2022 delivered a host of newly-debuted girl groups, and this year seems poised to do the same for boy groups. One of 2023’s most anticipated debuts is BOYNEXTDOOR — the first idol act under Zico’s KOZ Entertainment, with the backing of K-pop overlords HYBE. Their upcoming single album promises three promoted tracks, and today we … Continue reading
Last week, I called Avu-chan’s Year 0, Class 0 the best audition show I’d ever seen. That feeling has only intensified with time. And, it’s bolstered my interest in Ryugujo — the group formed through the series. They’re a self-proclaimed “alternative” act, which essentially means their music has a unique perspective and sound. Both songs … Continue reading
I was pleased to see VERIVERY find such big success with a bright, upbeat pop track last year. Not every boy group has to posture and pose like a villain to sell albums, and Tap Tap felt like the start of a new era for the guys. Crazy Like That takes a slight sidestep, delivering … Continue reading
I’ve been a bit confused by Travis Japan’s rollout so far, but that’s coming from a longtime Johnny’s fan who’s used to physical singles and albums. Digital music is the norm most markets, but this approach means the group only has two released songs to their name — even though they debuted all the way … Continue reading
When you think about it, HYBE’s embrace of the ever-growing AI market feels inevitable. I expect this to be a huge facet of K-pop as time goes on. Before writing about MIDNATT, let me tell you how I’ve been using AI over the past seven months. Last November, I discovered the Whisper AI model, which … Continue reading
I’ve been jokingly referring to newly-debuted group The Wind as “BFriend,” and I have a feeling that moniker is going to stick. So far, their music is a note-perfect re-creation of GFriend’s debut year. This alone scores them massive points from me. How refreshing to hear a new boy group do something totally different from … Continue reading
Thus far, there’s been a big disconnect between how much I like INI as a group and how much I enjoy the music they’re given. My favorite songs tend to be one-off projects or b-sides, while most of their singles have landed with a thud. But, the universe has finally aligned with Fanfare. It’s not … Continue reading
I’m not sure Chemistry needs to be covered here since it’s not technically K-pop. But, the song is making the rounds on K-pop communities and THE7’s debut Get Loose was pretty fun. Chemistry continues the group’s buoyant pop sound, delivering good (if generic) vibes. More than anything, Chemistry reminds me of a song you’d hear … Continue reading
You could say I’ve been hard on (G)I-DLE’s music so far, but everyone has their musical pet peeves and too many of their songs simply push the wrong buttons for me. However, I’m always ready to approach new music with an open mind, and pre-releases offer a great chance for acts to play a little … Continue reading
IVE’s music has reminded me just how important a good A&R team is. The ability to consistently choose great songs with a clear vision can’t be understated. But often when a K-pop act pursues the Japanese market, their material is determined by outside forces. There are many groups with lopsided discographies Korean/Japanese discographies (looking at … Continue reading
ONEUS’s pre-release Unforgettable has been a stealth attack on my playlist. It’s not one of their showier tracks, but its melodic through-line gives it high replay value. This is worth noting when writing about new title track Erase Me. The song has many strengths, but a through-line is not one of them. I don’t mean … Continue reading
The spring of 2023 will be characterized by a quartet of top-tier girl group releases. The results have been mixed so far, with IVE’s I Am throwing down the gauntlet in rousing fashion but LE SSERAFIM’s Unforgiven missing the mark. Now, aespa sweep us into the final stretch before (G)I-DLE bring things to a close … Continue reading
+(KR)ystal Eyes is not some weirdly-structured math formula… it’s the second sub-unit from sprawling girl group tripleS! Their debut album (and delayed mv) were quietly released this week, heralded by the stylish Cherry Talk. The TripleS rollout is giving me strong LOONA vibes, not only from its multiple sub-units but from the nature of the … Continue reading
SM’s Station releases are often forgettable little trifles, but at their best they offer the chance for the agency’s artists to stretch their wings and record a song that wouldn’t fit on a typical idol album. Hybrid is a meeting of two giant voices. TVXQ’s Changmin is known for his powerful high notes, while Guckkasten’s … Continue reading
Days after hitting us with pre-release Tantara, iKON have delivered their first album under new management. And if title track U is any indication, the group is in a very happy place. This is their most upbeat single yet, offering their take on the popular disco-party sound. Given the song’s co-write from member Bobby, I … Continue reading
It’s been a tricky few years for us Kisumai fans, as new music trickles out in frustrating fits and starts. We became too spoiled with a full album and multiple singles each year, but the agency’s support of their music seems to have lessened as newer groups emerge. I suppose this is natural for any … 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. When listening to LE SSERAFIM’s new … Continue reading
Bang Yongguk has proven himself a strong solo artist and excellent producer for other acts. His music is more varied than I would have expected, blending rap, pop and rock into a mix that’s all his own. New single Ride Or Die harnesses elements of the popular synthwave trend and twists them to Yongguk’s own … Continue reading
Ahead of their album release next week, aespa have returned with the evocative Welcome to MY World (yes, the capitalization of “MY” is intentional!). Rather than hitting us over the head with intense hyperpop sounds, the track offers a more languid energy. Welcome to MY World builds gradually, moving from downbeat, rock-influenced trap-pop to symphonic … 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. Most of Taeyang’s new album feels … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 