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[Review] Backtalk – EVNNE

April 26, 2026Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged EVNNELeave a comment

The next review is for EVNNE’s Backtalk, their first release after Yoo Seungeon and Ji Yunseo left the group and the group reformed as a quintet. After releasing How Do I Do and the Love Anecdote(s) mini-album last year, EVNNE entered negotiations to continue as a group (as they are a project group of Boy Planet trainees who just missed the final ZEROBASEONE lineup). The five remaining members signed with Jellyfish Entertainment to continue EVNNE as a permanent group, while Yoo Seungeon and Ji Yunseo returned to YH Entertainment, the home of TEMPEST, YENA, and the upcoming group AND2BLE (which Yoo Seungeon will be a part of with other former ZEROBASEONE members Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, and Han Yujin).

Even after almost a week since its release, Backtalk hasn’t really made its mark on me. I did like the loaded synth background, and EVNNE’s delivery throughout was solid. In particular, there was some well-done vocal work right at the beginning and in the bridge that is probably the song’s best offering. But apart from that, Backtalk doesn’t have anything memorable to remember it by. There wasn’t a catchy melody or refrain to pull me in. What we did get instead was a pretty plain, unimaginative, slow chant of the song’s title, which wasn’t enough for me. Thus, Backtalk, with thanks to its shorter length, whisks by without drawing much attention to itself, leaving EVNNE’s new chapter as a permanent group lacklustre.

Backtalk, co-written by the members, acknowledges their limitations that others tend to point out and expresses their determination to prove everyone wrong on their new journey as a permanent group. Throughout the video, you can see and feel their angst at the ill-natured comments directed at them, but also their willingness to provoke in order to elicit them (a neat way to represent the process of EVNNE acknowledging their limitations). The exterior shots show the members climbing a hill, likely marking the start of their new journey. Drawing on the final lyrics of the song, there may be a struggle with the climb, but it is worth it when they reach the top.

I really like the slightly intense energy and subtle provocative vibe of the performance. It complements the lyrics and concept that the comeback was going for. Apart from that, it is another routine where nothing stands out on its own, but the whole performance as a piece was still worth watching.

Song – 7/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 7.5/10

[Review] REDRED – CORTIS

April 26, 2026April 26, 2026Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged CORTISLeave a comment

Also making their official comeback early next month with their 2nd mini-album, GreenGreen, CORTIS has already been busy this week, unveiling their new lead single REDRED. However, as mentioned in my previous review, I think CORTIS might have another single up their sleeve come 4 May when the mini-album drops. This is CORTIS’s first comeback since their widely successful debut with What You Want and a bunch of other singles from their Color Outside the Lines debut mini-album.

In an unexpected turn of events, I actually enjoyed REDRED. While it does contain aspects similar to GO! and What You Want (i.e., the autotune and repetitiveness) that I didn’t necessarily enjoy in those songs, REDRED manages to find a decent beat, thanks to the abrasive nature of the experimental electroclash and indie hip-hop instrumentation, which, combined with the rest of the song, drives it forward. I easily found myself nodding along as the song went along, vibing with the energy that comes from REDRED. What was also nice about REDRED was CORTIS’s straightforward take-home message, which used the concept of ‘red’ and ‘green’ colours to describe what they stand for (i.e., freedom to do what they want, having fun, risk-taking) and what they oppose (i.e., narrow-mindedness, being constrained and conforming to societal norms). It would have been nice to have a more memorable melody to remember REDRED by, rather than the shouty delivery that the group seems gung-ho about maintaining as a distinguishing element in some of their songs. But honestly, I see REDRED as an improvement, given that I enjoyed it quite quickly.

The music video shows CORTIS hanging out and having fun, whilst breaking the smallest of rules of mundane everyday life to seek the thrill of being themselves – using the coins underneath the token dispenser, taking a second scoop of ice cream, and making a mess of the toilets. The way the music video was shot was dynamic and felt extremely fun, complementing the group’s mischief and the fun they were having. After all, it appears CORTIS and the production team, appropriately named IDIOTS, directed the 3:30-minute music video.

The choreography for the comeback struck an interesting balance of intensity and lightness. I also liked how it was continuous and never let up. It made for a good watch, overall.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8.3/10

[Review] CELEBRATION – LE SSERAFIM

April 25, 2026Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged LE SSERAFIMLeave a comment

Jumping from the start of the week to the end, I am now reviewing LE SSERAFIM’s lead single, CELEBRATION, from their upcoming 2nd studio album, PUREFLOW Pt. 1. However, I suspect LE SSERAFIM has more title tracks up their sleeve from their upcoming album, which is due to be released in less than a month’s time. CELEBRATION serves as LE SSERAFIM’s first release since last October’s Spaghetti featuring j-hope (from BTS).

