WINNER’s ‘Really Really’ song & music video review

winner really really song review music video meaning

Having only debuted four years ago, WINNER has still faced quite a bit of adversity throughout their careers, and their Inner Circle (their fanbase) has been with them through it all. From battling out on the competition show WIN: Who Is Next to their multiple prolonged hiatuses, to vocalist Taehyun leaving the group, the road to achieving their dreams has been a bumpy one. Finally, they are back with two music videos for their new releases “Really Really” and “Fool.” While “Fool” is closer to what fans are used to seeing from WINNER, “Really Really” diverges greatly from their usual style, making it the perfect song to dive into.

Song

“Really Really” is perhaps one of WINNER’s most upbeat and lighthearted songs they’ve released and it shows the audience a side to them that we haven’t gotten to see before. Compared to prior releases such as “Empty” and “Color Ring,” this song is a lot more carefree, and it’s nice to see the band take a step away from the ballads for a little bit. The party vibe of the pulsing electronic beats makes this the perfect song to listen to as summer becomes visible in the distance. This is the type of music that could be heard on radio stations here in the United States, something that YG Entertainment has always strived for but haven’t been able to reach thus far. It’s a fresh and modern pop song that instantly shows listeners the new leaf the group has turned over.

winner really really mv music video gif

Via Tumblr

However, we must address the elephant in the room: Nam Taehyun’s departure from the group is bittersweet. His absence is definitely noticeable, as if there’s something off about the song because it’s missing his amazing vocals. This, however, has given vocalist Jinwoo an opportunity to show off how truly talented he is, receiving more lines than ever before. Leader Seungyoon’s strong, unique tone shined as brightly as usual, and it was nice to hear it in such an upbeat and modern song. Rappers Mino and Seunghoon’s verses fit the song very well. I particularly liked Seunghoon’s verses, which were both charismatic and sweet. Combined, they created a cohesive blend of their abilities and talents. Taehyun’s departure, if anything, allowed the other members to grow as vocalists in order to make the missing vocals less evident.


Also on KultScene: Moon Hyuna’s ‘Cricket Song’ song & music video review

Music Video

The first thing that stands out about this video is that it’s shot all in black and white. This isn’t very often done in Kpop, which is known for its explosion of color and over the top nature on all fronts.But this is WINNER we’re talking about and “Really Really” has the artsy feeling their singles normally have. Due to the song’s Caribbean sound it could’ve just been the average run-of-the-mill choreography-based music video, so it’s quite different they went a different route with it.. In fact, the choreography is also what sets it apart from WINNER’s previous releases. We haven’t really gotten a chance before now to see the group in a way that shows that not only are they talented singers and rappers, but dancers as well.

winner really really music video mv gif

via cheonjaes @ Tumblr

winner really really mv music video song gif

via cheonjaes @ Tumblr

Seungyoon and Seunghoon were particularly charming in their dance moves, and it was clear that all of them were having a lot of fun. The choreography focus of this video gives it an energetic, flash mob vibe, and each member was able to hold his own with the professional dancers. It’s worth noting, that Dave Meyers, director of Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble” and CL’s “Lifted,” was also the creative mind behind this video. WINNER’s growth as a group is the most clear with this video and allows them to show a fresh, new side of themselves.


Also on KultScene: Weekly K-pop faves: April 3-9

Overview

It’s so refreshing to see WINNER in this new light. “Really Really” gives life to the group, which is definitely what needed to be accomplished with this comeback. After everything WINNER has been through, they deserve the success that they are sure to get with this release. It’ll be interesting to see what else they have in store for us, hopefully more fun, summer-ready tracks like this. And also, hopefully we won’t have to wait another year, in true WINNER fashion, for more amazing music.

WINNER 'Really Really'
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What do you think of WINNER’s new song? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Moon Hyuna’s ‘Cricket Song’ song & music video review

moon hyuna cricket song review meaning

Fans of the girl group 9Muses will be pleased to see that the beloved former leader has finally made her solo debut. “Cricket Song”, released on Mar. 21, shows a softer side of the ex-member of the “Model Idol Group.” Listeners of all kinds, even those who don’t care for 9Muses, will be drawn in by this enchanting release by Moon Hyuna.

Song

With “Cricket Song” as her solo debut, Hyuna is really setting herself apart not only from other solo artists, but from her former girl group as well. This song is vastly different from the pure pop music released by 9Muses and prepares listeners for what they can expect from her as a solo artist.The music leans heavily into the electronica genre, the synthetic melodies imitating those of a music box or a baby’s mobile. The dreamy sound of it goes well with Hyuna’s chiming vocals and the insomnia influenced lyrics. The chorus of “Cri cri-ket” is wonderfully addictive and whimsical. All of this together creates a unique indie pop blend that is most likely to be the sound of Hyuna’s future music.

moon hyuna cricket song gif

via ailees-muses @ Tumblr


Also on KultScene: CNBLUE’s ‘Between Us’ music video & song review

Music Video

This music video has no plot and isn’t exactly groundbreaking in any way, but it’s paired with the song perfectly. The ethereal visuals, made even more dreamy by the long exposure camerawork, portray the half-asleep wistfulness of the lyrics. Taking a more visual approach to the video rather than a plot-heavy one was absolutely the right choice for a debut song like this. There was nothing intricate or overly-complicated about the video, but it was beautiful in its simplicity. Going a more adventurous route with it may have been disastrous as it could have been too much to take in, especially with a song that is so different than any other release at the moment.

moon hyuna cricket song gif

via benihime99 @ Tumblr

moon hyuna cricket song gif

via str-wberrymilk @ Tumblr


Also on KultScene: 5 Reasons To Watch ‘Unnies Slam Dunk Season 2’

Overview:

Fans of Moon Hyuna will be incredibly proud of her newfound identity as a solo artist and this release will, hopefully, only cause her fanbase to grow. The music video is beautiful in its aesthetic simplicity but the song, in no way, pales in comparison. Both are equally unique and takes listeners into a hazy dream world. Hyuna’s talent truly shines in her solo release as we get a chance to really listen to her vocal abilities on their own rather than as part of a group of voices. She has a clear idea as to what her solo identity is going to be and I can’t wait to see what else she has to offer.

Moon Hyuna 'Cricket Song'
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What do you think of Hyuna’s new song? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

CNBLUE’s ‘Between Us’ music video & song review

CNBLUE’s music has changed greatly over the years and their newest song “Between Us”, released on Mar. 20, adds even more layers to their unique sound. With this new track, they continue to evolve as musicians while still portraying the talented band we all love. Having had their last comeback in April 2016 with “You’re So Fine,” “Between Us” has been highly anticipated by fans the world over. At long last, the wait is over.

Song

Musically speaking, CNBLUE has changed drastically since they first debuted back in 2009. Listening to one of their earlier songs, such as “Love Girl,” and then listening to “Between Us,” the fact that they’re sung by the same band is almost unrecognizable. Over the past couple years, CNBLUE has definitely leaned more towards the pop and electronic side of music, which they’ve added to their rock band roots.


