With 2024’s resurgence in popularity for idol band DAY6, I wonder if Korea is at the forefront of rediscovering their love for band music. Rock was a major force during the 90’s and early 2000’s, but like most music markets (apart from Japan!), the genre has ceded power to more modern sounds like hip-hop and … Continue reading
Pop music has been stuck in a retro romance for this entire decade, seemingly obsessed with referencing past eras rather than pushing forward to new sounds. This has caused genres like synthwave and synthpop to feel quite oversaturated, even if they’re styles I personally love. So, when it was announced that HYO would be drawing … Continue reading
Xodiac’s past few releases have been buoyant and bright, tackling today’s trends with an ease that made them polished but rather generic. New title track Our Days harnesses this effervescent energy and tethers it to a pumping pop rock anthem, taking its cues from popular contemporaries like TWS. This is a sound that greatly appeals … Continue reading
Yesterday, WayV told us to “go higher” and now Super Junior-D&E are back with a similar message. The timing is pure coincidence, but it always amuses me when these things happen. Since establishing their own label, the duo have taken even greater control of their music. Judging by Go High‘s approach, that may not be … Continue reading
WayV released their first Japanese mini album all the way back at the beginning of August, but weeks later they’ve unveiled a music video for its promoted track Go Higher. I’m not sure what the plan was behind this delay, apart from the fact that J-pop often takes long breaks between various promotions. Either way, … Continue reading
I’ve written about NCT Wish nearly every week in September. Their first mini album has been preceded by two pre-releases and now we’re finally hearing the official title track. Steady is co-written by longtime SM Entertainment talent Kenzie and sees the group tackling their trendiest material yet. Both UK garage and Jersey Club have become … Continue reading
Kang Daniel has had a dramatic 2024, with his self-created agency Konnect Entertainment folding after five years. His new mini album is credited under Warner Music, which also oversees his Japanese career. I’m not sure what’s next for Kang Daniel the businessman, but I’m glad he’s still releasing music. With that said, new single Electric … Continue reading
With QWER’s TBH still riding high on digital charts, the group is back with a new album. This was preceded by the comedic Fake Idol, which featured (G)I-DLE’s Soyeon in its video. This time around, she’s active behind the scenes, co-writing/producing new single My Name Is Malguem (내 이름 맑음). QWER’s Manito mini album showcased … Continue reading
The month of SHINee solos concludes with the release of Key’s new mini album Pleasure Shop. He’s consistently been a K-pop artist who knows exactly what he wants from his music, and often those desires point toward the dancefloor. Last year’s Good & Great dabbled in house music and Pleasure Shop is largely a continuation … Continue reading
The line between “promoted single” and “special track” continues to blur in the K-pop market. Yuqi’s Radio (Dum-Dum) is classified as the latter, but comes with a lo-fi music video to give it extra visual punch. Of all the (G)I-DLE members, Yuqi’s solo work has struck me most dramatically. I’d still take her 2021 Bonnie … Continue reading
Nam Woohyun has always been generous to fans, frequently releasing special one-off singles to mark occasions or simply show gratitude to those who follow him. He’s also a composer, with some of his best solo work being co-written by him. And then, of course, there’s that voice. I could listen to that voice sing anything. … 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. Hwasa’s new mini album is a … Continue reading
You know… P1harmony’s music really frustrates me sometimes. They’ve developed this habit of hiding excellent material as b-sides while promoting their most gimmicky tracks. February’s Killin’ It album was quite strong, but the title track didn’t feel representative or fresh. Judging by the highlight medley for their newest comeback, I fear this pattern continues. Sad … Continue reading
“SOS” feels like a strange but fitting title for this Fifty Fifty comeback (re-debut?). With controversy and calls for boycotts swirling around this new configuration, everyone involved — from past members to current members to agency underlings — likely have “SOS” swirling around their heads. I’m sure some will be upset that I’m writing about … Continue reading
It’s been about a year since we heard from Hwasa with the gimmicky (but somehow enduring?) I Love My Body. On new single NA, she’s traded that song’s retro trappings for a more modern house beat. It’s a welcome jolt of energy within her discography, even if the track spends too much time talking when … Continue reading
The Chuseok-related K-pop drought ends today with the first solo debut from popular group TXT. Over the years, Yeonjun has become a sort of ‘it boy’ within his generation, so it’s no surprise that he’s given the chance to showcase his skills as a soloist. As always, I’m most interested to see what his music … Continue reading
To me, new Korean/Japanese boy group KJRGL are most memorable because their name looks like someone smashed their head on a keyboard and wrote down the resulting nonsense. In reality, “KJRGL” is an acronym for “Kind (of) Just Right Good Luck”, which is somehow even more endearing. They’re under Sony Music Entertainment Korea, but debut … Continue reading
As a spin-off to my Battle of the B-sides feature, I’m pleased to announce the arrive of “Battle of the Title Tracks!” In this feature, I’ll be pitting three K-pop title tracks/singles against each other and choosing a winner. These songs will mostly be from pre-2016 since I’ll try to focus on music I haven’t … Continue reading
In the lead-up to their first Korean mini album, NCT Wish have already delivered the SHINee-esque pre-release Dunk Shot. Now, they’ve given us another taste of what’s to come with the lighter pop of 3 Minutes (3분까진 필요 없어). I’m assuming this isn’t the title track since the album doesn’t arrive until next week, but … Continue reading
I chose NINE.i’s Vahn as my second favorite K-pop producer of 2023. Not only was he responsible for his group’s excellent mini album, but he also had a hand in Golden Child’s Feel Me. That second song feels like a roadmap to the similarly-titled Feeling — the title track for his first EP. In a … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 