Daytodaebak/ October 18, 2020/ ICYMI/ 0 comments

PENTAGON Shows Growth In “Daisy”

PENTAGON released their 10th mini album “WE:TH” (It’s a combination of ‘we’ and ‘with’, but I still don’t know how to pronounce it. Weth? We-thhh?) and the title track “Daisy”.

Review: There’s a lot going on for this comeback for PENTAGON and UNIVERSES (their fandom name). It’s the group’s first comeback since the group appeared on the competition show Road To Kingdom. It’s the first comeback without eldest member Jinho, who enlisted in the military in May. And it’s also the first comeback since Yanan returned, who has been on a hiatus from group activities for the past year. With all these changes, it’s no wonder that the group wanted to try something a little different. “Daisy” is a signals a shift in the group’s maturity and image (compare last year’s “Humph!” and you’ll see what I mean). While it may be something new for the group, the track definitely feels nostalgic with a 2010s angsty boy group vibe. But it’s still light enough that I find myself being able to listen to it over again without getting tired of the repetitive chorus (now we can all learn how to say ‘lie’ in Korean. You know, in case you visit Seoul and need to have a dramatic breakup). The music video was darker than most of PENTAGON’s typical releases, but not enough that it blended into all of the other dark concepts released this year. I only wish that there were more scenes of the choreography, since I thought it really matched the song well. They’ve also solved the puzzle of making a song catchy and Tik Tok friendly (PENTAGON must be friends with everyone; they’re just out here collecting idols and celebrities for this challenge) without compromising on quality. The rest of the album is a bit more upbeat sounding, even with titles like “Beautiful Goodbye” (no, not that one) and “Nostalgia”. I’m not sure why PENTAGON is still so underrated, but they continue to show off their expertise and artistry. I think this shift in style is a good move to increase their longevity as a group. And the fact that members contribute to the composition and lyrics of the album (Kino even made the cover art for the album) mean that they can try out a variety of genres without losing their unique sound. Overall: A nice change in pace for the group that can be listened to over and over.

Other New Releases & Top Headlines:

• All 23 members of NCT made their comeback with the second album from the full group called “RESONANCE PART 1”. The first title track “Make A Wish (Birthday Song)” is credited to the NCT U unit, which has no fixed members and changes the lineup with each release. The members this time around are Taeyong, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jaemin, Lucas, Xiaojun, and new member Shotaro. People may complain about NCT songs sounding too similar, but they really know how to make a hit track. This song just sounds cool, with an addictive whistle-effect and slick choreography that allows the group to show off their stage presence during the live performances. My only wish (pun totally intended) is that it had some sort of climax or interesting bridge to lead up to, but instead it feels like it ends before it really starts. Still, I loved the subtle genie concept in the MV and the live stages, and I’m impressed with how well the new member Shotaro matches effortlessly with the others. As for the rest of the album, there’s something for everyone. Standouts for me include the pre-release mixtape sounding “Misfit“, WayV’s “Nectar”, and “From Home” whose harmonies remind me of something from Boyz II Men.

• We were lulled into a false sense of security by inaccurate translations! EXO‘s Chen released the single ‘안녕’ with the alternate title ‘Hello’. Quick Korean lesson: ‘안녕’ (pronounced ‘Annyeong’) is actually a short form of a verb meaning ‘to be well/peaceful’ , so it can be used as a greeting or a farewell. Meaning they titled the song as a ‘hello’ when it really was a goodbye. A few days after the release Chen posted a handwritten letter announcing that he will be enlisting on October 26, making him the fourth member of the group to fulfill their mandatory military service. Aside from that sucker-punch in the feels, this track is just as good as we’ve come to expect from Chen’s ballads. The dissonance in the pre-chorus is an interesting choice that makes the track even more interesting. And Chen’s amazing vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and aesthetic MV almost makes me not notice the very itchy-looking sweater that he’s wearing. Almost. We’ll miss you Chen! 안녕! ~Daebakwhovian
• Isn’t this a bit backward? Chen introduced himself as a soloist with, “Beautiful Goodbye” and is now saying goodbye to us with, “Hello.” The emotions and lyrics in “Hello” feel incredibly raw and we can feel his heart. This may sound cliché, but wow! It is good to hear Chen’s voice again. There is something very comforting about hearing his voice, something so familiar. Chen’s voice is so distinct; the moment you hear his voice you know it’s Chen from EXO. It’s not a voice you confuse with other people or groups. It’s very much a part of EXO’s sound. Even when their sound changes from album to album, one of the constants is Chen’s voice. So regardless of the concept, you know its EXO. I mean, is it even an EXO song without Chen’s voice? Whenever EXO has a long wait period between comebacks Chen’s warm voice always makes fans feel at home declaring EXO is indeed back. It sounds like them! SM didn’t swap them out while you weren’t looking! ~Kpopcorn

• VERIVERY released their fifth EP “FACE US”, a continuation of their “Face it” series with the title track “G.B.T.B.” (Go Beyond The Barrier). I didn’t realize while watching this MV that they only just debuted last year; this could easily be a track from a group with much more experience. The bridge and dance break really make the title track unique and the gentler closing track “So gravity” really showcases their vocals.