Also on Kultscene: LOONA 1/3’s “Love & Live” Music Video & Song Review

That’s not to say, however, that they’ve lost sight of who they are. “Between Us” has a funky, synthetic sound, but it’s clear that instruments are still an integral aspect of their music, performances, and music videos. Some fans might love their new style, and others may prefer their earlier songs, but by delving more into pop music, their fan base will only continue to grow.

While the song is heavily influenced by electronic beats, some of the strongest aspects of the music are actually the instruments that CNBLUE have made a name for themselves with. Yonghwa’s piano playing and Minhyuk’s drumming in particular stand out and are even highlighted through their contrast to the rapid and sporadic EDM. The lyrics of the song themselves focus on the confusing relationship of two people who are in between being friends and being something more. This concept makes it easy for listeners to relate to the song and the artists themselves, with it being such a universal situation that many people find themselves in.

Music Video

The music video for “Between Us” is pretty typical for CNBLUE. The members played their instruments with vigor in between scenes of them speaking on the telephone with a confusing lover. It was very interesting, however, to see Yonghwa without an instrument. Unfortunately, it came off as a little awkward, as if he wasn’t quite sure what to do with himself, but it was nice to see a different side of him through this video.

Overall, I wasn’t that impressed with the video because while the song is upbeat and exciting, the video felt a bit flat. There was very little interaction between the members, aside from them walking around each other, and there really wasn’t a storyline at all. With the lyrics of the song, the video could’ve been so much more interesting than it was. It wasn’t a bad video per se, but it’s certainly nothing we haven’t seen already from CNBLUE. Videos such as “Love,” “Hey You,” and even more recent releases like “Supernova” have shown much of the same music video formatting as this one. It’s time for them to release a music video in which the members interact with each other a little more.


Also on Kultscene: KCON 2017 Mexico’s M! Countdown Day 1 Concert Recap

Overview

“Between Us” is upbeat and both musically and lyrically well-made. It adds yet another dimension to this band’s sound and portrays their growth as artists. And while I love the song, I can see why some fans may be put off by it. There will always be fans who prefer the more pop-punk vibe that the group started off with, and that’s valid. However, I think if listeners give it a chance, they’ll grow to embrace this new side of CNBLUE. Unfortunately, the music video did leave a little bit to be desired, but that’s the only complaint. I think no matter what they do, CNBLUE will always be incredibly talented and devoted to their music and, as fans, that’s all we can really ask for.


CNBLUE's "Between Us"
3.5
What do you think of “Between Us”? Tell us what you think in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

LOONA 1/3’s “Love & Live” Music Video & Song Review

Blockberry Creative’s up & coming girl group LOONA, who have garnered a lot of attention for their “Girl of the Month” concept, released another music video on March 13. This music video gives fans their first look at the newest girl of the month Vivi, completing their first sub-group LOONA ⅓. Everything about this group thus far has been unique and their newest release has been no different.

Song

While “Love & Live” definitely has that bubblegum pop feel that you see in many young and freshly debuted girl groups, it’s not as catchy as it could’ve been. This is a song that will take a couple of listens before anyone is really able to sing along to it, as opposed to some of their previous releases, like Yeojin’s “Kiss Later” and Heejin’s “Vivid.” The vocals were also not quite as strong in this single, but the girls still showed off their vocal chops. As usual, Heejin shined in this song and, unfortunately, it felt like some of the other girls were pushed to the background vocally because of it.


Also on KultScene: KCON 2017 Mexico’s M! Countdown Day 1 Concert Recap

Music Video

As has become expected from LOONA, the music video for “Love & Live” was wonderfully unique and interesting. It tells a story of isolated robot girl Vivi who longs to be like her human friends, emulating them in every way, from the sports they play to the juice they drink. Most of the group’s pre-debut music videos tell a story focusing on each member that is open to the interpretation of the viewers. It’s interesting that they chose the newest member Vivi, to play the robot girl stuck on the outside of the human world, as it reflects the newest member’s need to try and find a place in an already solidified – but still growing – group of girls. What I appreciate most about LOONA’s music videos is that they tackled concepts that most newly debuted groups would shy away from. The only criticism there is about the video is that it seemed less vibrant than their previous videos, and the coloring felt dull compared to the perkiness of the song.

Overview

Unfortunately, I don’t think this was one of LOONA’s strongest releases but their talent and individuality is still very clear. LOONA represent young girl groups well, managing to not be overly cutesy while still acting their age. I’ve loved their concept of unveiling a new member every month since they’ve debuted (or pre-debuted!) and I can’t wait to see what else will come from them in the future!

Do you like LOONA so far? What do you think of “Love & Live”? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. Be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Red Velvet’s “Rookie” Music Video & Song Review


Who better to kickstart a relatively slow year opening than SM Entertainment’s’s resident pocket rockets Red Velvet? Most expected that they’d come back with one of their velvet concept tracks but new single “Rookie” is red through and through. A velvet track would have been comforting and suited the cold months but “Rookie” goes past that to be an infectious energy boost to anyway who come in its way. Red Velvet are well past rookies now, and their edge is proving to be the most distinctive of all the newer girl groups.

Song

That being said though “Rookie” is not an easy song to get into. Looking at the laundry list of producer’s names we can see a probable reason for this. The song introduces itself as being by The Colleagues, who are an American production team more used to hip hop and R&B than bubblegum pop. They’ve worked with artists like Lil’ Wayne and Gucci Mane, people who don’t shout Red Velvet. SM regulars Tay Jasper, Sara Forsberg, and more were on head to presumable help the transition though. So many different hands were on this song and I think it is thanks to this not despite it that “Rookie” could come through as a quality track.

The Colleagues’ hip hop has been filtered out in favour of funk to counter the chaos of a Red Velvet song. The drum beat is introduced as the driving force. It perfectly combines both worlds into something clear but potentially erratic. A rolling bassline comes in behind along with horns and guitars eventually which add the more grounding elements. We’re used to synth heavy tracks from Red Velvet so it’s great to hear something with the same energy but not synthetic. The horns especially create this unique vibe thanks to being so fun and spontaneous.


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The large number of producers may help cultivate the turbulent sound of Red Velvet, it would be nothing without their delivery. “Rookie” is their clear vocal highlight. It challenges the girls to swing wildly between their patented talk-singing and regular singing. The song’s structure is built around it. The verses are split into two distinct parts: Irene and Joy open up with cheeky introductions, getting us ready for the onslaught of ‘lookie lookies.’ Irene, Joy, and Yeri were made for this type of vocal play and “Rookie” really lets them shine. In the second part, Seulgi and Wendy start the actual singing and bring the details. They describe the rookie boy they are after and the effect he has on them. In a sense the almost nonsensical chorus is that effect in action. The childish repetition illustrates as Wendy sings “…Even the way I talk turns into ice when I’m front of you.”

