Current Events > K-Pop Spring Topic 2023

(+) Yeah! (+)

CBX had their settlement and well, the album as expected still rolls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbg4jo8e7Xw

Just got back from seeing the last stop for the U.S. leg of Twice's Ready To Be tour in Atlanta.

I went to their previous tour last year, which was at the Forum in Oakland, and I can say that this concert was magnitudes better than their previous tour.

There were pyrotechnics, live band, a lot of special stages, tons of fan engagement and live singing from the members the entire 3 hours they danced and sung in the smothering, southern heat and even in the rain that started to pour down by the encore stages.

I give the concert an A+. I'm not a Once by any means, but it was a fun and very well-paced concert.

Oakland, CA?

If so, dang. For a not-a-Once, that's some commitment to show up.

My friends are Onces, and I was invited to both concerts. Rare that I'll turn down invitations to K-Pop concerts. They were also the first two K-Pop concerts they'd ever been to, so I wanted to be there as the veteran concert goer.

https://youtu.be/UDxID0_A9x4

Sounds as thrown-together as I kinda anticipated. I'm not sure if there was a motive or incentive to launch this sooner than later

YamaChan posted...

Just got back from seeing the last stop for the U.S. leg of Twice's Ready To Be tour in Atlanta.

I went to their previous tour last year, which was at the Forum in Oakland, and I can say that this concert was magnitudes better than their previous tour.

There were pyrotechnics, live band, a lot of special stages, tons of fan engagement and live singing from the members the entire 3 hours they danced and sung in the smothering, southern heat and even in the rain that started to pour down by the encore stages.

I give the concert an A+. I'm not a Once by any means, but it was a fun and very well-paced concert.

I've gone to pretty much all their concerts since they started touring in the states and yes I agree, it was probably my favorite concert of theirs. They came out firing on all cylinders with their first two sets and I thought to myself "Dang they already pulling out all the bangers?" Then they reminded me that they're TWICE and kept going with hit after hit from their deep discography.

The solos were a nice change of pace, the live band was awesome, and the medley (while I wish they sang full versions of some of the hits) was a great reminder of how they are such veterans of the industry and flexed it on us.

I think Nmixx has been improving. Last couple releases or so were at "well I don't hate it", but this is something I sought to replay a few times. Makes much better use of their vocals, living up to being of the best in this generation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd2wppggYxo

It looks like they took a few elements from others, but I wouldn't take away from the overall product that they're owning.

This is beautiful in every way

https://youtu.be/pCh3Kp6qxo8

KainWind posted...

This is beautiful in every way

https://youtu.be/pCh3Kp6qxo8

Video concept is amazing. I'm liking the group's shift to a more "wholesome" sound/concept with some of their recent songs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woKq2sD8xho

Across the board it seems like the industry is making a shift in sound that focus on a showcase of quality vs just charging for the quick/catchy grabs (well we can argue NewJeans is still playing that angle).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBuhCvG1v7o

High hopes for this. I usually credit BTS for making their own sound, sound good, without trying to be anyone else...but their attempt at mainstream English ruined that charm imo. I hate to say it, but most of their vocalists got exposed, forced to sing things they kinda can't.*
Except for Jungkook, who I've noticed has been put in the work in being so control of his pitch and pronunciation as far as I can remember since his Charlie Puth cover.

*Solo projects have done the members more justice, back to things they seem more authentically into and suited to perform.

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/1/5/5/AATvv_AAEqIj.jpg

I got this yesterday, which is fun because a few hours later I Do came out which is probably my favorite song since Per.

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/3/1/4/AATvv_AAEqLC.jpg

This is a thing. I might go because I missed their tour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU9c0053UAU

I think the explicit version was unnecessary. I get the throwback to past R&B that gets into it, but this comes off more with a 90/00's pop flavor imo, which by all means is still great.

Han So Hee tho

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wx2aAkI1HM

oof that's a spicy cover

https://youtu.be/pBvJT6AQpGM

Seems like this is shaping up. Nice transition and work towards just a sampler. Does more for me than the visual teasers.

Lapillus seems to be getting some stages
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcYG7d3kUPc

Lapillus has performed at least three songs on their latest album on shows in the last few weeks. Their B sides have gotten a weird push, but I'm all for it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zefga5_GEyY

was looking out for her to get on this.
Her English isn't quite there, but "Confetti" teases a what-if with her sound.

