Journalism

Sweety High • 25th November 2024

HEYOON on Her 'Pivot' to a Solo Career and New Single

On Nov. 13, Korean singer, dancer and choreographer HEYOON joined forces with American rapper Armani White for the R&B single "Pivot."
This track marks the beginning of HEYOON's journey as a soloist after departing from the group Now United in 2023, illustrating the challenges one faces in a toxic relationship. HEYOON emphasizes the fear and uncertainty someone feels when faced with two choices: leave the relationship they've invested time into or stay, knowing they'll never be treated properly....

POP TOKKI • 22nd November 2024

82MAJOR TALK 'X-82' AND FUTURE GOALS • POP TOKKI

82MAJOR flew “First Class” onto the K-pop scene in Oct. 2023, and a year later, they’re back with their second single release, ‘X-82.’ Including the title track, “Stuck,” the single album features four Hip-Hop and R&B-inspired tracks, showcasing the groups’ vocals and rapping abilities. POP TOKKI got the opportunity to catch up with 82MAJOR to chat about their newest addition to their discography, future goals and more. Read our interview with the group below!SEONG BIN: We’re very confident in o...

Sweety High • 14th November 2024

The Top Standout Moments from SEVENTEEN's U.S. Stadium Debut

On Oct. 12, K-pop group SEVENTEEN embarked on the SEVENTEEN RIGHT HERE WORLD TOUR starting in Seoul, South Korea.
After releasing their 12th mini-album, SPILL THE FEELS, the group flew across the ocean to bring their show-stopping production to American Carats across five cities. SEVENTEEN reached new heights in America as they closed out the U.S. leg of the tour with an American stadium debut at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Nov. 9 and 10. To commemorate this achievement, Los Angeles transforme...

5th November 2024

tripleS's Visionary Vision "Hit the Floor" Group Interview

With a punchy hip-hop track, "Hit the Floor," tripleS's new subunit Visionary Vision has arrived, breaking stereotypes as they demonstrate their resilience.
The 12-member subunit—consisting of HyeRin, YooYeon, Kaede, SoHyun, Lynn, JiYeon, NaKyoung, YuBin, Kotone, YeonJi, Nien and Xinyu—released their debut mini-album Performante on Oct. 23, let by the single "Hit the Floor." This unique K-pop unit stands out from the previous extensions of tripleS due to their focus on dance and performance, as...

Sweety High • 12th September 2024

BOYNEXTDOOR Interview on 19.99 and the Journey to Adulthood

The wait is over! 5th Generation K-pop boy group BOYNEXTDOOR has returned with their third EP, 19.99.
The EP tells the tale of the trials and tribulations one faces when transitioning to adulthood. The six-member ensemble showcases their charisma and flirtatious charm in the groovy title track, "Nice Guy," while countering the cute vibes with an intense aura in the hip-hop pre-release single "Dangerous." With members JAEHYUN, TAESAN and WOONHAK lending a creative hand in the tracks, the songs pull from personal experiences, giving this EP more meaning for the group's fans.

Sweety High • 18th July 2024

ENHYPEN Explore Themes of Love in ROMANCE: UNTOLD

K-pop boy group ENHYPEN has opened a new chapter of love with their second full-length album, ROMANCE: UNTOLD.
In this album, the group tells stories revolving around romance. From the lovesick honeymoon phase to heartfelt pleas to save a relationship, each track on this album illustrates different tales of love. The title track, "XO (Only If You Say Yes)," is a sweet pop tune in which the group vows to do anything for their lover if they allow them to. With ROMANCE: UNTOLD, ENHYPEN embarks on a new journey featuring brighter sounds, indicating their creative growth from their darker beginnings. We caught up with ENHYPEN and chatted about their sentiments toward this new chapter, current tour and artistic contributions below.

Sweety High • 16th July 2024

What You Missed at ENHYEPN's ROMANCE: UNTOLD Showcase

On July 11, K-pop boy group ENHYPEN held a showcase to present new music and performances from their second full-length album, ROMANCE: UNTOLD, for the first time.
Amid the Japanese leg of their FATE PLUS tour, the group took time to create a record-breaking, nine-song album. ROMANCE: UNTOLD reached 1.8 million sales in the first week, surpassing the group's personal record and setting the stage for the album's success. We had the opportunity to attend the showcase and preview the album before its release, and if you couldn't witness it yourself, here's what you missed.

Sweety High • 1st July 2024

Candy Shop Dives Into 2nd Mini-Album, Girls Don't Cry

In March, the world was introduced to new K-pop girl group Candy Shop with their mini-album Hashtag#, featuring the mellow R&B-influenced title track "Good Girl." The quartet, consisting of members SORAM, SUI, SARANG and JULIA, has swiftly amassed a remarkable 3.4 million views on their debut music video in just three months. With their charming appeal, Candy Shop is rapidly ascending towards global K-pop stardom.