CELEBRATION sees LE SSERAFIM venture back into EDM with a hardstyle approach and melodic techno. I like the bold, powerful energy CELEBRATION brings, as you don’t often get much of this hard-hitting energy in KPOP these days. But while I want to say CELEBRATION delivers on this, the track’s ending says otherwise. It just abruptly ends and stops, leaving you wanting more, but in a very unsatisfying way. I have a feeling the producers kept the song short because of its relatively neutral, repetitive nature, which forced them to limit CELEBRATION. But it was a poor decision to keep us hanging and ultimately put me off the track. What keeps me on CELEBRATION is the members themselves. I kind of wish the dial on their vocals were turned up so they weren’t as soft. But that being said, their vocals were pretty and enjoyable, particularly in the verses and even over the EDM during the choruses. Overall, I did like the direction it was heading in, but CELEBRATION‘s execution fell short.

The music video starts off Halloween-esque, with a Frankenstein-like being peeling off his human mask to reveal his true face after returning home. But LE SSERAFIM comes into his home, kicking down the door, frightening the Frankenstein-like being (whipping something that resembles blood and cutting a cake with a chainsaw would probably scare most people) and running away with LE SSERAFIM and a bunch of others in hot pursuit. He runs as far as he can to get away from the group (through snow or the desert), escaping even to the moon. But LE SSERAFIM finds him in the end, only to hand him a ticket to the Creature Party and reveal themselves (and everyone else) are creatures. And as a happily ever after, they all start partying, celebrating and accepting the Frankenstein-like being as one of their own. Yay! But someone should give LE SSERAFIM a lesson on how to approach people without scaring them off.

Without a doubt, CELEBRATION was intended to be a performance piece. And it served well as one. The head-banging choreography (especially with their hair tied up) looked really cool, and I liked the sassy attitude that some of the members donned during the performance. I also enjoyed the celebratory aspect of the performance, which kept it true to the song’s message.

Song – 7/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 10/10
Overall Rating – 8.2/10

[Review] Ode to Love – NCT WISH

April 25, 2026Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged NCT, NCT WISHLeave a comment

Apologies again for the lack of reviews this week. They will be posted over the weekend and into next week.

NCT WISH made their comeback earlier this week with their 1st studio album, Ode to Love, since their debut in 2023. The lead single also shares the same name as the album. It is their first release since last year’s COLOR (the lead single from their 3rd Korean mini-album of the same name) and Hello Mellow (the lead single from their 1st Japanese mini-album, WISHLIST). NCT WISH also pre-released the single Sticky, which I have yet to review (but will do so in the future).

To me, Ode to Love is another pleasant track. Nothing more, nothing less. The UK garage instrumental was nice and gave off a bubbly vibe, whilst also leaning towards a softer, more muted tone. However, there were parts of Ode to Love, particularly the verses, where the softer, more muted tone made it feel empty. In addition, the Ode to the Family sample felt familiar but also basic. This was a problem, as Ode to Love didn’t have another hook to depend on or remember the song by. That being said, the vocals/rapping were all very enjoyable and geared towards their youthful charms. I did enjoy the slight burst of energy that came as part of the choruses. The stripped-down instrumental and breathy whispers during the bridge were interesting and added a nice texture to the otherwise relatively soft sound that Ode to Love was going for. Despite all the above, the likes and dislikes balance themselves out, leaving just a pleasant track to enjoy. But given what NCT WISH released last year, I think my preference is for them to release more youthful, energetic tracks.

The song itself is about spreading some warmth, and the music video does this through a dreamy motif. After all, what screams warmth more than a nice dream in your cosy bed? The members themselves have described the music video as beautiful, and I totally see why. But it is also not my personal style. The video has a very beige, pale colour palette throughout. Even the forest scenes on the outside adopted this tone, which was interesting. The dreamy motif continues into the starry night backdrop, and we also see sheep (that you would count to help fall asleep) chase the members. The members also don pyjama-esque outfits throughout the video to match the comeback’s overall concept.

The choreography for the comeback was light and fitting for the pleasant-sounding song. I quite enjoyed the stage, despite nothing necessarily standing out. But it was a good stage performance to watch, overall.

Song – 7.5/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 7.8/10

[Album Review] TRY WITH US (3rd Mini Album) – TWS

April 19, 2026Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged TWS2 Comments

As promised in the Weekly KPOP Chart post posted earlier today, here is the next album review. The album subject is TWS’s 3rd mini album, TRY WITH US, which was released almost (2 days til the day) a year ago. Leading the 6-track mini-album is the title track, Countdown!.

TRY WITH US is a neat mini-album, overall, with playful and upbeat songs all throughout. Some are in a different style to what we are used to for TWS, while others were just the TWS that we know and love since plot twist (their debut) era.

Since TRY WITH US, TWS released their 4th mini album, PLAY HARD, led by the single OVERDRIVE. They will also be releasing their 5th mini album, NO TRAGEDY, at the end of the month, so keep your eyes out for that and my review of the title track. But until then, here are my thoughts on the songs on TRY WITH US.

