week, and prior to that he’s dropped pre-release track We Can’t Explain. This … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 