Sweety High • 20th June 2024

EVNNE Talks all things RIDE or DIE and Tour

Just in time for their summer North American showcase tour, K-pop group EVNNE have revealed a new side to themselves with their third mini-album, RIDE or DIE.

This release highlights the trust and loyalty they promise to maintain with their fans, ENNVE. Supporting the comeback's theme, "Badder Love" focuses on connecting with their fans through their love as they continue their journey of chasing their dreams together. We got the chance to chat with EVNNE to get more inside scoop on this comeback and information about their tour in the interview below.

Sweety High • 28th May 2024

82MAJOR Spills About First Comeback, BEAT by 82

With the release of their first mini-album, 82MAJOR has captured the attention of many K-pop fans online, displaying their potential to rise to the top of the fifth-generation K-pop scene.
Debuting in October 2023, the sextet has stood out amongst their peers due to their hands-on approach to their music. Curiosity about the group grew as each member showcased their producing and songwriting talents. After the release of BEAT by 82, 82MAJOR soared higher, captivating fans with their hip-hop-infused tracks and ongoing creative contributions. We got to chat with the group as they shared their thoughts on their first comeback, favorite songs and upcoming tour.

Sweety High • 5th April 2024

Meet The Rising Stars of the R&B British Invasion

The second British Invasion is underway, but it sounds a little different this time around.

Despite being labeled one of the most difficult genres to sell, U.K. R&B is still a thriving art. As the rest of the world uncovers the once-hidden sounds of U.K. R&B thanks to social media, take a look at our list of some of the rising stars who've contributed to the genre's rise in international popularity.

Sweety High • 7th March 2024

4 Songs We Need to Hear at OnlyOneOf's World Tour

K-pop group OnlyOneOf is about to embark on their first-ever world tour, making dreams come true for fans around the world.
One year after traveling throughout North and South America on their Grand America Tour, OnlyOneOf will take their remarkable discography and compelling choreography to new places in their first world tour. The Things I Can't Say LOve tour kicks off in Seoul on March 27, making stops in Japan, North America, Latin America and Southeast Asia before ending in Europe. With the start of the tour beginning this month, here are four songs we hope to see on OnlyOneOf's Things I Can't Say LOve setlist.

POP TOKKI • 4th February 2024

AHN HYO SEOP DRAMAS FOR YOUR WATCHLIST • POP TOKKI

Ahn Hyo Seop jumped onto our screens and into our hearts in 2015 as Park Yeon / Che Ah Jin in . Since then, he has captured the hearts of fans by starring in our favorite dramas such as , , , and more, turning into an absolute heartthrob. Here are a few dramas featuring Ahn Hyo Seop that will give him an elite spot on your favorite actor list.

takes us through a complex time loop as we follow Jun-Hee (Jeon Yeo-Been) back to 1998, where she meets Nam Si-Hyeon (Ahn Hyo Seop) who shares an uncanny

Sweety High • 25th January 2024

4 Exciting K-Pop Groups to Watch in 2024

The year treated us to successful debuts, show-stopping award show performances and award-winning releases from new favorite groups, and they're showing no signs of slowing down in 2024. We're among the fans who are eagerly anticipating even more greatness this year, and below are a few of the K-pop groups we're watching very closely in 2024.

Sweety High • 29th December 2023

What to Know About the Re-Emergence of K-Pop Trios in 2023

Beloved K-pop trinities such as Triple H, Orange Caramel and S.E.S are no longer active, robbing us of the triple-threat performances they delivered. Still, even as most trios began to fade out of the K-pop landscape, we've been reeled back in with a year of iconic trio debuts and long-awaited returns. Here's a list of trios that contributed to the reawakening of triple-threats in K-pop.

Genius • 13th December 2023

[HIDDEN GEMS] The Musical Realm of OnlyOneOf B-Sides

OnlyOneOf is an underrated group with a vault of hit songs suppressed behind their title tracks. Due to their bold and revealing concepts, the immersive musical realm of OnlyOneOf’s B-sides goes overlooked as the performances seize everyone’s attention. Explore the realm of OnlyOneOf’s B-sides and uncover the hidden gems that are too good to be concealed in this edition of Genius Korea’s column, Hidden Gems!

