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[Weekly KPOP Chart] Week 2 of May 2025

May 18, 2025Posted in Weekly ChartsTagged LE SSERAFIMLeave a comment

Welcome to the next edition of the Weekly KPOP Chart posts. This is for Week 2 of May 2025, which spans 11 to 17 May 2025.

Once again, there are no significant updates from me this week. I am also posting this late at night, so I will keep this short (i.e., get right to it). Leggo!

What else am I listening to?

Each week, I spotlight a song not on the Weekly KPOP Charts that I have been listening to last week. This week, the song in question is EXID’s I Feel Good.

And yes, the title of BOYNEXTDOOR’s comeback single, I Feel Good, sparked memories of EXID’s song of the same name, which I clearly decided to relive.

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, once again, LE SSERAFIM’s Come Over.

The Chart

Come Over by LE SSERAFIM ranks again in the top spot this past week! Congratulations to LE SSERAFIM!

Pos.	Title	Artist	Status
1	Come Over	LE SSERAFIM	(▲ 3)
2	BEBE	STAYC	(▲ 11) (FINAL WEEK)
3	I Feel Good	BOYNEXTDOOR	(NEW)
4	Don’t Say You Love Me	JIN (BTS)	(NEW)
5	Adult Swim	KAI (EXO)	(▲ 4)
6	Maybe Tomorrow	DAY6	(▲ 16)
7	GNARLY	KATSEYE	(▲ 18)
8	HANDS UP	MEOVV	(=)
9	Pookie	FIFTY FIFTY	(NEW)
10	Hello Stranger	KWON EUN BI	(RE-ENTER)
11	DROP TOP	MEOVV	(NEW)
12	BTG	KiiiKiii	(▲ 11)
13	VVV	THE BOYZ	(RE-ENTER) (FINAL WEEK)
14	LOOSE	ENHYPEN	(▲ 4)
15	CINEMA	LEE KNOW & SEUNGMIN (Stray Kids)	(▼ 3)
16	1999	MARK (NCT)	(▼ 14)
17	Love Language	TXT	(▼ 16)
18	Countdown!	TWS:	(▼ 2)
19	Stunner	TEN (NCT)	(▼ 14)
20	Broken Party	CHEN (EXO)	(RE-ENTER)
21	Burnin’ Tires	CHANGBIN & I.N (Stray Kids)	(▼ 1) (FINAL WEEK)
22	TRUMAN	HAN & FELIX (Stray Kids)	(RE-ENTER)
23	poppop	NCT WISH	(▼ 20)
24	Cool & Hot	PARK WOO JIN (AB6IX) ft. HA SUNG WOON	(RE-ENTER)
25	KNOW ABOUT ME	NMIXX	(▼ 19) (FINAL WEEK)
26	+82 Pressin’	MARK (NCT) ft. HAECHAN (NCT)	(▼ 12) (FINAL WEEK)
27	Moon	ASTRO & Various Artists	(RE-ENTER)
28	Wait On Me	KAI (EXO)	(▼ 21)
29	MONA LISA	j-hope (BTS)	(RE-ENTER) (FINAL WEEK)
30	Lucky To Be Loved	TWS:	(NEW)

[Album Review] Where to Now? (Pt. 1: Yellow Light) (7th Mini-Album) – KARD

May 17, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged KARDLeave a comment

Next up on the album review front is KARD’s 7th mini-album from August 2024, Where to Now? (Pt. 1: Yellow Light). It is led by the title track Tell My Momma and features four additional songs and two instrumental tracks for the title track and the side track Boombox. This mini-album followed their 6th mini-album, ICKY, and the title track of the same name.

I can confirm that I didn’t care much for Tell My Momma since I reviewed it last year. But I was excited to still review the rest of the release, as the side tracks for this mini-album were all exciting listens. The title track was the mini-album’s only letdown from my perspective. More thoughts on the title track and each of the side tracks are down below.

*Where to Now? (Part 1: Yellow Light)* Album Cover

1. Waste My Time – I liked the concept of Waste My Time, which expresses the desire to be with the person they love, even if that means they are just wasting time. What I loved the most about the opening number is the velvety vocals SOMIN and JIWOO consistently showcased throughout Waste My Time. It pairs so well with the softer and atmospheric tropical house instrumentation. As for J.Seph and BM, they rap well in Waste My Time, but I find their parts fit in less due to their harsher deliveries. Sure, it gives Waste My Time a little more texture and edge than just velvety, but I think their parts could have melded better with the rest of the song. (8/10)

2. Tell My Momma (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Tell My Momma. (5.5/10)

3. Boombox – Boombox is one of the side-tracks I remember the most from 2024. It was an unexpected favourite of mine, thanks to its boldness. It probably helped coming off such a low-key song. KARD did an amazing job bringing old school hip-hop vibes to life in Boombox – it was the song’s strongest asset. But while all members went in hard, I give extra points to JIWOO, who smashed that pre-chorus out of the park. Definitely a highly recommended KARD song. (10/10)

