K-Pop Will Be Good This Year Musically, But Not Mentally

Good day, everyone. As a casual listener of K-Pop, I can say that this year in K-Pop will be good. When I checked my Spotify Wrapped from previous years, I realized that I listened to a lot of K-Pop. In 2022, K-Pop was at its peak in my opinion since 90% of my Wrapped was about them. Yet, my love for K-Pop slowly faded throughout the years as I started to lean toward international pop. Still, I can say that this year will be good since I’ve already heard a lot of bangers.

For example, this song from KiiiKiii is so good. The genre is house, and it sounds fresh. No wonder many tagged them as similar to NewJeans.

Another song that keeps repeating on my playlist is from Hearts2Hearts. Since their debut, I’ve started listening to their songs. I’m not stanning those groups, but I will definitely stan their music. In my opinion, I can’t stand being a die-hard fan of idols who are younger than me.

This song from NCT JNJM is also good. It sounds fresh and happy.

Of course, BLACKPINK’s new EP is also good but commercially underwhelming. Leaks and failed expectation contributed to their failed comeback’s performance. However, after three years of waiting, we finally heard 15 songs from them.

Yena’s new song is also something I’m looking forward to becoming a hit. I hope she won’t get the same treatment as EVERGLOW.

Speaking of EVERGLOW, they also released their song “CODE” after leaving their previous company. Fun fact: they released songs under Yuehua Entertainment without getting paid. That’s how they were treated unfairly.

IVE also dominated the charts with their hit songs “BANG BANG” and “BLACKHOLE.” They aren’t afraid to shift to different genres.

ENHYPEN also released “Knife,” which sounds decent in my opinion.

There are also strong-performing songs in the K-Pop community like “Adrenaline” by ATEEZ and “Mono” by i-dle.

Take note that BTS will release their album soon, so it’s expected to get bigger. On another note, groups like aespa, CORTIS, LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and more popular artists haven’t made their comebacks yet this year.

It will be mentally tough, though, since ENHYPEN fans were saddened by Heesung’s departure. I think his departure is linked to past controversies as an idol. Others said it wasn’t his decision but his label’s. I was also sad to hear that NewJeans’ Danielle was removed from the group. There are also rumors that Minji was removed as well. Not directly related to K-Pop, but HYBE also put Manon from KATSEYE on temporary hiatus due to health reasons. Like Heesung, there seems to be a disconnect between Manon’s personal statement and her label.

That’s just my two cents.