This Week in Kpop: February 21-27, 2016

This Week in Kpop has so many new releases that we can't even contain ourselves! But we can try, can't we? Let's stop stalling and start with one of our favorites groups in the world: Mamamoo!

Mamamoo's Back!

Mamamoo came back this week with "You're the Best" and is just killing it on the charts, or, as they say, All-Killing it. They're well on the way to becoming an elite girl group here, and we're super excited for them to take center stage.

But what about the release itself?

Sometimes it's difficult to separate your biases from their releases. Mamamoo is certainly a bias at Critical Kpop, so it's difficult to give a fair analysis, although we try. We've been following them since their debut, loving "Piano Man" and pitting them against our favorite girl groups even! It's a different feeling when following a group since their inception and becoming a fan later on, as we're sure all of you know.

So, objectively, it's difficult to address this release, friends (but not impossible). Just looking at "You're the Best" gives the impression that Mamamoo is taking another step into their more lighthearted, silly iteration that they first embraced with their super popular "Um Ah Oh Yeh," which makes sense because that release really pushed them to the top of the charts. They're also able to let loose their bright personalities, which, if you've seen their behind-the-scenes videos seems very genuine and charming.

And, as a whole, "You're the Best" is a fun, vocally strong song. We do miss their more slick, cool retro look that made us fall for them in the first place. Groups are certainly destined to change and shift from concept to concept, but, music video aside, "You're the Best" still has a sound not too dissimilar from "Piano Man," and if you check out their album, Melting, which we recommend that you do, you'll hear that they haven't lost their retro-jazzy-big band sound that made them so unique.

So, objectively, as objective as we can be, this is a strong release, and we think that they have a real chance to win some music shows and make a statement in the Kpop world. 2016 seems to be the year where these newer groups finally rise to the top. How cool is that? 

Cosmic Girls Make their Debut! 

Cosmic Girls, the 12-member Chinese-Korean girl group has finally made their debut this week, with the super-adorablez G-Friend in space, "MoMoMo." As you may gather, this release isn't really our cup of soju, but it is still telling of the shape of future girl group releases. For one, they went with the more cutesy, innocent "MoMoMo" as their lead single, instead of the more dynamic, and, dare we say, sexy "Catch Me," which, perhaps, wouldn't have been the case maybe even a year ago, where sexy concepts were at their zenith.

"Catch Me" feels more 4Minute than Lovelyz, which is probably why they went with the latter, considering the shift in the Kpop girl group spectrum. 

We're not seeing a lot of buzz for Cosmic Girls right now, but they're an intriguing group, one that is massive in numbers but also has subgroups/units within the group (Wonder, Joy, Sweet, and Natural units). We're curious to see how these units will be deployed and how much of a stake in China this group will attempt to capture. Considering Starship Entertainment has teamed with the Chinese agency, Yuehua Entertainment, to form this group, we imagine that they'll have a huge push in both countries. 

So, don't write off Cosmic Girls, yet. They're a lot more interesting than their first release gives them credit for. 

Critical Kpop Podcast - Episode 26: Taemin is More

So, we know what you're thinking right now. "What's this? Where's the Taemin music video? Or the new B.A.P. release? Where's Ladies' Code?" Well, first of all, calm down. We're all friends here. Second of all, we've talked about all of those releases this week, in our latest episode of the Critical Kpop Podcast. And yes, we go pretty in-depth with all of them, so why not give a listen and let us know what you think?

Coping with the Inevitable Kpop Fatigue

If you're looking at this site, you probably love Kpop at least as much as we do, right? But Helen Edworthy wonders: What happens when Kpop fatigue sets in? She explores this question right here.

February 21-27, 2016 

And that was This Week in Kpop! This was a great way to end February and we're excited for what is to come! 2016 promises to be a game-changing year, and we'll be here to chart the shifts in the Kpop landscape, or at least try. In the meantime, have fun and be safe!

This Week in Kpop: February 14-20, 2016

This Week in Kpop is all about the comebacks. NU'EST and Rainbow are back, but so are groups like Double S 301 (formally 501)! But just when you think everything old is new again, there's a new rookie group that you should be paying attention to. With that in mind, let's get started already!

NU'EST Overcomes

NU'EST came back this week and brought in the smooth and the sexy, and we're not just talking about Ren's lush long hair here. While we'd just be happy to see NU'EST having a comeback with Pledis Entertainment's financial woes, "Overcome" is actually a quality jam, reminiscent of their most popular song, "Face" even.

It's a welcome turn away from their more quasi-ballad, "I'm Bad," which failed to generate much interest, if any. 

Perhaps they went too far into ballad territory? NU'EST seems to work best in the realm of pop jams that have a more adult sexiness at their core, a serious, almost melodramatic flair that feels more like traditional Kpop with a hint of R&B at a time when hip hop has taken a hold of most boy groups. On the other end of that spectrum? Groups like Pledis Entertainment's very own Seventeen (of which we adore), a young, cheery group that really compliments the more mature and forlorn NU'EST.

Which is to say, while NU'EST's "Overcome" doesn't really break any new ground here, it's of note because it's holding ground. With returning to form, NU'EST doesn't have to reinvent the wheel, they just have to remind Kpop fans why that wheel was so wonderful to being with. Does this song remind you, netizen? Is NU'EST's "Overcome" the next step in Pledis Entertainment's rehabilitation?

Rainbow's Return

Speaking of holding ground, Rainbow came back this week with their quirky, 80's and, really, 90's inspired "Whoo." And like NU'EST, we're just happy to see them. They're one of our favorite girl groups and we've been charmed with their underdog status for years. Some groups are built on being perennially overlooked, and we were simply satisfied with bemoaning Rainbow's status under the shadow of the behemoth that was Kara, the flagship group of DSP.

But what happens when the flagship falls?

Well, it weighs down singles like "Whoo" with an amplified importance, one that shouldn't warrant, and this is no slur, a mid-level release. Because at this point of their career, it's a lot to ask Rainbow to suddenly take the reins of an agency that has treated them like the second tier for years now. They could do a dramatic reinvention, but how far could that take them with groups like Twice, G-Friend, and Red Velvet growing more popular everyday?