4. SHIMMY SHIMMY – SHIMMY SHIMMY stays in the hip-hop realm, but KARD takes on a more modern feel of the genre. I love the vibes and rhythm of this one. I also enjoyed the robustness of the instrumental and heightened beats. The chorus is also quite catchy as a result. I liked the passion that the group infuses into both vocals and rapping. It makes SHIMMY SHIMMY even more appealing and enticing to listen to. (8/10)

5. SPIN – SPIN is easily KARD’s experimental track of this mini-album. There is a fair bit going on between the Spanish words, the squeaky and striking synths and beats that give SPIN its own personality, and the shouty delivery of some of the lines. This is on top of their usual vocals and rapping, which were effortless in SPIN. Despite all of that, I never once put down SPIN. It is still a unique, fun and unapologetic track. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.1/10

*Where to Now? (Part 1: Yellow Night)* Teaser Image

[Review] Don’t Say You Love Me – JIN (BTS)

May 16, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged JIN (BTS)4 Comments

It has been just over half a year since JIN returned to the music scene with his first solo album, Happy. That album was led by the pre-release single I’ll Be There and the title track Running Wild. Today, JIN has returned with his second solo mini-album Echo, which is led by the title track Don’t Say You Love Me.

Don’t Say You Love Me is an all-English pop ballad that is easy to listen to. It is all effortlessly soothing and pleasant, from the instrumental to the melodies to JIN’s vocals. I enjoyed the falsettos he hits in the choruses, which make the song feel and sound very pretty. The only thing stopping me from liking the song completely is the lack of emotion. The lyrics of Don’t Say You Love Me are emotionally loaded, as they express the complex feelings of a relationship that is falling apart. However, I don’t register much emotional appeal in JIN’s vocals. I am not expecting a complete outpouring of sadness or grief, but Don’t Say You Love Me needed some degree of emotion to make it a more riveting piece. There is merit in keeping the pleasantness and soothing nature of the pop-ballad to frame up a more positive message, such as encouraging the best for both sides of the broken relationship. As mentioned, his vocals are fine. I just needed more from JIN, feeling-wise, to make Don’t Say You Love Me even better.

His acting definitely doesn’t have that same problem — his acting opposite Shin Se Kyung (the actress who plays the female lead) was superb. We see the moment the pair fall in love in that gallery and make a life for themselves (by running away together). But as the story progresses, the pair grow distant and their relationship falls apart. But to understand what the video is trying to tell us, we need to go back to the start and end of the video. At the beginning, we see Shin Se Kyung alone in the car, leaving JIN behind in the car park. This is what they want the break-up to look like. But the end of the video shows the pair together post-fight, glancing at one another, indicating that both are afraid to break up. This directly references the complicated feelings they are experiencing with their relationship falling apart that are expressed in the lyrics.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.4/10

[Review] I Feel Good – BOYNEXTDOOR

May 15, 2025May 15, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged BOYNEXTDOORLeave a comment

BOYNEXTDOOR is back with a new mini-album, No Genre, and the single I Feel Good. This is their first album release since September 2024’s 19.99 (album yet to be reviewed), led by the single Nice Guy. An English version of I Feel Good and the January 2025 single IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU (also yet to be reviewed) are featured on the new mini-album, as well.

Only two groups that can pull off I Feel Good‘s energetic vibes come to mind – the first element that really stands out to me in the new song. The first is BOYNEXTDOOR, who has gradually grown on me since their debut and made a name for themselves with their ability to embody energetic vibes so well. The second is Block B, as I Feel Good just has a lot of their flair. The latter also makes sense given that one of the writers (and the producer of BOYNEXTDOOR) is Block B’s leader, ZICO. The funky bass guitar and the guitar work throughout I Feel Good are punchy and charismatic, while the beat gives the song head-nodding potential. The catchiness of the song’s hook (i.e., the “I Feel Good” repetition) is made even better with the delivery of the “I“. The hacking-like delivery just gives it character and personality. The rapping just exudes so much of that already mentioned energy, while the vocals were pretty nice. LEEHAN’s vocals in the second verse have a sleek and chic feel, while I enjoyed the incline that the vocals bring alongside the background for the pre-choruses. Again, the biggest problem with I Feel Good is simply that the song is too short. While it is all energy from start to end, I Feel Good could have done better with a peak moment to build up towards and give the song more trajectory. But overall, another powerful song from BOYNEXTDOOR.

Like the song, the music video is just as fun and energetic. It starts with BOYNEXTDOOR entering a corner store and having a one-sided rap battle with the shop attendant. The rest of the video shows BOYNEXTDOOR going around, spreading their positive feeling and promoting their upcoming underground performance. Flyers and a dance battle are involved. I liked how you can tell the members had fun filming the video. I also enjoyed the comedic touch by having LEEHAN hold a ‘BOYNEXTDOOR’ sign with an expressionless face whilst everyone else is moving about. I wish they had done more with the grayscale scenes, as they felt underbaked compared to the rest of the music video. But overall, a fun watch.

