Back in August, I praised the symphonic instrumental of D-Crunch’s debut track Palace, but lamented the fact that the song lacked a strong chorus. Then again, a debut doesn’t often crystallize all of a group’s charms on its own. Palace was a teaser of sorts, and Stealer capitalizes on its best instincts by keeping the … Continue reading
In a sea change year for us older K-pop fans, BTOB are one of many established boy groups whose configuration has changed due to members beginning their mandatory military enlistment. Beautiful Pain (아름답고도 아프구나) is their first single as a six-member act, minus leader Eunkwang. Minhyuk is the next member scheduled for enlistment, at which … Continue reading
I first remember hearing BLACKPINK’s Jennie all the way back in 2013, where she guested on a trio of tracks by YG solo acts. It was clear even then that she was being prepped for whatever the agency’s next girl group would be, but her vocals seemed poised for solo work as well. Five years … 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 wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. One of the biggest issues I’ve had with much of Twice’s … 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 wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. In one of the week’s best surprises, Taemin’s new Japanese album … Continue reading
Donghyun and Youngmin of MXM are on the cusp of rejoining their fellow trainees to form Brand New Music’s highly anticipated new boy group. It all waits for future-members Daehwi and Woojin, who will be released from their Wanna One contract when the group disbands early next year. Before that happens, MXM have returned with … Continue reading
As 2018 draws to a close, I can’t help but think the year has been short on memorable debuts. Sure, there were the big ones (Loona, Stray Kids), but even those have felt very hit-or-miss. New girl group DreamNote haven’t spawned the kind of pre-debut hype that would lead them to instant stardom, but their … Continue reading
In addition to a fantastic full album, SHINee’s 2018 has seen new Japanese work from Taemin and a posthumous release from Jonghyun. One member we don’t hear from as often when it comes to solo music is Key. Four years ago, he formed the project duo Toheart with Infinite’s Woohyun, but beyond that he’s only … Continue reading
Gugudan’s unique “acts” concept has allowed them to explore a variety of styles since their debut in 2016. While this diversity can be exciting and unpredictable, it makes it difficult for the group to forge an identity of their own. Are they girl crush? Are they quirky? Are they innocent? Jellyfish Entertainment doesn’t seem to … Continue reading
Whenever a group is as active as Twice has been this past year, they run the risk of succumbing to listener fatigue. Between Korean and Japanese releases, the girls’ brand of quirky cute has been omnipresent. I was never predisposed to enjoying this sound in the first place, so a steady stream of it has … Continue reading
2018 has seen its share of trends, but the saddest has been groups having to make a comeback after the death of a member. First it was SHINee, then 100%, and now Spectrum. Only one single album into their career, Spectrum suddenly lost member Kim Dong Yoon. I can’t imagine how this would affect a … 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 wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Sandwiched between NCT and EXO, BoA’s new album release received far … 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 wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. SM Entertainment spent a lot of time hailing EXO’s new album … Continue reading
Nearly every 2018 TVXQ release has felt underwhelming in some regard, and I only have myself to blame. They are my second-most-listened-to K-pop artist after Infinite, and as the years have gone on I’ve positioned them as untouchable legends within the industry. An over two-year hiatus only cemented this status, as I watched K-pop move … Continue reading
Though members of EXO have kept busy with solo projects and sub-units, it feels like forever since we’ve been treated to a full comeback from the group. Their new album, Don’t Mess Up My Tempo, has a wonderful title, promising a playground of shifting percussion and dynamic energy. This tone contrasts with the subdued Ko … Continue reading
We’ve been in the middle of a Sweetune drought for awhile now. The period of January through May spoiled us Sweetune-obsessives, with new tracks popping up almost every month. But, it’s been since TST’s own Love Story that we’ve heard something fully produced by the team. To raise anticipation even further, this new track is called … Continue reading
The last we heard from Eric Nam, he was trying on the tropical instrumental drop structure that K-pop has fallen so in love with these past few years. Honestly was a pleasant trifle of a pop song, but quickly forgotten. “Innocuous” is the name of the game when it comes to many of Nam’s songs, … Continue reading
Rookie boy group 14U have had a hard time finding their niche, but their sparse discography has been bolstered by equally-new production team DEZION. Together, they’ve crafted a quartet of bright, funky tracks that overflowed with potential. But like so many other groups struggling to gain a foothold, the guys have switched producers for new … Continue reading
Though they’ve yet to enjoy mainstream success, rookie group BLACK6IX have drawn on K-pop’s past to release a pair of solid singles. This refreshing adherence to a 2011/12 sound continues with the dramatically titled Swamp Of Despair (절망의 늪). There’s no trendy tropical house or EDM to be found here. In its place is a … Continue reading
It’s been interesting to watch the trajectory of JBJ’s members ever since the project group’s disbandment earlier this year. It’s like a mini precursor to the type of reconfiguration that will happen next year when Wanna One is no more. Some JBJ members have gone solo, others have returned to their original groups, and two … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 