Author: Rahul M

GENBLUE blur the lines between K-pop and C-pop, composed of both Korean and Taiwanese members and promoting music in both languages. So far, their Chinese singles outweigh their Korean work, but they seem to be making a renewed push into the market with new track Badass. This title already gives me pause, as I often use the word to describe music I dislike. GENBLUE seem to agree, as the song mocks someone who thinks they’re a “badass.” I like this concept for a girl group, though they simultaneously seem to be calling themselves badasses as well. Lyrical content aside, the…

Since their debut, rookies HITGS have released some truly diabolical material — songs I’ve disliked but have gone on to begrudgingly sing along with because they’re so stupidly catchy. This doesn’t make the music good, but it leaves an impression. New single A-Ha! dispenses with many of the gimmicks of the group’s past to embrace the muted dance sound favored by this year’s girl groups. I’ve written about so many songs like this over the past few years that it’s become difficult to describe them in new ways. They almost always end up rated in the “7’s” because they’re neither…

In a K-pop climate where everyone seems to be harnessing rock touchstones, EXO’s Suho has thrived on the genre for years. It’s been a sweet spot for his solo music and new title track Who Are You continues to paint him in this light. It’s a sprawling mid-tempo seemingly designed for road trip sing-alongs. This isn’t a sound many would associate with K-pop, but solo releases tend to be a different beast than full-group promotions. This is a “stand behind a mic while strumming a guitar and emoting” type of performance and Suho has proven himself a great emoter. However,…

Earlier this month, JYP Entertainment rookies KickFlip pre-released the anthemic pop/rock track Band-Aid, showcasing a sonic upgrade that fits them so well. That soundscape continues with new title track My First Love Song (처음 불러보는 노래), which underpins its rock energy with a consistently bounding beat. There’s a brightness to this song that helps it stand out among the many rock-themed tracks we’ve heard this year. I love its blend of guitar and synth. This texture reminds me of a youth drama and manages to be simultaneously angsty and celebratory. And though My First Love Song‘s runtime is short, it…

TWS have been teasing their October comeback for some time now and today we finally have our first taste of their upcoming mini album. As any regular reader of the blog already knows, I’ve become a mega fan of their music over the past two years and love the way they’ve been able to establish their own niche. Most title tracks have conformed to a similar musical palette while b-sides and pre/post releases offer more variety. Such is the case with pre-release Head Shoulder Knees Toes, which takes the group in an explosive hip-hop direction. As much as I’ve adored…

The upcoming comedy movie “The First Ride” has dropped new character posters and a trailer that spotlight the unique personalities and charms of its five leads! “The First Ride” is a chaotic comedy about longtime friends of 24 years who embark on their first trip abroad together. The newly unveiled posters capture each character’s essence in bold, eye-catching visuals. Leading the pack is “the perfect one” Tae Jeong (Kang Ha Neul), the very definition of intelligence. Determined to see everything through to the end, his perfectionism sets the stage for hilarious clashes with his far-from-perfect friends. Then there’s “the foolish…

“Shin’s Project” has teased a change in the tense relationship between Bae Hyeon Seong and Lee Re! “Shin’s Project” stars Han Suk Kyu as Mr. Shin, a former legendary negotiator who now runs a modest chicken restaurant while hiding a mysterious secret. A neighborhood hero who takes it upon himself to mediate conflicts and assist people through seemingly unwinnable situations, Mr. Shin willingly jumps into others’ problems to resolve disputes and deliver justice. Bae Hyeon Seong plays rookie judge Jo Philip, while Lee Re takes on the role of delivery worker Lee Si On—both employees at Mr. Shin’s restaurant. Spoilers…

KBS1’s upcoming drama “Marie and Her Three Daddies” has unveiled a new poster! “Marie and Her Three Daddies” tells the story of Marie (Ha Seung Ri) on her journey to uncover the truth about her father, ultimately portraying the creation of an unconventional family—one built on bonds deeper than blood. Ha Seung Ri stars as Kang Marie, while Hyun Woo takes on the role of Lee Kang Se. The two begin as senior and junior colleagues at a medical school but soon evolve into a couple. Park Eun Hye plays Marie’s mother Joo Si Ra, while Ryu Jin, Hwang Dong…

Whether it’s an artist, actor, or an athlete, meeting your idol in real life might feel like just a fantasy. But thanks to fan-idol romance dramas, you can live vicariously through them in the meantime. It might be fiction, but falling in love with someone you never thought you’d meet IRL feels like a romantic’s dream scenario. In these five BLs, the fanboy comes face-to-face with their idol, and sparks fly! Warning: Light spoilers ahead. 1. “First Note of Love” Starting off strong, “First Note of Love” is about the connection between a hurting singer and a timid music prodigy.…

JTBC’s upcoming drama “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim” has unveiled a new set of posters featuring Ryu Seung Ryong! Based on a webtoon, “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim” follows a middle-aged man who loses everything he once believed was valuable. After a long journey, he discovers his true self—not as a major corporation manager but as his genuine self. The posters highlight Manager Kim Nak Soo (Ryu Seung Ryong), who carries the weight of both home and society as he moves between an office stacked with documents and industrial sites filled with equipment. His facial expression draws attention…