Is there anything K.A.R.D. can’t do? They’ve got an international following most K-pop groups would kill to have, and they haven’t even officially debuted yet! Who’d have thought six months ago that they’d be popular enough to tour the Americas? I was already on board with them back when they came out with “Oh Na Na,” but I find myself liking them more and more with every comeback. Personally, I think “Rumor” is their best track yet.
SF9 Comeback Review: “Easy Love”
I’ve mentioned before that my main focus with SF9 is (or was) their dancing, because they’ve been pushed as FNC’s first male dance group. As long as their choreography is great, I was satisfied – I didn’t mind if other elements weren’t as interesting. But SF9 is pushing themselves, and “Easy Love” shows that they’re capable of much more than snazzy synchronized moves. In fact, this comeback has convinced me that they’re probably a group to watch out for.
EXID Comeback: “Night Rather Than Day”
I’m a little on the fence with EXID. I like the group themselves (Hani is one of my top biases), and I like their music. But none of their songs have really grabbed at me. The only one was “Up and Down,” which I definitely overplayed to death. I was slightly skeptical when they announced a new concept, because their image is so solid. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that “Night Rather Than Day” is a great fit for them. And on top of that, it’s my new favorite song!
Teen Top Comeback Review: “Love Is”
Teen Top was actually the first group from the second generation (or is it third?) that I checked out. They motivated me to venture outside of the currently trending groups and really check out all the artists K-pop had to offer. It sounds cheesy, but if it weren’t for them I might be a very different kind of fan. So it’s safe to say that I’m very fond of them. “Love Is” is slightly sad for me, because L.Joe was my bias. But at the same time, it’s a good reminder of what Teen Top is good at and what they’re capable of.
Dreamcatcher Comeback Review: “Good Night”
Dreamcatcher has definitely gotten a lot of interest from the international community in the past few months. The girls are clearly going all in on the dark horror aesthetic, and so far it looks like it’s paying off. While “Chase Me” already ventured into the supernatural, “Good Night” goes full-on occult – and I’m happy to go along for the ride.
Continue reading “Dreamcatcher Comeback Review: “Good Night””
Produce 101 Season 2 Episode 2 Recap: Pick Me, Pick Me
This episode covers two crucial parts of the Produce 101 process. First, we finish the remaining evaluations. Then we focus on the real challenge: learning and performing the “Pick Me” song. After being separated into groups by rank, the members have three days to learn their new signature song. After they perform it again, the trainers will re-evaluate them and give them their final rankings. If you didn’t think the first episode was all that dramatic, just wait.
Continue reading “Produce 101 Season 2 Episode 2 Recap: Pick Me, Pick Me”
Winner Comeback Review: “Really Really” and “Fool”
YG’s organization is a running joke with K-pop fans (the company, not Yang Hyung Suk). Creatively, they’re on fire – their artists are widely acknowledged for their talent and popularity, often dominating charts and music shows. But in terms of planning, they’re a hot mess. “In the YG dungeon” has become the term for the many artists who go on extremely long hiatuses. Many people have been waiting for Winner’s comeback for a very long time. “Really Really” and “Fool” are both really quality comebacks, so I think that it’s been worth the wait.
Continue reading “Winner Comeback Review: “Really Really” and “Fool””
Oh My Girl Comeback Review: “Coloring Book”
I have such a soft spot for Oh My Girl. There’s just something about them that’s so endearing. Anything they do puts a big smile on my face, so I was heavily anticipating “Coloring Book.” I think that this comeback has been a little divisive; either you love it or hate it. I happen to love it. It’s so vibrant and fun!
Continue reading “Oh My Girl Comeback Review: “Coloring Book””
Produce 101 Season 2 Episode 1 Recap: Let the Battle Begin
I’m a little bit behind, but I’m so excited for the new season of Produce 101. I got super into it last year. Season 2 has been surrounded by a lot of negative press already, with reports of unfair treatment, the sordid pasts of various contestants coming to light, and MNET subsequently trying to hush them up about it. Despite all of this, my enthusiasm for the show remains unwavering. (I’m an avid Real Housewives watcher, so I guess I low-key live for hot messes) I’ve avoided spoilers and teasers as much as I could, so I’m trying to be as fresh and unbiased as possible in my recaps.
Continue reading “Produce 101 Season 2 Episode 1 Recap: Let the Battle Begin”
Favorites of 2017: March
(Oops, we’re already over halfway through April….)
As I predicted, March was all about the boy groups for me. Though of course several girl groups had solid comebacks, most of my attention was consumed by favorites like Got7 and Monsta X. But no matter your preferences, there was something for everyone this month.
Katherine Does K-POP 