With that being said, "Whoo" is a good, fun release. It's fine. The women of Rainbow have never looked better. Woori is one of our favorite Kpop girl rappers and Jisook is adorables. The group is sexy without relying on provocative butt dances and have the charisma to carry what is essentially a GAP commercial (we've seen this comparison on various forums, credit goes to the Internet). But will this release push Rainbow to the top and save DSP?

No. But DSP should have planned for this contingency years ago, and instead they treated Rainbow like they didn't matter.

Brave Girls' Debut

Brave Girls debuted this week, and the rookie group impressed us with their sophisticated song, confident poise, and really strong concept for this music video. We'll learn more about this group soon, but they're now on our radar, and they should be on yours too, friends.

How to Build a Kpop Girl Group 

We welcomed Kushal Dev back this week, as he poses the question: What makes a girl group stand out? Wouldn't you like to know the answer? Check out his latest article here!

Critical Kpop Podcast - Episode 25: Fan Club Names Got Us Like "I'm So Pain"

It's time for another episode of the Critical Kpop Podcast! This week, Zander, Sarah, and Tim stress over new and old fan club names alike, and take a look at new releases from the likes of AOA Cream, Mamamoo, G.Soul, and the returning Rainbow and Double S 301! Listen harder, friends, but also listen here!

February 14-20, 2016

And that was This Week in Kpop! We had a lot of returning groups this week, and we're excited for what's coming around the corner (TAEMIN). Whatever does come around the corner, we'll be here to talk about it. Until then, have fun and be safe!

This Week in Kpop: February 7-13, 2016

This Week in Kpop was a bit of a letdown, a bit of the quiet between storms - with the Lunar New Year taking precedent in the world of Kpop. We can dig that, sure, although we're hoping for some more action next week! But there's some news and releases to share, let's get started already!

Rainbow Teases

Kara is gone forever, and now DSP has no choice. For their very survival, they must take Rainbow seriously. But is it too late?

Enter, if you will, "Whoo." While we're only getting a hint of the song here (hence: teaser), it seems as though we may be getting a funky eighties sound reminiscent of Wonder Girls' most recent comeback. But then again, it could be a misdirection. In any case, we're liking the quirky flip cup game and the striking yellows and, really, the overall look of the video here seems to be on point. It seems "cooler" than anything DSP has released in a long while already, and we're hoping for something similar in feel and energy to Rainbow's masterpiece, "A."

Because Rainbow does have talent, they do have charisma. We'd even take their more lighthearted romps, like "Sunshine."

Because Rainbow's the type of group that can pull that concept off, friends. They have a very impressive library of songs already, and if DSP capitalized on their earlier success, their very future wouldn't be so uncertain. For shame, DSP!

So, the questions remains. Can Rainbow take the reins of this flailing agency? We sure hope so. But what do you think?

AOA Cream Surprises

"Why is AOA Cream a surprise?" you may ask.

Well, first of all, thanks for asking. We appreciate your feedback. Secondly, it's not because we didn't think this subgroup wasn't full of potential or that these idols, Chanmi, Hyejeong, and Yuna, didn't have talent and charisma. It was more that the concept itself seemed incredibly cheesy and we didn't have high hopes for the pink power princess concept that the video promised.

And, honestly, the video is cheesy. Revenge is something quite common with Kpop girl groups (see the podcast below), but this revenge scenario seems pretty ineffectual, magic aside.

But the song itself is a jam - more of a jam than you'd expect from the silly music video. More than the music video even deserves, really. It's not going to be in any 2016 Greatest Hits compilation, and some are calling it too disjointed, but we're digging it, listening to it on repeat, over and over again.

Red Velvet's Wish Tree

This was a surprise release for us. It seems as though this was made as part of something called the Winter Garden Music Video League by the winner, a Jeong Minseo. We're surprised here because the music video is beautiful (a much deserved win), and because it depicts an unrequited love - between a young woman and another woman. That's a big deal in the more conservative Korean culture, and we commend SM for releasing this, even if it seems like it was snuck in during a quiet week for them (and for Kpop). Still: progress!

Neon Bunny is Tripping

If you're looking for a surreal trip, Neon Bunny might just have the video for you! The video is surreal enough to begin with, but about four minutes in it goes from acid trip to seizure. This is a magically confounding video, with a beautiful song too. We don't know much about Neon Bunny, but now we'll have to learn more, and you should too. 

Mamamoo is Goofy

Now, this, this is how you keep a group relevant, even between releases (and Mamamoo's having their comeback soon, so don't you worry). What they've released here, essentially, is a diss track on each other - over their heights? It's goofy, it's ridiculous, it's very very endearing, and it hypes Mamamoo before their return. This is how you keep a group relevant, friends, and when you look at how big their comeback will inevitably be, remember videos like this that have helped build them to stardom.  

Critical Kpop Podcast - Episode 24: Revenge of the Heart

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so why not celebrate the Hallmark Holiday right? With a nice dose of...REVENGE. In this week's Critical Kpop Podcast, Zander and Tim talk about their favorite and not so favorite Kpop revenge videos. Because you can't have hate, without love. Listen Harder, but also listen here.

February 7-13, 2016

And that was This Week in Kpop! A mostly quiet week during Lunar New Year celebrations, we'll still take what we've gotten here! We're hoping next week will be huge and Rainbow just blows everyone away. All of our fingers are crossed. Until then, have fun and be safe!

This Week in Kpop: January 31-February 6, 2016

This Week in Kpop was the true start of 2016 - with big releases from the likes of 4Minute, Winner, and Taeyeon, and teases from a subgroup that we've never expected. Let's stop stalling and get started already!

AOA Cream

When we heard news that AOA was forming another subgroup to accompany AOA Black, we were thinking they might be mirroring Girl's Generation's TTS, with AOA being primed as their immediate heirs. But the teasers suggest something far more poppy, sweet, and salacious, a mix of bubble gum, Sailor Moon, and, as the fellow says, legs for days.

