Archive for the ‘WayV’ Category
K-Pop in 2023
This year was an exceptional one for me; it was my first full year being back in the United States. While the new location offered a variety of opportunities, it also took me away from a cable package that included KBS World and living in a time zone one hour away from South Korea. Instead of getting updates just as they break, I was left waking up to early morning notifications to keep up-to-date.
One of the first news items to strike me this year was in April when I scrolled passed a post on X claiming Moonbin of Astro had passed away. I scrolled back to read it again, unsure if it was legitimate or a ridiculous prank. He was my bias in the group (incredible visuals and fantastic dance moves); arguably the best smile in K-Pop; and I was in the middle of watching “Moment of Eighteen” on Netflix, where he played a supporting character.
I investigated further by looking into other sources and found out it was true—Moonbin was gone.
Another idol lost to an apparent suicide.
Those same feeling of grief swept over me from when I learned SHINee’s Jonghyun had passed away in 2017. I loved his spirit, such a beautiful individual, and pain from knowing the world wouldn’t be able to hear from them again.
“Moments,” a song off the show’s soundtrack by Christopher, hit even harder: “Just close your eyes and I’ll be right by your side / Because memories don’t say goodbye.”
In addition, just a couple months prior, Rocky announced his departure from Astro. It was pretty chaotic, to say the least.
At the close of both 2022 and 2023, Chinese boy group WayV, a sub-unit of NCT, put out two of the best albums. These guys have been my favorite sub-unit since their debut, with every member bringing something unique to the table.
While they do promotions in South Korea, their music is mostly in Mandarin and I don’t really consider them in the “K-Pop realm.” Although, if that were the case, a lot of their songs would likely occupy most of the Top 25.
“Phantom” was released just at the end of 2022 and, by mid-January, they were putting out some incredible music videos to accompany their promotions. First, early in the month, they presented “Good Life,” which showed the boys being playful with a message about not dwelling on the problems.
“I want to know what that’s like (What that’s like?) / No problems, good life.”
Ultimately, the song let’s listeners know it’s normal to go through difficult times.
A few days later, there was “Broken Love,” a ballad about heartbreak. The video was simple, showcasing the members’ vocals. It also so beautifully shot, there is no doubting their incredible visuals.
In November, they dropped another album: “On My Youth.” With 10 new songs (including an English video of the title track), this was another incredible album where EVERY song was a good one. This is an album you could leave playing (for me, while on the subway), without having to skip any songs.
In May, one of my dreams came true: I saw Jackson Wang live!
My bias-of-biases went on his Magic Man tour, which included a stop at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The tickets sold out FAST but when I got word that a friend had an extra ticket, I was there!
It was an incredible show and the encore went late into the night with the dancers going wild, cameramen getting into the mix, and shirts eventually coming off. After such an amazing show, I put together a blog that very week.
Something else Jackson Wang-related in 2023 was “Slow,” one of the coolest songs of the year and one he put out together with Ciara.
It’s been amazing watching his transition from K-Pop star to global artist and these international collaborations are exciting to witness.
I can’t even imagine what’s to come in 2024, especially after he posted on X on December 17: “I’m excited about MAGICMAN 2 2024… The MAGIC continues.”
One of my favorite Korean dramas this year was “King The Land,” which aired from June to August on JTBC and later released on Netflix.
Many would say the plot was pretty basic but both Yoona and 2PM’s Junho played their roles so well, it was very enjoyable. Something else that made the show even more exceptional was the soundtrack. The songs became so ingrained in my head, I downloaded several of the songs to accompany those boring, humdrum days.
One of the best songs from the show is “Confess To You” by Lim Kim. A medium-paced song accentuated by soft vocals, it’s one of those songs you hear when an elevator opens or seeing someone come up an escalator (it’s also nice to walk to on a day with a light breeze).