And just like the rest of the comeback, the performance for this comeback embodies the energy and positive vibes of the song. The routine involves the members constantly moving, which maintains the energy throughout the routine. I enjoyed the rock references, with the microphone and air guitars during the chorus. The Michael Jackson touch made complete sense (as he was referenced in the lyrics), and I loved the range of edgy moves paired with the “I Feel Good” hook.

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

[Review] Come Over – LE SSERAFIM

May 13, 2025May 13, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged LE SSERAFIM2 Comments

Alongside HOT from March this year, LE SSERAFIM released the single Come Over as part of their 5th mini-album. At the end of March, LE SSERAFIM collaborated with Android for a music video for the single, making it eligible for a review (i.e., this post!).

While I was not much of a fan of HOT (which has remained true almost two months on), it is a different story regarding Come Over. The song is a very addictive retro-pop, all-English song. LE SSERAFIM kills it in this song, unexpectedly. At first, I thought their very light and high-tone approach would be plain and boring. But a few repeats quickly changed my mind. The hooks, though repetitive, were effective at being earwormy and catchy. I have the “So baby come over, come over, come over” in the tone LE SSERAFIM delivers it in still stuck in my mind. The retro influences in the background made the single colourful and vibrant, while the beat kept Come Over moving along. I did like the instrumental breaks Come Over had, which helped emphasise those influences. There are two things Come Over could have done better: a longer length and more variety in the lyrics. While I praise the repetition hook-wise earlier, I feel like Come Over feels short of being taken to the next level for its repetitive lines and lasts for just over 2.25 minutes (though not the shortest song on the album).

For the music video, we see SAKURA go shopping in a retro grocery store, picking up a mysterious can labelled with an anagram that, when rearranged (thanks to the nifty AI on her very ‘retro’ cell phone), says “Open a new world” – a message she shares with the rest of the group, before paying for the can and drinking its contents. This message is about the potential of the Android-based mobile devices used by the members, which, in a retro world, definitely opens a whole new world for the user. Aside from being an Android commercial, the video nicely encapsulates those retro influences from the song. I liked the vintage patterned outfits worn by the members, and later on, the Android robots. The curled hairstyles also screamed retro, and I loved how fantastic the members looked, particularly HUH YUNJIN.

The dance for Come Over is equally as catchy as the song. I liked the energy and oomph the members put into it, which complements the vibrant and upbeat nature of the music. I also enjoyed the members’ serious demeanour during the first instrumental break following the first chorus. This gave off fun vibes, despite the members not showing that as they performed that sequence.

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

[Album Review] BAMESIS (3rd Mini-Album) – BAMBAM (GOT7)

May 12, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged BamBam (GOT7), GOT7Leave a comment

BAMBAM’s 3rd mini-album, BAMESIS, is the next album to be reviewed on the blog. Released in August last year, this mini-album features 5 songs – one of which is the title track LAST PARADE. It is his first solo release since Sour & Sweet in 2023. It is also the last album released by the artist under ABYSS Entertainment – BAMBAM signed on with Halo Entertainment earlier this year. More recently, BAMBAM reunited with the rest of GOT7 for a new album, Winter Heptagon (led by the single PYTHON) and a series of concerts.

Overall, BAMESIS is a consistently fair album. It is a good mix of songs from the soloist, with BAMBAM going with different genres across the five songs. Have a listen below and let me know what you think about BAMESIS.

1. LAST PARADE (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for LAST PARADE. (8.5/10)

2. Mi Último Deseo – BAMBAM impresses in Mi Último Deseo, where he sings in English and Spanish. It is quite unexpected, given that the title track is in English and Korean. But very enjoyable nonetheless. Mi Último Deseo features a Latin-influenced instrumentation that comes off quite smooth overall. Mi Último Deseo could have infused a heftier beat or included more bite to the background, especially as the song progresses – it lacks a peak. But Mi Último Deseo is still a pleasant and interesting listen from BAMBAM. (8/10)

3. Ball Like That – Ball Like That brings together an R&B beat and atmospheric synths to make a very nostalgic-sounding track. Along with BAMBAM’s delivery, I find it reminiscent of the R&B that I enjoyed when I was younger. The smoothness of Ball Like That makes the song feel sleek and suits BAMBAM’s style. I also liked the freshness that his vocals bring to the music. The melodies were also relatively straightforward but catchy. However, I wish there was more to Ball Like That, simply because it doesn’t feel complete there yet. (8.5/10)

4. Must Be Nice – Must Be Nice embraces a soft pop-rock instrumental that melds so well with BAMBAM’s more delicate vocals, a side that we don’t hear all too much from the soloist. The atmosphere that develops throughout Must Be Nice is so soothing and calming. The guitar work is exceptionally nice, and I liked how the drumming/percussion elements nudge the song along subtly. (8/10)