This is a surprising, almost counter-intuitive subgroup to begin with, as Hyejeong, Yuna and Chanmi are clearly the least popular members of AOA. While more careful companies would probably bring together their most popular members (Think: Sistar19), or even their most vocally talented (Think: TTS). FNC, on the other hand, is giving these three a chance to shine where they wouldn't have been able to in their loaded group, while the other members can be busy with their acting and variety shows, and, at least for Choa, some time to rest (we hope).

Which is ingenious, really - keeping the AOA name out there while their more popular idols are building their careers ensures the strengthening of the AOA brand. This is an unexpected group with a surprising concept, and these girls are so talented that they really have a chance to make a splash here. While we're not so sure about the "Pretty Princess" style concept - that might even work in their favor, as girl groups seem to be shifting to the more sweet and bright with their concepts (Think: G-Friend). We're excited to see the results!

Taeyeon's Rain

We love Taeyeon, we do. We thought "I" was an iconic release last year, and really one the best of 2015. A perfect introduction to Taeyeon as a solo superstar. We didn't have many expectations because "Rain" was such a surprise to begin with - we had no idea that this was even coming out until a few weeks ago! But, it's here, friends. And our low expectations were definitely met - because "Rain" is just a boring snoozefest of a release.

Don't get us wrong - this is not a "bad" release. It's just forgettable and doesn't really hold our attention as either a song or a music video. Taeyeon is on point here, as always, with powerful vocals and killer charisma, but the song itself feels lacking, and the video is mostly her sitting or standing or looking at things in her flooded apartment. Which, to us, is all sorts of meh.

Agree? Disagree? Let us know your views here.

Review: Winner Returns with "E," First of Four Albums in 2016

Winner came back this week with the first of four albums of 2016! All of us are super excited for this new release, but perhaps none more than our very own Zander Stachniak! He give his review of "E" right here!

Give "Hate" a Chance: A Look at 4Minute's Audacious New Release

Winner wasn't the only one to grab the headlines this week! 4Minute came back with the ultimate of drops with "Hate." Some people were alarmed by the drop, but Timothy Moore says that you should give "Hate" a chance. Agree? Disagree? See what he has to say, first, right here!

Critical Kpop Podcast - Episode 23: HATE vs. EXIT

Now that we got the two big releases out of the way, Zander and Tim go head to head to decide, once and for all, what group really has had the better release here: 4Minute or Winner? Hear the sparks fly in the latest episode of the Critical Kpop Podcast! Listen Harder right here!

January 31-February 6, 2016

And that was This week in Kpop! And, like we expected, it was the most noteworthy week of the year by far! Will next week be able to top it? We'd love to see it try! Until then, have fun and be safe!

This Week in Kpop: January 24-30, 2016

This Week in Kpop is One Big Tease. We're talking 4Minute, Winner, and Taeyeon, all waiting in the wings. But we're not just waiting around for the big releases, folks. Yezi had her solo debut, GFriend had their comeback, and SM had a bunch of big news (and not so big news). There's a lot to go over, so let's get started already!

The Big Tease 

4Minute brings the Love/Hate



4Minute starts us off this week because 4Minute is Crazy and full of Hate, friends. As excited we are for Winner, we might be even more excited to see what 4Minute will be doing next. "Crazy" was a revelation and really cemented 4Minute, once again, as the coolest girl group in all of Kpop. With no knowing how long 2NE1 will be before they come back, 4Minute may be holding onto that crown for quite some time.

But what about "Hate?" When we first heard the teaser audio tracks, it seemed like it was going to be a slower, more nuanced jam. Even the music video teasers seemed more darkly understated - like we were getting something closer to "Volume Up." Which would be fine, because "Volume Up" is a masterpiece, friends.

Now we're seeing in teaser two that we may be getting another "Crazy," or maybe a mix of the two? We've been fooled before. HyunA's teasers for her last album were quirky, weird, and salacious, while "Roll Deep" itself was murky and a bit bland. But we still hold faith: "Hate" will be the fist slayer of 2016.

Winner Gets Dramatic



Winner's been teasing us for weeks now (weeks? or is it years??) and you may have heard us, during these long cold weeks, scream at the top of our lungs, "Just release your album already!!" And they're finally listening to us. February will be all about Winner, folks. And 4Minute. And, maybe, Taeyeon too?

Jinwoo stars in this teaser film and boy, is he sad. Maybe he's sick of waiting for their new album too! The music is creepy-religious-gothic and we have no idea if it has anything to do with Winner's album, but color us intrigued. Intrigued? Color us excited.

Taeyeon Goes Mellow



For our last teaser, we had to take a look at Taeyeon's unexpected "Rain." Taeyeon doesn't do much in this teaser, except for dropping a magic book in the floodwater, but Taeyeon has so much charisma and presence that she can brighten a room while fully asleep.

We don't know quite what to expect with this release, although it does seem to be more on the emotional ballad side of things, which we think is just fine, although we'd love to be surprised here. Taeyeon with another solo release this soon is so unexpected that we'll be happy with anything we get. While Winner makes us wait forever, SM makes sure to squelch our tears.

Yezi's Cider



Now onto some actual releases now! Yezi had her long-anticipated solo debut this week with "Cider." And yes, some of it does in fact slay. But there's a reason that it's not the cover story for This Week in Kpop, friends. As cool and as rich of a flow Yezi has in "Cider," and how much this song wants to just jam, it never really takes off. It feels a bit flat, and it may be because we've watched the music video first, where Yezi's lack of affect makes every act of wanton destruction feel muted. That affect is intentional to show how much Yezi doesn't give a f*ckkkkk - but when there's movement all around her, when the music video itself is following her every movement, the effect is like crawling underwater.

Perhaps that's the reason we find the special clip more enjoyable?



Are we off-base here? Do tell.

GFriend's Rough


We've made no secret that we don't quite get GFriend and the appeal of this corner of Kpop. But we can't deny that this is a fun, poppy song that really rides on full power to the end. We're not quite getting this music video either, but if anyone wants to write about this group, and why people should love them, we'd love to hear a pitch.

What the Heck is Going on at SM Entertainment? 

SM Entertainment had a slew of new news this week, and it took us a while to figure out what was really being said here. Zander Stachniak breaks down the top SM stories for all of us, right here.