OnlyOneOf takes us on the journey of exploring the intense emotions of love. This smoot

POP TOKKI • 10th November 2023

KISS OF LIFE ARE "BAD NEWS" BUT SO GOOD • POP TOKKI

Following a remarkably successful debut, KISS OF LIFE is back to show us who they are, “monster rookies” of the 5th generation. ‘Born to be XX’ is KISS OF LIFE’s newest addition to their irresistible catalog of songs. Featuring seven songs –– including an English version on the title track, the quartet showcases their Hip-Hop and R&B-inspired sound through impressive rap verses, soulful vocals, and classic Hip-Hop/R&B beats.

KISS OF LIFE brings a fusion of Hip-Hop and Western Country to one tra

POP TOKKI • 5th November 2023

PRODUCTS WONYOUNG'S MAKEUP ARTIST SWEARS BY • POP TOKKI

IVE’s Wonyoung is the ultimate visual queen, slaying with her iconic looks that go viral instantly! If you’re craving that Wonyoung-worthy glam, search no more. We’ve dug up the top-secret products that even Wonyoung’s makeup artist swears by Get ready to unlock the beauty secrets of the century!

This eyeshadow palette is a must-have for any makeup enthusiast. With 12 exquisite shades, it offers endless possibilities for creating captivating eye looks. For those who admire Wonyoung’s signature

POP TOKKI • 29th September 2023

JUNGKOOK TAKES US THROUGH 3 DIMENSIONS WITH " 3D" • POP TOKKI

After his debut solo performance at the Global Citizen Festival, Jungkook announced his next single, “3D feat Jack Harlow.” This new addition to his solo career comes after his debut single, “Seven feat LATTO,” which was a fresh and mature sound for Jungkook. Teaming up with Kentucky rapper Jack Harlow, the pair created a hard-hitting R&B pop track reminiscent of the early 2000s.

“3D” showcases sensual lyrics, a recurring theme that Jungkook has been delving into throughout his solo career. He

POP TOKKI • 30th July 2023

MISAMO Deliver A Work Of Art With Debut Album 'Masterpiece' • POP TOKKI

MISAMO — TWICE’s subunit featuring their Japanese members, Mina, Sana, and Momo, have made their long-awaited debut with their first album ‘Masterpiece.’ The title of ‘Masterpiece’ for this 7-track album is well-deserved, as each song truly lives up to its name. The fierce trio demonstrates their prowess as they guide us through an album packed with various styles, sounds, and genres.

You can look, but you can’t touch! MISAMO makes this clear in their single and title track “Do Not Touch.” This

POP TOKKI • 1st July 2023

TWICE Steals The Heart Of Chicago ONCES • POP TOKKI

A sea of passionate ONCEs poured into Chicago’s United Center. TWICE, who recently set off on the American leg of their READY TO BE tour, mere paces away, ready to ignite the stage for an unforgettable night. Short advertisements for JYP entertainment appear on the screen, creating more anticipation from the crowd of devoted fans. With each passing moment, the ONCEs get louder; the sea of light sticks illuminates the building with bright colors, and within a few seconds, darkness envelopes the v

Genius • 22nd June 2023

[HIDDEN GEMS] SF9 B-sides That Deserve More Love

SF9 is an underrated group with extremely underrated songs. The group of 9 consistently switches up their sound with each comeback, exhibiting their versatility and unwavering talents. SF9’s title tracks catch the attention of K-pop, but their B-sides have remained hidden from the outside of their fandom. SF9 has been consistently delivering B-sides that are just as great as their title tracks since 2016. Here are some hidden gems from SF9 that deserve their flowers.

Genius Korea’s new column,

POP TOKKI • 30th May 2023

Prepare for the P-Pop Wave With These Artists •

P-Pop, also known as Pinoy Pop or Filipino Pop, is rapidly rising globally. By adopting K-Pop’s marketing and trainee systems, P-Pop groups have attracted a growing number of international fans. With more artists getting recognized for their talents worldwide, it’s only a matter of time before the P-Pop wave grows bigger until it hits. To prepare for the wave, here are some artists to put you ahead of the crowd.

Alamat is a six-member boy group consisting of members: Tomas, R-Ji, Taneo, Alas, M

POP TOKKI • 24th May 2023

Enhypen Resurrects Their Vampire Persona in 'Dark Blood' • POP TOKKI

Enhypen took a bite out of 2020 and left a mark with their debut song, ” Given-Taken.” As vampires, Enhypen came onto the scene with a storyline based around their vampiric personas. It’s been a while since Enhypen astonished us with their hauntingly fascinating vampire concept but with their 4th mini album, ‘Dark Blood,’ the vampires are back and more mesmerizing than ever.

Enhypen tapped into their strengths within the title track, “Bite Me.” “Bite Me” is the child of Pop and R&B while still