🧵 1/2
Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen WJSN – Bloom Hour.

What a difficult decision it was this week!I had to choose between “Rude” stages, RESCENE, IVE, but I finally settled on WJSN – Bloom Hour. I ‘m not going to complain about being spoiled for choice, especially after an opening to the year in which offerings seemed sparse.

“Bloom Hour” is WJSN’s first comeback in almost four years. I was looking forward to the release because the 2018 "Save Me, Save You" delighted me, and this delight has not faded as I have explored both their prior and subsequent releases, not withstanding the tension that developed when they competed against LOONA, another group that I followed, during “Queendom”.

Consequently, “Bloom Hour” means a lot to me, a sentiment reinforced by the valedictory sound of the song and implications of the lyrics. Nevertheless, I recognize that it is not the best track they have ever released; although I like the song, I did feel that the instrumentation felt weak as the first verse opened. My spirits were lifted by the chorus, and I absolutely loved the final, very third generation, bridge and final chorus with ad libs.

I wonder how this song comes across to somebody who isn’t familiar with WJSN, which in turn raises questions in my mind of a more general nature, regarding the part played by prior knowledge and expectation in our perception and judgment of art.

I’ve seen a good deal of criticism online of the video as looking “cheap”, especially when compared with “Blackhole”, the release this week from their agency Starship’s currently most popular girl group, IVE. I liked the “Bloom Hour” video, because I do not equate a big budget with artistic excellence; I thought that the studio and dressing room scenes suited the song, and I enjoyed that final transition to a flowery hillside which was the subject of online nitpicking. I do wonder, though, how WJSN feel about Starship’s relegating them when compared with IVE; perhaps they just accept this as the natural course of events in the life of idols, perhaps they are more concerned with their own individual careers in drama and musicals, or perhaps they feel hurt at being cast aside. I suppose we’ll never know.

I do know that the members of WJSN are some of the most beautiful idols in Kpop. Everybody looks gorgeous in their own way here, and my only complaint is that neither Luda nor Dawon were able to lend either their visuals or their voices to “Bloom Hour”.

But wait! There’s more….

WJSN – Bloom Hour
https://youtu.be/ItvDjeiqdlE?si=KOHHtPyYgsyFShGp

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #BloomHour #WJSN
@kpop@fedigroups.social @kpop@a.gup.pe

IVE -- Blackhole
https://youtu.be/1Lmy7qwmSMc?si=ehVAnOGbB0oIxumX

I'll be posting my #KpopOfTheWeek over the weekend, but I did want to note "Blackhole" today as I think it's the best IVE title track since "I AM". I'm enjoying the epic anthem sound, and this is one of those releases where it's the MV rather than a stage or performance video that does the sound justice.

I have to say, though, that some of the outfits are not my cup of tea, but I'm not going to whinge at length about that.

#Kpop #IVE #Blackhole

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen Hearts2Hearts – Rude.

Loved everything about the chorus and Carmen and Ye-on's parts. In general I enjoy the bouncy, ultimately disco derived house sound. I wish they had gone a little lighter on the rap and I am afraid that Stella's English passage was a painful reminder that I am not in the target market.

The MV has a lot going on but does not feel cluttered to me. Lots of great outfits, but my favourites were the tennis dresses.

Overall, I liked "Rude" a lot and can see why this bright sound works for them; it works for this fan too!

Yet I must say that I hope that they will return at some point to the more mysterious atmosphere of "The Chase".

No doubt when it comes to my opinion though, SM couldn't even care less...

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #Hearts2Hearts
#Rude #GirlGroups @kpop@fedigroups.social @kpop@a.gup.pe

Hearts2Hearts -- Rude
https://youtu.be/F7sGJVUrkjQ?si=bVlpKzcLywEF8Mss

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen Fifty Fifty – Wish You Were Here.

Unlike many men of my age, I have never treasured the original Pink Floyd song as an especially meaningful all time favourite; I quite like it, but it's never occurred to me to think of 'Wish You Were Here" as outstanding in any way.

The Fifty Fifty cover, on the other hand, has impressed me. I much prefer the instrumentation here, but above all the girls' timbres, ad libs, and harmonies make this version strike sympathetic chords within me in a way that the original has never done.

