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. Sometimes you just have to give … 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’m gonna be so pissed if … Continue reading
WAYF BOYS are one of the new-gen groups I’m increasingly unsure fit within the realm of “K-pop.” Yes, they’re from a Korean agency and yes, their members are Korean/Korean-American, but their music so far has been performed in English and feels targeted to an international audience. As such, the standards with which I approach a … Continue reading
The hazy, wistful image posted above this review (which is also the cover of Jennie’s new digital EP) is emblematic of a certain sound that’s permeated global pop music and has weasled its way into K-pop as well. On this blog, I’ve called it “restrained,” “subdued,” “coffeehouse,” “beige” and a dozen other descriptors. It’s the … Continue reading
HITGS debuted as a kiddie group with catchy but cloying material. They’re still quite young, but their work has grown more palatable with time. Today, they’re back with digital single Gulliver, chronicling a crush on a guy with that same name. I wonder how common it is to find a guy named Gulliver in Korea … Continue reading
I’ve joked before that TNX only give us one single per year, but they’ve broken that streak in 2026. Their last comeback was all the way back in January, but they’ve returned with digital single Die Another Day. The song sees them tackling a new sound and image that blends their rock influences with a … Continue reading
Along with The Bias List, SF9 are celebrating their tenth anniversary. This is a big deal, as not all acts reach this milestone. And honoring its significance, the guys have released a full album of new material. In 2026, this is also a big deal! Throughout their career, SF9 have never settled on a distinct … Continue reading
I’ve got a bone to pick with whoever schedules summer releases. I know summer technically extends most of the way through September, but why on earth wouldn’t you drop a song called “Sunburst” at the beginning of the season when listeners can get the most out of it? To be fair, Sunburst has been available … Continue reading
Even if I haven’t loved every ALL(H)OURS single, I’ve appreciated the group’s energy and willingness to deliver cheesy, over-the-top hooks. Their songs often have a second-gen appeal wrapped up in modern aesthetics. It’s disappointing, then, that pre-release Hop sounds more like an ATEEZ reject. With the repetitive, monotone Bad currently ruling the charts (for some … Continue reading
Tempest’s Hanbin gained attention as a Vietnamese member of a K-pop group, instantly guaranteeing a level of fame in his homeland. This has become more common in recent years, with acts like AHOF stuffed to the brim with foreign members, each able to bring some level of notoriety back to their own countries. The frequency … Continue reading
Each song promoted from Dino’s alter-ego Picheolin album received a moderate to low rating on this blog, but it turns out he just released all the worst songs because I actually enjoy the rest of the project. Everyone needs to hear the awesome 80s/90s stadium rock pastiche For Jeong And Love, for starters! Then, nestled … Continue reading
I love when a group surprises me, and last year NEXZ made it onto my personal bias list with the brilliant Beat-Boxer. This year, their even-better Mmchk solidified that status and had me looking forward to anything the guys released next. New single Saucin’ was premiered last week at KCON LA and draws heavy inspiration … Continue reading
Since their post-Boys II Planet debut, ALPHA DRIVE ONE have sold a ton of records and been promoted everywhere MNET can manage. So, why don’t I feel the same surge of interest I usually get from this franchise? For one, the music hasn’t been great (or even good, most of the time). But more than … Continue reading
HYBE has churned out new idol groups with increasing regularly over the past few years, but the newly-debuted TUIDE are the first act from subsidiary ABD, designed to solely manage girl groups. This is a welcome development, as the corporation has had a difficult time giving their girl groups anything but gimmicky slop lately. Maybe … Continue reading
When describing the concept for NCT 127’s big comeback Blingy at KCON the other week, member Jaehyun offered this fascinating word salad: “It’s uh… it’s a blingy album… ’cause we’re on a journey to find something blingy, but we figure out it’s all in our minds… with our fans too.” Okay, then! This confirms to … Continue reading
CORTIS occupy an interesting position in K-pop this year. On one hand, their massive hit REDRED has blossomed into one of the year’s biggest and best earworms. However, every other song has sucked and their overall influence has drained the life out of so many of their peers’ discographies. With each new song they release, … Continue reading
i-dle are at a tricky fork in their career where their music no longer becomes an instant chart sensation yet they retain a large enough fan base to keep their career chugging along. At this point, artists can either cater directly to that fanbase or continue trying to score a more mainstream hit even if … Continue reading
ENHYPEN are at an inflection point in their career, having lost member Heeseung earlier in the year as he opted for a solo career. The Sin: Bliss is their first album after this restructuring and is led by title track Bloody Paradise. To be honest, I haven’t been excited about ENHYPEN’s music in years, but … Continue reading
Whenever I see that girl group X:IN has a new comeback, I know I’m in for something… interesting. In this case “interesting” does not equate to “good,” as they’re one of the lower-ranked groups on this blog. Somehow, their music almost always manages to self-sabotage, showing promise before doing something bizarre to mess it all … Continue reading
Kim Jaejoong has been more active as an agency head than a performer this year, debuting two new boy groups under his iNKODE Entertainment. But every once and awhile, it’s important to return to the spotlight and remind everyone what a great singer he is. His bravura performance is on full display on the anthemic … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 