2023 Top 25
25. StayC, “Poppy”
StayC has been a fixture on the year-end list, charting at #11 in 2021 with “ASAP” and with two songs on last year’s list (#12 “RUN2U” and #20 “Beautiful Stranger”). This time around, the song “Poppy,” which debuted in late 2022 as a Japanese single and released in February in South Korea, is an upbeat song about puppy love, with a dance beat reminiscent of the old school girl groups with a “cutesy” vibe.
24. Le Sserafim, “Unforgiven”
This song was a fixture at the gym, with that addictive beat we’ve all grown accustomed to from Le Sserafim and, even on a recumbent bike, one could still mimic the choreography.
23. Youngjae, “Errr Day”
To this day, Youngjae remains top tier among idols when it comes to vocals. There was always anticipation for those big notes in GOT7 songs and, now, with a couple EPs and an album under his belt, he is really coming into his own. This song has an incredible vibe and, despite being out in March, it’s a good one to relax to on a chilly, winter day.
22. Jeong Sewoon, “Fall in Love”
Aside from this being from the aforementioned “King The Land” soundtrack, this is, quite honestly, “first dance” material. Jeong Sewoon, who was one of the best singers on the second season of “Produce 101,” delivers soft and melodic vocals that just embrace anybody in ear range of the song.
21. Yugyeom, “Ponytail (feat. Sik-K)”
Released just after New Year’s Day, this was the first song bookmarked for the year-end list. Another GOT7 member making their own space as a soloist, Yugyeom’s R&B style personifies cool and one can’t help but sway to the beat.
20. BoyNextDoor, “One and Only”
A new group that debuted in May under Zico’s KOZ Entertainment, the young group (the oldest members are, as of this writing, 20 years old), brought a contagious energy with this fun rap single.
19. AKMU, “Love Lee”
The sibling duo of Lee Chanhyuk and Lee Suhyun have created some of the cutest songs over the years and, more recently, hosted several episodes of the KBS talk show “The Seasons,” which has created a number of viral moments. Their sibling chemistry is unmatched and the way they harmonize couldn’t be more perfect.
18. Agust D, “People, Pt. 2 (feat. IU)
A very cool vibe with Suga’s smooth rapping and IU’s light vocals. It is the perfect song to play while laying back and reflecting. As he notes at the end of the music video, the song expresses what he wanted to tell himself during the most difficult moments of the pandemic.
17. Somi, “Gold Gold Gold”
This is a fun song that is also a reponse to haters. For me, a lot of Somi’s stuff, especially after her move to The Black Label, seems to have a more international vibe rather than K-Pop but this one hit the right balance.
16. Twice, “Set Me Free”
This was another big hit at the gym and it played pretty much every session when switching on the “Daily Mix” on Spotify. Twice is a regular on the year-end list, coming in second with “Feel Special” on the inaugural list in 2019; eighth the next year with “I Can’t Stop Me;” three massive songs in 2021: #10 “Alcohol-Free,” #7 “Scientist,” and finally taking #1 with “The Feels;” and last year, they occupied the #7 spot with “Talk That Talk.”
15. Fifty Fifty, “Cupid”
A song that found its footing on TikTok and eventually on international charts. I think that exposure kept me away from the song but, as I kept hearing it (in both Korean and English), it definitely stuck and I came around to downloading it. However, it’s unclear what’s next considering only one member of the group renewed their contract in November and their label saying they would proceed with a “second generation.”
14. Jung Seunghwan, “Get To You”
Another “King The Land” song and another talented vocalist, this is one the best ballads of the year. There’s a reason Jung Seunghwan appears on so many soundtracks. He has one of those voices that elevates scenes and brings audiences further into the storyline.
13. NewJeans, “OMG”
A cute song with an addictive dance challenge that went everywhere. I especially got into the song after BTOB did an acapella cover with all the guys lined up on a clothing rack and Peniel, while feeling the material on one of the members pants, goes, “Looks like we’ve got some NEW JEANS here!”
