When one thinks for a bit, it’s rather absurd that a group of TWICE‘s popularity hasn’t had a real solo debut in the almost seven years they’ve been active. Presumably …
Read More »Korean music critic talks K-pop companies maintaining absolute control over idols/media, having to self-publish for being industry critical
Music critic Hwang Sunyeop recently tried to get an opinion piece published by media outlets, but found them unwilling to publish criticism of the K-pop industry without revising his entire …
Read More »[Review] RoaD-B’s rebrand gives them a fresh start & “Nonstop” is a breath of fresh air
If you had not heard of RoaD-B before it’d be hard to blame you, as the group itself wasn’t even RoaD-B until 2022 started when they rebranded from BXK, who …
Read More »[Review] Jessica’s follow-up novel ‘Bright’ starts slowly but definitely delivers on drama
When former SNSD member Jessica released her debut novel Shine, I blazed through it in one unadvisable caffeine-fueled night, but oddly enough it was surprisingly enjoyable for what it was. …
Read More »[Review] TXT continue their ascent even as things get darker on “Good Boy Gone Bad”
2021 represented TXT‘s musical breakout, with their work ascending through a combination of pop rock and hyperpop bangers, and their releases making them among my favorite of the year. Now …
Read More »[Review] “Ascension” continues KINGDOM’s tradition of delivering beautiful, high concept music videos
Apologies for getting to this release late as I put it aside for late so that it could be highlighted and then forgot about it, but KINGDOM made their comeback …
Read More »[Review] Fujii Kaze delivers an excellent ode to celebrating life on “Matsuri”
24-year-old Fujii Kaze just debuted in 2019 and only rose to prominence really within the last year. Critically acclaimed, to many he represents the future of J-pop, and upon hearing …
Read More »[Review] Dreamcatcher offer up a mixed bag with “MAISON”
Dreamcatcher have been my favorite K-pop group since they debuted back in 2017, primarily based on the appeal their music and concepts have held over me. Last year though, while …
Read More »YooA (Oh My Girl) to halt activities due to worsening COVID symptoms; thoughts about ethical concerns
Oh My Girl member YooA tested positive for COVID-19 back on March 6, but was said to be recovered in time for their comeback on March 28. However, WM Entertainment …
Read More »[Review] IVE continue to carve out a unique place in K-pop with confident, alluring “LOVE DIVE”
While I still think that IVE‘s debut single “ELEVEN” possessed far more flash than substance, that “1-2-3-4-5-6-7, you make me feel like 11” hook was indeed an earworm, and as …
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