Guess it's up to me to link my ultimate favs and my new favs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPFyXjWBGU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsYSSVoQnP4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJDMAjwxthM

I'm eating well as a fan this summer

I've been trying to not sound like a stan, but there's just this increasing gap between NJ and everyone else this gen.

I wouldn't make comparisons to past gen much, as case in point, MAMAMOO has solidified themselves really own their own sector in the vocal corner of the industry. They never need to "update" themselves or try to keep up with trends. They don't get old. You're either in the mood for it, or you're not, but it's always there.

I think it's safe to say I was 100% right about Hype Boy being one of the biggest hit songs, not just in this generation, but ever.

It spent 49 weeks in the Melon top 10. A record obviously. And it was only finally pushed out by...another NewJeans song.

On the topic of the top 10, NewJeans has literally spent their entire career in the Melon top 10, and most of that time it's been with multiple songs.

Super Shy debuted in the Billboard Hot 100 at 66 as well, and that's with 20+ Taylor Swift songs crammed at the top. They're not even a year old and have had 3 songs chart on the Billboard Hot 100.

Like I said months ago, we've literally never seen anything like this. They are in their own stratosphere.

As for my queens, MAMAMOO, well MAMAMOO+ to be specific, I loved their new release too. MoonSun is the most powerful duo in K-Pop. No two idols have better chemistry in the business (just ask their lifelong shippers), and this latest release was no exception.

They're long past caring about charting and trending, after being in the game for 9 years and counting, and I enjoy the experience of their exploration of the genres they want to perform together.

Like I said, I'm eating WELL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKsivrgoyDw

I do like that they've gone with a choreography that takes a step away from the dance party that resonates with most of their singles. I think it'll be interesting to see how it looks if they don't run the video-themed outfits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOTfBlKSQYY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFigEiB9P5c

and that rounds it out.

Random bit for a post today

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nagclz9y8X0

One thing I noticed about NJ is their sneaker selection.

Predictable AF1, Air Max, and Dunk selections, AJ1's are not really a surprise although it looks like the L&F 1 and TS pairs have made an appearance here and there. What surprises me were some appearances of the AJ6, 11, NOCTA Hot Step, Penny 1, Penny 2 and repeat wears of the Zoom Flight 95.

The Flight 95's....I could barely stand wearing them for solo drills and shootaround but that's besides the point.

Italicized are pairs I'd never expect to see a girl wear or have taste for. I don't even think they've picked out women-specific colorways. Obviously there's more parts to creating their image, but someone's been thinking about choices to have them call back to the era, and not exactly limiting it to pure accuracy of what a girl would wear specifically. I think Danielle's wearing a P-6000, which is a very peculiar pick from the 2000's

They capitalized on all the Comme de Garcon Terminator drops (like no one was paying retail for those) for the Super Shy court scene. That seemed more to not reflect an era but just the general aesthetic of the M/V scene.

waiting out for that itzy

https://youtu.be/grZQ8e5Z3dI

That ain't no encore stage. They pretty much was a literal encore performance. Sheesh

Eating those whistle notes, and high notes. Haven't gotten into this group much, but I'll be looking out for those vocals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXZacbQp5mU

The most anticipated release from the album teaser for me. Song is great, video not really. I get they timed it for the summer release, but I'm not sure that really goes with the song, and making a ghost town of the setting is a bit awkward. Guessing there's a budget move at play, and more of it was thrown at "Bet on Me" and "Cake".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcQ6oB1JPiA

KaZooo posted...

Eating those whistle notes, and high notes. Haven't gotten into this group much, but I'll be looking out for those vocals.

kiss of life has me in a chokehold. i was going to bring them up before but they debuted with 6 interlinked story mvs and i couldn't be bothered pulling all the links but now

Natty - Sugarcoat
https://youtu.be/NaIRQ5v0914

Belle - Countdown
https://youtu.be/A-BQ__sYVlU

Julie - Kitty Cat
https://youtu.be/6AyJvoDtZwc

Haneul - Play Love Games
https://youtu.be/hrjYEAB5sWQ

Kiss of Life - Bye My Neverland
https://youtu.be/VOUPWUr9hSk

Kiss of Life - Shhh
https://youtu.be/mIfpVrYIhvM

also def check out this radio performance if you're here for vocals:
https://youtu.be/jxyK-J105_E

That 6-part interlinked series came together really well.
Really a sucker for the 90's R&B sound with Natty's solo.