1. Lucky To Be Loved – The opening track for the mini-album, Lucky To Be Loved, also served as the mini-album’s secondary promotional track. Lucky To Be Loved features a smooth beat and soft EDM instrumentation that gives it an R&B vibe. What comes out of it for the group is a much more mature sound than normal. I remember this track being quite catchy, despite it not being of TWS’s signature upbeat, energetic style. I put that down to the group’s earwormy melodies and vocals, as well as catchy repetition of the song’s title during the chorus. It does zip by quite quickly, but if this is the quality of what they put out, I am not against TWS coming back to us with songs like this. (9/10)

2. Countdown! (마음 따라 뛰는 건 멋지지 않아?) (Title Track) – Click here for my full review of Countdown!. (8/10)

3. Random Play – Youthful and cheerful is how I would describe Random Play. And as the song progresses, it brings in some cool, hefty and textural electric guitar to create a neat centrepiece for the track. The producers do a good job of keeping Random Play balanced, so it doesn’t get weighed down by the guitar work. Though with TWS’s vocals and the energy that they pull off time and time again, I don’t suppose that was too hard a job. I wish Random Play’s melodies were more fleshed out, as I don’t get much from that. (8/10)

4. Freestyle – Freestyle is both bold and playful. The instrumental is experimental in that it takes a few twists and turns, but it never loses sight of the bold, playful quality already mentioned. The members keep some of that through their vocals and rapping, though they both do get shouty towards the end. It becomes quite overstimulating by the end. I am also not sure of the baby sound effects (it felt distracting and out of place). But it is still a fun number for TWS. (7.5/10)

5. Now Playing (심야 영화) – I love how clean and refreshing the EDM instrumentation in Now Playing came off. It is definitely well-suited for the summery period that the mini-album was released ahead of. Combine that with the members’ harmonising vocals, laid-back vibes, catchy melodies, and beats, and you have a superior track from TWS to enjoy. It is one of the songs I had on repeat throughout 2025. (10/10)

6. GO BACK – GO BACK delves into that bright and super upbeat energy that TWS is known for. GO BACK does have a much more light-hearted vibe, and I also enjoy how interesting and energetic the instrumental is, particularly the funky undertones. The members channel the energy into their bold vocals and rapping, with the latter lending a hip-hop tinge when it does appear in the song. GO BACK serves as a strong ender for the TRY WITH US mini-album, wrapping it with a feel-good vibe in classic TWS fashion. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.4/10

[Weekly KPOP Chart] Week 3 of April 2026

April 19, 2026Posted in Weekly ChartsTagged KISS OF LIFELeave a comment

Welcome to the latest Weekly KPOP Chart post for Week 3 of April 2026, which spans from 12 to 18 April 2026.

Not many reviews this week because of work (literally got home and crashed on the couch, if I didn’t make it to bed). Also had plans for an album review yesterday, but I overslept. The album review will be posted later today. But before then, here is the Weekly KPOP Chart for Week 3 of April 2026.

What else have I been listening to?

Each week, I spotlight a song not on the Weekly KPOP Charts that I’ve been listening to over the past week. This week’s feature is not a KPOP song. I do listen to songs from other countries from time to time.

This week, my music took me into my younger years (lol, it makes me sound super old). That song is The Veronica’s Untouched.

Non-Korean Song of the Week

Each week, the top-ranked non-Korean Song on the Weekly KPOP Chart is spotlighted (as this is an area I haven’t been focusing on as much on my blog lately). The non-Korean song from the past week is DPR IAN’s The Show.

The Chart

KISS OF LIFE’s latest comeback single, Who Is She, took out the top spot on the charts this past week. Congratulations to KISS OF LIFE!

Pos.	Title	Artist	Status
1	Who Is She	KISS OF LIFE	(▲ 15)
2	Stick With You	TXT	(NEW)
3	Eye-Poppin’	KickFlip	(▼ 2)
4	DESPARDO	T.O.P	(NEW)
5	Twenty	KickFlip	(▲ 8)
6	GOD	AMPERS&ONE	(▲ 18)
7	Catch Catch	YENA	(▲ 23)
8	Backseat	SOMIN (KARD)	(▲ 19)
9	KEYVITUP	KEYVITUP	(NEW)
10	Joy, Sorrow, A Beautiful Heart	AKMU	(NEW)
11	DEAD MAN WALKING	ALL(H)OURS	(▲ 12)
12	Runaway	RESCENE	(NEW)
13	Shapeshifter	Baby DON’T Cry	(▼ 4)
14	Can’t Hide Anymore	CSR	(▲ 15)
15	POP IT LIKE	NouerA	(NEW)
16	The Show	DPR IAN	(NEW)
17	Ice Cream	YUNA (ITZY)	(▼ 2)
18	MUSEUM	OWIS	(NEW)
19	Bittersweet	Baby DON’T Cry	(NEW)
20	BLACKHOLE	IVE	(RE-ENTER)
21	Biggest Fan	IRENE (Red Velvet)	(▼ 17)
22	GO	BLACKPINK	(RE-ENTER)
23	HOOK	MODYSSEY	(NEW)
24	Hooligan	BTS	(▼ 21)
25	STAY	Stray Kids	(RE-ENTER)
26	Baby, Honey	HOSHI (SEVENTEEN)	(▼ 9)
27	X Room	Xdinary Heroes	(RE-ENTER)
28	HMPH!	PLAVE & SOLE	(NEW)
29	Good Day	DONGHAE (SUPER JUNIOR) ft. Jay Park & 1iL	(NEW)
30	Vanilla Days	LNGSHOT	(RE-ENTER)

