As JYP Entertainment’s first idol band, DAY6 had a large hill to climb. And for the first couple of years, it looked as if they would never receive the type of heavy promotion it would take to popularize a rock group in the world of flashy dance acts. But then the 2017 Every DAY6 project … Continue reading
Formed through YG Entertainment competition show Who Is Next in late 2013, Winner went on to enjoy breakout success with their first full length album. Since that time, the group has seen ups and downs, with truncated promotional campaigns and the loss of founding member Taehyun. But against all odds, Winner has returned as one … Continue reading
K-pop’s original dance floor diva, Uhm Jung Hwa was crafting classic club music at a time when the trend favored hip-hop and ballads. She’s beloved within the industry, and the inspiration for countless female artists and girl group members that grew up watching her stylish music videos. Add to that one of the genre’s most … Continue reading
Since terminating his contract with TVXQ, Xia Junsu has been active as part of trio JYJ and as a solo artist. Though he might be more well known for the dozens of ornate, theatrical ballads that make up the bulk of his discography, his music is also not afraid to go full avant garde. A … Continue reading
Debuting as part of late 90’s girl group Fin.K.L, Lee Hyori went on to carve out an incredibly successful solo career. She’s one of Korea’s most beloved personalities (and sex symbols), despite a lack of frequent comebacks over the past few years. Fresh off her return with Black, it’s the perfect time to look back … Continue reading
In contrast to Starship Entertainment’s first boy group, the bright and poppy Boyfriend, Monsta X debuted in 2015 with a much stronger hip-hop sound. Before that, the group had been formed through variety series No Mercy, which helped to develop an instant (and very international) fan base. Two years later and they’ve released just enough singles … Continue reading
Though ultimately brought down by member departures and poor management, during their heyday boy group MBLAQ were vying for the k-pop a-list. They were initially notable for their ties with superstar Rain, but went on to release a string of cutting edge hits that more than secured their place in k-pop. Here are the very … Continue reading
Though most of k-pop fandom’s obsession rests on groups and individual artists, I have just as strong a bias toward certain producers as the performers themselves. That’s why I started The Bias List‘s Producer Spotlight feature. There are dozens of amazing individuals and teams working behind the scenes to craft k-pop’s best songs. Here are … Continue reading
From bubblegum pop princess to mature singer-songwriter, IU has grown to become one of k-pop’s most loved and respected artists. Her output has varied quite heavily throughout the years, and each listener is likely to have an IU sound that they prefer most. Looking at my top ten, I think you’ll see where my allegiances … Continue reading
iKON is YG Entertainment‘s newest boy group, formed through a series of survival shows that saw them debuting one year after their peers Winner. The guys may have only recorded one full album so far, but with YG’s singles-oriented release schedule, they have just enough title tracks for a top ten countdown. iKON is currently one … Continue reading
Few k-pop groups have embraced a retro sound as wholeheartedly as Secret. Though they haven’t released any new material since 2014, they were a huge presence in the girl group landscape from 2010-2012 and have since gone on to have successful solo careers. While we wait (impatiently) for a reunion, here are their best title … Continue reading
When it comes to solo female artists in k-pop, few have become as iconic as HyunA. Rather than go down a cute, innocent route, she’s harnessed her own sexuality and charisma to cause a stir every time she releases new music. No one would classify her as a power vocalist, but her blend of hip-hop … Continue reading
Since his solo debut in late 2014, Block B‘s Zico has enjoyed massive success. Every single he releases — whether promoted or not — seems to jump to the top of the charts. And in the space of just over two years, he’s compiled enough material for a proper countdown. Though his style isn’t always … Continue reading
When it comes to the founding fathers of modern k-pop, it’s hard to think of one more influential than Seo Taiji. He’s lauded for his solo work as well, but this countdown will focus on his material with Seo Taiji & Boys. The trio released only four studio albums together, but within that short time they amassed … Continue reading
One of k-pop’s most daring boundary-pushers, Gain is not only part of girl group Brown Eyed Girls, but a compelling solo artist as well. Over the course of six mini albums, she’s delivered a diverse variety of styles and sounds, all woven together by the force of her undeniable charisma. Here’s her best work. 10. … Continue reading
EXID debuted in early 2012 with a colorful retro pop sound that instantly set them apart from their contemporaries. The group struggled during their initial years before eventually blowing up in 2014. Since then, the girls have gone from strength to strength, and they finally have enough title tracks to warrant a countdown. Here are … Continue reading
Debuting in 2014, Red Velvet are SM Entertainment’s newest girl group. Their unique concept has them releasing both quirky uptempo pop (“red”) and refined r&b (“velvet”), resulting in a diverse discography that’s sure to please a variety of tastes. Like f(x) before them, their music lies on SM’s more experimental side, ensuring that k-pop remains … Continue reading
K-Pop is one of the few international genres that places more focus on groups than solo acts, but when a single artist does make it big, they often burst into the stratosphere. Such is the case with Rain (Bi), who set the standard for male soloists everywhere. He is not only a Korean star. He’s a … Continue reading
As a companion to my Top Ten Singles lists, it’s time to look at some of the best album tracks and b-sides from the best artists. GOT7 are one of those groups that keeps a pretty steady quality when it comes to their music. I found it difficult ranking b-sides because there are so many … Continue reading
Though k-pop rises or falls on the strength of its singles, a group’s real strengths can often be found in the lesser-known material that makes up their mini albums and full lengths. The definition of “album” in k-pop is so wide that I’ve got to lay down some ground rules before composing any sort of … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 