J-pop promotion schedules can be a bit weird, especially when compared to K-pop’s tightly-wound logistics. &TEAM’s new single doesn’t officially come out until next week (at which point the full music video will be unveiled), but they’ve pre-released it alongside a performance video today. Since the full audio is out, this seems as good a … Continue reading
It’s getting more difficult to decide which songs to write a review for on this blog. NiziU’s b-side What If (만약이라는 건 없어) is promoted by a “track video” today, which is basically a different term for a (somewhat budget) music video. I’m not sure whether the group will be performing this on music shows … Continue reading
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. This has been an extremely mediocre … Continue reading
As a longtime fan, it’s been thrilling watching from20 and Hello Gloom’s Way Better transform from idea to boutique agency, swiftly collecting new artists like Pokémon. Their roster now holds five individual acts and today we have a new single from the one who started it all: from20. From20’s music has been remarkably consistent so … Continue reading
Beyond a return to fantastic songs, the number one aspect I’ve been missing in current girl groups is energy. STAYC’s Bebe managed to overcome a spoken-word chorus through sheer, explosive verve, proving that a blazing dance beat can make up for so-so melodies. The same can be said about Kep1er’s new Japanese single Yum. Even … Continue reading
Bigbang’s Daseung has been plugging away at his solo career during the past few years, but his most notable turn came as a guest artist on G-Dragon’s chart-topping Home Sweet Home. The thirst for a Bigbang comeback is real, even if it means seeing the group as a trio. While we wait for that possibility, … Continue reading
Close Your Eyes is a new boy group formed through the audition series Project 7, which came to my attention because of contestant Shin Jaewon who had previously debuted with The Wind. Jaewon didn’t end up becoming part of the group, meaning I’m not familiar with any of the actual members. Unlike most survival show … Continue reading
Last spring, Mamamoo’s Solar dipped her feet into a more upbeat dance sound with the club-ready Colors. In general, the Mamamoo members have done a nice job experimenting with their solo material. And when you’ve got vocals as strong as they do, you can get away with interpreting just about any genre. This sense of … Continue reading
Most of the acts who participated on last year’s Road to Kingdom: Ace of Ace made quick comebacks soon after the series concluded. However, Tempest took their time, finally emerging with new music nearly five months later. Unfreeze arrives about a year since 2024’s Lighthouse and is their first Korean comeback after becoming a sextet. … Continue reading
New girl group izna made their debut last November with a song that never seemed to capture the public’s attention in the way I’d expect from their pre-debut hype. Given this, I’m surprised they took so long to promote more music, but now they’re back with digital single Sign. This song reunites them with famed … Continue reading
When LE SSERAFIM’s album was released earlier this month, the b-side that seemed to capture most attention was Ash. I think that song’s just fine, but feels more indebted to its mood and soundscape than the type of melodic pop I tend to prefer. Instead, my ears were drawn to the off-kilter throwback Come Over. … Continue reading
Over the years, I’ve been impressed with Just B’s willingness to experiment with their sound. To me, it seems that they’ve refashioned their underdog status into an advantage and excuse to try new things. Last year’s pop/punk anthem Daddy’s Girl was a career high, and now they’ve switched things up again with the electro hyperpop … Continue reading
It can be difficult to keep all of K-pop’s three-letter-acronym-named boy groups straight, especially when that moniker changes midway through an act’s career. TNX were briefly known as “The New Six,” but have seemed to revert back to the acronym for this new promotion. We last heard from them about a year ago when they … Continue reading
To K-pop fans, J-pop’s extended promotional schedule might seem crazy. The audio of CRAVITY’s new single Jelly Bean was released all the way back in mid-February, but the physical single and music video weren’t available until today. This gives J-pop acts a nice window to promote up until their release date rather than save all … Continue reading
As someone who doesn’t keep up with Xdinary Heroes’ schedules, it seems like the band are making comebacks with incredible regularity. That may be more of a sense than a fact, but they’ve quickly developed a hearty catalog of music that sees them exploring various aspects of the rock genre. New single Beautiful Life embraces … Continue reading
Ten is one of those performers with absolutely seismic potential who just can’t seem to find material as strong as his own presence. Though I’ve enjoyed many solo Ten songs, I’ve never loved one. Stunner‘s very title seems to promise a turnaround, aiming to fully capture our attention. It succeeds in fits and starts. Over … Continue reading
Stray Kids’ new mixtape may not be led by any official title track, but its four unit tracks will be promoted with music videos. First up is Changbin and I.N’s Burnin’ Tires, a rock-rap hybrid that borrows elements from the group’s early days while upping the intensity. Being a pre-debut fan, I have a soft … Continue reading
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. The Boyz’ dynamic title track VVV … Continue reading
It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from Fantasy Boys, but they made their mark on 2024 with a very fun summery EP promoted with an excellent title track. Nearly a year later, they’re back with a very different sound. Undeniable is darker and groovier, but as with many boy group songs of this nature its … Continue reading
Rookie rock group Dragon Pony’s Pop Up impressed me last year, so much that they nearly climbed the top of my 2024 rookies list. Powerful vocals paired with strong songwriting will always appeal to me no matter the genre. Pop Up also managed to house a hook so anthemically pleasing that it became undeniable. Follow … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 