With so many releases happening in one week, there simply wasn’t enough room to make one article, so we have split the week review into two articles to make things more convenient. Our Weekly K-music Review posts are here to give you a helping hand and a quick look back to the notable releases from Korean artists in a weekly format. This article looks at releases and comebacks from 5-7 March 2018.

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Wanna One – I.P.U
Released: 5 March

Prior to the Wanna One’s official comeback with their album 0+1=1 I Promise You, the group has released a special track titled I.P.U. It’s cute, sweet and upbeat, something that could appeal to more than just Wanna One’s fans. The MV uses the colours blue and orange predominantly along with monotones which allows the viewer to concentrate on the members and the song, not to mention a simplistic yet mesmerising choreography.

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Noel – our last day
Released: 5 March

Noel is known for being a band that has collaborated with many K-dramas in the past, along with releasing some of the most beautiful ballad albums since 2002. our last day is no exception to their past, and once again their vocals and lyrics are able to make even the coldest of hearts flutter. A story is told throughout the MV, and we feel that language is no barrier when listening to any songs by Noel as you really do feel the emotion invested into the vocals.

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Stray Kids – I am NOT
Released: 5 March

Technically this is not a single release and is classed as a trailer for what is to come from Stray Kids. Nevertheless, it was definitely worth a mention. I am NOT features a backing track that is reminiscent of the soundtrack from the movie Tron, vocals that express youths standing up for their individuality, and visuals that shows a world where the members of the group are being trained to be just like everyone else. If this trailer is anything to go, it seems fans have got some very exciting MV’s and songs to come in the near future.

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E.MEL – Walking In The Rain
Released: 5 March

Being an indie artist in Korea sadly means you don’t get as much recognition as you would expect, so when you hear E.MEL with amazing blues vocals you need to celebrate what you can. Mellow, old-school with a modern twist, Walking In The Rain is definitely a nod to classic blues. Although the song and MV are short, you truly get a feel for what the lyrics are about and the story that’s being told.

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Lee Seok Hoon – Story
Released: 6 March

Yet another K-drama soundtrack ballad, Lee Seok Hoon from SGWannabe has joined together with the drama Radio Romance to produce the heartfelt song Story. The MV shows key moments of the drama where the main characters feelings begin to change for each other, or when there are troubling times. Lee Seok Hoon’s vocals have always played a key point to many K-dramas, and this is no exception. Once again it leaves the listeners feeling deep emotions.

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MINSEO – The Grand Dreams
Released: 6 March

Youthful and bright are the best words to express the feeling of the song which is accompanied by a playful and fun MV. Featuring Minseo, who is trying to complete her own dreams of being a pilot of a plane, she also expresses her dream of getting married. As a whole, the song and video have a very bittersweet feeling with an underlying message to never give up dreaming.

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Mamamoo – Starry Night
Released: 7 March

Mamamoo are known for their perfect harmonising and powerful vocals, whilst switching their style from ballads to pop. Starry Night has a slight EDM-pop feel with the simple lyrics and melody. This is more a break into the summer kind of song rather than a spring song, but visually the MV has all the elements of a spring release. It is definitely a song to play whilst on the road or even getting ready for your night out.

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Monogram – Space Travel
Released: 7 March

With soft vocals that are dream-like, Space Travel is a perfect song for a listener who is wanting to express their happiness through music. Uplifting, personal and endearing Monogram have created a sound that is unique to them. The MV follows the pair as they travel the streets of Seoul with some pretty and on-trend editing. Previously Monogram had released The Child and Lucid Dream (which was part of the soundtrack to the K-drama While You Were Sleeping), but there is a vast contrast between the songs, and if possible a show of growth both lyrically and vocally.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the first article about K-music in the first week of March and be sure to join us in the future for more K-music Week In reviews.