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 16 – 18 April 2018.

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IMFACT – The Light
Released: 16 April

Known for being the kings of soundtrack music, IMFACT are back to claim their position as great K-pop artists. With a modern and aesthetically pleasing music video, strong vocals and rapping, and a high strung, upbeat and EDM backing track, they certainly have a winning song. It’s a great combination of visuals and vocals, both of which will leave you grooving on the spot. So impressive is this release that it feels as if IMFACT are really underappreciated within the music scene, so hopefully they will get more recognition.

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Jung Dong Ha – If You Love
Released: 16 April

For those who are K-drama addicts, you may understand when saying that the song might remind you of a Joseon period drama. There is the same ethereal soft and lingering sound to the vocals and music. A classical background track with Jung Dong Ha’s soft and delicate voice, this is a different kind of ballad. A really beautiful track with a very pretty and sad music video. Definitely one to listen to.

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VIXX – Scentist
Released: 17 April

We have been waiting so long for VIXX to make a comeback as a whole group, so it was pretty shocking to see the announcement that they will be back with a new full album. Scientist is their title track and as per usual we are greeted with one very aesthetically and artistically pleasing music video, with a mid-tempo upbeat track which has a mystical vibe. It’s great to see just how much the members have all grown up and how much their vocal skills have matured as well. Again another great release from the boys.

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JBJ – Call Your Name
Released: 17 April

Yet another underappreciated group is JBJ, and hopefully, with this new release, the boys will receive a little more love. If you’re looking for the perfect beach song this summer then this is the one for you. Fun, upbeat, light and generally a feel-good song, JBJ have shown that they can change their vocals and musical abilities to fit the seasons really well. From their first debt till now, the members have grown really well into their own style and have come together as a group that should be appreciated.

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Whee In – Easy
Released: 17 April

Spring is about the chilled vibes with strong vocals, sometimes throwing in a cheeky dance beat to lift the song a bit. In this case, the song features all the previous points, making Easy one of those go-to songs for the spring season. There is a nice mix of slow with fast, and an equal amount of pop vocals with rapping. It’s definitely a release not to be missed, especially for those feel-good moments.

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Jo Hyun Ah – After You
Released: 18 April

Bringing things back a bit to the more emotional side of the spring season, Jo Hyun Ah’s vocals are accompanied by a beautiful piano backing track that accentuates her voice to a new level. The music video tells a heartfelt story which links to the lyrics in the storytelling. Although it’s nice to have upbeat dance tracks, sometimes taking a step back to take in other emotions is also a nice way to express ourselves. Listeners are likely to feel emotional when hearing this song.

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Highteen – Timing
Released: 18 April

It’s been such a long time since we last saw Highteen in the charts, and it is great to see them back with such a strong and catchy release. Cheeky, fun and bouncy, the song and video will definitely make your heart skip a beat, along with a very addictive chorus and choreography. Hopefully these girls will grow further as entertainers. A great track if you’re looking for a feel-good song.

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Hyo – Sober (FEAT. Ummet Ozcan)
Released: 18 April

Most commonly known as Hyoyeon from the girl group SNSD (Girls Generation), she is now exploring her own musical talents as a solo artist. Her release of Sober is extremely empowering to women worldwide, with a music video that features girls rebeling against the social norms and expressing themselves thoroughly. Hyoyeon is also seen as being more empowered and carefree from her usual restraints in SNSD. The song is a dance track, with a great lyrical hook, and a great underlying message. Hopefully we’ll get to see a lot more of this kind of thing from Hyoyeon in the future, and would love to see her freedom become a platform for her to grow.

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Ha:TFELT – Pluhmm
Released: 18 April

We are so used to seeing the cute side of idols that when an idol creates a stir with a sexy concept, we are somewhat taken back. Ha:TFELT has tried to break that barrier by mixing cute visuals with sexually suggestive visuals and lyrics that are a play on words. The song is upbeat with hits of a sunset vibe; soft yet fierce enough to leave you humming the song all day long.

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NCT 2018 – Black On Black
Released: 18 April

Combining all of the NCT subgroups (NCT127, NCT Dream, NCT U) the members have created NCT 2018, which is the final line up for the year. Going into further detail about the group would require an article all to itself (think Japan’s AKB48, but in Korea and for males). Showing their unified group, Black On Black is one of the songs on the group’s recent album which caught a lot of attention from fans. It seems that SM Entertainment decided to grace all the fans with a choreography music video for the much-loved song. This is definitely not one to be missed, if not for the song, at least for the amazing dance.

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.