kpopoftheweek

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen VIVIZ – Love or Die – 2025 New Legacy Tour -- Montreal.

https://youtu.be/Pm-5Kmmbkns?si=W77CAsxT9KSnUEym

I like the RnB with Latin touches song, I like the Kany choreography, and I like the outfits too, so when all three came together in this stage in Montreal – a city I like – my choice for #KpopOfTheWeek was easy.

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #VIVIZ #LoveOrDie #NewLegacy

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen Sunmi – Blue! – It’s Live.

When this came out, I enjoyed the song but felt unwilling to post the MV, since cockroaches plague the part of Texas where I live and I am at war with them.

The indie rock style of the song seems ideal for live performance. But is “It’s Live” live? Any attempt to answer that question leads into a labyrinth,so I will resist temptation, take the label at face value, and just enjoy the performance while noting how pretty - as always - Sunmi looks.

https://youtu.be/CgAdp2F9h2E?si=P14EQe9WeroMVVzO
#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #Sunmi #Blue! #ItsLive

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen RESCENE -- the Fillin' Live.

https://youtu.be/nQSBOVxs_YY?si=zaW0MIo6D2LkYT_c

Here are one of my favourite girl groups doing a half hour "It's Live" mini concert.

I've liked this group ever since they first appeared on the scene with "Yo Yo". Their singing appeals to me, they have good material, and they perform well.

I enjoyed hearing them perform the live band versions of their songs.

Left to right: Liv, May, Zena, Woni, and Minami.

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #RESCENE #ItsLive #GirlGroups

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen Hearts2Hearts -- Genie.

I love H2H, "Genie" is one of my favourite Kpop songs, so how could I not feature this?

Hearts2Hearts -- Genie -- KBS 251230
https://youtu.be/uBVjEk5HKC4?si=rhPJ64yKCQuRcJ4I

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #Hearts2Hearts #H2H #Genie #GirlsGeneration

@kpop @KpopGG4ever
@kpop@chirp.social

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen Hearts2Hearts – Pretty Please.

This prerelease was a nice surprise to have before the comeback proper in October. I liked the song itself, so very SM girl group in its sound, and particularly enjoyed the singing of Yuha, Carmen, and Ye-on. Although the first rap fitted in so well, the second did not, or at least not to my ears. I was also slightly disappointed that the production for this cute song did not have smooth purity heard in “The Chase”; what was that male voice doing? I’ve heard that effect before, although I can’t remember where exactly. Probably somebody who knows more about music production than I do can say more about this.

I chose this stage because I like seeing the full choreography and the stylist did not incorporate those hideous overalls that have disfigured other “Pretty Please” stages. A-na looked especially pretty in the celadon top and with her hair up.

https://youtu.be/ErRXOBByYPM?si=srJSTbNXxzASeys9
#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #Heart2Hearts #PrettyPlease #KpopStyling #GirlGroups

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen NMIXX – Spinnin' on it.

There's enough going on with the music here to make it a fixture for relistening. I loved the striking but restrained use of colour in the MV. Other aspects of this intense three minutes and twenty six seconds have left me with unsettling questions about my passion for kpop.

https://youtu.be/RblIsNFR1j4?si=hW-bPvLkRKhHiDH5

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #NMIXX #SpinninOnIt #GirlGroups

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen NMIXX -- SPINNIN’ ON IT -- Performance video.

This must count as one of the best performance videos I have ever seen. Both the black and white and the editing complement the music to produce that wonderful synthesis of the visual and the aural that is Kpop at its unique best.

This video demonstrates the power of a well executed performance video to pull me away from a fixed narrative or any straightforward representations, allowing me instead to become absorbed in the performance’s tensions and resolutions and the concomitant recognition of those tensions and resolutions within myself.

https://youtu.be/NGV2vnOx2Ps?si=C7zX-nFgRZmL6LzV

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #NMIXX #SpinninOnIt #PerformanceVideos #GirlGroups #Aesthetics

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen XLOV -- Biii:-P -- Music Bank -- 251205.

Some other Fediverse Kpop fans have been enthusiastic about this group, so I thought I would check them out.

The first song I heard from them was "Bizness", which I absolutely loathed as far as the music was concerned.

A few days ago I came across this stage of "Biii:-P". The music was more my style, although it's unduly repetitive and could benefit from variation and a fuller development. I do find myself rather taken with the way they present themselves; they remind me of British pop both from the postpunk era and the glamrock look of the early seventies.

I hope their music improves, as they make for a refreshing presence on the Kpop scene.

https://youtu.be/GEGi689Uudo?si=xPH4aIMRQY2Bb_qt

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #XLOV#BiiiP #KpopStyling

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

🧵 1/2
Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen Hearts2Hearts – Focus.

I had been looking forward to this comeback and have been playing it frequently since its release, enjoying as I do disco inspired Kpop.

Nevertheless, I do think those who have sounded a critical note about the chorus have a point; would a more melodic, more “sung” chorus have been better? Could the conclusion of the song have been helped by adlibs?