12. Apink, “D N D”
Following Nauen’s departure from the group in 2022, the girl group, who celebrated their 12th anniversary in K-Pop this year, released “D N D,” which offers a positive message of moving forward and keep going no matter the circumstances. Apink last made the countdown in 2020 when they ranked #3 with “Dumhdurum” (still a really good listen).
11. KARD, “Icky”
KARD’s music is another one that toes the line between K-Pop and international but, regardless, their beats are always so engaging. In addition, with this song, when it got to BM’s lyrics, “…said she want more than the tip / I ain’t talking about guidance.” Well then.
On a lighter note, they also did a hilarious dance challenge video in front of an IKEA… “Ickyyy-ah!”
10. SHINee, “Hard”
I was already excited to see Taemin discharged—all the members completed their mandatory military service—then, they had new music! Unfortunately, we were without Onew due to health issues but the album the guys put out was fantastic. Hoping Onew recovers in 2024 and for even more great music from these legends.
9. Seventeen, “Super”
This is another song that I got into late. In my mind, I thought it was how a lot of K-Pop songs are produced today—a catchy chorus with words thrown in around it—but, after giving it another chance, this, along with the fun dance challenge, was a great listen (the song also got some extra attention from that memorable audition from “Boys Planet”). Incidentally, this is the first time Seventeen has made the list since the first countdown in 2019, coming in at #6 with “Home.”
8. ZEROBASEONE, “In Bloom”
Formed from an Mnet competition show (like one of my favorites, Wanna One), this group has a quality I enjoy with classic K-Pop. “In Bloom” is a fun song with an upbeat rhythm about pursuing love. More importantly, it’s more than just a catchy chorus.
7. Kim Sejeong, “Top or Cliff”
Since the first season of “Produce 101,” Kim Sejeong has been a favorite, whether it be acting or singing. She nearly took the top spot in 2021, coming in second with “Warning,” which did sit atop the list through a good portion of that year. While the prior song was cute and cheerful, this song hits a very different tone, accompanied by a video with dark themes.
6. Twice, “Moonlight Sunrise”
What I love about Twice is witnessing how their music has matured over the years but still maintaining their identity. Instead of diving into whatever the latest trend is, they tweak their songs here and there but, in the end, it’s still Twice, and “Moonlight Sunrise” captures that well.
The Top 5
5. Hwasa, “I Love My Body”
From the first note, I knew this song was something special. A very Meghan Trainor-esque sound; the beat is strong; and, for a song intended at hitting back at the haters, the attitude is perfect.
It is always surprising to me, while she is a unique beauty—beautiful nonetheless—it’s hard to imagine anybody hating on Hwasa.
4. Kai, “Rover”
While on the subject of beauties, someone who pairs incredible visuals, cool dance moves, and great music is Kai. This song sat towards the top of the list for a while and dropped down as the months went by but, towards the end of year, heard it again and got completely immersed.
The visuals with the Studio Choom performance are just out of this world.
3. Lim Kim, “Confess To You”
As mentioned in the blurb about “King The Land,” it’s easy to assume this was playing while walking through the city with hopeful eyes at every turn. There are those songs that fit the moment so perfectly and this brightened both the series and those mundane times.
2. Sandara Park, “Festival”
This sat at the top spot for several months. After mourning 2NE1’s disbandment in 2017 and not hearing new music from her in six years, Sandara Park came back with this upbeat song that samples Uhm Junghwa’s 1995 track of the same name. It’s optimistic with a positive message—2023’s happy song!
1. BTOB, “Wind and Wish”
It has been nothing but fun and merriment since all the member of BTOB completed their mandatory military service. On top of that, they’re putting out incredible music like “Wind and Wish.”
On the release of their mini album, Eunkwang, BTOB’s leader, noted, “We want to spread love, hope, and luck.” Let’s hope for all of that and more in 2024!
DoesThatHelp 