Blossom Tears: That Time The MV Was So Plot AF That Not Even Leo and His Fine Self Could Deter Us

That title says it all, doesn't it? Hafsa and Gayathri are back to break down another crazy music video! This week they're taking on the plot of Leo's "Blossom Tears." Check out the conversation right here!

Critical Kpop Podcast - Episode 22: Deep Cuts

This week's podcast we're introducing a new series we're calling "Deep Cuts," where we delve deep into an underrated classic. Up first is T-ara's Absolute First Album. Tim and Zander also discuss the news from SM Entertainment, and get a bit drunk in the process, which you can listen to right here.

January 24-30, 2016

And that was This Week in Kpop! This was truly jam-packed this week but next week may be even bigger! We're so excited that we wish next week had started already! But before we know it, it'll be here! Until then, have fun and be safe!

This Week in Kpop: January 17-23, 2016

This Week in Kpop is all about the sting. The sting of rejection, the sting or scandal, the sting of Stellar's "Sting" even. So why not just get started already? Let's go!

Stellar's Sting

Stellar came back this week to a surprising amount of fanfare, at the least with netizens, who seem to have latched onto Stellar's underdog charms. Which is great, but does is it equal commercial success?

Well, the verdict is still out on the actual sale numbers, we think it's a good thing that Stellar is getting the attention that they are, even if that attention rests at the corners of the Kpop world. "Vibrato," after all, was a stunning release, and even if you think "Marionette" was too provocative, you can't deny that it's a killer song. With "Sting," we're seeing a more measured, quiet release in comparison to a slaying jam - but it takes a turn around the 2.30 mark that gives the song a distinct edge, one that hopefully won't be cut out of live performances when more popular groups once again take the stage.

We were a bit surprised that we didn't see choreography in the music video before the turn, especially with how strong it is after it does.


Good thing for the Dance Version!

We're also a bit surprised with the abandon fans have when lauding Steallar's achievements. Many have been itching to praise Stellar's comeback even before they heard the song. Yes, this is a good song, and a solid release - but is it a game changer? No, and that's fine. In our efforts to prop up a group that we feel should get more attention, we should also be realistic, not just of a group's chances, but of the quality of what they've laid before us. Shouldn't we?

Crush is Crushing It

Crush came back this week with "Don't Forget," and how could we ever forget this smooth R&B jam, especially when you have Taeyeon providing some vocals? Taeyeon is certainly Money, capital "M," but that shouldn't take away from the fact that Crush has been crushing it for quite some time, and that "Don't Forget" is a continuation of his success.

Although not much happens, the video is rather beautiful too, understated and almost dreamlike in some of its winter colors. Makes you almost forget about the winter storms that are crippling much of the eastern region of the good old US of A. This song makes one want to curl up in a blanket around a fire, with a loved one, or a pet of some kind.

Critical Kpop Podcast - Episode 21: How a 16 Y.O Kpop Star Changed the World 

You've heard about Tzuyu's scandal, you've read the articles - now we take a crack at this issue, and maybe most importantly, try to provide some context to this controversy. The Critical Kpop Podcast brings you our most serious podcast yet, which you can listen to here!

Two Minute Review: Teen Top Advises You to Upgrade Your Speakers with "Warning Sign" 

There's no denying that Teen Top are producers of some great music, but with "Warning Sign," they've made a definite shift in their music. Give Zander Stachniak just two minutes to blow your mind, with his quick review right here!

January 17-23, 2016

And that was This Week in Kpop! We still feel like we're in a holding pattern waiting for the first big releases of the year. Winner and 4Minute are just around the corner, friends! And when they're here, we will be too. Until then, have fun and be safe!

This Week in Kpop: January 10-16, 2016

This Week in Kpop is a cause for concern. We're feeling shades of 2014 creep in - with scandals, rumors, and apologies taking up the conversation. It's only been a few weeks now, but 2016 is getting off to a rocky start. Where do we even begin?

Tzuyu Apologizes

Probably the biggest "scandal" of the year has to be the controversy surrounding rumors of Tzuyu's support of an independent Taiwan. These "allegations" erupted after Chinese singer, Huang An, blasted her on social media with examples of her pro-independence stance. You know the story by now (we'll be talking about this further in next week's podcast). 

But for now, we just want to talk about this sad apology that Tzuyu posted. After playing damage control all week, it looks as though JYP has had to cave here, removing Tzuyu from Chinese promotions and releasing this grainy video. 

There's so much to talk about, but let's just talk about the video for now. It's only a minute and a half long, 240p. Tzuyu is wearing all black, the video quality, or the dull background, or the fact that Tzuyu is exhausted, makes her look pale. All of this contributes to the sorrow of the proceedings. If there's one thing that Kpop prepares idols for, it's apologies. Take, for example, when Girl's Day had to apologize for appearing rude on a AfreecaTV? And how long has T-ara been apologizing for their scandal years before? But this is a bit different here - the stakes have been raised with nations involved, a sixteen year old girl caught in the middle.

Tzuyu speaks in Mandarin, and, among other statements, she apologizes for not apologizing earlier, and she apologizes for causing pain and she says that she's feeling guilt. She says she'll stop participating in promotions in China. While she starts speaking to the camera, she reads most of her statement directly from a paper, one that was probably painstakingly constructed to alleviate as much damage as possible. Tzuyu says that there is only one China, and then she bows. She bows so low that even her back is barely in view anymore. It's like she's bowing into the earth.

When Tzuyu returns from her final bow, you can see, for a fraction of a second: she almost smiles. Tzuyu has practiced for years to be amiable and pleasant on-camera. It should be expected, because could she really have prepared herself for something like this? With this level of scrutiny?

Could any of us?

Kara Disbands

And the hits keep on coming! Too bad they're not pop hits though. Kara's Hara, Gyuri, and Seungyeon have terminated their contracts with DSP which means, unless Youngji wants to change her name to Kara, Kara has ended with their departure. This is not unexpected news necessarily - many have expected this for a while now, and rumors have circulated and intensified over the week.