5. Thank You Come Again – BAMESIS is brought to a close with Thank You Come Again, a hip-hop track with a bouncy beat and engaging rapping delivery. His flow throughout the track is impressive and engaging. I also liked the female vocals in the track, which pop out amongst the rest of the track. I appreciated how this track, although quite hip-hop leaning, doesn’t overdo it and doesn’t sound too energetic. It’s easygoing and works well as a final track on the album. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.2/10

[Weekly KPOP Chart] Week 1 of May 2025

May 11, 2025May 18, 2025Posted in Weekly ChartsTagged TXTLeave a comment

Welcome to the next edition of the Weekly KPOP Chart posts. This time, it is for a new month – Week 1 of May 2025, which spans 4 to 10 May 2025. It will be another short one this week, so let’s get cracking.

What else am I listening to?

Each week, I spotlight a song not on the Weekly KPOP Charts that I have been listening to last week. This week, the song in question is an all-time favourite of mine, FIESTAR’s We Don’t Stop.

Non-Korean Song of the Week

The Chart

Love Language by TXT ranks again in the top spot this past week! Congratulations to TXT!

Pos.	Title	Artist	Status
1	Love Language	TXT	(=)
2	1999	MARK (NCT)	(▲ 2)
3	poppop	NCT WISH	(▼ 1)
4	Come Over	LE SSERAFIM	(▲ 23)
5	STUNNER	TEN (NCT)	(▲ 4)
6	KNOW ABOUT ME	NMIXX	(RE-ENTER)
7	Wait On Me	KAI (EXO)	(▲ 6)
8	HANDS UP	MEOVV	(▼ 2)
9	Adult Swim	KAI (EXO)	(▲ 14)
10	PANIC	BEOMGYU (TXT)	(RE-ENTER)
11	BREATHE	xikers	(RE-ENTER)
12	CINEMA	LEE KNOW & SEUNGMIN (Stray Kids)	(RE-ENTER)
13	BEBE	STAYC	(RE-ENTER)
14	+82 Pressin’	MARK (NCT) ft. HAECHAN (NCT)	(RE-ENTER)
15	Chains	HIGHLIGHT	(▼ 12)
16	Countdown!	TWS:	(▼ 11)
17	Air	YEJI (ITZY)	(▼ 9) (FINAL WEEK)
18	Loose	ENHYPEN	(▼ 8)
19	HOT	LE SSERAFIM	(RE-ENTER) (FINAL WEEK)
20	Burnin’ Tires	CHANGBIN & I.N (Stray Kids)	(RE-ENTER)
21	Baby, Not Baby	SEULGI (Red Velvet)	(RE-ENTER) (FINAL WEEK)
22	Maybe Tomorrow	DAY6	(NEW)
23	BTG	KiiiKiii	(RE-ENTER)
24	STOP THE RAIN	TABLO & RM (BTS)	(NEW)
25	GNARLY	KATSEYE	(NEW)
26	Handlebars	JENNIE (BLACKPINK) ft. Dua Lipa	(RE-ENTER) (FINAL WEEK)
27	Girlfriend	i-dle	(NEW)
28	Walls Don’t Talk	KAI (EXO)	(RE-ENTER)
29	Universe	DAESUNG (BIG BANG)	(RE-ENTER)
30	Only Cry In The Rain	CHUU	(NEW)

[Album Review] Supersonic (3rd Single Album) – fromis_9

May 10, 2025May 10, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Fromis_9Leave a comment

fromis_9 is gearing up for a comeback in June with a reformed lineup of 5 members (Song Ha Young, Park Ji Won, Lee Na Kyung, Lee Chae Young, and Baek Ji Heon), after it was announced that the group would not renew their contracts with Pledis Entertainment and that Lee Sae Rom, Roh Ji Sun and Lee Seo Yeon would be departing the group. It is time to review their last album release as an 8-member group ahead of the comeback. Supersonic (the single album) was released long overdue in July 2024, with the title track of the same name and 2 additional side tracks.

Despite the long hiatus between Supersonic and their previous album, Unlock My World, fromis_9 proved they were still on the ball with a chart-topping hit and 2 impressive side tracks. More on the songs can be found below.

