This week’s chart has a lot more upcoming artists or singers from not so well-known backgrounds, though some of them you may have heard before without realizing. They are all extremely talented and bring a different vibe to the abrupt and overpowering K-pop scene. So take your time, grab a drink, put your earphones on and experience a new style of Korean music that isn’t so mainstream.

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 April 26 – 29 2018.

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Kim Bumsoo – I Love You (FEAT. Hyunmin)
Released: April 26

Known for his features on K-drama soundtracks, as well as his powerful vocals as a ballad singer and an extremely talented songwriter, Kim Bumsoo certainly has a talent for knowing when a song or singer will be the next biggest thing. In this case, the Korean model Hyunmin shares his visuals for the music video breaking the normal routine for idols and their music videos. The song is extremely soulful and is one of the songs on his new album Make 20 – which celebrates his 20 years in the industry. Piano’s, Drums, Saxophones and many other instruments make one absolutely stunning and heartfelt backing tracks, accompanied by Bumsoo’s heavenly vocals, which leave us with goosebumps.

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MeloMance – Just Friends
Released: April 26

The duo known as MeloMance are known for surprising K-idol fans when they swept the charts with their previous release Gift back in February, which was the soundtrack song for the hit K-drama “Because This Is My First Life”. With soft and well-pronounced vocals, a quiet piano that is accompanied by a small string orchestra, the setting is natural and simple. Having the pressure of being an instant hit already this year, it could have had some strain on the song to be something that’s in trend – but the duo kept their ground and have created an absolutely stunning ballad piece. Around the 2.50 mark, be sure to catch the power in those voice pipes.

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Sunwoo Junga & The Barberettes – Outside The Chart
Released: April 26

The barberettes are slowly becoming a household name for K-pop fans, but they aren’t your usual kind of Korean idols. The barberettes are a retro Korean Doo-Wop trio who are well-known for their acapella releases. As for Sungwoo Junga, she is known for working with the likes of IU, G-dragon, and SanE, whilst being a big name in the indie scene or as a collaborative artist, you rarely get to hear her voice under such calming tones. There is something very mellow and cheeky about the song, keeping in the style of both the solo and trio of artists, there is a great balance of retro Doo-Wop with indie undertones. Definitely different, and very much that token coffee shop song.

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Ted Park – Hands In The Air (FEAT. Jay Park)
Released: April 26

Being a Korean-American himself, featured artist Jay Park understands the struggles of making it big in America, let alone in Korea with the underground K-Hip-Hop scene. So to see him giving his full support to Ted Park really is a blessing in disguise. Ted park has an incredible flow when performing and has even been featured on the Billboard charts with previous releases, but there is something endearing when an artist goes back to his roots and can make it big. The song is uplifting, bright and fun, some sexual innuendos express the cheekiness both singers posess, but the song itself has the ability to brighten your day. It is a grower, but give the song a chance.

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Zai.ro – When Are You Coming?
Released: April 26

Reggaeton is a huge deal in Korea and in the music industry worldwide, But within the K-music industry they like to experiment by adding soft angelic vocals, and some dreamy new age pop music on top to create a whole new genre. Since 2015 Zai.ro has been releasing his own music, but recently his fan base has been growing as he seduces more listeners with his beautiful vocals. We were really impressed with his singing style, but even more impressed when we found out the awesome guitar riff at the end is actually played by Zai.ro himself. We have said in the past that we will be exploring weird and wonderful music – we can honestly say this song is in the wonderful category.

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BrotherSu – Whats Wrong With U (FEAT. Gaeko)
Released: April 27

Kim Hyung-Su, better known as BrotherSu (It’s a play on words, in Korean Hyung means “Brother”) debuted back in 2010 and since his first release, he has just grown in musical ability with huge leaps and bounds. Keeping to his usual upbeat pop song with Hip-Hop collaborations, he mixes his comedic personality through his music video. BrotherSu’s vocals are easily distinguishable, and the more you listen to the song the more you realise that the music is faint compared to his voice. This is something that never usually happens as vocals can be a little out of tune, but it seems that this singer has true  confidence in his singing skills, and rightly so.

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Berrygood HeartHeart – Crazy, Gone Crazy
Released: April 27

The first sub-unit of BerryGood, HeartHeart explores a completely different path than their main group. Consisting of sexy choreography, a sexy video, and a song that we can only guess is about sexual frustration, it is a complete change from their usual girly school girl concepts. We fully support groups creating sub-units, and we definitely are not disappointed with song choice or concept – an extremely catchy hook and chorus, with a slightly retro late 90’s mixed with early 2010 pop backing track and alluring vocals, our only wish was that a little more time or consideration was made for the music video. We feel the styling wasn’t up to the concept of the song, and in some way, it does feel rushed.

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DAWN – Kuma
Released: April 27

Slowly becoming a regular on our charts, DAWN is one of those indie singers and songwriters who just seems to captivate the listener with each and every release. Yet again we are completely smitten with this slightly lyrically-edgy Korean and English mixed Hip Hop song.  Although we feel the song is super short, we would have loved to have seen another chorus drop and a longer ending piece – The song is one of those that can fit your rebellious mood and fill your soul with passion. Instead of being super hardcore and out to prove a point, the vocals, rapping style, and lyrics have that welcoming feeling.

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Dasom Kyung – Fall In Love
Released: April 29

With an extensive musical background, Dasom Kyungs musical abilities know no bounds, from writing, producing and performing, Dasom’s talents are phenomenal. Sweet high tones, a light yet fun uplifting dreamy music base, we certainly get that spring feeling when listening to her latest release and the music video also helps with that “Just fallen in love” vibe. As a completely underrated performer, we would love to see more from Dasom Kyung, maybe even some collaborations or featured on some Rom-Com K-dramas, he voice and style are the perfect fit for a drama soundtrack.

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As there have been a lot of releases this week, be sure to check back for the second installment of K-music week in review, which will look at releases from 30 April – 2 May 2018

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