• AKMU‘s Lee Suhyun released her first solo single “Alien” and it’s unexpected yet adorable. I was surprised that this song has choreography, but Suhyun does a great job and the music video is so creative and quirky, just like AKMU. Her brother Lee Chan-hyuk produces a lot of the duo’s tracks and is also credited on his sister’s solo. This concept fits her so well, and her live stages are incredibly stable. This is the first of several releases by the duo promised for this year, so I can’t wait to see what’s next.

• Rookie group Weeekly released their second mini album “We Can” with the title track “Zig Zag”. This release was like cotton candy; it’s light and fun but might be a bit too sweet and lacking some substance for some. Although I don’t think this is as strong as their debut track, it’s not a bad song and I really like the use of props in their live performances. Though clearly they’re capable of pulling off a variety of genres and concepts (watch their impressive cover dances here), so I hope we’ll see even more from them in the years to come.

• BLACKSWAN (a rebrand of disbanded group RANIA) made their debut with their first full album “Goodbye RANIA” and the title track “Tonight”. I liked the track okay, but the music video was a bit cringe-worthy at times. Besides containing ex-RANIA members, the group also gained some attention for it’s multicultural lineup, including a member from Senegal and a Brazilian-Japanese member.

• AOMG rapper Loco returned from the military and went straight to making new music! Loco dropped his latest EP “SOME TIME” with the title track “Can’t Sleep” feat. HEIZE. The music video perfectly sets the tone for the dreamy laid-back feel of the entire release.

• EXO World Domination! Even before coming home from his enlistment, EXO‘s D.O. has his next project lined up. Upcoming film The Moon will star D.O. and film actor Sol Kyung Gu as a man stranded in space and the man on Earth who tries to rescue him. D.O. will be discharged from the military in January 2021 and The Moon will start filming in the first part of next year.
• Block B‘s Park Kyung‘s agency announced he’s enlisting on October 19. Earlier this year he released an apology after being accused of bullying during his middle school years. He was also recently fined for defamation after accusing several artists for chart/sales manipulation. His original military enlistment date was postponed so he could take part in the investigations.
• JYP Entertainment announced that TWICE‘s Jeongyeon will not be participating in the group’s upcoming promotions for their new album “Eyes Wide Open” so that she can recover from anxiety. I hope she receives all of the rest and support she needs, and also hope that this trend of encouraging artists to take breaks to focus on their mental health (and health in general) continues.
• Highlight’s (formerly B2ST/BEAST) Lee Gikwang won the first trial against politician Kim Geun Tae, who was involved in a defamation case after accusing the artist of chart manipulation. Lee Gikwang is currently serving in the military for his mandatory service.
• BTS made history (yeah, I know, again) by becoming the first Korean act to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart with two tracks simultaneously (their remix of Jason Derulo & Jawsh 685 “Savage Love” (Laxed- Siren Beat) at #1 and “Dynamite” at #2). They’re also the first group to have the top two spots at the same time since The Black Eyed Peas back in 2009, joining the ranks of other groups including OutKast, The Bee Gees, and The Beatles.
  • In other BTS news, last week’s online concert “Map Of The Soul ON:E” peaked with over 993,000 viewers from 191 difference regions worldwide. (These online concerts are totally wrecking my sleep schedule, but it’s worth it! At least that’s what I keep telling myself).
• BLACKPINK also made Billboard history becoming the highest ranking female K-pop group on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, ranking #2 with their recent release “THE ALBUM”.
  • BLACKPINK member Jennie‘s “SOLO” also became the first music video of a K-pop female solo artist to hit 550 million views, meaning she’s still breaking records with a song that’s almost two years old.
• f(x)‘s Krystal (Jung Soo Jung) has officially left SM Entertainment after her contract expired and signed an exclusive contract with H&Entertainment. Krystal is currently starring in OCN’s thriller mystery drama Search.