1. Supersonic (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Supersonic. (10/10)

2. Beat The Heat – The one thing that Beat The Heat could have done better is cohesion, as the rest of the track is pretty good. The single has a bit going on, but it doesn’t overwhelm. But those bridging moments are quite tight, and I wish they were a little more breathable. It maintains its upbeatness all throughout the song and sounds well-suited for the summery period in which it was released. I found the slightly descending melody in the first chorus quite abstract initially, but it grew on me over time. The group delivered everything else nicely. A great song, overall. (9/10)

3. Take A Chance – Beautiful vocals make Take A Chance a stunning listen. I enjoyed the contrast between the consistently beating instrumentation and the delicate melodies. And in addition to the beautiful vocals, I love how sweet and nostalgic everything came to be. It is a perfect song for a nice breezy day in Summer and the new chapter they are embarking on for each of their careers. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9.7/10

[Review] Girlfriend – i-dle

May 9, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged i-dle1 Comment

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that the group formerly known as (G)I-DLE will be making a comeback under the new name, i-dle. Alongside this announcement, the group released a special mini-album titled We are i-dle, which features 5-member versions of their past singles from their debut track LATATA to 2021’s HWAA. This rebrand also follows their contract renewal with CUBE Entertainment, which was announced at the end of last year. Their newly released single, Girlfriend, comes from their upcoming 8th mini-album WE ARE, which will drop in 10 days.

Girlfriend leans into the pop rock genre a fair bit, more than usual for i-dle. I was geniunely surprised (in a good way) to hear how pop-leaning the chorus was, while the verses shows more of the rock elements to make it pop-rock overall. The chorus actually reminds me of a KPOP track from the early ’10s, thanks to the upbeatness, the simplicity of the hooks, the straightforwardness of the pop sound, the slight toots and the all-members sing-song chorus. The simplicity of Girlfriend‘s hooks comes across quite effectively. The “I don’t give a f*ck about love cause we are i-dle” is very catchy and addictive. At first, I was disappointed with how repetitive it was and thought it was wasted real estate. But I am not too bothered by it now. The vocals and rapping are clear and crisp, as usual. Overall, the saying ‘simple is best’ applies well for Girlfriend. I can’t wait to see what else they have in store for us on the 19th with the rest of WE ARE.

i-dle in the music video seems to be some sort of underground group that goes hunting down bad exes to scare them away from their former lovers, who sought out i-dle’s services. At the same time, they also provide company to those who sought them out, referring to themselves as the ‘girlfriend’ in the lyrics. Again, simple is best and I liked how clear and straightforward the video was. There is nothing to confusing and I liked how the story is on par with their other music videos in the past.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9/10

[Review] Maybe Tomorrow – DAY6

May 8, 2025May 8, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged DAY63 Comments

DAY6 returned yesterday with the digital single, Maybe Tomorrow. The new release follows their 9th mini-album, Band-Aid and the title track Melt Down from last September.

I find Maybe Tomorrow quite captivating. It took me a few tries to realise that (I was distracted by some other things), but once I settled and focused, I found myself being whisked away by the song. The new single is a rock ballad that sounds very DAY6. I liked Maybe Tomorrow‘s wispiness and gentle nature, whilst the guitar and drums ground the song so that it doesn’t feel overly light to the point that it just breezes by, and I can’t remember it. I particularly enjoyed the drumming in the song, which gives it a bit of a punch and beat. The keyboard work was also lovely, and I liked the little buffer at the song’s end. Maybe Tomorrow also carries emotions, and I felt the members did a fantastic job relaying those emotions to the audience. They didn’t go down the heartfelt or powerful routes, but you definitely get a reflective and pensive tone from them. The melodies are soothing, and the chorus is pleasantly catchy. Altogether, Maybe Tomorrow is a beautiful yet safe ballad from DAY6 that I am sure everyone will enjoy.

Maybe Tomorrow‘s lyrics comfort those who are down, sad, or struggling and wish that tomorrow is a better day. Here is my interpretation of the beautiful accompanying music video. DAY6 portrays those emotions of feeling down, sad or struggling. The mood then is dark and heavy. Then, the room around them shakes, sending them flying out the door and falling through the sky. The members slowly open their eyes, representing that the “new day” is better and comforting. But each member opens their eyes at various times, suggesting everyone has something to make tomorrow better for them. For YOUNG K, it was the music (he had his eyes open way before falling), but he needed the bright light from the sun to make him realise maybe tomorrow is better. For SUNGJIN, it was his guitar that made him open his eyes, and for DOWOON, the colours of the confetti brought him comfort and opened his eyes. The ending shows WONPIL falling back into his bed and waking up, only to realise that there is a hole in his room to show him the light that the new day is better. It also suggests that maybe parts of their dreams did occur (i.e., the music, the light, the guitar and the colours).

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9/10

[Review] IKUK – ONEUS

May 7, 2025May 7, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged ONEUSLeave a comment

It is time to review a release from earlier in the year – ONEUS’s IKUK. You may recognise IKUK, as it is a rearranged version of their I KNOW YOU KNOW single that they performed as part of the Road To Kingdom: Ace of Ace series from 2024. IKUK was re-released in mid-January as part of their special Dear. M album. As I had never reviewed that series, I thought I would pick up IKUK for a review. Since the release, SEOHO has enlisted into the military and ONEUS is currently promoting as a quartet.

