June in Music

It's a little late, but here are my picks from the month of June.

1. BTS - DD Ceremony (Ddaeng)

Korean

Released: June 10th

BTS had their FESTA which is an annual celebration of their debut anniversary. As part of their 5th-year celebration, they released a few free tracks on SoundCloud for fans! "Ddaeng" is a diss track aimed at haters and at those in the industry who ignored BTS before they were popular. The song includes clever wordplays surrounding the term "ddaeng," which has various meanings, and hip-hop beats with Oriental instruments. It's performed solely by the rap-line-up (Suga, RM, and J-Hope) and is very reminiscent of their cypher series! There is no official music video, but the members put on a fire performance and uploaded it on BANGTANTV.
Review: Song - 5/5  MV - N/A

2. Blackpink - Ddu Ddu Ddu

Korean

Released: June 15th

One year of absence has built a swelling of anticipation among fans for Blackpink's comeback. Finally, the girls returned with their first mini album that takes on a different sound while still keeping Blackpink's essential style. "Ddu Du Ddu Du" is a powerful hip-hop trap song that opens with whistle-y synths and later blends in the sounds of East-Indian percussion. The lyrics assert a strong personality and a "go-get-it" attitude of girl power. Jennie performs as a rapper this time and the music video serves a lot of sass and creativity. Was "Ddu Du Ddu Du" worth the wait of an entire year? Well, I can only think that in that span of time Blackpink could have had hit after hit, since they are capable of having content this high-quality.
Review: Song - 4.5/5  MV - 5/5

3. BtoB - Only One For Me

Korean

Released: June 18th

After their hit "Missing You" from last fall, BtoB switches things up for the summer season. Instead of a slow, sad ballad, the group treats fans to a happy love song that is more suitable for the warm weather. "Only One For Me" is a very easy listen - it has a breezy melody and some added tropical elements. Since its BtoB,  the song showcases the group's stellar vocals, which can make even a bland song sound pleasant. It's worth to mention that this may be BtoB's last project as a complete group for a while. This is because sometime after the album release, the main vocalist Eunkwang enlisted for his mandatory military service. In the meantime, I expect the other group members to perform without him or maybe promote as soloists?
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

4. Red Velvet - #Cookie Jar

Japanese

Released: June 21st

Red Velvet had their Japanese debut and (not surprisingly) its theme is food-related! They've had "Ice Cream Cake" and "Red Flavor," but this time the girls talk about another type of treat - cookies! Just like their Korean releases, "#Cookie Jar" includes the same cute, quirky charm that Red Velvet pulls off well. Though, at the same time, I find that the song feels very Girl's Generation-esque.  Its groovy beat and retro 60s feel remind me of SNSD's "Hoot," a favorite of mine! I'm happy to see Red Velvet back at their so-called "red" concept and I think this suits the Japanese market very much.
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3.5/5

5. Nu'est W - Deja Vu

Korean

Released: June 25th

Nu'est W is a subunit of Nu'est that will promote while member Minkyun is active with the temporary boy group Wanna-One. In recent years, Nu'est has taken on an interesting musical direction - they focus on a mature sound and incorporate mysterious elements into their album concepts. "Deja Vu" is a mellow pop song with a Latin influence and acoustic guitar that makes for a tropical vibe.  It has an unexpected but pleasant tempo and a smooth chorus that captivated me at first listen. Interestingly, the light breeziness of "Deja Vu" contrasts with the dark aesthetic of the music video. 

Review: Song - 5/5  MV - 3/5

6. Day6 - Shoot Me

Korean

Released: June 26th

"Vicious words hurt like bullets." This metaphor is the core theme of Day6's new single and is shown in the music video. "Shoot Me" expresses the feelings of a guy who is at the receiving end of his girlfriend's harsh remarks. He endures her verbal abuse and hot temper in hope that she will feel better by it. "Shoot Me" has a rich guitar and keyboard instrumental that brings back the exciting energy the band had in an older song, "How Can I Say." The abrupt drums and gunshot-like "bang bang" turn the energy up even higher and work as the most memorable part of the song. 

Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 3.5/5

Sources

Image: 1,2,3,4,5.*

* are screencaps I made myself

Asian Pop Stars with Orange Hair

Pop stars tend to be daring when it comes to fashion and with hairstyles too. These K-pop, J-pop and C-pop stars pulled off hairdos with neon orange, scarlet, and tangerine hues!

1. Jane Zhang

C-pop

Group: N/A (solo)

Song: N/A

2. Doyoung

K-pop

Group: NCT

Song: 7th Sense

3. Hyuna

K-pop

Group: Triple H

Song: 365 Fresh

4. Seulgi

K-pop

Group: Red Velvet

Songs: Russian Roulette, Happiness

5. Jimin

K-pop

Group: BTS

Song: Run

6. Lisa

K-pop

Group: Blackpink

Song: As if it's Your Last

7. Hwasa

K-pop

Group: N/A

Song: You're the Best

8. Rainie Yang

C-pop

Group: N/A (solo)

Song: Angel Wings (天使之翼)

9. V

K-pop

Group: BTS

Song: Boy in Luv

10. Park Bom

K-pop

Group: 2NE1 (formerly)

Song: N/A

11. Sehun

K-pop

Group: EXO

Song: Ko Ko Bop

12. Mami Sasazaki

J-pop/J-Rock

Group: SCANDAL

Song: N/A

13. G-Dragon

K-pop

Group: Big Bang

Songs: Sober, Let's Not Fall in Love

14. Hebe Tian

C-pop

Group: S.H.E.