But you can still feel sadness, friends. This is, after all, an end of an era. For many of us, Kara was one of the first Kpop groups we've listened to - to many of us, here at Critical Kpop even, they were our fist biases. It's always sad to say goodbye, isn't it?

Zander and Tim chart their rise and fall, and fall, in this week's Critical Kpop Podcast. You can listen to that here, friends.

Can Stellar Save Us All?

With all the controversy this week, it's easy to forget that Kpop is really a genre of pop music. But Stellar hasn't forgotten, friends. 

We were big fans of last year's "Vibrato," which you should watch if you never have (but maybe not at work). And while they have a reputation of being salacious, they're also taking the initiative here too, by asking their fans for funding so they can afford to make their new release, via a platform called "Makestar," (which, we assume, is like Kickstarter), with a campaign that has been enormously successful. Observe:

Could this be the future for Kpop groups in struggling agencies? It's possible, friends. In any case, we're expecting big things from Stellar in 2016!

Review: Don't Count on Anda's "Taxi" to Jump-Start 2016

Still waiting for that first big release to jump-start the year? Well, you may have to wait a bit longer. While we've loved a lot of Anda's releases, we're not so sure about "Taxi," friends. Want to know why? Read on, right here!

January 10-16, 2016

And that was This Week in Kpop! And boy, this week was a bummer. We're hoping that Stellar and Winner can lift our spirits in the next coming weeks, and hopefully this overblown "scandal" with Tzuyu will pass soon. It needs to pass already, right? Well, if it does or not, we'll still be here. Until next week, have fun and be safe!

This Week in Kpop: January 3-9, 2016

This Week in Kpop is in with the old, out with the new! While Kara might very well be disbanding, Suzy and Baekhyun made a dream collaboration! Dal Shabet made their comeback as well, and we have new groups already making a scene. Why don't we get started already?

Suzy and Baekhyun "Dream"



Why don't we start 2016 with a dream collaboration between EXO and Miss A? Or how about, failing that, we have Suzy and Baekhyun sing together instead (close enough!)? Good things could be on the horizon, friends, when JYP and SM can join hands and let two of their biggest idols have a duet under the Mystic Entertainment banner.

But really, who would have thought?

Suzy herself, despite the iconic status she inhabits, is a surprise here. She's not normally known for her vocals, an assessment that seems downright unfair when she releases songs like this. She more than holds her own, and the chemistry both vocally an on stage with Baekhyun is actually quite captivating here. They're warm, they're playful; this release makes you feel like you're in a cafe, just chilling, listening to Suzy and Baekhyun serenade you. "Is this a dream?" you may say.

And all we can answer you is with, "Maybe."

Dal Shabet's Revenge



Dal Shabet (with Brave Sound) released an energetic jam this week with "Someone Like U," which serves as a perfectly reasonable and strong-enough comeback for Dal Shabet. While some fans are calling this one of their best releases ever and a chance to grab #1 on one of the coveted music shows, we're giving this a more conservative look - it's a great song, sure, and the girls perform well here - what we see of the choreography is really fun.

But is this release going to be a game-changer that shoots Dal Shabet into another level, a la EXID's "Up and Down" or even Girl's Day's "Expectation?" Not really. If anything, this is Dal Shabet returning to form, holding their ground instead of making any giant genre-defying leaps. The guns are back (Dal Shabet loves guns!), an ultimately ineffectual revenge scenario has returned in a video that is really a hot mess (we still don't understand the training sequences).

The song is a jam, and one that we'll be listening to for a while, but will we be still listening to it in June? Will we remember it at the end of the year? We're not so sure yet.

Winner Teases (with a kiss)


Well, damn, Mino. We know that Winner is going to be a part of most of our conversations in the first half of the year, so it's about time we get teased for their upcoming album. While we expected something moody and mature, perhaps forming a counterpoint to iKON's boyish charms, we were shocked at the sultry kissing between Mino and the actress/model here.

Which poses a question here: How adult will EXIT really be? And also: How awesome is it to see Winner again?

CocoSori's Debut



Do you like your Kpop weird? Do you think more groups should entwine trot into their music? Do you miss Orange Caramel as much as we do? We might just have the Kpop debut for you! CocoSori is a playful duo with a super strange music video. We don't want to explain too much here, except that you'll never broccoli the same way again (but isn't it about time that broccoli made you uncomfortable??). Extra points go to their special bluescreen version, where enterprising netizens can edit in their own backgrounds, the most views receiving a prize.



We think that's very inventive and a great way to expand their name and engage with fans. They've even left comments for the fans that have made these videos (or at least the social media team of their agency has). Good going, CocoSori!

MV of the Month: Jun. K's "Love Letter" 

We just can't get enough of Jun. K's "Love Letter," easily the best Music Video and maybe just our favorite releases this past December. "But why?" you're asking. Read here to find out, friend!

Critical Kpop Podcast - Episode 19: Say Hello to 2016! 

Another week, another Critical Kpop Podcast episode! This week, Tim, Zander, and Sarah gear up for a new year full of great music! But they also talk about dreams, resolutions, and their recommendations! Listen harder, and listen here!

January 3-9, 2016

And that was This Week in Kpop! We're happy to get deeper into the new year and are excited for the big new releases to start trickling in! Who are you looking forward to? How can you even contain yourself? Well, we hope you do, somehow. Until next week, have fun and be safe!

This Week in Kpop: December 27, 2015-January 2, 2016

This Week in Kpop brings in the New Year with a bang - or at least the threat of one! Dal Shabet unveiled teasers for their upcoming release, "Someone Like U," and they may just be the right idols to kick off 2016. Want to know why? Then read on!

Dal Shabet is Making a Statement, but Will You Listen? 

Some time ago, we asked the simple but caustic question: Why not Dal Shabet? With their crazy concepts and catchy singles, why wouldn't Dal Shabet gain some notoriety already when similarly teared groups like EXID and Girl's Day have found success? Well, this is their chance.

Why's that?

Because 2016 may just position many middling groups, and especially girl groups, just right, friends. Groups like 2NE1 and SNSD may be a long ways off from another big comeback. Kara may be disbanding (read more of that below), and who knows when we'll see After School again. Which is to say, the girl group landscape will look very uncertain in 2016, and every group has a chance to make a statement - especially the ones that have seemingly been on the verge for years now. Think: Nine Muses, Rainbow, Fiestar, BESTie, Rania, Sunny Hill, and, yes, Dal Shabet.

