AB6IX’s solo project 5NALLY is mostly one long dirge, where the members’ personalities take a backseat to the kind of trendy music that prioritizes “cool” over interesting. Lee Daehwi’s Rose, …
Read More »[Review] ELRIS throw everything into “Jackpot”, though perhaps a few things too many
It’s been a staggering twenty months since Elris’s last promoted comeback. That kind of lengthy hiatus is often a death knell for idol groups. At the very least, it necessitates …
Read More »[Review] IU’s “I Give You My Heart” from ‘Crash Landing On You’ provides a wonderful melody & flawless execution
One thing I’ve always loved is how the Korean ballad is the staple of every Korean drama OST. There is no better way to express the ‘feels’ when watching a …
Read More »[Review] Sexy Zone’s “Far East Dance” serves as a breath of fresh air
With the Tokyo Olympics coming up this year, I expect the J-pop industry to unveil all sorts of material highlighting Japanese culture and cheering their athletes on. The anthemic sounds …
Read More »[Review] BTS go ambitious for “ON” to mixed success
BTS’s new album Map Of The Soul: 7 arrives with the kind of multi-week media roll-out that’s more commonly attached to artists outside the K-pop industry. It’s billed as a momentous release …
Read More »[Review] Weki Meki take an odd step backward with “Dazzle Dazzle”
Weki Meki didn’t release much music in 2019, but it was their strongest year yet. Picky Picky drew on their quirkier side to great appeal, and Tiki Taka was the …
Read More »[Review] KARD find their groove within the bombast on “Red Moon”
KARD have publicly talked about their difficulties finding music within the K-pop industry that’s written for a co-ed group. Their mixed configuration has become a distinct calling card, but also …
Read More »[Review] MAMAMOO’s Moonbyul revitalizes boy group tropes on “Eclipse”
Mamamoo’s massive success has spawned equally popular solo offerings from its members. This time last year, Hwasa unveiled the addictive Twit, which ended up being one of 2019’s most enduring …
Read More »Ballad Roundup: LOONA, Solar & Kassy, Baek Yerin, 8eight, CRACKER
Ballad Weirdo checking in Hello Asian Junkie readers! My friends call me Hojo and I am a weirdo who loves big ol’ sappy ballads. One of my top K-pop songs …
Read More »[Review] Dreamcatcher set a unique course with “Scream” with familiar quality results
Dreamcatcher have just released their first album, ‘Dystopia’, along with the title track from it, “Scream”. Interestingly, to mark the occasion, Dreamcatcher have strayed from their usual rock-inspired sound to …
Read More »