Up to this point, music released through the Universe app has felt extraneous to an artist’s discography, making its restricted music videos less frustrating. Still, I’m surprised by just how much content this platform is churning out. Whoever’s funding this launch seems to have an unlimited budget, releasing glossy videos almost every week. The latest … Continue reading
After Kim Woojin’s abrupt departure from Stray Kids in late 2019, the rumor mill went into action and he became the number one enemy of many an ardent fan. Honestly, I couldn’t care less about the tabloid side of K-pop. If the guy did something wrong (as alleged on twitter), I hope justice will be … Continue reading
A K-pop group’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. K-pop’s concept-driven promotion can be a … Continue reading
Fresh off their participation in MNET’s Kingdom, SF9 are the first group to make their post-show comeback. Though they didn’t win the competition, the guys showcased their versatility as performers. I was a big fan of their Move stage, and hoped their future music would embrace that fashionable, forward-thinking concept. New single Tear Drop flirts … Continue reading
In perhaps the most unsurprising K-pop news of 2021, (G)I-DLE’s Jeon Soyeon has released her first solo album. I mean, she technically debuted as a soloist in 2017 before re-debuting as (G)I-DLE’s leader — a group practically built around her popularity. She’s one of the most prominent voices in K-pop today, with the ability to … Continue reading
A K-pop group’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 wasn’t able to find a … Continue reading
A K-pop group’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. Just B’s Damage does a lot … Continue reading
A K-pop group’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. Tucked away on the end of … Continue reading
A K-pop group’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. LOONA’s true musical merit can most … Continue reading
I don’t think I’ve written about N.O.M before, though I’ve made sure to check out all their releases. My overall impression is that this group could do with a bigger budget and songs that come across as less gimmicky. I think they could craft some really cool stuff within the niche they’re carving out for … Continue reading
The Universe platform continues to blast youtube with half-videos, saving its full pleasures for those who download the app. So far, I haven’t found a song worth treading those waters, but CIX’s Tesseract arrives with some serious name recognition behind it. Pentagon’s Hui co-produced the track, and his name is featured prominently in the promotion. … Continue reading
In a surprise release, city pop chanteuse Yukika has paired with Canadian DJ/producer Pat Lok for The Moment (그라데이션). Up to this point, Yukika’s music has captured a specific vibe very well. Even when the songs threaten to become too subdued for their own good, I always appreciate their sense of musical continuity. The Moment … Continue reading
Like many newly-debuted groups, Just B boasts a line-up of familiar faces. Its members have established some notoriety through variety programs I-LAND (Geonu, JM), Under 19 (Bain, DY) and The Fan (Lim Jimin). Given this built-in fan base, their debut arrives with heightened expectation. And with word that title track Damage would be co-produced by … Continue reading
BDC’s Intersection trilogy may have flown under the radar for many casual fans, but it’s been an exciting, cohesive project with far more focus than most idol group album series. Its spacey synth sound was largely relegated to the guys’ title tracks, and this feels like a missed opportunity. But, the run of Shoot The … Continue reading
Twice’s Japanese output has been a mixed bag, representing some of their strongest and weakest material. But, no one can argue with the group’s prolific work ethic. In addition to their nonstop Korean output, the girls will have released three full Japanese albums by the time Perfect World comes out in July. This newest album’s … Continue reading
Following the strong double punch of Don’t Call Me and Atlantis, SHINee refuse to release their grip on 2021. Prior to youngest member Taemin’s military enlistment, the guys shot a video for new Japanese single Superstar. The song itself has been available for weeks, but its promotional package is now complete. And while it may … Continue reading
NCT Dream’s Hot Sauce had an interesting trajectory for me. On first listen, I was repulsed. That chanted chorus felt like a jackhammer to the skull. Then, something switched, and I found myself bopping along. The instrumental’s percussion and guitar became highlights and I was happy to embrace Dream’s aural madness. That lasted about a … Continue reading
A.C.E may not come back very often, but they’ve managed to place a song in my year-end top ten for two years running. ‘Quality over quantity’ is not a bad approach, and they’ve been wise to stick with the same circle of producers to ensure a cohesive discography. Higher is their latest release with composer … Continue reading
Nissy has released a string of singles this year, forging a cinematic universe with a series of music videos that see him teleporting from place to place. This teleportation power seems to be fueled by angst, as there’s plenty of emotive navel-gazing to be found in the visuals. The video for new single Do Do … Continue reading
A K-pop group’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. Yep, it’s another Produce 101 Japan … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 