Song: N/A

15. Sojung

K-pop

Group: Ladies' Code

Song: Stay Here

16. Rosé

K-pop

Group: Blackpink

Songs: Playing With Fire, Whistle

17. Hyosung

K-pop

Group: Secret

Song: Into You

18. Meng Jia

K-pop

Group: Miss A (formerly)

Song: Good-Bye Baby

You may also like:

Asian Pop Stars with Pink Hair

Asian Pop Stars with Blue Hair

Image Sources

December in Music

2017 came to a close and wrapped up nicely with some winter-themed songs and special collaborations. Here are my favorite releases from December.

1. K.A.R.D - Trust Me

Korean

Released: December 6th

KARD's second mini-album was released in November, with two duet versions of this song. A month later, KARD unexpectedly dropped the promotional version of "Trust Me" that includes all four members. In this R&B ballad, the girls and guys are trying to stabalize their relatationship by gaining trust and affection. It's not working though, and this song marks the beginning of the end. "Trust Me" is the prequel to "You In Me", and if you remember, the story does not have a happy ending.
Review: Song - 2.5/5  MV - 2.5/5
  

2. BTS - Crystal Snow

Japanese

Released: December 6th

"Crystal Snow" is an exclusively Japanese single that was sold with the Japanese versions of DNA and Mic Drop. It is a soft love song, that is very comparable to another one of BTS's songs - Spring Day. Both releases focus and capture the essence of winter and spring, respectfully, and use metaphors to make a point. The lyrics of "Crystal Snow" compare love to snow - BTS want to grab a hold of their love, but it keeps melting or slipping away. The song also mentions unrequited love which further explains why love is eluding them. My favorite thing about this song is it's lyrics - the emotions and meaning are articulated very well!
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - N/A

3. Blackpink - So Hot

Korean

Released: December 25th

As a special stage for the 2017 SBS Gayo Daejun Awards, Blackpink performed a cover of Wonder Girl's "So Hot". Considered a k-pop classic, the 2008 Wonder Girls song was rearranged and given a new hip-hop flair by YG producer Teddy Park. Blackpink truly delivered "So Hot" in their own style with all-English raps and their trademark "Blackpink in your area!"
Review: Song - 4/5  MV - N/A

4. EXO - Universe

Korean and Mandarin Versions

Released: December 26th

EXO kept their annual tradition and released a "winter special" album for the season. "Universe" is truly heartwarming in both it's sound and aesthetic. The sentimental rock ballad is about searching the ends of the universe to find their lover and never letting go of cherished memories. The theme of the whole music video is the making and enjoyment of coffee. EXO are dressed in cappiccino colored clothes and sing solemnely with earnest hearts. As far as beverages go, people often associate hot chocolate with the winter season, but as it turns out, coffee is very appropriate too!
Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 5/5

5. Meng Jia - #MOOD (Feat. Jackson Wang)

Mandarin

Released: December 27th

Meng Jia and Jackson Wang partnered up for a collab that promotes a happy mood and relaxation! Jia sings about the little things in life that give you a good feeling such as waking up without an alarm clock and allowing your thoughts to wander freely. This collaboration is even more fun because these two artists are former labelmates - Jackson is a member of JYP group Got7 and Jia used to be a member of JYP group Miss A.
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

6. All SM Artists - Dear My Family

Korean

Released: Decemver 29th

"Dear My Family" is the last SM Station song of 2017 and includes all the SM Town acts such as Red Velvet, f(x), Super Junior, EXO, and BOA. Most notably, the song includes the late Kim Jonghyun of Shinee, who passed away on December 18th. "Dear My Family", by itself, is beautiful because of  the great vocals and warm message. But considering the circumstances of Jonghyun's death, the song is even more significant because it acts as a homage to the late singer.
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

Sources

Info: 1,2,6

Images: 1,2,3,4,5,6.

Top 20 Most Beautiful K-pop Idols

Here's a list of the top 20 prettiest K-pop idols! They are ranked in order of their birth year (youngest to oldest). Note: This list is based on my personal opinion. Share your favorites below!

20.

Name: Chou Tzuyu

Nationality: Taiwanese

Birth Year: 1999

Group: Twice

19.

Name: Park Chaeyoung / Roseanne 

Nationality: Korean-New Zealander 

Birth Year: 1997

Group: Blackpink

18.

Name: Jung Jinsoul

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1997

Group: LOONA

17.

Name: Park Sooyoung

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1996

Group: Red Velvet

16.

Name: Hirai Momo

Nationality: Japanese

Birth Year: 1996

Group: Twice

15.

Name: Lee Hayi

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1996

Group: N/A (Solo)

14.

Name: Kim Chungha

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1996

Group: formerly IOI, Solo

13.

Name: Kim Jisoo

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1995

Group: Blackpink

12.

Name: Kang Jiyoung

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1994

Group: formerly KARA

11.

Name: Son Naeun

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1994

Group: Apink

10.

Name: Jung Soojung/ Chrystal

Nationality: Korean-American

Birth Year: 1994

Group: f(x)

9.

Name: Im Jinah

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1991

Group: After School & Orange Caramel

8.

Name: Choi Sooyoung

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1990

Group: Girls' Generation/ SNSD

7.

Name: Yoon Bora

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1989

Group: formerly Sistar

6.

Name: Park Gyuri

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1988

Group: formerly KARA

5.

Name: Kim Jaekyung

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1988

Group: formerly Rainbow

4.

Name: Ho Hyunjoo/ Jessica

Nationality: Korean-American

Birth Year: 1988

Group: formerly Lucky J, solo

3.

Name: Wang Feifei

Nationality: Chinese

Birth Year: 1987

Group: Miss A

2.

Name: Park Sandara

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1984

Group: formerly 2NE1

1.

Name: Lee Hyori

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1979

Group: N/A (Solo)

Honorable Mentions:

You may also like:
Top 20 Most Handsome K-pop Idols
Top 20 Most Handsome Korean Actors

Sources:
Info: Wikipedia
Images