[Review] Who Is She – KISS OF LIFE

April 18, 2026Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged KISS OF LIFE1 Comment

Since their live stream controversy last year, KISS OF LIFE has been busy rebuilding its reputation. They released Live, Love, Laugh, Lips, Hips and Kiss, and made their Japanese debut all in the last year. I never got around to reviewing these releases due to time constraints. I am unsure if I will go back to them, but I thought to restart coverage of KISS OF LIFE on my blog through a review of their latest comeback single, Who Is She.

One potential way to rebuild momentum for the group is to revisit a past sound that helped the group rise to fame. Who Is She revisits the 2000s influences the group previously drew on during their Midas Touch era. Personally, I quite liked the song. The instrumental has depth, thanks to the bass, which keeps the track punchy. The beats bring a sassy, strutting vibe that instantly reminds me of Britney Spears or the Pussycat Dolls’ music from the ’00s. Even the vocals do something similar. I also enjoyed the oomph KISS OF LIFE put into their vocals and melodies, which helps Who Is She stand out vocally. That being said, the melodies could have been a little more fleshed out (to the same extent as Midas Touch), and I am not 100% sure we needed all of the breathy sound effects. They definitely have their place in Who Is She, giving the song that provocative edge. But I think it should have been used sparingly, and not necessarily in a post-chorus fashion. Also, not sure why there was a need to autotune them. But honestly, that is a minor detail in such a strong track already.

The music video shows off a sexy and confident side of KISS OF LIFE, as we transition between an underground club, an industrial setting, and a race track. No matter where they are, they look good throughout the music video. I enjoyed the mix of post-production and dynamic camera work to make it a strong and bold visual piece of KISS OF LIFE’s comeback.

The choreography for Who Is She has attracted some attention, with some saying the routine’s ‘choking’ sequence (following the choruses) is too provocative. I tend to err on the side of thinking that such moves are not a major issue (particularly if the members are fine with it), but that is because I was brought up on Western media, which tends to be less conservative than Korean media. Watching the comeback stages, it looks like KISS OF LIFE did alter the performances to not include the move (smart move, given the attention). I do think what they replaced it with is quite flirty and works well with the rest of the bold and sexy routine.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.7/10

[Review] Stick With You – TXT

April 15, 2026Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged TXTLeave a comment

TXT kicks off the week with their latest comeback, Stick With You from their 8th mini-album 7th Year: A Moment of Stillness in the Thorns. It is their first comeback since their The Star Chapter: Together studio album (yet to be reviewed) and Beautiful Stangers, their 4th world tour, Act: Tomorrow, and the announcement that all 5 members had renewed their contracts with Big Hit Music (meaning there will be more of TXT coming our way!).

Stick With You is an electropop song that sits on the more ‘pleasant’ side of the spectrum of songs. It might be too soon for me to say whether “pleasant” is meant positively or critically (I have been busy and tired from work the last couple of days, so I haven’t had time to listen to new songs), so my reaction has been fairly neutral thus far. There are some good aspects to Stick With You that jump out at me, like the solid beat, the slight autotune behind their vocals to give some texture, and that deep “Is this a dream?” that serves as the main hook. I must say, their vocals do a really neat job of conveying a ‘yearning’ feeling (this isn’t their first time showcasing this feeling in their songs), and the autotune enhances it well. However, outside what has been mentioned, Stick With You also feels rather ’empty’. It doesn’t elicit much motivation to revisit the song, if I am being honest. I wish there were more prominent melodies in Stick With You and I felt like the producers could have leaned more on the electropop backing.

I applaud Big Hit Music for managing to extend the 2:33-minute song into a 4:30-minute music video. It does give a false impression that the song is of a decent length. Anyhow, the music video shows the TXT members stuck in a dream loop, constantly chasing and yearning for the female character after she leaves the apartment. In these dreams, fate ends up blocking the members from reaching her, or someone else distracts her or takes her away from the members. When they do reach her, the happiness is short-lived, with the members falling back asleep. However, towards the end of the video, it is revealed that these dreams are the members’ insecurity. SOOBIN manages to confront the ‘fate’ that is putting the female character just outside their grasp – it’s themselves (HUENINGKAI also glimpses himself walking away with her whilst he was on the ground). The whole time, she has been committed to just them, but their insecurities made them feel like they were losing her. I am glad there was a ‘happy ending’ to the story, even though they wake up again after the TXT logo, suggesting their insecurity is constantly at play. Their acting is also quite impressive throughout the video.