The rapid transitions between vocals take less of a potential toll thanks to the song itself taking its time. It takes about a minute to reach the chorus from the beginning of the song. Usually this would be quite long but here it feels organic. Each new part is so filled with imaginative sounds so it never feels like you’re waiting for the chorus.

Music Video

As we’ve come to be accustomed to, with each new Red Velvet release the music video is decidedly psychedelic. “Rookie” expels the tighter, plot-like focus of “Russian Roulette” for something a bit more messy but just as weird. It takes aesthetic cues from Alice in Wonderland uses wardrobes and doors from The Lion, The Witch, The Wardrobe to transition between different sets. Like the song the girls can go through any door at any time, into a new exciting world. There’s a strange man made of flowers, Joy as a drug dealer, and a pull back to reveal the meta ending. Best of all is the long shot of Seulgi coming through the first door with a confused look, only to immediately find herself back in formation dancing to the chorus.


Also on KultScene: Red Velvet’s Conceptualization & Formidable Fashion

Overall Thoughts

The best thing about Red Velvet is the commitment to their concepts since debut without becoming stale. They have continually produced magnificent tracks with youthful vigour. “Rookie” especially, finds something exciting. It’s many parts are equally diverse and wonderful. To the fans who think it’s too childish, do you even know Red Velvet? This is Red Velvet at their most fervent red. It’s supposed to be wacky and hard to grasp. That’s why we love them.

Red Velvet's "Rookie"
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What do you think of “Rookie”? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

A Teenage Fangirl’s Farewell to 2NE1

On the 21st of January, iconic girl group 2NE1 released their final song, “Goodbye”, as a farewell to their fans. This release was comforting yet extremely heartbreaking for Blackjacks (2NE1 fans) in that it provided a closure to an otherwise abrupt disbandment of the group and allowed fans to listen to them sing together (well, ¾ of them) for the last time. Except, why did it have to be the last time? For a group that has been through so much together, experiencing immense success, as well as various member scandals, it just seemed unthinkable that their phenomenal 2015 MAMA performance would be their last. In that memorable performance, the female quartet showcased what they had always been doing best: simply being their beautiful, unique selves in a powerful and confident manner.


Also on Kultscene: The New Evolution Lives On: 2NE1’s disbandment through a Blackjack’s eyes 

It was this quality that first drew me to 2NE1, all the way back in 2011. I had heard of the group previously, but it wasn’t until they released the songs “Lonely” and “Ugly” that I truly became a fan. I had never heard a Korean girl group sing so honestly about such negative emotions (especially since they are pretty much taboo topics in the K-pop industry), but for some reason, I felt emotionally connected to the group even though we were worlds apart. They seemed to understand and share my insecurities and fears, even if they were different than me. They were brave enough to take it and put it into their music, loudly proclaiming it all over the world. To a teenage girl who always felt lonely but kept trying to maintain her facade of a social life, these songs were truly empowering, since it felt like 2NE1 was telling their listeners that it was alright and even natural to feel lonely; it was nothing to be shameful about.

Perhaps the fact that these songs came from a Korean girl group, of all countries, made it even more significant and inspiring. Korea has always been well-known for its emphasis on external beauty, as evidenced by its booming plastic surgery and cosmetics industries. Even young ordinary students apply makeup with finesse everyday when they go to school. The pressure to live up to society’s standards of beauty is thus exceptionally high in Korea, which is why it’s even more important to recognise that we’re all beautiful in our own ways, even if we might be seen as “ugly” to the rest of the world – a message that 2NE1 definitely conveyed through their entire career. From the carefree revealing of their bare faces early on in their careers to the unique styling that constantly set them apart from regular pretty girl groups, 2NE1 showed that they could be confident and beautiful even if they differed from the norm.


Alson on Kultscene: BlackPink vs. 2NE1: The Ultimate Analysis 

2NE1 took this message a step further with their other iconic hit “I Am The Best.” Though it was also released in 2011 they kept performing it year after year, and it eventually became the last song they would ever perform together. This song was representative of their entire career, since they effectively showed the world that they weren’t just the best at what they were doing, but they knew and believed it too. That confidence really struck and empowered me, especially during the times where my self-esteem hit all time lows. I was constantly defeated by the problems life threw at me, but even more so because I kept comparing myself to the more beautiful, more talented people around me. I was never satisfied with myself and I ended up reaching a stage where I simply became another person whenever I stepped out of the comfort of my home. I was quieter, more introverted, never able to be myself because I was just too afraid and concerned with how the people around me would criticise or judge me. While I wouldn’t go so far to say that 2NE1 was the main reason why I ended up getting out of that slump, they certainly propelled me in the right direction (“I Am The Best” was literally my daily anthem for a period of time) and it’s still my go-to song whenever I feel like giving myself a pep talk.

I could go on forever about how 2NE1 has impacted my life in both small and big ways, and there are probably also many other fans out there who have had similar experiences. However, it all boils down to this: 2NE1 will really be missed. There’ll always be a void in this fangirl’s heart that will never again be filled because I’ll always be longing for this irreplaceable girl group to come back with the same inspiring power and force that they’ve shown together all these years. Despite the unhappiness and the unfortunate way the group came to an end, from the bottom of my heart, I’m thankful that I got to stan such an unique and talented group; that I got to mature and grow up along with them; that I got to learn so much from them. Although the members will go their separate ways from now on, 2NE1’s legacy will never be forgotten, even 10, 20 years from now. Or at least, I will never forget them, and I’m sure many Blackjacks out there feel the same way.

Until the faraway day when we meet again, goodbye, 2NE1.

What do you think of 2NE1’s disbandment? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

From ‘Nation’s Producers’ to Actual Producers: The Many Futures of I.O.I’s 11 Members

From humble trainees on Produce 101 to chart-topping idols in their music video for “Very Very Very,” the eleven members of I.O.I saw their lives massively changed in the course of only one year. While the group has given strong performances, memorable variety appearances, and infectious songs, it is no secret that fans of the group are apprehensive about I.O.I’s scheduled January 31st disbandment. A few months ago, we analyzed I.O.I’s unique formation regarding how members are simultaneously part of two labels and, for some of them, two groups, something largely unheard of previously in the world of K-Pop.

But with the new year ahead, infinite possibilities remain for the eleven members of I.O.I, all of whom now have public recognition and newfound popularity to take with them to future activities and musical ventures. And although we have an idea of where many of the members are going post-disbandment, it’s worth discussing how these paths may benefit or hurt them. Let’s look at each member or groups of members, and make some predictions about their largely divided futures.

So what’s next for I.O.I’s 11 members?

