In this day and age, I’m always impressed if I can get through a K-pop title track without a single trendy synth flourish. The tropical squiggles of yesteryear have warped into moodier, filtered electronics that instantly signal generic 2019-era tropes. Even some of my favorite singles of the last year aren’t completely immune to this … Continue reading
In an overcrowded market of idol dance groups, soloist Jeong Sewoon has found a niche with his acoustic-meets-pop sound. After a double-header of uptempo singles, last summer’s nuanced 20 Something was an oddly restrained transition. But with new single Feeling, Sewoon returns to the groovy, guitar-driven style that first gained him post-Produce 101 attention. Just … Continue reading
When it comes to girl group DIA, each comeback feels like a minor miracle. I’m not sure they’ve ever released new material that hasn’t suffered some sort of delay or change. Though it’s not their fault, the group’s atrocious management has made it difficult for them to gain a stranglehold on K-pop’s notoriously fickle market. … Continue reading
You’ve got to feel sorry for Lee Gikwang. What an absolutely terrible time for him to make a comeback. Korea is reeling from a host of scandals that have already taken down fellow Highlight member Junhyung. I can’t imagine many of his fans are in a celebratory (or even supportive) mood. And as his last … Continue reading
In a year that’s seen K-pop’s new guard begin to supplant its old guard, what could be more welcome than the long-awaited return of ex-2NE1 member Park Bom? And better yet… she’s not alone! Spring (봄) features fellow 2NE1er Sandara Park, reuniting the two after what seems like an endless wait. But… the excitement doesn’t … Continue reading
DreamNote’s self-referencing debut won quite a few fans, but I found its performance too over-caffeinated for its own good. This hyper-excited style seems to be part of the groups’ overall concept, so I can’t really fault them for adhering to it. New single Hakuna Matata (하쿠나 마타타) is not a cover of the Lion King … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. When looking at an album, one of the first things I … Continue reading
