Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, 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. A few years ago, UP10TION were one of K-pop’s most promising … Continue reading
For me, A.B.C-Z have always seemed to exist on the periphery of the Johnny’s Entertainment roster, which is pretty ridiculous considering how integral they’ve been to the agency’s various pursuits. From stage plays to Shounen Club, the members are certainly not unknown. But, a lack of English subtitling and a comparatively small fan base makes … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, 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. SuperM’s new album is so loaded with content that it’s hard … Continue reading
A little-known Swedish synth-pop duo called The Sound Of Arrows released an epic 2011 album called Voyage. It’s probably my favorite representation of this genre, at least within the last decade. Even years later, the Fear of Tigers remix of There Is Still Hope still reduces me to a shaking, sobbing mess in the corner … Continue reading
SM Entertainment has always scheduled quick repackage releases, but Super Junior-D&E’s Bad Liar emerges in what feels like record time. Not even a month has gone by since the guys dropped B.A.D. But then again, SM’s release schedule has been unusually packed all month, and this frenzied rush doesn’t seem as though it will slow … Continue reading
Boyhood’s Retro Love has slowly inched its way toward becoming one of my favorite 2020 K-pop tracks. Much of that is due to its quirky character, but I’m also predisposed to enjoying 80’s nostalgia. I’m hopeful that he will continue along this sonic route, though new single Boring Home (집에 없자) moves in a more … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, 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. Some songs improve greatly within the context of a solid album. … Continue reading
Boy group Y&W (Young & Wild) debuted this past July, but were so unknown that even I missed them. However, every so often a great idol track emerges from a group like this, even within the restraints of a limited budget and lo-fi music video. Their follow-up single Thirsty Now (목말라) is a refreshing ode … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, 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 surprised at how much I’m enjoying The Boyz’ The Stealer. … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, 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. Everglow’s La Di Da has been quite a revelation, and comes … Continue reading
If you’ve been following Korean pop culture for a while, you’re probably already familiar with I Believe. But… you’ve never heard the song arranged in this way! The original is a quintessential OST ballad – a huge, enduring hit in its own right but even bigger when paired with the massive success of romantic comedy … Continue reading
The road to SuperM’s first full-length album has been paved by two pre-release singles: the high-octane, polarizing 100 and the EXO-meets-NCT Tiger Inside. Both did a good job showcasing the grandeur that fuels the SuperM project, but now that we’ve arrived at the album’s official title track, it feels like the time to really throw … Continue reading
As part of their recent online concert, ONEWE unveiled new digital single Parting (소행성). While I’ve enjoyed quite a bit of the band’s music so far, I’ve often noted that many of their songs feel like idol group material that just happens to be performed by a rock band. When it comes to title tracks, … Continue reading
I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m baffled by Top Media’s plans for UP10TION. The group has two members who gained huge popularity through Produce X 101 and could inject some life into this struggling brand, yet the agency has pulled them away for solo work while having the rest of the guys continue … Continue reading
When writing about boy group UNVS’s debut, I was struck by how vocal-heavy it was. In a K-pop landscape that favors concept, beat and choreo, it was refreshing to hear a song that emphasized vocal arrangement. Unfortunately, their follow-ups didn’t quite live up to this potential. But, the fourth time’s the charm with new single … Continue reading
I’m a little confused about what BDC are. Apparently, they’re a pre-debut unit, similar to MXM. But, without a full group debut on the horizon, it seems as though they should just become permanent. There aren’t many trios in K-pop, and that approach might be refreshing. Whatever they decide to do, I hope their producers … Continue reading
After a 2019 that was flush with diverse boy group debuts, most of this year’s new acts have emerged with a similar sound. The recipe seems clear: a pinch of Monsta X’s lumbering EDM/hip-hop, a sprinkling of trap beats, and an overall concept that favors dark sets and mysterious, multi-album storylines. When GHOST9’s debut was … Continue reading
XUM is the rebooted name for three-fifths of disbanded girl group Neon Punch. In my opinion, their fun music never needed a reboot. But, XUM has arrived, and their name stands for… drumroll, please… “Xumething Unlimited Move.” So… there’s that. For the record, Neon Punch was a much cooler name, even if it became threatened … Continue reading
Nearly every song on Cignature’s debut mini album has a sound effect title, and that pretty much says it all. Nun Nu Nan Na, ASSA, Daldalhae, HingHing… we’re in full-on aegyo, nursery rhyme mode here. And, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. ASSA was a fun little concoction, comfortable in its own silliness. … Continue reading
Despite the international success of KARD, co-ed groups are still a rarity in K-pop. And with member J.Seph enlisting soon, that may become even more the case in the coming months. Enter: Checkmate. Composed of three men and two women, the newly-debuted group seem to have their eyes set on a similar trajectory. If I … Continue reading