I quite liked the choreography for this comeback. There is a sharpness to the routine, particularly during the first half of the chorus, that makes the arm movements look so cool. The second half of the chorus (i.e., the “Is this a dream?” sequences) infuses some really dynamic intensity that elevates the routine and showcases TXT’s performance abilities.

Song – 7.5/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.3/10

[Weekly KPOP Chart] Week 2 of April 2026

April 12, 2026Posted in Weekly ChartsTagged KickFlip2 Comments

Welcome to the latest Weekly KPOP Chart post for Week 2 of April 2026, which spans from 5 to 11 April 2026.

Not much of an update this week again (pretty much another standard week for me). Onto the charts 🙂

What else have I been listening to?

Each week, I spotlight a song not on the Weekly KPOP Charts that I’ve been listening to over the past week. This week’s feature continues (for the third week in a row) to be ITZY’s THAT’S A NO NO, the side track from their 2nd mini-album, It’z Me. I guess you can say I am obsessed with the song now…

Non-Korean Song of the Week

Each week, the top-ranked non-Korean Song on the Weekly KPOP Chart is spotlighted (as this is an area I haven’t been focusing on as much on my blog lately). The non-Korean song of the past week is BTS’s Hooligan.

The Chart

KickFlip’s latest comeback single, Eye-Poppin’, took out the top spot on the charts this past week. Congratulations to KickFlip!

Pos.	Title	Artist	Status
1	Eye-Poppin’	KickFlip	(NEW)
2	What’s A Girl To Do	DAYOUNG (WJSN)	(NEW)
3	Hooligan	BTS	(NEW)
4	Biggest Fan	IRENE (Red Velvet)	(▼ 2)
5	2.0	BTS	(NEW)
6	SWIM	BTS	(RE-ENTER)
7	Bloom Hour	WJSN	(▼ 6)
8	heal	MONSTA X	(▲ 3)
9	Shapeshifter	Baby DON’T Cry	(RE-ENTER)
10	Breaking Through	EL CAPIRXN, TAEHYUN (TXT) & Jermery Zucker	(NEW)
11	YOU LIKE IT, I LOVE IT	TWS & 24kGoldn	(NEW)
12	LATENCY	LATENCY	(NEW)
13	Twenty	KickFlip	(RE-ENTER)
14	UNIQUE	P1Harmony	(▲ 5)
15	Ice Cream	YUNA (ITZY)	(▼ 3)
16	Who Is She?	KISS OF LIFE	(NEW)
17	Baby, Honey	HOSHI (SEVENTEEN)	(▲ 13)
18	Highs and Lows	WONPIL (DAY6)	(NEW)
19	Poison Ivy	SKINZ	(NEW)
20	NASA	ATEEZ	(▼ 5)
21	WANNA	JANG HANEUM	(NEW)
22	Both Sides	NCT JNJM	(▼ 18)
23	DEAD MAN WALKING	ALL(H)OURS	(▼ 9)
24	GOD	AMPERS&ONE	(NEW)
25	SANE	ONE PACT	(RE-ENTER)
26	KILLA (Face The Other Me)	Kep1er	(▼ 17)
27	Backseat	SOMIN (KARD)	(NEW)
28	Butterfly Doors	AtHeart	(RE-ENTER)
29	Can’t Hide Anymore	CSR	(▼ 6)
30	Catch Catch	YENA	(▼ 23)

[Review] Hooligan – BTS

April 11, 2026Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged BTS1 Comment

Despite just making a comeback with SWIM and their 6th studio album, ARIRANG, last month, BTS is not finished just yet. Just a couple of days ago, they released a music video for their side track Hooligan, the second song from their new album. They also released a music video for the side track 2.0 – a review of that song was just posted before this review.

Hooligan is similar to 2.0 in some ways, but different in other regards. Both tracks are edgy hip-hop/trap tracks. But to me, it sounds like they turned the dial up on the instrumentation in Hooligan. Both the hip-hop influences and trap elements are much more pronounced. The sword sounds add some edge to Hooligan, but I felt they were a bit over the top. There is also a presence of classical strings, which adds to the song’s atmosphere (in a good way). But they also felt underutilised. In my mind, there is something to explore with this combo that may have steered the track differently. The rapping delivery is very impressive, as expected of the BTS rap line (the laughter was super cool and a memorable aspect of the track). I also like how soft the vocal lines go. Definitely some nice contrast throughout Hooligan. The only aspect of Hooligan that I am most unsure about is its lyrics, which felt elementary and uncool amid the rest of the track.

I have nothing but praise for the accompanying music video. The members’ presence in the video was commanding, with each member standing out in their own right through their acting, outfits or looks. There is an epicness to the video that makes it look and feel impressive. From the red lighting to the visual effects, everything felt like it was there for a particular reason, contributing to the overall edgy, cool vibe. For example, I do not know the reasons behind the choices, but SUGA’s solo shot around the midpoint of the video where he stood still, looked ethereal without even trying. The outside choreography scenes remind me of their ON music video, but elevated in a stylish, chic manner, with the red stage, the dancers’ red outfits, and the members’ leather jackets.