K-Drama Corner:

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• Upcoming TV Chosun drama Marriage Lyrics, Divorce Composition (also known as Marriage Story) confirmed its cast: Sung Hoon (Level Up; My Secret Romance), Park Joo Mi (My ID Is Gangnam Beauty; Come and Hug Me), Lee Ga Ryung (in her first leading role), Lee Min Young (Doctor Prisoner; Your House Helper), Jun Soo Kyung (Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol; Melting Me Softly), and Jeon No Min (Doctor John; Suits) will star in screenwriter Im Sung Han’s (Princess Aurora; New tales of the Gisaeng) first drama in five years. The drama centers on three female leads in their 30-50s trying to find true love and will touch on troubles facing married couples. I’m all for more mature female leads in drama-land, but seeing how this writer is know for her makjang plot points (meaning extreme; unbelievable), I might pass on this one. Marriage Story premieres in December.
• Lee Je Hoon (Where Stars Land; Signal) is in talks to star in SBS’ upcoming drama Deluxe Taxi, based on a popular webtoon of the same name where taxi drivers get revenge for their passengers.
• Kim So Hyun (Love Alarm; Tale of Nokdu) and Ji Soo (When I Was the Most Beautiful; Strong Woman Do Bong Soon) may be reuniting for upcoming historical drama River Where the Moon Rises. Kim So Hyun is confirmed to play the ambitious Princess Pyeonggang who dreams of ruling her land and Ji Soo is in talks to play On Dal, who changes everything for the female lead. The actors previously worked together in the short drama Page Turner (which I highly recommend).
• Kim Bo Ra (Touch; SKY Castle; Her Private Life) is in talks to star in MBC’s upcoming short drama Love Scene Number. Only eight episodes, each two episode story arc will feature a different couple in their 20s-30s. Shim Eun Woo (World of the Married) and Han Joon Woo (Into the Ring) are already confirmed for one of the other story arcs.
• A ‘musical fantasy romance drama’? I’m intrigued. SKY Channel’s upcoming drama Are You Leaving confirmed its cast including SF9‘s Chani (SKY Castle), rookie actress Park Jung Yeon, and N.Flying‘s Lee Seung Hyub as musicians following their dreams across different time periods. The web drama will be released in January on the Seezn app and later on SKY Channel.
• Highly anticipated tvN drama True Beauty held its first script reading. Based on the popular webtoon, the drama centers on Joo Kyung, a young woman who copes with her insecurities using makeup, who meets Su Ho and Seo Joon, who have to face their own secrets and insecurities. Helmed by PD Kim Sang Hyun (Extraordinary You), the drama will star Moon Ga Young (Find Me In Your Memory), ASTRO‘s Cha Eun Woo (My ID Is Gangnam Beauty), and Hwang In Yeob (18 Again; Tale of Nokdu). True Beauty premieres November 25.
• Currently Watching:
  • Do You Like Brahms?: Things I enjoyed this week: The amazing OST, Song Ah’s heart-to-heart with her sister, Song Ah’s friends finally acting like true friends. Things that annoyed me: Everything else. What happened to our leads that won me over with their honest communication? We went from heartfelt confessions and openly admitting insecurities and expectations with each other to ignoring each other’s phone calls? I’m not even against the conflict happening with our couple, because both of them were holding back from each other in a way that means the relationship couldn’t last. But I feel like we wasted a lot of time and these events should have happened several episodes ago. Now I don’t see how the show will be able to complete each character arc (and hopefully give our leads some much needed confidence) and wrap up our relationships without feeling like it’s rushed in the final episodes. Also, forget everything I’ve said defending Jung Kyung in the past because this week made want to hit her with a violin bow to get her to shut up.
  • Private Lives: Can we have more heist K-dramas? Pretty please? I’m absolutely loving this show with its complex characters, interesting storytelling, and convincing acting. The episodes are a bit long and there are some random directing choices that seem a bit over-the-top sometimes (Intense. Zoom-Ins. Means. It’s. *Dramatic*), but it doesn’t dampen my overall enjoyment. I find myself really paying attention just in case I miss an important clue or twist. I just hope that they can keep up with this pace and that our strong and complicated female lead doesn’t become a damsel-in-distress spy.
  • Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol: If Private Lives is the show that makes me turn my brain on full power, this drama is the exact opposite. This show is light, fluffy, and reminds me of dramas we got about 10 years ago (minus the random faux-cest plot. Let’s not do that trend again.) There are so many cliches (at this point I’m surprised that nobody got hit by a white-truck-of-doom and has amnesia), but the adorable acting from Go Ara and Lee Jae Wook keep it entertaining. This is perfect for when you need to turn your brain off after a long day. Or when you just want to see a cute puppy.
  • Tale Of The Nine Tailed: I’m not actually keeping up with this drama, but from the clips I’ve seen I think that Lee Dong-Wook should only play snarky mythological beings and Kim Bum should only wear red suits.
  • Start-Up: I have second-lead syndrome already and I’m only 20 minutes into the first episode.

What was your favorite headline this week? Let us know in the comments!