TRENDZ, an emerging K-pop boy group consisting of Havit, Leon, Yoonwoo, Hankook, ra.L, Eunil, and Yechan, debuted in 2022 with the EP Blue Set Chapter 1. Tracks, followed by Blue Set Chapter 2. Choice. And with their impeccable visual appeal, talent, and versatility, the group has definitely shown promise with their two aforementioned releases. In…
Lost in Time: “Like Crazy” MV Review (Jimin, Oui Kim, 2023)
“Like Crazy”, the single from Face, Jimin’s solo debut, is accompanied by a music video by Oui Kim, who also directed the music video for the pre-release single, “Set Me Free: Pt 2”. Oui Kim is one of South Korea’s leading creative directors and has shot videos for aespa, NCT127, KATIE, Zion.T and Red Velvet…
SHAUN Breaks Down His “Steal the Show” Single, His Collaboration with Jeff Satur, and His Music
When SHAUN, a South Korean singer-songwriter and producer, released Way Back Home in 2018, the lead single from his debut EP, Take, he took the music charts by storm. The song itself has a catchy melody and a simple, yet heartfelt, message. SHAUN’s vocals are soft and emotional often conveying a sense of longing. SHAUN…
A Long Journey Into Night: Jimin’s “FACE” EP Review
Jimin (Park Jimin) is part of the maknae line of global sensation BTS, he is the same age as V (Kim Taehyung) and two years older than Jungkook (Jeon Jungkook), the youngest of the group. While Jimin has released singles in the past, FACE is his debut as a soloist, and he is the first…
FIFTY FIFTY reflect on their new release “Cupid”, the songwriting process, and their inspiration
FIFTY FIFTY, a South Korean girl group consisting of Saena, Aran, Keena, and Sio, debuted in November last year. They grabbed the attention of an overseas audience when they released Higher, a single from their first EP, The Fifty. The song’s mid-tempo not only displayed the girls’ charming vocals but also showcased the group’s harmonies. …
Finding Order Within Chaos: A Review of Park Jimin’s “Set Me Free: Pt.2”
Jimin’s “Set Me Free: Part 2” is a spiritual successor and not a sequel to Agust D’s (Min Yoongi) “Interlude: Set Me Free” (which it was speculated to be from the title of the track), the ninth track on his second mixtape, D-2, which was released on the 22nd May 2020. A mere two minutes…
In Conversation with MC HotDog, a Hip-hop Artist and Producer
Yao Zhongren, a.k.a. MC HotDog, is an award-winning Hip-hop artist from Taiwan and has been in the music business for over 20 years. MC HotDog has a unique flow and delivery, setting him apart from other Taiwanese rappers. Not only does he have a distinctive voice, but he also knows how to use it to…
JUNNY Brings a Stellar Performance to Lafayette in London – Concert Review
How many artists would you say evoke happiness or bring tears to your eyes when you listen to their music? For me, there are only a rare few who can achieve this, and that includes JUNNY, a Korean-Canadian singer-songwriter. Although the artist debuted in 2017 with the EP Monochrome, it was in 2020 when he…
The Ephemerality of Longing: So!YoON!’s “Smoke Sprite” (feat. RM) Single Review
So!YoON! (황소윤) is the stage name of Hwang Soyoon, a South Korean guitarist and singer-songwriter. She is the lead vocalist and one of the founder members of SE SO NEON, an indie rock group, which debuted in 2017 under Magic Strawberry Sound, with the critically acclaimed EP Summer Plumage, the lead single of which was…
In Conversation with Jeon Do-yeon and Jung Kyung-ho of “Crash Course in Romance”
Crash Course in Romance proved that a K-drama doesn’t need extraordinary special effects to reach the hearts of its viewers. Produced by Studio Dragon, the 16-episode show was broadcasted on tvN (available on Netflix in the UK) in the slot previously occupied by the hit drama Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow — a challenge…
ATEEZ Set Alight to The O2 – London Concert Review
On the 22nd of February K-Pop sensation ATEEZ took to the O2 Arena London on their The Fellowship: Break the Wall Tour less than a year since they had last played in Europe. This is the third time the group has come to the city and their biggest venue yet. Their previous The Fellowship: Beginning…
j-hope ‘on the street (with J. Cole)’: From the Streets to the Skyscrapers – Single Review
j-hope and J. Cole are artists at similar places in terms of their importance and relevance to their respective music scenes, despite the fact that J. Cole is the senior of the two musicians. Both are at a crossroads in their lives: j-hope will be shortly enlisting in the South Korean military as all able-bodied…
In Conversation with Luke Ishikawa Plowden of “The Three GentleBros” and “My Dear Donovan”
Hollywood has always been a clear destination for actors – it’s the “Hollywood dream” that many performers hope for, signifying the height of their career. However, popularity can also be gained in other parts of the world, including Thailand. Although success is measured differently, it is still a noteworthy accomplishment, especially in a country where…
Enemies To Lovers: “Love To Hate You” Drama Review (Netflix)
A hot-headed feminist crosses paths with a misunderstood gentleman in Netflix’s new feel-good romantic comedy Love To Hate You. The 2023 drama spans 10 episodes, with a generous balance of wit and charm between the main characters. Director Kim Jeong-kwon, whose filmography consists mostly of romance works, took the risk of making an unusual pairing…
VIEW OF THE ARTS 