daebakwhovian/ August 30, 2020/ ICYMI/ 0 comments

Cravity Brings The Heat With “Flame”

Rookie group Cravity made their first comeback with the EP “Season 2. Hideout: The New Day We Step Into” and a MV for the title track “Flame”. The nine-member group recently won the “New Artist Award” at the 2020 Soribada Awards, their first award since debut.

Review: Starship Entertainment rookies (a.k.a. Monsta X’s younger brothers) made their debut back in April and to be honest, I didn’t really get the hype. I don’t know if it was the cringe name (no offense Luvity fandom, but someone actually got paid a lot more than I do to make up these names) or the fact that their debut track “Break All The Rules” really… didn’t break any rules. I thought that they were fine for a rookie group, but I’m sure most artists don’t want to have that ‘for a rookie group’ attached to the end. But this mini album completely changed my opinion. I feel like this release really played to the member’s strengths, had more unique songs, and proved why the group is so popular. Although I like the title track “Flame” better than their debut, I will admit that it isn’t nearly as catchy (even though the MV is much better). But the rest of the album more than makes up for it. It almost seems a shame that the title track wasn’t “Ohh Ahh”, which is much catchier, has fun choreo to go with it, and perhaps would have encouraged casual fans to listen to the rest of the EP. It’s not often that I like every single song on a release, but I think their album has a great mix of songs. My favorite track “Believer” has a pop-rock vibe featuring impressive vocal riffs in the chorus, “Hot Air Balloon” and “Ohh Ahh” bring the fun, and “Realize” and the closing song “Breathing” are more soft and sentimental. Fans that have been following the members for a while or know them from the Produce series/ the project group X1 probably aren’t surprised, but I really didn’t know that this group had so many great vocalists. More than just seeing their potential, I honestly am looking forward to their next album. Overall: This release was enough to make me get over the fact that their name is Cravity. (Almost).

KARD Has A Way With Words In “Gunshot”

Four-member co-ed group KARD released the single “Way With Words” and a music video for the track “Gunshot”.

Review: Before we get started, petition to have more co-ed groups in K-pop? Please and thank you. It’s been nice to see KARD gaining some more recognition for the past couple of years, but three years without any music show wins (even though I don’t place to much importance on those) shows me that they are still a bit underrated, especial in terms of their domestic audience. That being said, I respect them both as a group and individuals more each comeback. I feel some people write them off as just pumping out meaningless house bangers, but a lot of what they do and produce is very intentional and has meaning behind it (For example, Big Matthew’s “Big Tiddie Committee” of muscle-y male idols which originally started out as a joke but turned into an opportunity to send profits to breast cancer research because big pecs= big hearts). And this comeback is full of meaning. Member BM (Big Matthew), who contributed to the composing and producing of all three songs on the single, commented “I don’t even care about an award or a number 1 anymore. I just hope it resonates and lets anyone who needs to release… -release.” The title track Gunshot is about the dangerous power of words, especially in a world connected by social media. In this MV explanation video (which I wish more artists would do), the members noted how each of them represented different ‘criminals’: the anonymous hateful commenters, the bystanders, cyber stalkers and obsessive harassers, and those who lace their words with violence. Even though they are worlds apart, the members in the ‘real world’ are being controled and tormented by their attackers, and even though the ending shows Jiwoo trying to get rid of their other selves, ultimately they are helpless to protect themselves against them. And if you think that’s deep, the track “Hold On” feels like both a dedication to fans and a warm farewell to/from J.Seph, who will have to enlist in the military soon. With lines like “I won’t make you wait too long”, “We’ll be right back to love”, and “My fans who helped shape me”, the members ask us and remind themselves to “hold on” to all the good memories we have of each other, with the double meaning of ‘holding on’ to wait for the time when we can see them all together again. Overall: *Obligatory pun about the group showing fans all of their kards.* But seriously, check out this single.

BLACKPINK Melts The Summer Heat With “Ice Cream”

Blockbuster girl group BLACKPINK released their second pre-release single “Ice Cream” with Selena Gomez. Their first full-length album drops in October.

