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 at notable releases from Korean artists in a weekly format. This article looks at releases and comebacks from 14 -16 May 2018.

Kim Sungkyu – Shine
Released: 14 May

In a touching farewell to his fans before he enters the Korean army for his mandatory two years of service, the leader of the boy group Infinite held his first solo concert and proceeded to create a great memory for his fans. For those who couldn’t attend the concert, he decided to release his live rendition of his song Shine as a music video, with clips of the concert and some behind the scenes footage of his last goodbyes. The song is uplifting, fun and part of a truly emotional package. We look forward to seeing Sungkyu return in two years time.

N.Flying – How R U Today
Released: 14 May

Changing up their style and trying something a bit different to what we are used to from N.Flying, they have taken a more serious and soft pop/rock approach to their latest single. The music video features the members in bright contrasting colours performing in what looks like a rooftop of a barn. It’s good to see these artists taking a big risk to try something different. The song may be different from our expectations, but you can at least see the band learning and growing to find their own style.

Cross Gene – Fly
Released: 15 May

The K-pop scene has taken the trendsetting reggaeton genre with open arms and created the perfect summer songs for 2018. Cross Gene are also part of this new trend and have presented their new song with a colourful and fun music video that features choreography that is aimed to get you up off your seat and dancing along. The lyrics are cute, the vocals are powerful, and it’s truly great to see the members having the time of their life. Look out for one of the best derp moments ever recorded midway through the video.

Youngjae – At The Usual Time
Released: 15 May

One of the hot new K-dramas that’s currently running is Wok Of Love. It has a large star-studded cast and it seems that they were really interested in Youngjae from GOT7, so much so that they asked him to do the theme song for the drama. With a great mix of English and Korean lyrics, a strong and powerful voice, and a rock band backing track, the song is catchy, completely different from what’s currently being released, and very fitting to the drama itself. This is a completely different genre and style to what GOT7 usually do, and it’s so great to see the members releasing tracks in a style that pleases them. We look forward to more solo songs from Youngjae.

Baechigi – Do More (FEAT. Babylon)
Released: 16 May

Mixing modern day rap with retro classical vocals, jazz, pop and hip-hop, this song is in a class of its own and completely rocking! The music video is artistically dark and slightly terrifying (especially for those with a clown phobia), but don’t let the video turn you away from the song. Its fresh stance in the hip-hop scene has allowed it to stand out in front of many other releases this month, and it is truly a song not to be missed. There is certainly a skater vibe to it, like it should be featured on a new Tony Hawk game.

Honey Pepper – The Long Way
Released: 16 May

Mixing things up a bit, indie band Honey Pepper have released The Long Way as a soft rock ballad. The lead singer’s vocals are rough and not by far the most perfect, which gives the song a unique and beautiful collaboration between vocals and the backing track. The music video is very simple and focuses completely on the artists and their lyrics to tell the story behind the song. It would be great to see more artists like Honey Pepper coming forward, being recognised for their talent and becoming more mainstream.

Kanto – Salty
Released: 16 May

This cute, funny, quirky and colourful release by Kanto has completely solidified him as an artist to watch in the future. Mixing some jazz with deep bass and soft vocal rapping places him on a pedestal all on his own. The video is extremely bright, fun and certainly doesn’t take itself seriously. Plus, Kanto looks to be having so much fun on the set. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, then this is your go-to song for 2018. If you’re not smiling by the end of it then watch it again.

Z A K U Z I – Squall
Released: 16 May

Zakuzi is definitely the Sam Smith of Korea, with powerful well-controlled vocals that have a raspiness to them that is addictive to listen to. Mixed with the upbeat trap backing music, this is a match made in heaven. The song is soft but upbeat, calming yet energetic, it’s like Zakuzi sends you up and down hills with his singing skills and it creates a great chilled out vibe. This is one of those songs that’s going to get you off your seat at a party, with your drink in hand and you’re going to dance like no one is watching. A perfect summer song.

Keem Hyo Eun – World Is Mine
Released: 16 May

Taking things back a step, the opening to this song sounds slightly reminiscent to Tuxedo Mask’s theme from Sailor Moon. But things are not as they seem. With a simple guitar and drum backing beat, Keem Hyo Eun spits some amazing lyrics as he raps his way through the song. His rap and flow are strong, controlled, relaxed and it’s extremely easy to hear each and every word. The backing keeps with the Spanish romantic theme and it’s like a whole new genre has been born once again.

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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