K-Pop Releases: Jan. 2018

Hey, guys, guess who’s back! So, I decided to start my first actual post by sharing my favorite releases in K-pop this month (although I’ll also be including a specific track that was released on December 2017). This list will be in chronological order, since I’m actually excited about all of these songs:

LOONA/Chuu (이달의 소녀/츄) “Heart Attack” — Released December 28th.

The tenth member of girl group LOONA surprised us with an adorable song and an even better music video! (Yes, I’m all about a cute concept.) Everything from the colors, the dancing and that red dress, which I want to make one for myself, is beautiful. And, of course, this video became viral given the same-sex crush clearly shown between Chuu and previously revealed member Yves. There’s a couple other theories, though, about the story behind this video, but to me it’s a sweet, innocent obsession over someone she admires, something I’m quite familiar with. So let’s just leave it at that, here’s the link so you can check the vid out:

fromis_9 (프로미스나인) “To Heart” — Released January 24th.

As I mentioned previously, I’m all about these cute school girl concepts, and here we finally have fromis_9’s debut single titled ‘To Heart’, as well as their first mini-album. Ever since I saw these girls in the 2017 MAMA Awards, I’ve been overly excited, mainly because they remind me of GFriend, and if ya’ll know me, you’d know they’re my favorite and I’m totally in love with them. This video just makes it pretty obvious that’s what they’re looking for. I mean, even that logo! But anyways, I’m very excited for these girls and am planning to support them from now on. Fighting!

Jay Park (박재범) “X Yultron” — Released January 29th.

Moving on to my boy Jay Park, who always knows how to make me dance. This jam is just too delicious, and I absolutely love the video. I do wish he’d sing more in Korean, though. But I get where he’s coming from and I respect that. Also, I can’t wait to learn that choreo so I can pump this up at a part-ay. (Yes, I say these kinds of things).

SUZY (수지) “HOLIDAY (Feat. DPR LIVE)” — Released January 29th.

This girl is way too pretty, and I just love how she’s moving into another territory with that R&B-ish sound. I also find it funny how people are confused ‘cause it’s so “minimal”. This clearly has another influence going on, one which I adore, and I think it’s exposing an underground movement that already exists in Korean music. To me it’s lovely, and the video is super cute and clean. I think it’ll be this year’s version of IU’s ‘Palette’.

Red Velvet 레드벨벳 “Bad Boy” — Released January 29th.

Finally, my girls kicking butts and taking names. I mean, seriously, I can't take this song out of my mind. And speaking of new influences, there’s definitely so much trap in this. Of course, it’s good enough for me to actually listen to it. The reason is because it also has lots of 90’s R&B in it as well, and as you might have figured out, I’m all for it. Also, I’ve been a fan of RV since their first album, and I do have to admit I’ve heard great improvement in their music, specially since their 2nd Album, Perfect Velvet, which was amazing. So, whoever’s getting into their music making is doing a great job. Can’t wait for their new tracks.