So far, ATEEZ’s work has been divided into series. Their debut-era Treasure series remains unrivaled in scope and quality. Follow-up Zero felt less narratively (and musically) cohesive, though it had its standouts. But, that’s all in the past. We find ourselves at the start of a new chapter with The World Ep.1. For years now, … Continue reading
In their relatively short existence as a group, TO1 has been through the ringer. First debuting as TOO in 2020, they changed companies a year later and were rebranded with their current name. Then, a handful of members left the group and three new guys joined. Whatever the line-up, let’s pour one out for the … Continue reading
I’m digging this sudden surge of second-gen artists making long-awaiting solo comebacks. In Nicole’s case, the situation is even more exciting because it may precede an actual Kara reunion. Though Kara were enormous during their heyday, their legacy isn’t as familiar to this newer generation of K-pop fans. In addition to her group’s epic discography, … Continue reading
I felt a little conflicted when OnlyOneOf’s series of solo singles ‘Underground Idol‘ was first announced. I mean, I’d rather have some full-group comebacks. But so far, the project is shaping up nicely. We have a narrative through-line, engaging music and the kind of sonic world-building the group has always excelled at. Just one month … Continue reading
Back in June, Omega X shifted their sound toward brighter pop for the summer season. Play Dumb didn’t quite get there for me, but I appreciated the move away from the shouty style of their earlier work. It turns out we needed a trip to Japan to see this potential realized in a more satisfying … 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. ITZY’s Sneakers is the specific kind … Continue reading
The K-pop industry must finally be moving at rate so fast that I can’t keep up. I hadn’t even heard of NewJeans until today. This is even more surprising when you realize they’re debuting under a subsidiary of HYBE, our new overlords of K-pop. Between partnerships and audition shows and subsidiaries, the HYBE empire threatens … Continue reading
It’s a testament to how busy K-pop has been over the past few weeks that I’m just now getting around to writing about the new Kis-My-Ft2 single. After all, they’re my favorite J-pop idol group. Earlier in the year, I spent weeks covering every one of their singles on this blog. And just recently, they … Continue reading
HYBE has a reputation for filming follow-up music videos for its acts. They rarely pick the songs I would, but that’s pretty much true for every K-pop agency. When it comes to ENHYPEN’s newest album, I’ve already put my weight behind the anthemic rock of Shout Out. But if I were to pick another song, … Continue reading
P1Harmony have been spending a lot of time in America this year. As an American myself, I can only apologize for the state of things. Idol groups often make this trek across continents in search of a perceived “authenticity” the idol industry can’t always supply. For an act with such strong hip-hop influence, it makes … 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 have a strong bias toward … 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 know some of you have … 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 want to jinx it, … 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 first half of Chungha’s Bare … Continue reading
It’s been quite a week for Twice’s fandom. A full group contract renewal, news of an upcoming Korean comeback and now a new Japanese single! Twice has long spoiled their fans, releasing song after song after song, but this latest blitz feels especially concentrated. The aptly-titled Celebrate precedes their fourth Japanese album and continues the … Continue reading
Hailing from Mystic Story has its advantages. You have agency founder Yoon Jongshin at your disposal, a celebrating songwriter whose work is foundational to popular Korean music. His songs may not be particularly trendy, but his name recognition alone draws attention. Billlie’s project album Track by Yoon puts that name front and center, as single … Continue reading
It’s so fun when an unexpected or unknown K-pop group surprises you in a good way. Prior to googling their name (which immediately brings up Upper Iowa University), I couldn’t tell you anything about UiU besides the fact that the stylization of their name looks cute (or naughty, depending on how you look at it). … Continue reading
After nearly eight months away, Chungha has returned just in time for summer. Many of her most notable singles have been tied to this season, and Sparkling is bound to join their ranks. Like so many of her peers, she’s opted for a series of retro influences, tying them to more familiar K-pop tropes. This … 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. H1-KEY’s newest single album has been … 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. We have our first summer album … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 