The choreography for this one was pretty good. Most of the dancing was performed by the dancers. But the members did contribute to some of the routine and their stage presence, still making this an edgy performance to watch and enjoy.

Song – 7.5/10
Music Video – 10/10
Performance – 7.5/10
Overall Rating – 8.3/10

[Review] 2.0 – BTS

April 11, 2026April 11, 2026Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged BTS1 Comment

Despite just making a comeback with SWIM and their 6th studio album, ARIRANG, last month, BTS is not finished just yet. Last week, they released a music video for their side track 2.0, the fifth song from their new album. They also released a music video for the side track Hooligan – a review of that will follow shortly.

2.0 is more of what I was expecting from BTS for this comeback. It has a lot more edge and energy, and leans into a much cooler sound, compared to SWIM (which was more pleasant yet beige). I have said in many reviews that hip-hop isn’t my genre of choice, but I must acknowledge that BTS has been one of the acts that has made the genre more compelling to me over the years. In addition to hip-hop influences, 2.0 also features trap elements, giving the track its cooler edge (as already mentioned). In terms of the members, I really liked how the rappers used a raspier tone, while the vocalists brought a nice contrast to 2.0 via some smooth vocals. There is also a reliance on repetition in 2.0, but it was both punchy and catchy, making a strong and lasting impression. Overall, I really liked how clear the production and delivery were in 2.0, which gives me more of what I wanted from a BTS comeback.

Like the song, the music video definitely showcased a very cool vibe. This was channelled throughout most of the video, except for the more humorous parts that help lighten up the otherwise serious atmosphere. It begins with the members walking off an elevator, cosplaying as various types of Korean mafia. I liked this concept and how it was later used to kick off the actual performance aspect of the comeback. But RM’s wig threw me off, then JIN and V’s facial expressions. All made me laugh. The music video switches to a cool mode before pausing briefly to show the members frantically changing their outfits in an elevator, leading us into the second part of the video. This part is still cool but opts for a more casual vibe. I think the mafia intro and the elevator ride give us a look into their dual personalities – cool yet dorky.

The performance was top-notch and left me impressed. The routine and the way each member executes it give off cool and effortless vibes that reaffirm their performance abilities. Their charisma and style were amazing, and some moments in the routine (for example, when RM was rapping and the members were dancing beside or behind him) were hella smooth and sleek.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.5/10

[Review] What’s A Girl To Do – DAYOUNG (WJSN)

April 10, 2026Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged DAYOUNG (WJSN), WJSNLeave a comment

DAYOUNG made her solo comeback this week, just a couple of weeks after regrouping with the rest of WJSN for Bloom Hour. Her new single, What’s A Girl To Do, follows on from her successful solo debut single body from last year.

What’s A Girl to Do is a pleasant track, but there are some aspects that I wish were better. When I first checked out the release, I noticed it just wisped by without much to remember it by. The lightness of the dance track and DAYOUNG’s airy vocals make What’s A Girl To Do glide in one ear and out the other. There isn’t much of a hook to really remember the song by, and the melodies are low-key and don’t have much of an edge. Its short length of 2:10 minutes is not enough for the song to develop into something memorable. Thus, What’s A Girl To Do didn’t stick for me. There is a bit of a kick to the chorus thanks to the hip-hop beat, but it wasn’t enough to keep the song in my mind by the time it reached my other ear. That being said, when I do sit down and pay attention to it, What’s A Girl To Do is enjoyable (hence my opening statement describing it as “pleasant”). I just wish there was more to it, in many ways.

Similarly, the music video isn’t much, mainly close-ups and choreography. But DAYOUNG does show off a confident and sexy side through her outfits and dancing (more on this in a second). I find it also builds off her image and style from the body music video, which resonates well with me. I also enjoyed the casual and laid-back vibes she and the video exude. What probably made a bigger headline than the video itself was the fact that Shiloh Jolie, daughter of Angelia Jolie and Brad Pitt, was cast as a dancer in the music video.

As for the choreography, it definitely looked impressive. I really enjoyed the charisma and style DAYOUNG brings to the routine. The footwork at the start of the chorus and the outro were the highlights in my eyes. I also liked the use of the hoodie to give off cooler vibes.

Song – 7/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 7.7/10

[Review] Eye-Poppin’ – KickFlip

April 6, 2026Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged KickFlip1 Comment

One of the comebacks kickstarting the week is KickFlip’s Eye-Poppin’, the lead single from their 4th mini album, My First Kick. It follows on from their pre-release single Twenty, released a couple of weeks back, as well as their digital single album, From KickFlip, To WeFlip, which celebrated their 1st anniversary earlier this year.