We're not saying it's a given. The vengeful-gun-toting-lover in Kpop is an all too familiar trope, one that Dal Shabet themselves have used to maximum violence.

They've also lost two members, and worse yet, two popular members, with Kaeun and Jiyul departing. But groups have found success whilst becoming foured (here's looking at you, Girl's Day), so why not Dal Shabet?

That's a question we keep pondering: Why Not Dal Shabet? With so much room to rise in this year's girl group paradigm, we may just get our answer. But, hopefully, Dal Shabet will provide us with the first surprise of the new year. Cross all of your fingers already.

Jun.K's Love Letter

How cool is this solo release from 2pm's Jun.K? Originally a Japanese release, JYP has finally brought us a Korean MV for "Love Letter," that nearly slipped under our radar - as probably the only holiday release (technically) that we can get behind. It's a beautiful, yearning song, and Jun.K really shines as a solo artist here. We love the music video too, as it hearkens back classic silent films, specifically Georges Méliès' A Trip to the Moon.

We wonder how this release almost slipped by unnoticed (at least by us), and then remember that this is a member of 2pm we're talking about here, JYP's red-headed stepchild (as the saying goes). This wasn't even given a proper release for Christmas, and one wonders if this song could have caught more attention if it was released both earlier and with more enthusiasm in Korea.

But, alas, it's here, and that's something to be thankful for, as we shed the holiday baggage and embrace the new year!  

Is THIS the End of Kara?

Twitter and Reddit went ablaze this week with rumors of Kara's termination. While we don't usually give much stock into rumors (especially of the gossip kind), we think there could be a strong possibility that this one turns out true. For one, contracts are up for Gyuri, Hara, and Seungyeon, and considering the issues DSP has had in the past with securing their most popular idols, and considering Kara's loss of prominence (and, perhaps, leverage), all bets would be off even without the rumors.

And, quite honestly, maybe it's time. Kara hasn't been relevant for years, friends. And despite some success with "Mama Mia" and "Cupid," these releases pale in comparison to the Misters and Step Ups of yore (Look into your heart - you know this to be true). They've clearly lost some fire and their agency, DSP, has slowly lost their nerve, with safer and tamer releases (look at Goo Hara's solo release for more evidence).

So why not disband? Move onto other projects? See what other agencies can offer? Keep in mind that Kara, in some form, has been around since 2007. That's nearing a decade, folks. That's a long time for anyone to do anything, and in Kpop years that's approaching a centennial. Kara has brought us many iconic releases, and may be able to bring us a few more too. But it feels like it's time to move on, so if they move on, fans should only be thankful for the years they've been given.

Our Kpop Predictions for 2016

This week saw the planet spin into a new year, friends, and we couldn't be more excited! To mark the new year, our writers and editors at Critical Kpop unveiled their oracles and summoned their predictive powers. Check out our 2016 Kpop predictions here!

Critical Kpop Podcast - Episode 18: The Miss A Compendium

Miss A is one of our favorite groups at Critical Kpop, girl group or otherwise, so it's no surprise that we often compare them to other idols. But why not talk about Miss A directly? Why not indeed! Zander and Tim do just that in the latest episode of the Critical Kpop Podcast, which you can listen here.

December 27, 2015-January 2, 2016

And that was This Week in Kpop! We hope the new year started nicely and hope that 2016 will be an amazing year for everyone. We're still here, which is nice, and we'll see you next week, so, until then, have fun and be safe!

This Week in Kpop: December 20-26, 2015

This Week in Kpop is iKONic, In fact, iKON really laid waste to the week and did so alone, while you were snug tightly in your new Christmas blanket. We can't be more excited that the holiday season is over and Kpop has been released from the stranglehold of Christmas, so let's get started already!

iKON rules December

How appropriate is it that iKON's coming back to town, taking names, checking them Twice, etc? For months, we've debated iKON's debut and seven big releases in now, there's no mistaking it: iKON will be a dominant group. They're also one of the busiest - with a full album out and more videos in 2015 this side of Jay Park, they've entrenched themselves in the Kpop sphere. Releasing "What's Wrong?" and "Dumb and Dumber" in a notoriously vacant holiday season is a smart move, and what's even better is that both of these songs are lively jams. 

They're also both showing more hyper energy and mucho personality that we think will define iKON far more than they're mellow and, if we're going to be honest, forgettable "My Type." We say that in the face of that song being an indisputable hit and their future already secured. 

"What's Wrong?" is a strange beast and we're loving it as a party anthem, as the video degenerates from a confrontation with masked women, to dodge ball, and then, of course, to dancing. But the real gem may just be "Dumb and Dumber." Some are calling it iKON's "Fantastic Baby," and maybe it does have similarities, but we think "Dumb and Dumber" stands on it's own. It's fun, it's ecstatic, and iKON seems to be really letting loose and showing the urgency of jamming out that was missing in their earlier releases. We're not saying that all of iKON's songs need to be energetic and caustic, but to stand out in the crowded boy band field, it certainly helps to make a scene. 

Check this videos out, friends. iKON has saved December!

Christmas is Over. OR IS IT?

Our long musical nightmare is just about over. We think. We hope. Christmas is over and with the coming of the new year, we're pumped for, we're sure, a slew of new releases. We'll never understand why Christmas is so big and Kpop and how nearly every idol needs to have their own swing at the holiday, usually in the cheesiest way possible. It's over. But for some of us, the threat of Christmas is alive all year long, forever.

We liked "Hide and Seek" though by Turbo. KJK is always great to see and hear, friends.

Critical Kpop Podcast - Episode 17: Our Least Favorite Things 

To keep proving that we are the biggest Scrooges of Kpop, we took a look at some of our least favorite parts of Kpop, and the picture above may just give all the hints you need here. Tim and Zander take a look at a host of Kpop issues, which you can listen to right here.