Unfortunately, I didn’t pay much attention to the release of IKUK as I was on holiday then. Listening back for this review, it is a pity that I didn’t pay attention, as it is a strong showing from the group. I like the funky and groovy nature of the song, which feels quite refreshing coming from ONEUS. I enjoyed the punchiness of the beat in this version and the subtle hip-hop presence behind the rap sequence in the second verse. I wish the bass was more profound, particularly during the hooks when the rest of the instrumentation was stripped away. Bass is present in IKUK in its current form, but I think more could have made IKUK uber funky. I also enjoyed the crispness of their vocals and rapping, which made IKUK stronger and more alluring. And the song’s primary hook, the ‘I know, you know, I love you‘, was catchy. However, IKUK is far from perfect. More could have been done to make IKUK feel less repetitive than it was. I also want various parts of IKUK, such as LEEDO’s rap in the outro and the chorus around it, to not feel as abrupt as they did. It felt like they were slapped in, hindering IKUK from feeling cohesive. Perhaps constraining IKUK to be as short as possible was not ideal, as a few extra seconds to facilitate proper transitions and additional segments to relieve IKUK from its repetitiveness would have boosted it in my books.

I really enjoyed how theatrical the music video felt. When ONEUS goes down that path, you know the music video will be top-notch. While the regal look was very cool (both members and dancers looked awesome throughout the video) and gave off vampire vibes, I wish they explored the theme a little more, mainly since the music video supposedly explored the “deadly allure of vampires” (taken from Soompi). I also wish they had chosen a better location to shoot the video (or designed a whole castle-like set). Exposed air vents detracted slightly from the potential of the regal and vampire vibes. However, these flaws are made up by retaining the wowing elements from the Road To Kingdom: ACE OF ACE stage, such as the KEONHEE emerging from the tables and SEOHO hanging upside down.

The accompanying routine that ONEUS performed on the weekly shows was an adaptation of the routine from the original stage and music video, without some of those aforementioned wow moments. It probably doesn’t sound as exciting anymore, but they retained enough to make it a performance that is still worth watching. I liked how the routine continued to feature a sophisticated and elegant side, which they emphasised during the dance break (and was my favourite part of the routine).

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

[Review] Love Language – TXT

May 5, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged TXT3 Comments

TXT returned at the end of last week with their new single Love Language. This latest release follows their 7th mini-album, The Star Chapter: Sanctuary, from the end of last year and the title track Over The Moon. It also follows a well-deserved extended break for the group.

Love Language is a pleasant release from TXT, but I wish there was more to Love Language than what it had to offer. Everything from the darting synths in the background, the members’ sweet vocals, and the contrasting deeper spoken tone of the post-chorus sequence from YEONJUN, SOOBIN, and BEOMGYU was all fine. The opening line to the choruses was memorable, and I liked the extra raspiness from TAEHYUN and HEUINGKAI. But Love Language is such a safe release (relative to the rest of their discography, which has been bold and striking at times) that it feels extremely basic. I can’t hear anything exciting enough in Love Language to attract and grab my attention, aside from this being a TXT release. This will put the song’s longevity at risk. I feel like that exciting element is what Love Language is missing. But I am not entirely sure what could be used (perhaps a different texture or something that builds on the edginess that the post-chorus sequences attempt to get across), given the mellowness of Love Language, which restricts their options.

The music video shows TXT in a very cutesy light, searching for their special someone’s love language. It is interesting yet different from the usual portrayal of the members, but I thought it was quite a good watch. The video style and creative decisions really complement the song quite well. I particularly liked the scenes where one member would be at the forefront of the screen, and the rest would be just doing their own thing in the background.

I don’t think we expected to see SOOBIN’s abs as part of the choreography for this comeback, especially with such a sweet song and cutesy video. But I am sure no one is complaining about its appearance in the routine. I actually quite liked the sharp and fast movements during the chorus. It added a little visual oomph to the routine and offered the comeback a little more intensity and dynamic flair.

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

[Weekly KPOP Chart] Week 5 of April 2025

May 4, 2025Posted in Weekly ChartsTagged TXTLeave a comment

Welcome to the next edition of the Weekly KPOP Chart posts. This time, it is for Week 5 of April 2025, which spans 27 April to 3 May 2025.

Aside from being back the ‘What else am I listening to?’ segment, there is nothing new to update on this week. So let’s get to the important stuff for this post.

What else am I listening to?

Each week, I spotlight a song not on the Weekly KPOP Charts I have been listening to last week. This week, the song in question is an all-time favourite of mine, Sunny Hill’s Midnight Circus.

Non-Korean Song of the Week

The Chart

Love Language by TXT ranks in the top spot this past week! I will be publishing a review for their latest release tomorrow. Congratulations to TXT!