On the other hand, I disagree with those calling the MV visually boring and monotonous. The development of the range of colour over the course of the MV struck me as masterful, especially when the temptation to move to an eye popping intensity in the concluding section of the MV was resisted, as such a shift would have clashed too much with the preceding sections.

All the girls looked beautiful, of course; vocally, Ye-on stood out to me.

My favourite stage so far has been….

https://youtu.be/Ur7aK4FvK-U?si=bJ9Fr5i6eJnLCgWS
#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #Hearts2Hearts #Focus #GirlGroups

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

🧵 1/2

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen izna – Racecar.

A difficult choice this week, but I finally settled on this “Racecar” stage.

The song does not have a fully sung chorus, but I am not one of those who make it an inflexible rule to damn the “empty chorus” The prechorus works very well, and I like the vocals. I do wish the song had been extended.

I chose this stage because a restrained use of colour achieved that “unity without uniformity” look which I find so appealing. Kpop does not have to be all eyepopping colour and more of everything.

Look at the reply I am appending to this post to compare this stage with ….

https://youtu.be/BOgAW1c9rYQ?si=qfM23608YggKcN2p
#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #izna #Racecar #GirlGroups #KpopStyling

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen NMIXX – Reality Hurts.

Another striking video from NMIXX. Starting from a low base at their debut, my esteem for this group has grown so much.

https://youtu.be/y4LlcShv9xs?si=THkmOT4AS_H33Hlk

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #NMIXX #RealityHurts #GirlGroups

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen KIIRAS – Bang Bang!

Songwriting that doesn't shy away from a rather older Kpop sound, impressive vocals, and an entertaining MV make this week's choice a pleasure.

https://youtu.be/Ocq_FIVfFGU?si=jZ9jVFjzbQR1HZ1y

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #BangBang #KIIRAS #GirlGroups

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen NMIXX – High Horse – Live Clip.

NMIXX have a well deserved reputation for their vocal prowess, but their choreo impresses me too. I particularly like seeing Bae dance – watch this video to the end!

https://youtu.be/kbEYcW_ffjI?si=pSgTD28IGUzpo8b3

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #NMIXX #HighHorse #GirlGroups

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen KIIRAS – Bang Bang! -- It's Live.

No apologies for featuring this song once again. These girls can sing! The "It's Live" format suits this kind of song particularly well.

The outfits matter here. The denims strike me as so ugly that I am reassured that my love for Kpop is not just a passion for seeing pretty people in pretty dresses.

https://youtu.be/LGQeXmUXkeo?si=P6va8J62dxWygwBd

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #BangBang #KIIRAS #ItsLive #KpopStyling #GirlGroups

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen RESCENE -- Bloom -- On the Spot.

On the day of the Bloom MV release, I noted how it was "my Kpop cup of tea".

I'm posting this performance video not because I dislike the MV, but on account of 1TheK providing the opportunity to enjoy the choreo. Watching these girls dance and hearing their singing, especially in that two part chorus, is such a joy.

Having a video like this shot outside in the sunshine makes a nice change from studio sets. I like all the outfits, even though I'm puzzled about May's; why does it not co-ordinate with those worn by the others?

Anyway, I shall have more to say about one of my favourite girl groups before the year ends!

https://youtu.be/kjvlrGs5f7c?si=MDY8uyG4sxeEgkxH

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #Bloom #RESCENE #1TheK #KpopStyling #GirlGroups

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen Lovelyz – Twinkle – KBS 2025 Global Festival.

This reunion was an unexpected treat. Although Jin was not there, and Lee Sujeong, formerly known as BabySoul, was looking haggard, the sound of theintroduction and Mijoo’s “Merry Christmas!” warmed the cockles of this aging fan’s heart.

Does anybody else in the Fediverse like Lovelyz?

Lovelyz – Twinkle -- 2025 KBS Gayo Daechukje (Song Festival) Global Festival -- 251219
https://youtu.be/NNCE2IZXGbY?si=CCcq6ri0KUhw892X

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #Lovelyz #Twinkle #KBSGlobalFestival2025

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen H1--KEY -- Not Like A Movie.

Although I enjoyed the rock sound that this group have had on their last couple of title tracks, I prefer to hear them on a mid-tempo track like this, as I feel this type of song shows off their vocals to the best advantage.

This song came out towards the end of December but does not seem to have received much attention subsequently. Perhaps the agency should have ensured that the song title is immediately visible in English on the YouTube MV to facilitate exposure beyond Korea.

Yel, the one with the ponytail, is my current H1-KEY bias, but this could all change by next week!

https://youtu.be/JRtR_vm7ilA?si=zWsxebFa0fdbPEls

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #H1KEY #NotLikeAMovie #Yel #GirlGroups

@kpop @KpopGG4ever
@kpop@chirp.social

🧵 1/2

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen ARTMS -- Butterfly Effect.

This fancam from Cologne of one of my favourite ARTMS songs (starts at 46:17) makes me think that I should go see Kpop live...but then this fancam has been shot from such an advantageous spot that I wonder if my actual experience would be an anticlimax.

