Back in 2019, ITZY’s debut ushered in a wave of confident, attitude-forward girl group tracks. They’ve since shifted their style in a number of ways, which was evident on the couldn’t-be-more-different-from-each-other Gold and Imaginary Friend last year. It feels like they’ve only struck the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the genres they … Continue reading
HYBE has made an aggressive push into the Japanese market over the past few years, both debuting their own J-pop groups and deploying their Korean acts with original material. The latest to join this push is LE SSERAFIM, who previously released Japanese-language versions of their Korean hits. Different marks their first original J-pop track and … Continue reading
It’s been a very slow week in K-pop, so a surprise pre-release from ILLIT saves me from digging in the archives and writing about something old today. Their comeback is slated for later this month with title track Do The Dance, but prior to that they’ve debuted the “brand film” for album opener Little Monster. … 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. TWS’s first Japanese single Hajimemashite (Nice … Continue reading
If you would have asked me a few years ago what I thought about HYBE Corporation, I would’ve had a few choice words to share with you. But somehow, many of my favorite new K-pop acts have now emerged from HYBE. And given &TEAM’s excellent musical track record, I was eager to see what the … Continue reading
Though I had waited years for KickFlip’s debut, the resulting music left me mostly cold. It’s clear that JYP Entertainment wants to give them a youthful, rebellious concept, but the songs felt like they could have been delivered by any other boy group of this generation and the hooks often grated when I wanted them … Continue reading
Red Velvet’s Irene and Seulgi made their unit debut all the way back in 2020, spawning two singles backed by high gloss fashion and plenty of charisma. Five years later, they’ve returned with a new mini album and the club-ready title track Tilt. Along with Seventeen’s Thunder, today seems to be the day for dance … Continue reading
SHINee have spent the last week celebrating their anniversary with the streaming of multiple concerts. This all builds up to a new single, written by (and featuring vocals from) their late member Jonghyun. Though Poet | Artist won’t be promoted beyond a music video, it still feels more notable than a typical fan song. After … 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. I don’t often enjoy i-dle’s title … Continue reading
RIIZE’s new album has a very strong visual element, with music videos or shortened “track videos” for each song. Because of this (and because the album is so strong), I’ll be working through the entire track list over the next few days. Make sure to check back often! 1. Odyssey // 2. Bag Bad Back … Continue reading
RIIZE’s new album has a very strong visual element, with music videos or shortened “track videos” for each song. Because of this (and because the album is so strong), I’ll be working through the entire track list over the next few days. Make sure to check back often! 1. Odyssey // 2. Bag Bad Back … Continue reading
RIIZE’s new album has a very strong visual element, with music videos or shortened “track videos” for each song. Because of this (and because the album is so strong), I’ll be working through the entire track list over the next few days. Make sure to check back often! 1. Odyssey // 2. Bag Bad Back … Continue reading
RIIZE’s new album has a very strong visual element, with music videos or shortened “track videos” for each song. Because of this (and because the album is so strong), I’ll be working through the entire track list over the next few days. Make sure to check back often! 1. Odyssey // 2. Bag Bad Back … Continue reading
RIIZE’s new album has a very strong visual element, with music videos or shortened “track videos” for each song. Because of this (and because the album is so strong), I’ll be working through the entire track list over the next few days. Make sure to check back often! 1. Odyssey // 2. Bag Bad Back … Continue reading
Following their pre-release Girlfriend earlier this month, (G)I-DLE is back with their first new title track after rebranding themselves as “i-dle.” This reinvention doesn’t seem to herald a shift in sound, though each comeback tends to shift things around since they’re known for experimenting with various genres. Teasers for Good Thing seemed to promise a … Continue reading
RIIZE premiered their first full album in a slightly novel way, unveiling a forty-two minute long mini-movie incorporating each of the ten tracks. This followed pre-release Bag Bad Back, a song that has grown on me immensely. But more importantly, it means that I’ve been able to soak in title track Fly Up for a … Continue reading
Victon’s Lim Sejun kicks off his solo career under a new agency. He’s one of a handful of artists to sign to Hello Gloom and from20’s Way Better, turning the once-fledgling company into a boutique agency. His first single Summer takes advantage of these new connections, co-written/produced by both Hello Gloom and from20. In K-pop’s … Continue reading
Lisa’s Alter Ego album has utilized a Western pop promotional roll-out, spawning new singles/music videos long after its release. Next Up is When I’m With You, a duet with South African singer Tyla. This feels like a natural pairing: two extremely charismatic artists “maximizing their joint slay,” as they say. Such a big collaboration deserves … Continue reading
NCT’s Yuta made his solo debut last year with a pummeling J-rock sound. Of all the group’s members, his solo work has felt the most leftfield so far and that’s a great thing. It’s clear he’s passionate about this style, which should always be the number one element fueling solo work. This passion continues with … Continue reading
BOYNEXTDOOR scored their biggest hit yet with the streaming giant If I Say, I Love You released back in January. They’re on their way to becoming reliable digital chart-toppers in the way few boy groups accomplish, and they haven’t wasted time returning with new music. If I Say, I Love You is included on their … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 