Eye-Poppin’ sits well with the rest of their lead singles, channelling pop-rock energy from the onset and maintaining the energy that is often associated with the blend of genres. If anything, Eye-Poppin’ leans more toward the rock side, with rock elements in the instrumentation driving the song forward and lending it a somewhat electrifying edge. Nonetheless, a dynamic backing. The same can be said of the members, who definitely sound prolific throughout Eye-Poppin’. KickFlip has a good range, from deep raspy rapping tones to bright vocals, and Eye-Poppin’ helped highlight it all. I really liked the use of pauses throughout the song, which just gives the subsequent parts more of an edge. I also liked the song’s outro. I just wish the melodies and hooks were a little more developed, as they felt lost amongst the instrumental. It would have been better if they were an ear-equivalent of something “eye-popping”, which would have been fitting for the title of the song. But overall, Eye-Poppin’ is another punchy track from the group!

The music video shows the members competing with one another to get their crush’s attention by trying to look their best and stand out, which reflects well with the idea of wanting to be eye-catching to their crush, as expressed in the lyrics. Like the song, the music video is full of colour and energy, also complementing this aspect of the song. They don’t really succeed, as they all try to do the same thing: look cool and compete for the camera (i.e., the stand-in for their crush). So in the end, it looked like everyone had the same screen time. I liked MINJE’s reaction to them all wearing the same white hoodies. Heck, they also eat their burgers the same.

The choreography looks energetic and dynamic, which suits the song. There is also a fun and light-hearted nature to it, which again complements the group’s youthful charms. Nothing really stood out on its own, but it was a strong performance nonetheless. But the best part of their first stage was their stable vocals and rapping, which were on full display and deserved acknowledgement.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8/10

[Weekly KPOP Chart] Week 1 of April 2026

April 5, 2026April 12, 2026Posted in Weekly ChartsTagged WJSNLeave a comment

Welcome to the latest Weekly KPOP Chart post for Week 1 of April 2026, which spans from 29 March to 4 April 2026.

Happy Easter to those who are celebrating it. Hope the Easter bunny visited and brought you some goodies. The Easter Bunny definitely stopped by my place this year.

If you are not celebrating Easter, hope you have a splendid week and are enjoying the weekend with whatever you are doing!

What else have I been listening to?

Each week, I spotlight a song not on the Weekly KPOP Charts that I’ve been listening to over the past week. This week’s feature continues to be ITZY’s THAT’S A NO NO, the side track from their 2nd mini-album, It’z Me.

Non-Korean Song of the Week

The Chart

WJSN’s Bloom Hour is back in the top spot of the charts this past week. Congratulations to WJSN!

Pos.	Title	Artist	Status
1	Bloom Hour	WJSN	(▲ 1)
2	Biggest Fan	IRENE (Red Velvet)	(NEW)
3	Free Falling	KANGMIN (VERIVERY)	(▲ 13)
4	BOTH SIDES	NCT JNJM	(RE-ENTER)
5	BOTTOMS UP	AB6IX	(=)
6	DELULU	MINJAE, SUMIN & YECHAN (xikers)	(NEW)
7	Catch Catch	YENA	(▼ 4)
8	BANG BANG	IVE	(RE-ENTER)
9	KILLA (Face The Other Me)	Kep1er	(NEW)
10	Save Me	CHUNG HA	(RE-ENTER)
11	heal	MONSTA X	(NEW)
12	Ice Cream	YUNA (ITZY)	(▼ 11)
13	Human Extinction	WOODZ	(RE-ENTER)
14	DEAD MAN WALKING	ALL(H)OURS	(▼ 4)
15	NASA	ATEEZ	(RE-ENTER)
16	X Room	Xdinary Heroes	(NEW)
17	Vanilla Days	LNGSHOT	(NEW)
18	BLACKHOLE	IVE	(RE-ENTER)
19	I’m Alive	TUNEXX	(▼ 13)
20	How The Fire Started	Eric Nam	(▼ 12)
21	All Of You	RIIZE	(NEW)
22	Still Rose	ASC2NT	(▼ 2)
23	Can’t Help Yourself	CSR	(NEW)
24	Colder	KUN (WayV/NCT)	(▼ 1)
25	Good Boy	THE SSYNDROME	(NEW)
26	MWUAH	STAYC	(=)
27	Stay	Sya (BLITZERS)	(NEW)
28	RUDE!	Hearts2Hearts	(RE-ENTER)
29	Hertz	MOONBYUL (MAMAMOO)	(NEW)
30	Baby, Honey	HOSHI (SEVENTEEN)	(NEW)

[Album Review] poppop (2nd Mini Album) – NCT WISH

April 4, 2026Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged NCT, NCT WISHLeave a comment

NCT WISH’s 2nd mini album, poppop, is next up for an album review on my blog. Released in April last year, it features 6 songs, including the title track, which shares the mini album’s name (poppop). It also follows their 1st mini-album, Steady, released in 2024, which I haven’t reviewed yet. Time for that album review will come, so don’t worry!

Anyhow, poppop (the mini album) has a decent mix of songs – all are likeable, but there were some that were much stronger than the lead single, and honestly, would have made for a better lead single. poppop (the single) did grow on me slightly since I reviewed it, but not enough to bump its own rating up.

Since poppop, the group returned later in 2025 with their 3rd mini album, COLOR, which I will get around to reviewing as well. NCT WISH will also be making a comeback later this month, so keep an eye out for that release as well! But in the meantime, here are my thoughts on the mini album.

