During their eight years in the k-pop industry, 4Minute were one of few prominent girl groups who rose to fame on a harder-edged, attitude infused sound, contrasting with the lighter, cuter concepts preferred by many of their peers. For this, they’re often put in a similar bracket as 2NE1. And although we won’t be getting any … Continue reading
Though they’ve only been active since 2014, JYP boy group GOT7 have already become one of k-pop’s biggest acts — especially internationally. They’ve released just enough title tracks to create a top ten list, though I’ve mentioned before that their Japanese output really pales in comparison to their Korean material. As usual, only promoted title … Continue reading
When talking about underrated boy groups, Cross Gene have to be in the conversation. They debuted in 2012 and have straddled the line almost equally between Korean and Japanese releases. They’ve also become better with time, even if the general public hasn’t completely been won over yet. For a group of their stature, they have … 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. BTS have become known as true albums artists, ensuring that the quality of their work goes far beyond their title tracks. Here are ten of the best examples. Honorable … Continue reading
As their name suggests, Crayon Pop are one of k-pop’s most upbeat, energetic creations of the past few years. Though their discography is comparatively small, it’s remarkably consistent. They’re also a group overshadowed by their one impossibly enormous hit. But beyond that is a treasure trove of fun, smart and even experimental pop music. Here’s the … Continue reading
Before there was Seventeen, Pledis Entertainment was most known for rotational girl group After School. Though the girls haven’t released new material in awhile, they’re widely considered one of the most consistently top-notch girl groups in k-pop. I’d argue that, song-for-song, sub-unit Orange Caramel is even more addictive, but After School is no slouch themselves. While … Continue reading
It’s finally time to take a long overdue look at the singles from one of k-pop’s legendary performers. Honestly, BoA has released so much music in both Korea and Japan that this list has been revised several times over. I think everyone’s choices will probably be unique to them, but for me, I’ve found that her … 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. EXO have a flawless singles run, but the quality doesn’t stop there. Here’s the best of what their albums have to offer. Honorable Mentions: Exodus Thunder Love, Love, Love … Continue reading
With the release of last month’s Secret Time, Spica has just enough singles for a Top Ten Countdown. The group came hard during their debut year, releasing no less than five comebacks in 2012. Their sound has evolved throughout their career, but always with a focus on strong vocals and a catchy hook. An unfortunate … Continue reading
This was not one of the easier lists to compile. FTIsland have dozens of singles to choose from, and I’ve liked almost all of them. But, if I were to rate their discography as a whole, the scores would be pretty even across the board, with a few major peaks standing out from an otherwise … 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. VIXX are well known for having a remarkably consistent discography that goes far beyond their singles. Here’s the best of the best. Honorable Mentions: Echo What U Waiting For … Continue reading
Mention the name Shinhwa and most people will immediately think: “k-pop’s longest running boy band.” It’s quite a title, and also quite an accomplishment for any group. Shinhwa debuted in 1998 and have remained strong since, reinventing their sound several times over amidst label changes and military conscription hiatuses. They now stand as a beacon … Continue reading
Girl group Dal Shabet has been with us for five years now, moving from hyper cutesy pop to a more mature blend of dance music. Though they’ve never won a music show or broken into the a-list, they’ve kept at it and their output has only improved. The group now moves into a new era … 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. B1A4 is one of my favorite k-pop groups, and a lot of that is due to their strength as an albums artist. Here’s the best of the best. Honorable Mentions: … 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. Of course Infinite had to come first. They have a discography large and amazing enough to fill several lists like this, but here are the best of the best. … Continue reading
Also known as Children of Empire (though that name has more to do with their agency, Star Empire, than their actual concept), ZE:A is a nine-member boy group who has been around for over half a decade. Though they haven’t come back as a whole in quite awhile, individual members are very well known for their … Continue reading
Though his solo work may not be as colorful or boundary-pushing as bandmate G-Dragon, Taeyang has proved to be one of Bigbang’s most successful members. Driven by his inimitable voice, he’s released three albums on his own and keeps getting better and better. With an emphasis on classic R&B over modern YG beats, he’s given … Continue reading
There are many underrated groups in k-pop, but Nu’est have to be one of the most notorious. They burst out of the gate in 2012, but in a case of poor management and promotion cycles, quickly lost much of their initial popularity. Even so, they’re a group of remarkable consistency, with a crazy-good back catalog … Continue reading
In honor of Wonder Girls’ excellent new single, it’s the perfect time to take a look back at their long career. But before we do, I have a k-pop confession to make: before Wonder Girls reconfigured as a band, I just wasn’t that into their music. I know I’m in the minority here, since they’re … Continue reading
He may be the most well-known k-pop artist to those unfamiliar with the genre, but PSY is much more than Gangnam Style. It’s an iconic moment, and responsible for introducing millions to k-pop (including myself, to a certain extent), but surrounding this massive achievement is over a decade of hits, many of which pull from disparate genres … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 