Im Nayoung & Zhou Jieqiong (Pinky)

As Pledis Entertainment artists, the futures of these these two I.O.I members are largely intertwined. Alongside I.O.I, Nayoung and Pinky were more quietly part of Pledis Girlz, a pre-debut group headed by their company, alongside eight other trainees, many of whom also competed in Produce 101 early last year. And while groups like Gugudan and DIA were shrouded in controversy for continuing with I.O.I members, Pledis Girlz has only recently become official under the name PRISTIN. The group is yet to debut, and yet to regularly promote on television. As a result, PRISTIN has maintained the respect of the public and I.O.I fans, especially when Nayoung and Pinky partook in I.O.I’s promotions for “Whatta Man (Good Man)” even as other members were pulled out for individual promotions.


The new group has found public exposure from Produce 101 and various pre-debut performances and promotions. As a result, PRISTIN’s growing fanbase both within Korea and around the world line them up to be one of 2017’s more successful girl group debuts, especially since Nayoung and Pinky are the leader of I.O.I and one of its notable visual/vocalists, respectively. Not to mention, some other popular competitors from Produce 101 , including Eunwoo, Yebin, and Siyeon, are in the group alongside them. With a debut slated for soon after I.O.I’s disbandment, Nayoung and Pinky have a collective future that is certain and in sight. Within this framework, it seems that, among I.O.I’s eleven members, Nayoung and Pinky are most likely to succeed within another group following the official split later this month.

Kang Mina & Kim Sejeong

Two of the most talked-about members of I.O.I, Sejeong and Mina have a clear path laid out for them after January 31st. Last summer, their company Jellyfish Entertainment had them debut in the nine-member Gugudan, which coincided with the release of I.O.I’s “Whatta Man.”. And while the group did receive attention due to the Mina and Sejeong, alongside another popular Produce 101 trainee Kim Nayoung, the group failed to captivate the public’s attention due to what was largely seen as an awkward concept backed by lackluster music. As a possible rising girl group in 2017, the group does have potential to succeed, but it is also possible that they fade into irrelevance if the next release isn’t more appealing, especially given that they are one of many new large girl groups with innocent, feminine concepts. Sejeong and Mina will have to work especially hard to bring Gugudan some credibility in the oversaturated girl group market if they want continued musical relevance in a group structure.


That being said, their options aren’t as limited as those of their group members. While she will become a full-time Gugudan member once February begins, Sejeong particularly maintains widespread popularity, as one of I.O.I’s main vocals, the runner-up on Produce 101, and a regular cast member on variety shows. Her debut solo single, “Flower Way,” was also a success, demonstrating that her individual popularity will not be quickly forgotten even if she is part of a girl group that isn’t as successful. Sejeong can and will be a strong force in 2017, but it remains to be seen how Mina or Gugudan as a whole will fare later on this year.

Jung Chaeyeon

Chaeyeon remains in a similar situation as that of Sejeong and Mina. Under MBK Entertainment, she is also part of a struggling girl group. While DIA has made some strides in finding public popularity this year with Chaeyeon and fellow member and Produce 101 competitor Huihyun (Cathy), the group’s current state is not very competitive in relation to the larger girl group market. Unless DIA can move their image away from their controversial CEO and agency, and bring out some title tracks with wide appeal, it’s likely that the group will have but another hard year in 2017.


But like Sejeong, Chaeyeon maintains considerable popularity. One of the most active I.O.I members, she maintained positions in both groups while also acting in a drama, making variety appearances, and doing pictorials throughout 2016. While she may not have an incredibly successful group to come back to, Chaeyeon will likely remain relevant in 2017 through her various activities as a singer and actress.

Yoo Yeonjung

While also already a member of another group, Yeonjung may possibly find herself in a slightly different situation than that of her groupmates Sejeong, Mina, and Chaeyeon. A Starship Entertainment artist, Yeonjung is the thirteenth member of Cosmic Girls (WJSN), which debuted early last year but added Yeonjung during I.O.I’s subunit promotion cycle. WJSN has definitely yet to strike it big, but they arguably show more rising potential than do DIA and Gugudan.


As the group’s main vocal, Yeonjung has brought them forward considerably, but unlike her I.O.I groupmates, she is not the most popular member of WJSN. After seeing a huge surge in popularity last year, member Cheng Xiao currently carries the group in popularity. WJSN will likely move further and further into the public eye as time goes on. While their current track “I Wish” isn’t faring incredibly well on the charts, it’s doing much better than past tracks “Mo Mo Mo” and equally as well as “Secret,” demonstrating that this promotion cycle may be the precursor to a much more successful one in the coming months. For both Yeonjung and her group, there is definitely hope, and with her shining vocals, the chance for solo promotions definitely exist in the near or distant future.

Kim Chungha

Considering that Chungha is under no-name label M&H Entertainment, fans have worried about her future after I.O.I’s disbandment. But as I wrote in KultScene’s Artists to Watch 2017 list published earlier this month, Chungha shows a lot of potential for success. One of the higher ranking trainees on Produce 101, Chungha’s variety of talents made her an instant stand-out both before and during I.O.I’s promotions. And given that her company has announced that she will debut solo in 2017, what’s to say that she can’t continue to stand out in the future? With a good song and concept, Chungha will have no trouble utilizing her incredibly strong dance, remarkably stable vocals, charismatic image, and English-speaking skills in future performances. Chungha is undoubtedly one of the most versatile members to come out of I.O.I, and her trendy and international appeal makes incredibly hopeful about her future. All it will take is a company that really works for her, and I’m praying that M&H is exactly that this year.

Kim Sohye

Sohye’s future is largely undetermined, except for the vague answer of “acting.” Currently under her own management, she plans to spend her time training and debuting as an actress this year post-I.O.I. It is still not clear, however, whether she will remain under her one-woman S&P Entertainment or if she is still related in anyway to her previous agency, Redline Entertainment. And while she constantly receives hate for her untrained musical abilities, Sohye has found herself a cult following during her time under Produce 101 and as a member of I.O.I. Although she isn’t the strongest singer or dancer, it is possible that she is an incredibly talented actress, and while netizens and international viewers were quick to call her useless or untalented, her real charms may have yet to be seen. As a result, I hold out hope for Sohye as well — after all, she may not hit it big on music shows, but she may be instead destined for drama primetime slots sometime soon.

Jeon Somi

Somi’s situation is very curious. Unlike that of her groupmates, we know very little about her future, except that she has now been bumped up from trainee to artist under JYP Entertainment. Currently a huge trend in Korea and closely associated with labelmates TWICE, many predict that JYP will add Somi to TWICE as its 10th member, giving the already explosively successful group another huge asset. And while there is a chance that this happens, I think (and hope) that JYP is smart enough to go in a different direction with Somi.

At only fifteen years old, the I.O.I center doesn’t need to debut in a girl group immediately. She can continue with variety appearances, pictorials, and possibly solo music releases or acting stints before she debuts in JYP’s next girl group, which will probably debut in at least a year or two from now. As one of I.O.I’s most popular members and one of the bigger trends of girl group K-Pop in 2016, Somi holds the power to bring any future JYP girl group to immediate public spotlight. So while I don’t think Jeon Somi will disappear this year, I don’t think we’ll be seeing her “Like OOH AHH” anytime soon.