1. poppop (Title Track) – Click here for my full review of poppop. (7/10).

2. Melt Inside My Pocket – I really like the awesome blend of EDM, rock and pop in Melt Inside My Pocket. This mix, while it sounds like it would be clash-prone, worked really well to form a really dynamic backing. The start felt reminiscent of TVXQ’s epic Red Sun. As for NCT WISH, they sounded awesome. YUSHI and JAEHEE were particularly awesome when it came to the bridge, and I am also very fond of the opening line to the chorus (has me coming back time and time again). The only thing I want more of is some grit in their vocals work better into the backing. (9/10)

3. Design – Design feels like more a standard track to me. I don’t remember Design garnering the same attention as Melt Inside My Pocket when it was first released, and while listening to Design to write this review, I don’t feel too much of it. That being said, I do appreciate their vocal work and rapping in the song, and I enjoyed the slight early 00s tinge to the instrumental, which makes it a neat follow-through from the previous song. (7/10)

4. 1000 – NCT WISH takes on R&B in 1000, with a mellow approach initially before turning to an upbeat chorus. These changes in flow and momentum feel true to themselves. I also liked how NCT WISH managed the flow of 1000, with the members moving between smooth vocals and some punchy rapping. There was also a pleasant melody to the chorus, which made the song appealing. (8/10)

5. Silly Dance – For a song titled Silly Dance, I wish the group had embraced more of a quirky side. The version of Silly Dance they do give is more of a pleasant pop song, and it is honestly a pretty decent listen. I enjoyed the harmonies in the chorus, which give Silly Dance that pleasantness I had mentioned. The melodies also had a nice sing-along approach, which I totally tapped into. JAEHEE’s high note was spectacular, and I liked how the “Oh baby dance, I wanna dance, Oh baby silly dance” line at the end was shared amongst some of the members in a dynamic way. (9/10)

6. Still 3PM (만약 네가 4시에 온다면) – Closing out the mini-album is this dreamy R&B pop number (leaning more heavily into the pop side). I really liked the production of this track – there were a lot of layers, and I enjoyed them all. The members sound fantastic throughout Still 3PM, with the track putting their best foot forward in the vocal and rapping department. The melodies also give the track such a vibrantly pleasant vibe that brings a smile to your face. A very appealing track to end off the mini-album. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.3/10

[Review] ESCAPE – BANG CHAN & HYUNJIN (Stray Kids)

April 3, 2026April 3, 2026Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged Bangchan (Stray Kids), Hyunjin (Stray Kids), Stray Kids2 Comments

It has been over a year since Stray Kids released their single album, Mixtape: dominATE. Despite being a big fan of Stray Kids (I acknowledge I give them a lot more attention than any other group), I have yet to review any tracks from their Mixtape: dominATE. As the one-year anniversary has just passed, now would be a timely moment to review the tracks on it. The lead single is the Korean version of their 2024 Japanese single, GIANT (which I have yet to review but will do later). Alongside GIANT are unit tracks – this post focuses on BANG CHAN and HYUNJIN’s ESCAPE. Links to the reviews of the other unit tracks (as they are released) are below the music video.

Expectations are high for the return of the BANG CHAN and HYUNJIN unit – the pair behind Red Lights (iykyk). Unlike the sensual R&B route they took last time, ESCAPE takes a more bombastic approach, blending rock influences with trap elements to create this powerfully tense unit track. I particularly liked the build-up in the pre-choruses and the satisfying drop of rock elements in the chorus. The oomph that the latter ultimately gives ESCAPE instantly made it stand out to me upon release over a year ago. As for the pair themselves, I was impressed by their vocals, especially during their respective verses. HYUNJIN’s vocal tone in ESCAPE brought an interesting crisp colour to the song, while BANG CHAN’s higher pitch added a delicateness and an emotional tinge to the song. BANG CHAN’s high note and ad-libs at the end were equally impressive, with the pair closing out the song in an epic fashion. I really liked this unit track then and still like it now.

I have a theory about what is happening in the music video, but I am not entirely sure if it is right. Essentially, it looks like BANG CHAN and HYUNJIN are werewolves that were chained up at a certain point, but had broken free. And while they do enjoy hanging around each other, the pair ends up making a break together for the outside world. But some dark force is after them. They become cornered and are forced to go their separate ways to evade capture. Towards the end, they reunite and pair up once again to take on this dark force. I did like the dark tones of the music video, but I also wished we had found out what this dark force was.

The pair performed ESCAPE on their Dominate World Tour, and the performance was definitely worth watching. I really liked how they and the dancers heightened the bombastic feel of ESCAPE, revealing an intense, charged side of themselves. I also liked the artistry of the performance, such as pair singing towards the camera amongst the cloaked dancers standing still and the circle formations by the dancers lying down/rolling around BANG CHAN and HYUNJIN in the final chorus. The latter made for an epic overhead camera shot.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.7/10