Pos.	Title	Artist	Status
1	Love Language	TXT	(NEW)
2	poppop	NCT WISH	(▲ 2)
3	Chains	HIGHLIGHT	(NEW)
4	1999	MARK (NCT)	(▼ 2)
5	Countdown!	TWS:	(▼ 4)
6	HANDS UP	MEOVV	(NEW)
7	Bag Bad Back	RIIZE	(NEW)
8	Air	YEJI (ITZY)	(▼ 3)
9	STUNNER	TEN (NCT)	(▼ 6)
10	LOOSE	ENHYPEN	(▼ 1)
11	Broken Party	CHEN (EXO)	(NEW)
12	MOON	ASTRO with various artists	(NEW)
13	Wait On Me	KAI (EXO)	(▼ 7)
14	Yum	Kep1er	(▲ 16
15	VVV	THE BOYZ	(RE-ENTER)
16	Sweet Dreams	j-hope (BTS) ft. Miguel	(▼ 9)
17	Eye Candy	from20	(NEW)
18	258	YEJI (ITZY)	(NEW)
19	I Just Want Love	KEONHEE (ONEUS)	(NEW)
20	NEVER GIVE UP	NCHIVE	(NEW)
21	Jelly Bean	CRAVITY	(NEW)
22	Lucky=One	cosomosy	(NEW)
23	Adult Swim	KAI (EXO)	(▲ 1)
24	Tap Clap	APINK	(RE-ENTER)
25	Cool & Youth	PARK WOOJIN (AB6IX) ft. HA SUNG WOON	(NEW)
26	Beautiful Life	Xdinary Heroes	(▼ 18)
27	Come Over	LE SSERAFIM	(RE-ENTER)
28	Mess	KANG DANIEL	(RE-ENTER)
29	Wakey Wakey	LUCY	(NEW)
30	For Real?	TNX	(RE-ENTER)

[Album Review] Curtain Call (6th Mini Album) – B.A.P (as BANG&JUNG&YOO&MOON)

May 3, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged B.A.P, BANG&JUNG&YOO&MOONLeave a comment

The next album for review is BANG&JUNG&YOO&MOON’s Curtain Call. It marks B.A.P’s grand return to the music scene after almost seven years, even though only BANG YONG GUK, JUNG DAEHYUN, YOO YOUNGJAE and MOON JONGUP are represented in this comeback (ZELO is currently carrying out his military enlistment). Curtain Call serves as B.A.P’s 6th mini-album since their debut in 2012 (14 years ago at its release), and features 5 songs, including the title track Gone.

While they have stuck around following the release of Curtain Call, as they did make a Christmas comeback in December 2024 with Christmas With You, the name of the mini-album, pre-release track (Farewell) and title track did sound like a last hurrah for the group. I am unsure of what they have planned for the future. However, I would love to see the quartet reunite with ZELO for future promotions and music releases and revive the group I always saw as having the most potential from the moment they debuted. But until we get confirmation of that, here are my thoughts on Curtain Call.

1. Love – In their first track in almost 7 years, Love expresses the emotions associated with falling in love, which I am sure is a message directed towards their fanbase (BABYs). It is a refreshing pop-rock track showcasing what we have missed out on for the last 7 years. What I really like about Love is how passionate the members sounded. From the stunning vocals and rapping, Love was pleasant yet powerful in its own right. (9/10)

2. Farewell (빛바랜 날들 이젠 잊고 다 안녕) (Pre-Release Track) – Just like the title of the mini-album, Farewell made me slightly nervous for the same reasons as mentioned in the intro of this review. But rest assured, Farewell’s lyrics speak to saying farewell to the past and looking forward to the future. It is also a pop-rock track, though the upbeat tempo and intensity of the instrumentation do make it more rock-leaning. It is the vocals that bring the track’s pop side to life. I particularly enjoyed BANG YONG GUK’s familiar hoarse vocals in this song, but there is also a strong showing from the others. (9/10)

3. Gone (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Gone. (8/10)

4. Stand It All – Changing up the momentum of the mini-album is Stand It All. It is a ballad that speaks to accepting the unhappy moments and holding on strong during them. Like most ballads, I am drawn to its vocals, which have consistently stood out on this mini-album. In Stand It All, it is so emotional and heartfelt. Even the rapping was done so profoundly and resonates alongside the vocals based on emotions alone. Regarding the instrumentation, I liked the oomph it gives the ballad. Altogether, Stand It All a very powerful side-track from the group. (10/10)

5. Way Back – We go back to the rock genre with Way Back, the final song of the mini-album. The lyrics reflect on the past and look towards the future. Like every song before it, Way Back impresses on the vocal front. YOO YOUNGJAE’s delivery of the song’s hooks and melodies stands out. Though, per usual, all members sound excellent. The instrumentation is probably the most traditional and straightforward on this mini-album and could have been toned down slightly to not mask the vocals. However, those are just minor elements that do not hinder Way Back’s appeal. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.8/10

[Review] Bag Bad Back – RIIZE

May 2, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged RIIZELeave a comment

RIIZE is also gearing up for a comeback with their first studio album, ODYSSEY, later this month. But ahead of the comeback, the group is teasing us with Bag Bad Back. It is the first comeback from the group since the release of the repackaged version of their first mini-album, Riizing: Epilogue, and the single Combo. It is also the first release following the official withdrawal of SEUNGHAN from the group.