Kim Doyeon & Choi Yoojung

While there are few details, Doyeon and Yoojung are clearly destined to be members of Fantagio’s next girl group. The girls’ agency, however, has yet to make any major announcements about this girl group — we do not know the group’s name, how many members it will have, when it will debut, etc. But we do know that Doyeon and Yoojung have also been promoted to artists under the label, and their young age (both are only 17 years old) gives them some time before having to debut. It is likely that the group will debut probably earlier than later in 2017, and it’s even more likely that these two will bring a lot of attention to their debut.

Yoojung specifically has found immense popularity as a strong stage and variety personality, while Doyeon is also a trend for her visuals and versatile talents. As a result, there is nothing stopping these girls from being incredibly successful, making their future group’s success a strong possibility as well. Not to mention, the group may possibly have sisters Lee Chaeyeon and Chaeryoung of JYP Entertainment’s survival show SIXTEEN, as the rumor mill says that they have transferred to Fantagio to debut alongside Yoojung and Doyeon. Having four members with previous public exposure, the members of this group have little to worry about right now. We will likely see lots of Doyeon and Yoojung in 2017, working hard to ensure their new group’s success.

While the “Cherry Blossoms” will eventually “Fade” at the end of this month, it’s clear that the members have a lot going for them. Dividing now into what may possibly be six different girl groups (counting already debuted groups along with Pledis Girlz, Fantagio’s upcoming girl group, and JYP’s next girl group a couple years away) and an actress, the eleven members are truly embodying the group’s name “Ideal of Idol.” While the futures of each group vary in likelihood of sustained relevance, it is clear that each individual member of I.O.I doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. As fans, we are definitely downcast about the disbandment of such an amazing girl group, but we can find solace in the fact that our “Dream Girls” will remain active in the industry in coming years. And whether apart or together, I.O.I’s legacy will live on.

Who do you think will be Kpop’s rising star this year? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

KultScene’s 2017 Artists to Watch

Chungha Sam Kim KARD Jung Seung Hwan

New year, new Kpop. As 2017 begins, we are watching closely for artists both new and old to stand out with better music and performances. And especially following the 2016 Kpocalypse, nothing is entirely predictable. Anything can make your fave popular — a funny variety appearance, a trendy CF, or a “Sha Sha Sha.” So we ask: Who will be the trend in 2017? KultScene’s writers Anna and Kushal break it down across Male, Female, and Coed lines to give you our prediction of 2017’s rising stars.

MALE Artists to Watch in 2017: Jung Seung Hwan, Sam Kim (Antenna Music)

Of K-pop Star fame, these two singers made their much anticipated debuts in 2016 and while their styles of music are different, they both have equal potential to make it big in 2017. Beginning with Sam Kim’s pre-release single in March with “Mama Don’t Worry,” he then made an official debut in April with his full-length EP I Am Sam.

Each of his songs are so musically inspired and creative that they bring a new life and freshness into the K-pop industry and “No Sense” illustrates that completely. The fact that he’s only going to be 19 this year just means that he still has a lot more room to grow as a musician in the future. Most recently, he also released an amazing OST (“Who Are You”) for popular airing drama Goblin and has been gaining a lot of recognition for the soulful track.

Jung Seung Hwan on the other hand, only made his debut recently in December with his album Voice. He achieved an “all-kill” on Korean music charts with the release of his album, but this shouldn’t come as a surprise for the singer since he had previously topped charts with the covers he sang during his stint on K-pop Star. His naturally emotional voice makes him the perfect choice to sing sorrowful ballads and OSTs, as proven by the successful sound tracks he has been releasing, even before his official debut. In particular, his OST for Oh Haeyoung Again hit the right notes with the Korean public and has achieved a long-staying popularity even with the many other releases of 2016. (I heard the song playing in shops at least 5 times when I was visiting Korea in December.)

Ballads aren’t new in K-pop, but the way these two artists reinvent the genre in their own ways keeps their music interesting and strengthens their individual identities as musicians. Here’s hoping that they’ll discover their well-deserved success in 2017!

FEMALE Artist to Watch in 2017: Kim Chungha (M&H Entertainment)

Originally one of Produce 101’s underdogs, Kim Chungha quickly rose to fame last year as a member of the trendy, nation-produced I.O.I. Among many younger, cuter members, Chungha’s sexier, more charismatic image immediately stood out to I.O.I fans looking for a member with an edgier side. While she rose to fame as a dancer and choreographer, she is by no means a weak vocalist. Chungha has impressed fans left and right with her dancing skills, from improvising “Partition” during her first Produce 101 audition in January to performing on Mnet’s dance show Hit the Stage months ago. The crowning achievement of her tenure as an I.O.I member, however, is the choreography to the group subunit’s song “Whatta Man (Good Man),” which she herself crafted during the summer.

Without a strong company behind her, Chungha’s rise to relevance was largely unprecedented, but definitely welcomed by fans throughout the K-Pop world. While she has enjoyed success as an I.O.I member, many were worried about her future after the group’s upcoming disbandment at the end of January. It was announced at the end of 2016, however, that Chungha would debut as a solo artist under her label M&H Entertainment in the first half of 2017. The decision to give her a solo debut was probably one of the smartest things her label could do, given that 2017 is already going to be flooded with newly successful girl groups and newly debuted girl groups that have yet to find success. The oversaturated nature of the market makes her solo debut something the Korean public and international fan community will quickly embrace — no new members to learn, no new group name to start stanning. In a world of cutesy and energetic girl groups, Chungha’s charisma will likely stand out, giving her another edge in the intensely competitive market of female K-Pop artists. Chungha is definitely multi talented, and her ability to handle multiple skills and concepts puts her immensely ahead in K-Pop game this year.

COED Artist to Watch in 2017: K.A.R.D (DSP Media)

While they haven’t officially debuted, the four members of K.A.R.D have already made huge waves in the K-Pop universe with their pre-debut track “Oh NaNa,” which was released early last month. Voted by KultScene’s contributors as the 5th Best Song of 2016, the track has yet to chart in Korea, but has remained near the top of worldwide K-Pop charts for almost a month. Their music video has also accumulated over 4 million views, and their YouTube channel has over 180,000 subscribers (keep in mind that they have already overtaken their label DSP Media in subscriptions, which is the channel with every single KARA music video ever…).

With the kind of international attention the group is receiving, it isn’t long before they get similar love in Korea. The inclusion of masculine male rappers and infectious female vocals creates the ultimate mix of boy group and girl group fans alike. Instead of competing for the top spot among boy groups or girl groups, they amalgamate what makes each type of group work in a co-ed unit that stands out. While rising groups like Cosmic Girls and fellow DSP artist APRIL are trying to stand out in the girl group world this year, and new boy groups like VARSITY and Top Secret look for success on the other side, K.A.R.D has relatively no competition. They have entered a niche of K-Pop that hasn’t been touched in years, and with the kind of visuals, talents, and musical quality with which they’ve started, it’s only a matter of time before they become a force to reckon with in the K-Pop world.