Review: In my last BLACKPINK review, I wished that the girls would change it up a little, and they definitely did. While most of their songs are darker and intense, this is pastel and flirty. I think they can pull off both concepts well, and I liked that we got to hear their vocals in a different style (Rosé’s pre-chorus ‘look so good’ was a nice treat). I was also surprised that it was an all-English track (though the lyrics are a bit non-sensical). Usually when K-pop artists ‘feature’ a Western artist, they get like one throwaway line or add absolutely nothing to the overall song (I’m looking at you BTS “ON” featuring Sia). So it was nice to actually see Selena Gomez, whose vocals fit great with the rest of the girls, have a worthwhile part of the track and feature in the MV (even though they were shot separately). The biggest backlash I’ve seen from fans was the unequal line distribution. While I actually enjoyed Lisa’s rap for the most part, it would have been nice to hear more of Jisoo’s deeper voice because I think it would have helped balance out the song. I think there is a lot of interesting things going on in the song, but I can’t see myself purposefully playing it over and over. After a while, I think the high pitch and heavy trap instrumentals may get too repetitive. And honestly, while I don’t think it was a terrible song, if this was the title track I would have been seriously disappointed. But for a fun summer collab, it’s a nice change of pace. Overall: I scream, you scream, we all scream for well thought out concepts and fair line distribution.

Other Headlines:

• ATEEZ released a MV for the B-side “THANXX”, which was the runner-up to become the title track as voted by fans. Honestly, I think it’s clear that their company thought that this was going to be the main title track. Although “Inception” is great, the production, outfits, and budgeting are on a different level for this one. Not to mention the ending scene that is either a spoiler for an upcoming release, an addition to the music video lore, or is just making all the fans clowns.

• Indie band The Rose released their self-written, self-produced track “Black Rose”, named after their fan base. The group has had a lot to deal with. Ealier this year, they filed a lawsuit against their company to end their contracts due to lack of payment (as in, they haven’t gotten paid in 3 years) and an overly rigorous schedule (such as a concert tour requiring performances every other day for a month which was scheduled without their consent). To which the company basically said “You have to keep working ‘cuz reasons. Also we’re still not paying you” (This article puts it in fancier words). Added to the obstacles is member Dojoon enlisting into the military in July, so they can’t currently promote as a full group. Despite that, they pre-recorded this touching track and sentimental MV as a gift for all of the fans that have been supporting them. Don’t forget to follow their new (separate from their old company) Instagram and Twitter!

• Virtual girl group K/DA from the game League of Legends made an official lyric video for the pre-release track “The Baddest”. The group (voiced by (G)-IDLE’s Soyeon and Miyeon, Bea Miller, and Wolftyla) will release an EP later this year.
• OnlyOneOf released “Produced by [], Pt. 2”, their second in the trilogy featuring different producers on their tracks. They also released a music video for the title track “a sOng Of ice&fire” (and no, I don’t know why all of the ‘O’s are capitalized on their release?)
• Girl group BOTOPASS made their debut with the single “Flamingo”. There is some controversy around their debut since 3 of the members were a part of the now disbanded group ILUV. A former ILUV member recently accused some of her members of bullying to the point of her developing depression, insomnia, and panic disorder, and because of the ongoing discussions the original debut date was postponed.
• Former Produce X 101 winner and X1 center Kim Yo Han made his solo debut (before his actual debut?Again?) with the single “No More” produced by Zion. T. I wonder if TREASURE’s Bang Ye Dam started a trend of the more popular members releasing a solo track to hype up future group debuts? I’m not necessarily against it, and attaching Zion T. to the track makes you know it has to be good. This song is distractingly cute, though I have the feeling the group will be going for a completely different concept. Kim Yo Han’s group WEi is expected to make their debut later this year.
• Girl group fromis_9 has been confirmed to be making a September comeback! This will be the group’s (formed from the survival program Idol School) first comeback in over a year.
• Who doesn’t love puppies?! MBC is preparing an idol dog agility (obstacle course) competition program for a Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) special. Confirmed idols so far include GOT7’s Youngjae, Mamamoo’s Moonbyul, UP10TION’s Kim Woo Seok, (G)-IDLE’s Shuhua, WJSN’s Soobin, Golden Child’s Bomin and Jaehyun, and Lovelyz’s Jisoo. No word from the dogs’ agencies yet.
• Maroo Entertainment announced they are preparing to debut a nine-member rookie group which would include the former Produce participants from the project group TEEN TEEN. The company is aiming for a September debut and will begin revealing the rest of the members next month.
• Problematic FNC Entertainment (home of SF9, Cherry Bullet, N.Flying, and AOA) are also getting ready to debut a new boy group through a part-movie part K-pop project called P1H: The Start of a New World. The film will focus on boys from different dimensions who unite to save the earth from a virus (too soon?) that causes rage and violence. This is an interesting way to introduce and group and their concept, but many fans aren’t exactly pleased with how the company is managing the groups they already have, so I guess we’ll have to wait and see. The film is set to release in October.
• Web drama The Mermaid Prince is getting a prequel starring ASTRO’s Moonbin and SF9’s Hwiyoung. The Mermaid Prince: The Beginning will air sometime in November.
• Highlight’s Yang Yoseob was discharged from the military on August 30 and wrote a letter to his fans.
• *takes a deep breath* Cheeeeeeen! *ahem* SBS’s upcoming drama Do You Like Brahms announced a star line-up for its soundtrack (OST). The artists include EXO’s Chen, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, 10cm, g.o.d., Heize, and Punch. The team behind the OST has also worked on famous tracks from hit dramas such as Descendants of the Sun, Scarlet Heart: Goryeo, and Goblin. The drama premieres August 31 and stars Kim Min Jae and Park Eun Bin.