December 20-26, 2015 

And that was This Week in Kpop! The holidays are over and we're ready to get 2016 started already! We're super excited for the new year and what our favorite idols will bring. Aren't you ready? Well, get ready, already. Until next time, have fun and be safe!

This Week in Kpop: December 13-19, 2015

This Week in Kpop is all about the special releases and side projects, as the year crawls to a close! But even the side projects can be major - when some of our favorite divas take the reins. Who are we talking about? Like you didn't know already. Let's get started!

Hyolyn, Bumkey, and Jooyoung are all about the Loveline

Hyolyn has had a strange year, in most respects. Although she found success (and redemption) in her appearance in Unpretty Rapstar 2, she didn't really steal the show in the same way that Jimin did in the show's first iteration (Who did? YEZI). We're still scratching our head at her inclusion, as it felt like a slap in the face to Bora. But no harm, no foul, right?

What's hurt Hyolyn this year is undoubtedly the stagnation of quality Sistar's releases. "Shake It" certainly found success, but not acclaim, and we can't imagine that Hyolyn has much more love for these fun, bubbly releases and the limbo state of endless summer. If there's any hint of her discontent (which, to be fair, we're only imagining here), it would have to be in her variety of solo projects, like this year's collaboration with Zico and Paloalto, "Dark Panda" and now, "Loveline" with Bumkey and Jooyoung. There's a stark difference in her solo projects, which are darker, more adult, and embrace, fully, a hip-hop sensibility, which seems to be her raison d'etre this year, if you include her inclusion in Unpretty Rapstar.

"Loveline" is a welcome release in the throws of holiday songs. It's sexy, smooth, and Hyolin, Bumkey, and Jooyoung are just a dream together. The hook of the song is killer. We're glad that Bumkey's recent legal problems seems to be in the past, seemingly forgotten, as his absence would have been sorely missed. But we're most excited for the prospect of Hyolyn's recent solo moves bleeding into Sistar's music next year. How cool would that be? After seeing her rendition of Adele's "Hello," we'd almost be happy with a ballad! At least a ballad from Sistar would be a change.

ChoA's "Flame"

ChoA is one of our favorite idols, so when we heard rumors that she was set to make a solo debut, we were ecstatic. Well, it turns out that this isn't quite the case here, and that "Flame" is a part of a project for remaking songs initiated by, we believe, 1theK. Which makes sense, come to think of it - why give ChoA a solo release in the midst of the holiday season?

Still, "Flame," much like this year's "Don't be Shy," gives a tantalizing hint at ChoA's viability as a solo star - viability but also range. "Don't be Shy" is like a sexy Reggae thriller, dark and moody. While "Flame" is more of a traditional ballad, which, apparently, is the project: turning popular rap songs into old-school ballads. It's like reverse engineering here.

The video embraces the melodrama the ballad brings out - with a young vampire dreaming of sunlight - with ChoA making the requisite faces of an idol entrapped by her misery. In that way, the release is serviceable, although we're still hoping to see a solo debut that really lets ChoA break out. She already carries AOA vocally and is a fireball of charisma. Her potential for super-stardom is undeniable.

Yet Another Fan Theory of the BTS Trilogy: I Need U/Prologue/Run 

You've read hundreds of theories, we know. But how about you let our biggest BTS fan right here in Kpop take a crack at the connections between BTS' recent releases? You may be surprised at her conclusions. Or maybe, just maybe, you'll be in awe. You can check that out here!

Critical Kpop Podcast - Episode 16: Goodbye 20(15)

2015 has been an amazing year for Kpop and Critical Kpop in general. Our latest podcast examines our past predictions from last year, as well as our favorite releases. We also look inward at Critical Kpop and our hopes for the coming year! We're also a bit drunk, so bare with us. You can listen to all that right here!

December 13-19, 2015 

And that was This Week in Kpop! We're inching towards the end of the year, and we're getting more and more excited for the beginning of the Kpop cycle to being early next year. What are your hopes for the new year? Think we're in for some big surprises? Let us know in the comments! Until then, have fun and be safe!

This Week in Kpop: December 6-12, 2015

This Week in Kpop is upon us, friends, and even when the week is quiet, we're here to be of service - to you. Granted, the week wasn't completely at a loss. Three female artists in particular brought us some cheer. And Zico? Zico was just being Zico, so let's get started already!

Younha, Lim Kim, and Solar Save the Season!

Just when we were about to call quits to 2015, three of our favorite female Kpop artists delayed our hibernation, friends. We're talking Younha, we're talking Lim Kim, we're talking Solar from Mamamoo. Listen! Watch!

We have a special soft spot for Younha who isn't incredibly splashy but always surprising, poignant, with songs that tip just beyond the traditional ballad. It's as if she was born with a voice for ballads but was also equipped with an aura of self-awareness and a distaste for overwrought melodrama. Goodness - have you even watched "The Real Reason Why We Broke Up," friends? It's spectacular! It's a ballad slayer (imagine that)!

No matter how popular Younha gets, she should be even more popular, so it's just great to hear her voice as the year comes to a close. Fortunately, "Hashtag" turns out to be an excellent release, produced by Tablo. The video is understated, and Younha's voice (as we've written) is beautiful. Listen! Watch!

We were thrilled to get this release from Lim Kim, whose voice couldn't be more different than Younha, but is no less iconic. If anything, Lim Kim's breathy vocals are some of the most iconic in all of Kpop. We have really never heard of a Lim Kim song we didn't like, so we were not surprised when "Stay Ever" starts like a slow melodious Christmas song, but then erupts into a mellow winter jam. Verbal Jint makes an appearance here, and he once again fits perfectly in a duet, even though Lim Kim may be the antithesis of Taeyeon, as terms of vocal mastery. We were surprised by this unexpected release - but not by the song's quality. Listen! Watch!

And then there was Mamamoo. Solar, specifically. This isn't a major release - just a cover called, "Only Longing Grows" (according to comments on YouTube). It has that overwrought drama that we're always apprehensive with ballads, but it's Solar, people - and how cool is it to hear her get her diva on? Mamamoo are the masters of staying active and in the public's consciousness with releases like this sprinkled all year, The strategy seems to be working as Mamamoo keeps getting more popular! So: Listen! Watch!