Additional content courtesy of Anna Cheang. 

Who do you think will be Kpop’s rising star this year? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

WJSN, April, & MIXX: K-Pop girls trying to take 2017


It’s been well documented in the last few weeks that girls dominated K-pop in 2016. Rookie groups like Twice, Gfriend, and BlackPink found their footing quickly and built on it well. Among the other girl groups there was some great work too. Cosmic Girls (WJSN) had one of the songs of the year in “Secret,” and member Cheng Xiao made a name for herself in a number of variety shows. Long suffering DSP group April continued the fight despite a number of member changes and less than spectacular songs. Compared to those two, though, MIXX are real minnows. Their funky cutesy debut from 2016 “Oh Ma Mind” was wildly underappreciated in a year that needed more great girl group debuts. Each of these groups came back this week in order to try capture that new year spirit.

“I Wish” by Cosmic Girls

I had more anticipation for Cosmic Girls coming into 2017 than any other group. “Secret” grew to be one my most listened to songs of 2016 and portrayed an elegance that few rookies can claim. That’s why “I Wish” has been so disappointing. The verve of “Secret” was immediately palpable and infectious while this is a bit flat.

Produced by Glory Face (Twice’s “Woohoo”) and Long Candy (Ailee’s “Mind Your Own Business”), “I Wish” feels like it has the potential to be something interesting. The combined guitar and synth riff that open it have an appropriate space-like feel. It becomes a quirky new jack swing track by the time the vocals kick in. There’s a sense that the producers were trying to recreate what e.one did with “Secret” but failed to capture the epic scale that he so accurately found. Musically the details are there: the spontaneous use of auto-tune is great as are the ‘90s drum rolls.

Vocally is where “I Wish” falls down though. In particular the failure to use Dawon at what she is best at. Each of the girls are pitched quite obviously to give the song some more feminine qualities and Dawon can easily hit these notes. But she works much better as a counterpoint with a stronger less breathy vocal. In other WJSN songs like “Secret,” and even more so in “Bebe,” Dawon cuts through the tension with power and without ever losing the tone. Without using her for this, the song feels like it goes nowhere.


Also on KultScene: K-Pop & the Collective Body Part 2: Seventeen, Cosmic Girls, & NCT

“April Story” by April

In almost the exact opposite circumstances to Cosmic Girls (they even stole their producer), April entered 2017 on the run of a number of weak singles. The style they were going for was well trodden and nothing (except for a dancing egg) set them apart. “April Story” doesn’t stray too far from that but adds to it and makes it better than before.

e.one brings the orchestral dramatics of “Secret” with added Gfriend-style guitar riffs.
It’s clearly a sound that fits with the fairy tale concepts that April continues to favor, and honestly suits the concept far better than most of their previous songs. The song is a story about the seasons personified as people and April’s member sing as a girl from spring in love with a boy from the Land of Ice. She loves him but knows they can’t live together. It’s a simple story (similar to Lovelyz’s “Destiny”) but is brought to life thanks to e.one’s dramatic song production. GFRIEND’s “Rough” is the obvious comparison thanks to the balletic orchestra but those strings also bring to mind WJSN’s “Secret.” Especially the bits in between when the strings flutter for a moment. It builds the tension right back up after the chorus in two seconds. Again, there is nothing original about them but April have grown with this release. The production is a step up and helps the fairytale look a little less childish.


Also on KultScene: K-Beauty Review: Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine

“Love in a Sudden” by MIXX

MIXX are the group to get behind this week. With their first two singles the fresh girl group have cultivated a unique sound. “Love in a Sudden” is similar to “Oh Ma Mind” yet still fun enough to warrant more listens.

MIXX’s song tells a story about a girl coming to a realisation about her sudden love. Unlike April though, MIXX find fairy tales to be no comparison to “the warmth of your hand” or “the sweet night air.” It’s a decidedly bouncy track. Producer Majinchoee (마진초이) laces the R&B beat with bright synths and there’s a breeziness to the way MIXX deliver it. It’s a chilled out vibe but their excited voices prop the song up. The major R&B sounds come in and out, peaking at the end with a great vocal solo while the rest of the girls are playful and talkative, punching out repeated phrases with glee. It’s similar in its laid back structure to “I Wish,” but “Love in a Sudden” succeeds much more thanks to the idiosyncratic nature of MIXX.

Which of these songs do you prefer? Who do you hope will be successful? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Best Korean Albums of 2016

best kpop korean albums 2016 top 16

2016 turned out to be a busy year for may Korean artists. From singles, to music videos, to albums, fans were showered by an influx of new material almost every day in 2016. And while we’ve already addressed the best Korean songs and music videos of the year, now it’s time for albums. Unlike previous years, this time around, KultScene staff picked the albums we liked the most instead of arbitrarily choosing the best K-pop albums. Some were biased, some were genuinely blown away by new findings. But overall, these albums spoke volumes to us in 2016.

Flight Log: Turbulence by GOT7

GOT7’s Flight Log: Turbulence is the second part of what seems to be a potential (and hopeful) series. All hands were on deck, as this was the first album in which all seven members had full involvement and participation in composition and lyric writing. For the first time since their 2014 debut, JYP Entertainment’s very own founder and notorious whisperer, Park Jinyoung, had no part in the album. Since debuting, “Flight Log: Turbulence” is the first album where lines were so evenly distributed, probably because the members had the most say this time around and were able to divide up the parts on their own terms and not through someone else. The entirety of this album was greatly diversified, unique, and even sentimental at times. Moreover, the member’s individual personalities shone right through each song. These guys were big on dancing from the get-go, so it’s no wonder that Flight Log: Turbulence was heavily influenced with climatic tunes. Most of the songs on this album can easily be dance tracks because, why wouldn’t GOT7 be inclined to break out into some sort of electrifying choreography to express themselves? They’re a little less than a month shy of their three year anniversary but they’ve shown an ample amount of growth, both musically and as entertainers, within the last eight months. GOT7 has had quite the hot year and we can’t wait to see them rise even higher in 2017.

— Tam

End Again by Ga-In

No one in K-pop crafts a mini-album quite like Ga-In. With the mini-album End Again she approached death with confidence. The album tells the story of Carrie, remembering the time she had with her lover. “End Again” is built upon predominantly orchestral sounds. The sound of each song fits its mood and place in the album. In the opener “Carrie (The First Day),” Ga-In thinks of her conversations with him; they “become songs and remain.” This moves into her death march and single “Carnival (The Last Day),” which ends on a distinctly ominous few notes. “Forest of Fireflies” is the only real solemn moment on the album. It’s her goodbye, a ballad that relinquished the filler ballad title thanks to its placement and beauty. “Secret” is the best of the lot. A sexy take on what came before with pulsing bass that drives the sensual chorus. The album ends with “End Again,” an instrumental that sounds more like an interlude than an ending. Yet in the context of Ga-In’s work, it is the last flicker of life.

