Beat logo

Last Week in K-Music

May 27-June 2

By Kristina TinglerPublished 6 years ago 5 min read
Like

This is a little late this week, but it's here nonetheless! Here are some gems from last week in Korean music!

Remember a few weeks ago when Teen Top had a comeback and I was over the moon excited? That's how I was when I received a YouTube notification of this gem. C.A.P is a slower rapper than a lot of rappers in the industry, but it really works for him. I always found it charming. This track allows his voice and talent to shine. The track is almost cosmic, soothing like looking at the night sky without light pollution. As a long-time fan, I'm definitely proud of how wonderful this song is.

  • Risabae (feat. Kisum)—E.N.C.

What a refreshing, sweet song from a sweet-voiced angel! This track is colorful, summery, and pretty in all the best ways. Then there's Kisum's gorgeous rap with her incredible voice. If you're into sweet, cute, girly songs, this ones for you. If you're not, it's still for you because it's a great song.

May 28

My queens are back! About a year ago, their eldest member Choa left the group, and this is their first comeback as a six-member group. I've been waiting for a year for my queens, and let me tell you how happy I am. The song is a perfect summer bop (and that's not just my bias showing). The choreography is classic AOA with the sexy-but-cute combination and legs for days, beautiful smiles from the most angelic women. The youngest member has a lot of screen time and more lines to shine. Of the comebacks announced in K-Pop in May, this was definitely one of the top five for me. I'm so proud and so loving this song!

Does this duo ever stop? Answer: no, and thank goodness! Not only is the track phenomenal, but it has actor Kim Jisoo in the video. His presence made the video go from pretty and colorful to a K-Drama scene worthy of every acting award. Is my bias for Jisoo showing? Sorry. The video is a charming love story and the song is more than fitting.

The video is a simple animation in black and white that is very powerful. It portrays the loneliness of the lyrics well so that anyone who doesn't understand the lyrics will understand. The lyrics sound more like a love story, but there is always more to a lost love than what meets the eye, and the video showcases the mental impact of loneliness, pain on an individual. I think there is more than just a lost love being shown, that mental illness can be the cause for relationships of all kinds to fall apart, and it's lovely to see that shown in a safe way from a society that's still learning to understand and accept mental illness as legitimate. The instrumental and vocals are superb as well.

Another simple, black-and-white music video, but it's the complete opposite of "Night Alone." The story is much easier to watch, more humorous, more like a sweet comic of pining for love. The vocals are amazing too, light and carefree like the video's storyline and the instrumentals.

This song is funky and unique with a island-esque beat blending with pop. The video is filled with ocean, water, and sea life that are often associated with Pisces.

The cosmic, mystical instrumental of the track pairs well with the down-to-earth vocals and the visual of the video. It's very much an aesthetic. This is something I'd put on when I want just bask in the sun. It's a shorter track, and the lyrics are refreshing and all in English.

  • Pristin V—Get It

I was so impatient for this the moment Pledis released information, teaser photos. This is Pristin's first subunit, and it's very much different than the music Pristin has released (at least as title tracks). This is a turn away form the cute, bubblegum princesses. It's sensual and highlights the talents of these ladies. They certainly got it.

  • SHINee—Good Evening

I wrote another article about this track—but I cannot just leave SHINee of this list!

May 29th

This was a collaboration made by the musical gods watching over Korea. A song that is heartbreakingly beautiful with lyrics that really seem to capture the sad fondness of memories, presenting it with these two talents makes the track that much better. The video is shot in what looks like a lower quality range of phone cameras with the screens limited to the size of phone cameras.

I remember the first time I listened to Hyukoh. I was still in college and I had just met some of my friends' other friends. We started talking about Korean music and one of them recommended a few indie groups to me, Hyukoh being one of them. I was in love almost instantly. They never disappoint. This song (though very short) does not disappoint. They are so diverse in their music, and "Skyworld" sets a beautifully creepy vibe for their new album.

  • Jane Jang—Seoul Noir

Who doesn't love a good noir film? Jane Jang pinned these lyrics about her experience moving to Seoul, setting them to the style of a noir. This song is incredible, and so artistically done. I am such a sucker for lyrics from K-Artists that are real and personal.

May 30

  • Samuel—Teenager

Little baby Samuel is back! This track is about how society seems to overlook the experiences and hardships of teenagers, writing them off as trivial. It is a beautiful anthem for younger people to feel empowered by, that someone young and influential is speaking about these things. K-Pop idols using their music to make statement against the problems is society is really important. The beat is dark, heavy like the lyrics. I'm very proud of this little guy. He's done so well for himself despite what he's had to go through to get to this point (but that's another story for another day).

Anyone who's a fan of WINNER would know South Club. Former member Nam Taehyun is still making music, and it's music that suits him and makes him happier. "Outcast" is a funky, retro bop. There are a lot of familiar faces in the video as well, ones that were surprising and fun. This track is incredible.

May 31

June 1

I wasn't going to write much (I have a head cold making it hard to stare at a screen for too long this week), but I couldn't leave out these pretty princesses out. This is a collaboration between two members of Cosmic Girls (WJSN) and Weki Meki. Together, they make WJMK (Woojoo Meki, I'm assuming). This is a perfect example of the K-Pop industry releasing the best summer bubblegum bops. Perhaps I'm a little biased because I love both groups, Weki Meki being in my top three favorite girl groups, but this is one of the best fresh, fun summer songs released this year. Proud of these pretty princesses.

song reviews
Like

About the Creator

Kristina Tingler

Kristina works, writes, and sleeps, but never in the same order.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.