Also: Zico tho

How fun is this release? Zico's been killing it this year and is starting to rival Jay Park with the amount of music videos he's producing. "Eureka" Teamed with Zion.T, the video is as you would expect - A long litany of gorgeous women paraded in period costumes for Zico to pursue or be in stunned awe of.

The song itself has a jazzy old-school vibe to match the period clothing, and holds a goofy sexiness that maybe only Zico can really pull off. In any case, we're really digging Zico's recent releases, and "Eureka" may be one of our favorites.

"View" vs. "Married To The Music": The Relation that May or May Not Exist as a Result of My Madness

Gayathri Ravindran and Hafsa Tameez are back, Jack, and they've taken one too many Philosophy classes! Here they find connections between two of SHINee's most recent releases and what they may say about their celebrity. Don't know what we mean? They'll break it down for you right here!

Critical Kpop Podcast - Episodes 14: December Oohs

December letting you down? Us too! But there's good things happening too! Our first of two podcasts this week follows Sarah, Zander, and Tim, who detail some of the big releases of the last few weeks. Find out what the "ooh" is all about by listening here!

Critical Kpop Podcast - Episode 15: The MAMA(Mo) Awards 

The 2015 MAMAs recently brought up a plethora of conversation - from controversial winners to... controversial performers?! Hear Zander and Tim duke it out! The mind vs. the heart! Only one can survive! Listen here!

December 6-12, 2015

And that was This Week in Kpop! The year's almost over and we can't even believe it! Hopefully they'll be a few more surprises in store so we don't get completely bored already. Fingers crossed! Until we meet again, have fun and be safe!

This Week in Kpop: November 29-December 5, 2015

This Week in Kpop is brought to you by PSY, all the PSYs, young and old. He's not the only one who made a comeback this week, so we have a lot to cover. Let's get started already!

PSY Returns!

Oh, PSY, PSY, PSY. Here you are again to win the hearts and minds of pop fans (not just Kpop) everywhere. But does he? In many ways, yes, of course he does. Both "Daddy" and "Napal Baji" are energetic slayers - and PSY really kills it with some spectacular dancing. If there is one thing that hasn't been lost in PSY's quest for worldwide domination, it's his kinetic showmanship. He's even more of a larger than life figure than ever, and it's always amazing to witness, even if you don't like the songs, friends. 

And now that you mentioned them, what about the songs? "Napal Baji," we feel is a far superior song, a fun retro jam with a dance that feels more in-tuned with the release. At times, "Daddy" feels like a mashup, and although it has gotten far more attention than "Napal Baji," it has the feel of something overproduced (a common issue within Kpop nowadays). Sometimes, you just have to let a song be. 

What's missing here? Nothing surprising. It'd be unfair to admonish PSY for losing his piercing social commentary in a genre of music that usually doesn't address much beyond broken hearts. How can we laud Girls' Generation for their lovely "Lion Heart" while at the same breath criticize "Daddy" for not tackling a larger point? Still, there is a loss here, as PSY circa "Right Now" and "Gangnam Style" really was at the peak of his satirical genius. Likely to appeal to a wider (world-wide) audience, these elements were pushed to the background by "Gentleman" and "Hangover" and now, those elements seem gone completely. It's understandable, but it's still a loss. 

TTS Gets Their Christmas On

Speaking of loss, we're at a loss as to why SM would waste a TTS comeback with a generic Chirstmas release. Yes, we know that Kpop has this strange obsession with releasing these sentimental holiday songs, and, to these agencies, and fans too (we suppose), having Kpop's most popular subgroup participate in these syrupy releases is no waste at all.

We have just about zero expectations for Kpop Christmas releases, which is why we were so impressed by GOT7's "Confession Song" song last week. Unfortunately, "Dear Santa" feels like it was produced in some random computerized Christmas generator and, besides Tiffany's always awkward English, "Come on," doesn't really distinguish itself as a unique TTS release. So is it great to see TTS again? Of course! But would we have rather have seen SM gather a bunch of random idols together for a Christmas song and save TTS for something more substantial? You bet your life, friend!

BTS Runs!

Speaking of substantial (we're full of transitions today), BTS returned this week with "Run," which seems like at least a spiritual follow up to their spectacular "I Need U" (Original Version). It's a great song and the video looks like another classic examination of adolescence and young men specifically. But there's something specific going on with Jin here, and we've read fan theories that we can neither confirm or deny.

We're actually not sure at all what this video is getting at here - and will probably need to give it another watch or a dozen. What are your theories, friends? Or do you think this is just a straightforward look at boys being boys and sometimes having the feelings? Let us know!

Seventeen Teams with Ailee!

Seventeen and Ailee teamed this week for "Q & A," which we found to be very fun and sweet. It's a cute concept too and we love hearing Seventeen and Ailee together here. We are a bit surprised that they didn't employ one of their After School idols that seems permanently exiled (hopefully we'll see them next year?). Still, Ailee is golden here. This is not a major release, but a fun one that will only remind you how great of a rookie year Seventeen has had, and the possibilities for their future.

MAMA 2015 Predictions, Part 3: Special and Daesang Category

MAMA aired this week, and some things, like 2NE1's incredible return, could not have been predicted. Kushal Dev predicts what he can, the winners of this year's awards. Take a look at his picks and compare them to the actual winners right here, friends!

Review: Royal Pirates Returns

The Royal Pirates made their comeback this week, and don't you worry, we have them covered! Helen Edworthy breaks 3.3 down for you, and you can check out her entire review here!

MV of the Month: Verbal Jint's "If the World Was Perfect" (featuring Taeyeon)

Can you believe November is over already? This year is just flying by! But with the passing of an old month, we must announce the best MV of the Month, and for whatever reason, November's pick was hard! But still, we got this down, and Verbal Jint (along with Taeyeon) get the prize. Check out why here!

November 29-December 5, 2015

And that was This Week in Kpop! We've gone through a lot of releases this week and probably have passed by your faves. You can add them in your comments! Next week will probably be full of Christmas releases and we'll try not to be grumpy about them. Until then, as always, have fun and be safe!