–Joe

130 Mood : TRBL by DEAN

Riding on the buzz of one of the hottest debuts in 2015, singer/songwriter/producer DEAN finally dropped his album this year and showed us all how R&B is really done. And then he took it further. In one word, his debut album 130 Mood : TRBL is perfection. Right from the pounding knocks on “And You (Outro)” to the funkiness of “21,” the album instantly disconnects you from reality for its duration, taking you on a soothingly sexy trip. While two of the songs (“Pour Up feat. Zico” and “I Love It feat. Dok2”) had already been released, he added them to the album’s track list, which only complemented the themes of passion, excess, and heartbreak. While cohesive, every track on the album stands on its own: “Bonnie & Clyde” is hauntingly addictive, “what2do” with Crush and Jeff Bernat just as sweet vocals rip our hearts out with their melodies, and “D (Half Moon)” only makes us fall for the singer even deeper. There’s emotion in Korean R&B, of course, but no one does it like DEAN. He revolutionized the genre by bringing an experimental and trendy sound to it, not to mention he probably single-handedly put the sexiness in it too. 130 Mood : TRBL has it all: soul, falsettos, ethereal harmonies, and raw emotions. And if his multiple collaborations from artists like Heize, Taeyeon, and Zico aren’t an indication that this kid is a musical genius, I don’t know what is.

— Alexis

Daydream by DAY6

DAY6 made me a fan of theirs when they made their debut last year with The Day, but the release of Daydream made me even more convinced that I was stanning the right band. Their musical talents on full display, this album was made up of songs filled with the contributions of various members of the group, whether in songwriting or lyric writing. In particular, the first song, “First Time” was composed by all five members, and it’s truly one of the highlights of this album. Although they’re technically still a rookie group, they already have a unique identity and colour of their own as musicians. The best part? They’re seriously enjoying what they’re doing, and that’s evident from the passion they pour into each of their tracks. 2017 is set up to be a busy year for DAY6, and I do hope they’ll gain more well-deserved recognition in due time.

— Anna


Also on KultScene: Top Korean Albums of 2015

1 and 1 by SHINee

SHINee’s immense talent is undeniable, and the nostalgia-inducing 1 and 1 is a perfect addition to their eternally-exploratory discography. This album, a repackage of this year’s 1 of 1, turns the auditory experience to retro elements, most noticeably on the new jack swing “1 of 1” and similarly ‘90s-esque “So Amazing.” There’s a very SHINee sense on this album, with each song providing a new sonic attitude, but still extolling the group’s blended vocal skills. Songs like “Tell Me What To Do,” a phenomenal single that’s only low note is a forced rap section, and “Feel Good” seem like natural extensions of 2013’s “Symptoms,” keeping SHINee within the realm of the emotionally charged dancepop music. Individually, each track is a pleasure to listen to, but 1 and 1 as a whole showcases SHINee’s multifaceted approach to music and is one of the best albums out of Korea this year.

— Tamar

Free Somebody by Luna

With triumphant bangers and emotive vocals, Luna‘s solo debut Free Somebody is by far my favorite musical body of work released this year. A six song mini album, Free Somebody allows Luna to shine as both a pop star and ballad artist, alternating slow, evocative songs with EDM-influenced dancepop songs. From the house genre titular track to the introspective “Breathe,” to the climactic “Galaxy,” Luna is swift and confident in creating a diverse and unique musical footprint for herself within the K-pop world. With self-compositions “I Wish” and “My Medicine” shining among dance-oriented gems like “Keep On Doin’,” the album demonstrates Luna’s versatility as a one-woman music machine, full of talent and potential to impact the listener with a variety of genres and musical stylings. In 2016, I deem this album the most likely to both move you to dance and move you to tears.

— Kushal

Infinite Only by INFINITE

A year after their last album came out, INFINITE released their sixth mini-album Infinite Only. The majority of this album was produced by Woollim producers Rpahbet to deliver the signature sound that the group has been expressing for the past few releases. This album is a good mix of fast paced dance tracks to softer rock sounds and ballads that complement the boys’ varying vocal ranges and styles. The title song, “The Eye,” has no rap verses (à la “Back”) and showcases all of the members’ vocals. Some members even participated in writing lyrics and music: Hoya and Dongwoo wrote some of the lyrics for “One Day” and “True Love,” while Hoya wrote some of the music for “One Day.” But if there was one member who seemed to shine on this album, it would have to be L. Compared to previous songs, L’s vocals have greatly improved earning him longer more prominent parts like singing the climax of “One Day” as opposed to Woohyun or Sunggyu (that’s not to say that they were not great, their singing is always superb). Overall, this album was a solid addition to Infinite’s discography that any Inspirit would enjoy.

— Katherine

Wings by BTS

After a long awaited two years, BTS came back with their second full-length album, Wings, and is probably the group’s most eclectic and interesting musical undertaking to date. Headlining the album is the moombahton trap-fused single “Blood Sweat & Tears,” which advances their previous themes of youth during Young Forever to new heights. Here, it depicts the album’s overarching narrative of finally growing up in its lyrics; about how one thinks, chooses, and resists temptations. But not only does the album allow the members to showcase their maturation as artists and as men, it is also gives each of the seven members an opportunity to boast of their individual talents and tastes. From J-Hope’s fun and retro song “Mama” dedicated to – you guessed it – his mother, to V’s neo-soul track “Stigma,” each of the solos suit the personalities of the boys perfectly. A personal favorite is Jungkook’s “Begin,” an emotional synth ode to his fellow members and his rebirth while as a member of BTS. Yet despite all this, Wings is fundamentally a BTS album, and the latter half of the album proves that with classic feel-good songs like “2! 3!” and the fourth iteration of their Cypher series. With such a diverse and personal roster of sounds, Wings caters to both old and new fans. And closing with the optimistic dance interlude “Wings,” the group hints that this is not the last we’ll hear from them yet.

–Shelley

Noir by B.A.P

The busy members of B.A.P released their sophomore full-length studio album, Noir this past November, two years after their first. Alike previous songs, leader Bang Yongguk partook in the composition of all but two tracks on this 13 song album. If Yongguk writes a song, you can almost always bet that that song will more or less have something to do with societal issues. No matter how bright their music may seem to be at times, there’s always an underlying message. “Ribbon in the Sky” (Sewol Ferry incident), and “Kingdom” (monetary corruption) are just two more examples of B.A.P spreading awareness. Noir exhibits a colorful blend of some new, some old, and some we’re still-not-used-to-hearing-from-them concepts. This album was not only the group’s first time experimenting with Jazz (“Le Noir”), but also the first time since debut where the vocalist-line, and rapper-line performed their own songs separately, (“Fermata” and “Confession”). With the members being a bit older now and having gone through more personal experiences, songs like “Walking,” “Chiquita,” “Killer,” and Jongup’s long awaited solo “Now,” have become a bit more relatable since we’re not listening to just empty words. On top of their interest towards love songs, there also seems to be a recurring interest since past releases that displays an eagerness to deliver a more sensual side of them (“I Guess I Need U”). And of course, it wouldn’t be a B.A.P album if there wasn’t the incorporation of yet another heart pounding, dominant track like “Skydive.” The saying “things get better with age” truly translates onto this album. Noir has allowed B.A.P to showcase a different range of diversity in not only their styling, but has also shown their steady musicality growth and the group’s constant experimentation with genres outside of the normal pop and hip-hop scene.

