SHINee released one of the best albums (and songs!) of the year back in June and seemed to snatch all of K-pop’s momentum going into an underwhelming summer of releases. Now, Minho is back with his own track and album, playing to his strengths on the catchy Make It Hot. As teasers for this song … Continue reading
When Evan first left ENHYPEN to go solo, I was quite skeptical. Apparently, he had music he just had to get out as a soloist, but his initial releases felt rather perfunctory and similar to something his former band could have recorded. However, it’s always best to keep an open mind and he’s rewarded us … Continue reading
It’s so funny when you watch a music video from an act you know has a shoestring budget and it’s this big, cinematic spectacle (ie: obviously AI). I’m not sure who they think they’re fooling, but I’d much rather see a small budget piece with an engaging and creative concept than pure slop. Music video … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with Infinite’s A-Z reviews here! I Still Remember (from I Still Remember – 2026) As one of The Bias List‘s “A-Z” artists, Infinite automatically have every new song reviewed — even if it’s not part of an album or strong enough to be considered a “buried treasure.” To … 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. Sometimes you just have to give … 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’m gonna be so pissed if … Continue reading
I’ve joked before that TNX only give us one single per year, but they’ve broken that streak in 2026. Their last comeback was all the way back in January, but they’ve returned with digital single Die Another Day. The song sees them tackling a new sound and image that blends their rock influences with a … Continue reading
I’ve got a bone to pick with whoever schedules summer releases. I know summer technically extends most of the way through September, but why on earth wouldn’t you drop a song called “Sunburst” at the beginning of the season when listeners can get the most out of it? To be fair, Sunburst has been available … Continue reading
Tempest’s Hanbin gained attention as a Vietnamese member of a K-pop group, instantly guaranteeing a level of fame in his homeland. This has become more common in recent years, with acts like AHOF stuffed to the brim with foreign members, each able to bring some level of notoriety back to their own countries. The frequency … Continue reading
I love when a group surprises me, and last year NEXZ made it onto my personal bias list with the brilliant Beat-Boxer. This year, their even-better Mmchk solidified that status and had me looking forward to anything the guys released next. New single Saucin’ was premiered last week at KCON LA and draws heavy inspiration … Continue reading
Since their post-Boys II Planet debut, ALPHA DRIVE ONE have sold a ton of records and been promoted everywhere MNET can manage. So, why don’t I feel the same surge of interest I usually get from this franchise? For one, the music hasn’t been great (or even good, most of the time). But more than … Continue reading
Kim Jaejoong has been more active as an agency head than a performer this year, debuting two new boy groups under his iNKODE Entertainment. But every once and awhile, it’s important to return to the spotlight and remind everyone what a great singer he is. His bravura performance is on full display on the anthemic … Continue reading
When in doubt as a nugu group, it’s never a bad idea to release a song K-pop fans already know. AtHeart’s 3!4! is a cover of the 1996 hit by co-ed group Roo’ra. Come to think of it, AtHeart’s (presumably young) fan base may not have heard this song at all, giving them a chance … Continue reading
Thus far, MJ’s solo career has verged on trot music without fully pushing over the line. On new single 1~10 (Ghosting) (1분 전 (9에서 멈췄어)) he takes a more straightforward approach, delivering a burst of upbeat, rock-tinged pop. It’s a great match for his voice and personality, even if the song feels a bit generic. … Continue reading
If you would have told me I’d be salivating over the prospect of a new Odd Youth comeback, I would have looked at you like you were crazy, but this one comes with a major caveat. Can’t Go Back is the first new Sweetune-produced work in ages and follows an interview in which the production … Continue reading
Red Velvet’s Surfin’ Boy seemed to polarize opinion, but in a strange twist of fate we’ve got a song that actually sounds more like a classic Red Velvet “velvet” track in the form of Jun. K’s new single featuring Wendy. This digital single doesn’t reinvent any wheels, but its smooth, groovy R&B sound is very … Continue reading
I write this review en route from KCON LA, where TXT headlined day three of the festival (more on that later). In a fun twist of fate, it was also the day their most recent Japanese single was released. Setsuna Hanabi (セツナハナビ) follows a very strong Japanese album last year and largely carries the pace … 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. Sometimes it amazes me which song … Continue reading
I haven’t written a review for a Jeung Eunji song in six years, which is kind of crazy when you think about all that’s happened since then. She hasn’t released much music in the 2020s, but the summer theme of her new mini album caught my eye. I’m hanging on to the last remnants of … Continue reading
ARTMS pre-released their track Born Stunner a couple weeks ago and it would be an understatement to say I disliked that song. Every once and awhile, some poor release bears not only the brunt of its own shortcomings but the brunt of being the latest in a long line of similar songs with similar shortcomings. … Continue reading