I derive so much pleasure from the performance and visual aspects of Kpop, which makes it interesting to compare my response to this performance of "Butterfly Effect" with my feelings towards...

https://youtu.be/ugeO4xseggc?si=BTFYZShTj9xvw701&t=2777

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #ARTMS #ButterflyEffect #GirlGroups

@kpop

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen Dodree –Just Like A Dream

Difficult to classify generically –neotrad dreamtrot pop? – but easy to choose as Kpop of the Week. I love both the vocals and the visuals.

Dodree –Just Like A Dream
https://youtu.be/PqWApYzlfrU?si=nR9ZVwHKY0fyTh7o

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #Dodree #JustLikeADream
@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen XG – Hypnotize.

Although I wouldn’t put XG in my top tier of groups, I’ve definitely been warming up to them since the release of “Gala” last year. The MV for “Hypnotize” is striking, but I’ve chosen this stage because dancing seems appropriate for the disco/house/club sound. Chisa looks great, especially with her pink pixie cut!

XG -- Hypnotize
https://youtu.be/nFxCY9vrQwA?si=iSWM_AT9g0oCVxX3

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #XG #Hypnotize #Jpop #Kjpop #Jkpop #GlobalPop #KpopStyling
@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen dodree – Born.

How much of a market will there be for dodree's music outside Korea? I like it, and I'm not Korean, but I don't know if I'm an outlier.

I hope they continue in this vein.

dodree –Born
https://youtu.be/jbfRbKK0d08?si=we90pj-Y_VOkVxUu

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #Dodree #Born
@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen Fifty Fifty – Wish You Were Here.

Unlike many men of my age, I have never treasured the original Pink Floyd song as an especially meaningful all time favourite; I quite like it, but it's never occurred to me to think of 'Wish You Were Here" as outstanding in any way.

The Fifty Fifty cover, on the other hand, has impressed me. I much prefer the instrumentation here, but above all the girls' timbres, ad libs, and harmonies make this version strike sympathetic chords within me in a way that the original has never done.

I hope Fifty Fifty continue with songs like this, "Gravity", or "When You Say My Name" -- that is, material which allows them to show off their vocal talents to their best advantage. As well as finding them pretty and charming, I like their singing so much that I feel I must support them even if come out with songs like "Skittles" that I do not care for at all.

Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd (Official FIFTY FIFTY Cover)
https://youtu.be/vJYWz7gvKzM?si=j4YHD5oCmP-9fySS

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #FiftyFifty
#WishYouWereHere #PinkFloyd #Rock #GirlGroups

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen H1-KEY -- SEOUL (Such a Beautiful City).

I was so pleased when this popped up on my YouTube. It's a great song, which Yel, Hwiseo, Seoi, and Riina look so happy to be performing here.

They were videoed at one of the many festivals that take place at this time of year. I'm not clear how one gets admitted to these events. Presumably the ones at universities grant preferential admission to members of their respective academic communities, but this stage took place at a "youth festival". How pricy are the tickets for such an event?

https://youtu.be/JMdeZkymoHU?si=lYWRIAKd2pzGTPZk

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #H1Key #SeoulSuchaBeautifulCity #GirlGroups #KpopFestivals
@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen VIVIZ – La La Love Me –Studio Choom.

I liked “La La Love Me” the first time I heard it, and the song has grown on me more and more ever since. Consequently, I was especially happy to see that there was to be a Studio Choom of the song, as that channel, with its high standards of videography and freedom from visual clutter, provides me with Kpop in a form I adore.

This Studio Choom did not disappoint me. The song only gets better as we watch the dance; I particularly appreciate the changes made to the choreography in each chorus. The black outfits, co-ordinated but not uniform, both suit the dance and display the physical beauty of the group without vulgarity. I also thought the hairstyling and accessories complemented the outfits so well, and even found myself reconciled to Eunha’s platforms. Kudos to the stylist!

I love this video. Watching it confirms my passion for Kpop!

https://youtu.be/WJ_EJM5NT6E?si=KYiq_Err67BcOSW7

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #VIVIZ #LaLaLoveMe #StudioChoom #Choreography #PerformanceVideos #KpopStyling #GirlGroups

@kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen Hearts2Hearts – Rude.

Loved everything about the chorus and Carmen and Ye-on's parts. In general I enjoy the bouncy, ultimately disco derived house sound. I wish they had gone a little lighter on the rap and I am afraid that Stella's English passage was a painful reminder that I am not in the target market.

The MV has a lot going on but does not feel cluttered to me. Lots of great outfits, but my favourites were the tennis dresses.

Overall, I liked "Rude" a lot and can see why this bright sound works for them; it works for this fan too!

Yet I must say that I hope that they will return at some point to the more mysterious atmosphere of "The Chase".

No doubt when it comes to my opinion though, SM couldn't even care less...

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #Hearts2Hearts
#Rude #GirlGroups @kpop @kpop@a.gup.pe

Hearts2Hearts -- Rude
https://youtu.be/F7sGJVUrkjQ?si=bVlpKzcLywEF8Mss