Before I get on with the main parts of the review, I just have one thing to get off my chest – what on earth do they mean by Bag Bad Back? I don’t have the slightest clue. However, according to Soompi, the lyrics “makes a witty comparison between the essentials we carry in our bags and RIIZE’s own drive—their metaphorical bag filled with ambition and a shared vision to grow into shining artists”.

Anyhow, Bag Bad Back is a decent song. However, comparing this hip-hop sound with their previous works, I’d take their previous ’emotional pop’ numbers any day. I just find Bag Bad Back hard to vibe with, and I put it down to personal preference. After all, I have always been more pop-leaning compared to hip-hop. When I break down Bag Bad Back, there is definitely a likable quantity of energy and edge present in Bag Bad Back. I thought the instrumental was rather cool, with a nice simmering underlay that gives the track subtle amount of texture and the piano that kicks in at the bridge was very beautiful. Their vocals and rapping was quite good, though I think I would have liked a stronger and meatier hook in the song. The “Bag Bag Bag” chant felt a little too basic and straightforward for my liking. SOHEE’s high note was great peak for a low-tone song. Separately, I liked the elements. But together, Bag Bad Back doesn’t resonate with me. But I want to emphasis – it is not because the song is bad, but it is because it is simply not my style.

As for the music video, I thought it very cool. It took Bag Bad Back‘s hip-hop sound and translated it well into a visual piece. The video features a bag that represents RIIZE’s ambition, per the lyrics of the song. But for a bag carrying such an important aspect of RIIZE’s career, that bag is definitely not treated as well. It is chucked around a lot. I also liked the dance practice concept, as well as the suited look in the alley. The only thing I am uncertain about is what the accumulating classical instrumentals that concentrates as SOHEE’s delivers his high note represents.

Amazing choreography, with thanks going towards SHOTARO, Lee Bada, J BLAZE, and THE BIPS for choreographing it (this information was also taken from Soompi’s article). I really enjoyed the hip-hop flair that formed part of the routine, as well as the different bag references (backpacks, duffel bags etc) throughout it. II also like it how the moves constantly keep the members on their toes, creating an exciting and energetic routine that shows off RIIZE’s dance capabilities once again.

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

[Review] TIPI-TAP – Kep1er

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged Kep1er1 Comment

Let’s cast our minds back to November 2024, when Kep1er made their comeback with the mini-album and single of the same name, TIPI-TAP. I apologise for the delay in reviewing the single. TIPI-TAP was Kep1er’s first comeback since becoming a seven-member group, following the departure of Mashiro and Yeseo, who did not renew their contracts and left both Wake One Entertainment and the group. It also follows their Shooting Star single and their first full-length album Kep1going On.

While there are some remaining songs from 2024 that I am eager to review, TIPI-TAP isn’t one of them. Well, if I do not pick it up today, I don’t know when I will. Again, it is a song with certain elements I liked. For example, I liked the warmth of the members’ vocals. I liked how the chorus ended up having some bite to it, thanks to the catchy “Crush on you” hook. And I appreciated the soft tune. But being a soft song does have its limitations, and TIPI-TAP realises some of those limitations. Again, I don’t remember much else from the song aside from the above. Even the repetition of the song’s title wasn’t that much of a draw for me. And don’t get me started on TIPI-TAP‘s attempts to beef up this repetition. The softness also means TIPI-TAP is very ‘light on’, in that there isn’t much to ground the song. To me, this makes the song feel very fleeting and forgettable. There isn’t anything memorable about the DnB instrumental, and I can make similar comments about the vocals, though I will admit the cuter motif works well for them (and is not annoying). I am not a fan of their layering of vocals and rapping in the bridge, but the ‘remixed’ instrumental was a good way to change up the song. Overall, TIPI-TAP gave me things to like and things to forget, resulting in an ‘alright’ from me.

I also find the music video for this comeback to be rather forgettable. It matches up with their cutesy vocals and features a dreamy motif. But I feel everything is just a touch too youthful. The colour palette is vibrant, but feels more suited for the younger kids. In Australia, there is a children’s TV show that I grew up with called Play School, and the colours in the music video remind me of that TV show. The outfits exude a pure and innocent aura, which I find fine. However, some of the styling, such as Hikaru’s headpiece, is more suitable for a very young audience. And the whole ‘bag on the back’ trend throughout K-pop more recently feels very elementary or primary school-like. The wings do not help.

The choreography looks nice. It is quite cutesy and youthful. But like the rest of the comeback, there really wasn’t a standout moment in the routine, and so it was easily swept from our minds once promotions ended or you had moved on to another stage.

Song – 6/10
Music Video – 6/10
Performance – 7/10
Overall Rating – 6.2/10