— Tam

New Pop by Aseul

The Korean indie scene had just as good a year if not better than our much beloved K-pop. Top of that bunch is definitely Aseul’s kaleidoscopic New Pop. The album is best listened to as one whole at all times. The single doesn’t really stand out, and that’s what’s best about this. The aptly titled “Dazed” (the guitars in this are especially amazing) is merely one part of the hazy dream that Aseul beckons us into. Her synths and electronics contrast with fuzzy and clean sounds to shift us around, our state of mind unclear but in digital heaven. Highlight “Weird World” uses 8-bit video game samples sparingly to create its atmosphere. Like in most of the songs, Aseul uses a multitude of different influences without letting them overcrowd her album. It’s the most measured and precise piece of electronica this year.

— Joe

Q Is. by NU’EST

An art that is practically dead in K-pop is the release of a cohesive album. However, one group that has been keeping it alive is the ever-underappreciated NU’EST with their first mini album Q Is.. (They later released CANVAS, which is just as stellar, truly). The sonic theme throughout Q Is., from the ballads to the up-tempo tracks, is the smoothness of it all. Contrary to most K-pop releases as of late, NU’EST steers away from the heavy trap, noisy, bombastic jams. Instead, tracks like “Lost & Found” and the single “Overcome” perfectly create a house/R&B hybrid with pop vocals. Not to mention that the members got a hand in the songwriting and production of the album, which only makes Q Is. that more legit. The production is intricate without the pretension of showing off a big EDM sound. As mentioned earlier, NU’EST followed up this mini album with a second one as equally genre defying. While heavily underrated, NU’EST as a group and as individuals showed in 2016 their growth as artists, setting the bar way up for what they’ll come up with next year.

— Alexis

Voice by Jung Seung Hwan

I’m a known ballad fan, and have been ever since I can remember, but there are just too many generic ballad singers around. Jung Seung Hwan, however, is different. I’ve followed him ever since he finished K-pop Star and listened to many of his beautiful OST releases in glee. When his album Voice was released recently, however, I listened to it with extremely high expectations. Thankfully, these expectations were met. Right off the bat, his intro track allowed listeners to tune into the album and really experience the outflow of emotions Jung Seung Hwan takes us through. His title track “The Fool” is also an extremely noteworthy one and did well on the charts. It’s extraordinary how effortlessly yet emotionally Jung Seung Hwan sings. The entire album is produced very well, both showing off his strengths as a balladeer as well as maintaining a cohesiveness through all the tracks.

— Anna


Also on KultScene: Top Korean Albums of 2014

Agust D by Suga of BTS as Agust D

There is no Korean singer who astounded this year as much as BTS’s Suga with his revolutionary mixtape. In the highly image-based world of K-pop, releasing Agust D amidst the group’s biggest year was risky. But rather than ruining his career as a show of weakness, the reflective mixtape resulted in an outpouring of support for Suga for his frank portrayal of his struggles with his career and mental health. As a mixtape, Agust D isn’t as polished as typical K-pop albums, but that’s where the beauty of it lies because it is Suga at his most earnest. The first few tracks, including the title single and “Give It To Me” are full bravado, fitting for someone whose group made history this year, while the second half of Agust D offers more depth and stylistic diversity. The aggressive, desperate flow of “The Last,” which describes the rapper seeking psychiatric help, is the perfect depiction of someone struggling with depression and social anxiety after losing himself in his attempt to reach the top of his chosen industry. The 10-track mixtape’s finale comes in the two final songs, “Interlude; Dream Reality” and the electronic “So Far Away” featuring Suran, both of which are more mellow but an even more unsettling, escapist look into the artist’s mind. K-pop may be filled with dazzling pop distractions, but Agust D is true art.

— Tamar

35 Girls 5 Concepts by Produce 101 Contestants

Not really a collective body of work as much as it is a compilation of singles with different genres and producers in each song, 35 Girls 5 Concepts captured the dreams of Produce 101s 35 remaining contestants in mid-March of this year. Creating five temporary groups of seven members each, each song came from a different producer and tackled a different girl group style. From the largely feminine stylings of “Fingertips” to the “hip-pop” genre “Don’t Matter,” the album seeks to capture the nature of girl groups desired by the K-pop market at the moment. And given the show’s incredible relevance in K-pop this year and the contestants’ probable continued relevance in future years, this album serves as the show’s main musical output and the lasting legacy of those trainees still looking for mainstream success or a company group debut. Perhaps we’ll see them soon, but until then, these five songs and their corresponding performances are the pinnacle of a trainee’s hopes and dreams.

— Kushal

Where’s the Truth by FT ISLAND

After announcing that they were going to start creating the music they wanted to do during their 2015 tour, FT ISLAND has done just that this year. Their sixth Korean studio album, Where’s the Truth was released back in July and was entirely self-produced by the members, showcasing a wide range of musical styles. The album starts off with loud and intense rock songs like “Out of Love” and the title track “Take Me Now,” which mirror the harder vibes of their previous release and then gives way to lighter pop-rock songs like “Mask” and beautiful rock ballads “Becoming You” and “We Are…” The album contains great hooks that could get the crowd cheering along. With this album, FT Island was able to establish hard rock roots, but still maintained their old sound (which is not a bad thing); it makes them a truly versatile group.

— Katherine

The Clan Pt. 1 ‘LOST’ by Monsta X

It seems like the trend of splitting a whole album into mini albums and calling it a “series” is a popular one these days because even Monsta X is doing it. The first concept of 2.5 of their “The Clan” project, LOST, was released in April 2016, featuring their usual mix of melodic ballads, such as their pre-release track “Ex-Girl” featuring Mamamoo’s Wheein, and powerful electric hip-hop songs, like “Focus On Me.” With this comeback, the group hopes to express their feelings of pain and confusion, and whether or not it was a result of deliberate intent, the tracklist arguably reflects that. Indeed, the café-friendly “White Sugar” shifts gears into the fast-tempo “Unfair Love” and back down again to the casual R&B “Because of U.” Albeit, LOST is a rather safe enterprise for the group, it nevertheless makes the cut for Best Album thanks to their dynamic and highly produced title track “All In.” Very rarely can I confidently say that a song is magnum opus material, but with this one the septet reached new peaks and marked their positions as musical savants. If Monsta X continues to ride on the direction of LOST, we are sure to expect great promise in the rest of the one and a half installations for “The Clan.”

— Shelley

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