K-drama Corner

• 

• 

• 

• Sageuk lovers, are you ready? Son Ye Jin (Crash Landing On You, Something In the Rain) and Kang Ha Neul (When the Camellia Blooms; Moon Lovers: Scarlett Heart Ryeo) have been offered the main roles for upcoming historical drama Cut by the Heart. The drama will tell the tragic love story (because it wouldn’t be a historical drama without tragedy) between Korean legends Princess Pyeonggang and Ondal (read a summary of folk talk here). I’m not really into historical dramas (see tragedy note above), but if the pair accepts, I may end up tuning in.
• Ji Sung (Doctor John, Kill Me, Heal Me) Park Gyu Young (It’s Okay to Not Be Okay; Romance Is A Bonus Book), and GOT7’s Jinyoung (When My Love Blooms; He Is Psychometric) are in talks for tvN’s Devil Judge about a head judge who turns his court into a reality show in order to seek justice. The drama is scheduled for the first part of 2021.
• Love Revolution, starring former Wanna One member Park Ji Hoon, has released a new trailer and posters for the main leads. The high school drama, based on a webtoon, also stars rookie actress Lee Ruby, The Boyz’s Younghoon, Jung Da Eun, Ko Chan Bin, Ahn Do Gyu, and WJSN’s Dayoung. The drama premieres September 1 on Kakao M.
• Lee Dong Wook’s (Strangers From Hell, Goblin) upcoming tvN drama Tale of the Nine Tailed released a new poster of the actor in his gumiho (a mythical Korean nine-tailed fox) role. The drama also features Jo Bo Ah as a PD (producing director) who hunting the city-dwelling gumiho down. The drama will follow Flower of Evil on October 7.
• Currently Watching:
  • I-LAND: The good thing about there being fewer contestants now is that the audience is getting a chance to know them all better. The bad thing is that it’s going to make it that much harder to watch four more trainees go home. I still think that sometimes the editing and screen time is unfair (someone pointed out that the backup dancers got more screen time than lower-ranked contestant Hanbin), but we’re getting to see some of their strengths, like Heesung and Jay’s leadership skills for example. The performances are getting better with each episode, and I’m excited to see the SEVENTEEN members interact with the trainees in the next episode.
  • Flower of Evil: *continues to watch through my fingers as I cover up my eyes during the tense scenes*
  • Alice: Ok show, I’m intrigued. I haven’t been completely hooked on a science fiction drama since tvN’s Circle back in 2017, but this may end up being a close second. I feel like at times the show feels like it’s trying a bit too hard (especially during some of the action scenes), and I’m not sure how long the whole ‘emotionless protagonist but not too emotionless because we need the ratings’ trend will last. But between this and SF8, the sci-fi geek side of me is very happy.

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