There's just more and more talent being pulled, like I hope this group among other also gets their run of success. Don't want to go out of my way to slander or make comparisons, but as a female quartet...I think it's crazy if BP's mostly-bland stuff is allowed to blow up and this group doesn't.

Isn't Lee Haein, former Produce 101 and Idol School Contestant, the producer or creative director for that group?

yeah, haein's the creative director! that was part of what drew me as someone who's been rooting for natty since sixteen, for haein since pd101, as someone who was anticipating them debuting together when they signed with stone ent along with a few other idol school trainees (then yuri got into izone, we learned that idol school was mega rigged etc. and it never came together) so it's cool that they still got to debut together of sorts.

also here's some behind the scenes stuff from haein's vlog:

https://youtu.be/fYcOfLfhWcg
https://youtu.be/1OoVEpptrPE

I'm just picking up Belle's been a songwriter

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zyPxV9FqwaE
well, damn

I do remember Natty now. Believe I posted this in one of the past topics. Since I'm a dummy when it comes to survival shows and such, I wasn't catching onto the build up of her debut. I think I was nitpicking on how nasal-y she sounded at the time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQpWdm5zHOU

But her sound rn is >>>>>>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv-wogXpA8w

was doing a double take with older vids because I thought for a second that something changed, but at least looking back to Iz*One, I can believe it most likely has been that way. Just outfits are making the difference.

https://youtu.be/01CHC83CezA

I like this version. Thank you to whoever it was in the previous topic (or was it this one?) that introduced me to them lol

Also Riina and Hwiseo are so gosh darn pretty. Yel too now that she doesn't have her distracting orange hair from the MV/era lol

Because I don't think anyone linked it yet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJdqn5v4Dkw

The creativity is turned up to maximum for this MV

I was kinda sidetracked with the Kiss of Life run.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_brLKR_Ew4
I haven't been too hot on the sound and concept so far for this track, but I can't hate it. They're so committed to it and it makes for an entertaining stage.

I prefer Left Right/Shooting Stars style of XG if I'm being honest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc09TbDVMdU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxCHf0DWCmI

I think Hanni sharpening up her notes on the last chorus does much better with the ad-libs and approaching the end of the song.

"ETA" so far is my favorite choreography of the year. It's weird because I'm not sure I would say they're necessarily the best dancers (well, much closer to best and nowhere close to worst), but the choreography has been a step above and imo takes much of the credit. That being said, I imagine the offsets/staggering/isolations and small gestures that take place in pretty much all their songs took a lot of trial and error to sort out.

And on another note:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FxpV9YTy010
Imo Jihyo looks way better when they don't brighten her skin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE1GQ6wM9qM

Song might grow on me. Not a fan of the "cake" repetition for the hook, but I see how it fits repetition that follows.
The added concentration on Ryujin on the verses for this album is interesting. I do think Yuna has been noticeably pushed to backseat as far as sound presence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bIRwBpBcZQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4rs-76SgRA

Everglow comeback soon

Somi still exists.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxjQE6tlY8w

What is going on in Kpop!? I thought nothing was gonna top 2022 for a while but apparently 2023 didn't get the memo. I Do is my favorite Gidle song ever, just love it. Itzy's been putting out some of their best stuff ever as well and again I still think they've never done any wrong. And don't you get me started on NJ!

KaZooo posted...

"ETA" so far is my favorite choreography of the year.

This! Can't get enough of it. Also the song is just arguably my favorite so far this year. None of My Business wouldn't be far behind though.

Also crazy Kiss of Life story, rooting for them.

Already the scheduled August releases are looking really strong.

I'm headed to Lollapalooza for what will probably be the last K-Pop event I attend this year.

Looking forward to finally seeing Hype Boy performed live by NewJeans

https://youtu.be/QPK67nL59pg

:)

H1Key announced a comeback for the end of August. Hopefully with the popularity of Hwiseo and Riina in Queendom Puzzle (and Hwiseo potentially getting into the new group with the terrible name) they'll garner a lot of attention and get that first win.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVaAkCpr3MM

what is it with the 18th?

Jihyo
Everglow
Aespa
StayC (the 16th)

KaZooo posted...

what is it with the 18th?

Don't forget Primrose! And I think something from J Hope? I don't follow them. It's also the first day of kcon, I'm gonna lose my mind that day!

I still need to buy my Jihyo albums. I'm so so excited.

Also apparently an ADYA comeback already this month sometime that I'm super excited about.

I'm so-so with this one. Release is in a packed summer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz2aCKe8G8A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReV66736y1k