Last weekend was the hottest weekend of Los Angeles in the past 20 years as an ice cream truck drove by, followed by children with cash in their hands. This was the scene viewers of BLACKPINK’s new music video were greeted by.
AOA’s rise from the ashes
It’s been seven years since AOA debuted. AOA, which stands for “Ace of Angels,” was one of the most popular girl groups in their heyday. The release of their hit single “Miniskirt” in 2014 boosted the group’s popularity to the top. The face of the group, Seolhyun, became known as the “Queen of CF,” an unofficial title given to female idols who have appeared in a substantial amount of television and public advertising. Recognized for their bold, mature-sexy concepts, AOA remained as one of the …
Four queens, one group: Mamamoo’s ‘reality in BLACK’
Following their victory on the TV show “Queendom” where six of South Korea’s most popular girl groups faced off against one another, Mamamoo released their second studio album “reality in BLACK.” Expressive, varied and addicting, “reality in BLACK” is nothing short of some of Mamamoo’s best work. Debuting in 2014, Mamamoo quickly established itself apart from other girl groups by foregoing what was expected of a girl idol group: passable singing, forgettable bubblegum pop and cute outfits for a strong focus on their vocal abilities …
Hip-hop and K-pop: True Damage’s messy collaboration
During the 2019 annual League of Legends World Championships in Paris, France, the company behind League of Legends, Riot Games, debuted a hip-hop and K-pop fusion group called True Damage. The group features hip-hop artists DUCKWRTH and Thutmose, who both notably worked on the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” soundtrack. Other members consist of Becky G, Keke Palmer and K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE leader Soyeon. Their debut single “GIANTS,” while having amazing performances from rappers Thutmose, DUCKWRTH and Soyeon, faltered when it came to the chorus …
King Taeyeon returns to rule the industry
The king has finally returned after two years with her second studio album “Purpose,” once again proving that idols don’t have to have a short lived career. Throughout this ten track album, Taeyeon bares her soul through her voice, serenading with ballads and delivering a powerful performance about finding her purpose through singing. Known in the industry as the best female vocalist, Taeyeon fully lives up to that crown in this album.
K-pop supergroup SuperM has a not so super debut
EXO, NCT, WayV and SHINee are four of the largest boy groups in the world. A few months back, South Korean entertainment company SM Entertainment announced the formation of a supergroup called SuperM, featuring Kai and Baekhyun of EXO, Taemin of SHINee, Taeyong and Mark from NCT and Lucas and Ten from WayV. Calling themselves the “Avengers of K-Pop,” SuperM released their self-titled EP to a very mediocre reception.
TWICE’s ‘Feel Special’ inspires you to love yourself
Following their last album “Fancy You,” which made the K-Pop sensation become the best selling girl group from South Korea and surpass the legendary group, Girls’ Generation, TWICE returns with their eighth album “Feel Special.”