K-Music Week In Review: Twice, EXO CBX, Eric Nam and More!

K-Music Week In Review: Twice, EXO CBX, Eric Nam and More!

0 comments 📅12 April 2018, 16:15

With so many releases happening each week, we have split our weekly 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 9 – 11 April 2018.


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JK Kim Dong Uk – Reminder
Released: 9 April

Taking things back in time with a retro sound within a modern day setting, JK Kim Dong Uk lends his aged, husky vocals to a rock background. At first, the song is light-hearted, but it slowly begins to pick up as a gradual drum beat is added to the piano and guitar base. It’s a really beautiful track that isn’t like any of the songs being released by other K-pop artists. Age is by no means a matter of talent or skill; the singer’s talent is obvious, and the song’s meaning is sad yet heartwarming. The video tells a simple story with no flashy CGI, just great editing and camera work.

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Twice  – What Is Love?
Released: 9 April

So you think you’re a movie buff? Then tell us how many movies there are featured in Twice’s new music video. Twice have stylishly recreated key scenes from some of the biggest and most loved movies in their latest video. With a mix of choreography and movie storylines, it is one of our favourites this week. The song is upbeat and fun, extremely catchy, and very recognisable as a Twice song. They haven’t exactly pushed the boat out on this track but instead stuck with doing what they do best.

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Eric Nam – Potion (FEAT. Woodie GoChild)
Released: 9 April

Eric Nam has been spoiling us this week, with his Latin American, Mexican, Spanish themed music video and song for Potion. He then released Honestly on 11 April. It’s great to see Eric back in the charts again, this time with a more masculine look and music style. There are only so many ballads a singer can make, and it’s really great to see him breaking his own boundaries and exploring new music genres. Both songs are chilled, suave and highly addictive to listen to. Visually the music videos certainly show the cheekier side to Eric’s personality, but also express the passion and liveliness of the music. Two great songs!

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Oh Manseok – Dulcinea
Released: 9 April

With the new cast for the upcoming Man Of La Mancha musical that will be showing in Korea throughout April and May, Oh Manseok has released his rendition of the hit single from the musical Dulcinea. With controlled vocals accompanied by a live orchestra, the song is authentic to its background and theme, as well as being smooth and calm enough that it is highly pleasing to the ears. Definitely one of the songs recommended for newcomers to the Korean musical scene. Take it slowly before getting on to the more intense songs.

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Gunmin X Heedo – Don’t Worry
Released: 9 April

Mixing soft vocals with a deep and husky rap, this collaboration works extremely well. It’s yet another example of Korean artists mixing both the K-idol world and the rappers underground together to form a new genre of music and to show that there are no barriers where music is concerned. The video shows the pair hard at work, giving it their all with the keywords of the song being “Don’t Worry“. It’s classic in its ways, but modern in its approach.

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EXO CBX – Blooming Day
Released: 10 April

It’s always a given that no matter what EXO CBX release, it’s going to be a bop that we are going to love. This is no exception. Upbeat, dancey, fun and extremely arty, this song is addictive to the point you will be attempting the choreography and singing the chorus straight away. The music video is a piece of art by itself, with beautiful visuals, and great editing and camera work, with some great close-ups of the members. As a whole package, this retro-esque release is right up our street and a perfect song for spring and summer. Get your glad rags on and get ready to boogie!

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Hyeongseop X Euiwoong – Love Tint
Released: 10 April

Originally part of the Korean TV elimination talent show Produce 101 S2, this duo joined forces with their beautifully combined vocals and created their own path into the music world. Upbeat fun with a teenage charm, the song is unique in its own way, but still recognisable as a K-pop song. The video is bright with cute moments, featuring close-up imagery of the duo as they explore Korea, Japan and the US. This song is meant for moments where you’re out for a walk along a beach, or just out and about whilst the sun shines brightly.

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DK (Seventeen) – Tempted
Released: 10 April

We first had Seventeen member Seungkwan singing his soundtrack song, now we have member DK with his soundtrack for the K-drama The Great Seducer. With heartbreaking vocals and lyrics, DK is fully able to show the power and growth of his vocals. The orchestra backing music fits perfectly with the key points of the song, leaving us swooning in our seats. It’s typical of the K-drama ballad genre and it sets the mood that is needed. We are just happy that more K-idols are breaking away from their groups to pursue solo activities where we can hear their voices alone.

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Lee Changmin – Think Too much
Released: 11 April

Better known for being a member of 2AM, Lee Changmin is fully taking hold of his solo release and has gone for a genre he is most suited for – a pop-ballad. His powerful vocals are mixed with a soulful and slightly jazzy backing track, making for a smooth, light and dreamy song. It’s another one of those tracks that you expect to hear playing whilst you sit in one of those beautiful and arty indie coffee shops. The music video is simple and generally revolves around Changmin. Also, it’s predominantly monochrome, giving the video an edginess.

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Yoo Seonho – Maybe Spring
Released: 11 April

Fan’s of the Studio Ghibli movies will fully love and understand when we say that this would be great as a theme song for a Ghibli movie. Bright, inspiring and soft, there is emotion and feeling within Seonho’s vocals, which are dreamy and perfect. The video reflects the song perfectly, featuring Seonho doing a collection of random daily things. With beautiful camera work and editing the video is artistic and extremely representative of spring – just look at those colours and the vibrancy of the video itself. A great one to listen to as you get ready to leave the house in the morning.

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Once again this week has had some amazing releases, and sadly we couldn’t add them all to the list. So a few special mentions go to Ezen with the band’s release of Clap. The video shows behind the scenes of some of the events the band has performed at – as well as some great music and vocals on their behalf.

Horim sets a classic American blues vibe with Sug4r (FEAT. Paloalto). Smooth vocals mixed with a beautiful flowing rap, combined with an artful video. It’s one not to be missed.

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

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