I hope Fifty Fifty continue with songs like this, "Gravity", or "When You Say My Name" -- that is, material which allows them to show off their vocal talents to their best advantage. As well as finding them pretty and charming, I like their singing so much that I feel I must support them even if come out with songs like "Skittles" that I do not care for at all.

Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd (Official FIFTY FIFTY Cover)
https://youtu.be/vJYWz7gvKzM?si=j4YHD5oCmP-9fySS

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #FiftyFifty
#WishYouWereHere #PinkFloyd #Rock #GirlGroups

@kpop@fedigroups.social @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen dodree – Born.

How much of a market will there be for dodree's music outside Korea? I like it, and I'm not Korean, but I don't know if I'm an outlier.

I hope they continue in this vein.

dodree –Born
https://youtu.be/jbfRbKK0d08?si=we90pj-Y_VOkVxUu

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #Dodree #Born
@kpop@fedigroups.social @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen XG – Hypnotize.

Although I wouldn’t put XG in my top tier of groups, I’ve definitely been warming up to them since the release of “Gala” last year. The MV for “Hypnotize” is striking, but I’ve chosen this stage because dancing seems appropriate for the disco/house/club sound. Chisa looks great, especially with her pink pixie cut!

XG -- Hypnotize
https://youtu.be/nFxCY9vrQwA?si=iSWM_AT9g0oCVxX3

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #XG #Hypnotize #Jpop #Kjpop #Jkpop #GlobalPop #KpopStyling
@kpop@fedigroups.social @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen Dodree –Just Like A Dream

Difficult to classify generically –neotrad dreamtrot pop? – but easy to choose as Kpop of the Week. I love both the vocals and the visuals.

Dodree –Just Like A Dream
https://youtu.be/PqWApYzlfrU?si=nR9ZVwHKY0fyTh7o

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #Dodree #JustLikeADream
@kpop@fedigroups.social @kpop@a.gup.pe

🧵 1/2

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen ARTMS -- Butterfly Effect.

This fancam from Cologne of one of my favourite ARTMS songs (starts at 46:17) makes me think that I should go see Kpop live...but then this fancam has been shot from such an advantageous spot that I wonder if my actual experience would be an anticlimax.

I derive so much pleasure from the performance and visual aspects of Kpop, which makes it interesting to compare my response to this performance of "Butterfly Effect" with my feelings towards...

https://youtu.be/ugeO4xseggc?si=BTFYZShTj9xvw701&t=2777

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #ARTMS #ButterflyEffect #GirlGroups

@kpop

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen H1--KEY -- Not Like A Movie.

Although I enjoyed the rock sound that this group have had on their last couple of title tracks, I prefer to hear them on a mid-tempo track like this, as I feel this type of song shows off their vocals to the best advantage.

This song came out towards the end of December but does not seem to have received much attention subsequently. Perhaps the agency should have ensured that the song title is immediately visible in English on the YouTube MV to facilitate exposure beyond Korea.

Yel, the one with the ponytail, is my current H1-KEY bias, but this could all change by next week!

https://youtu.be/JRtR_vm7ilA?si=zWsxebFa0fdbPEls

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #H1KEY #NotLikeAMovie #Yel #GirlGroups

@kpop@fedigroups.social @KpopGG4ever
@kpop@chirp.social

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen Hearts2Hearts -- Genie.

I love H2H, "Genie" is one of my favourite Kpop songs, so how could I not feature this?

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #Hearts2Hearts #H2H #Genie #GirlsGeneration

@kpop@fedigroups.social @KpopGG4ever
@kpop@chirp.social

Hearts2Hearts -- Genie -- KBS 251230
https://youtu.be/uBVjEk5HKC4?si=rhPJ64yKCQuRcJ4I

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen Lovelyz – Twinkle – KBS 2025 Global Festival.

This reunion was an unexpected treat. Although Jin was not there, and Lee Sujeong, formerly known as BabySoul, was looking haggard, the sound of theintroduction and Mijoo’s “Merry Christmas!” warmed the cockles of this aging fan’s heart.

Does anybody else in the Fediverse like Lovelyz?

Lovelyz – Twinkle -- 2025 KBS Gayo Daechukje (Song Festival) Global Festival -- 251219
https://youtu.be/NNCE2IZXGbY?si=CCcq6ri0KUhw892X

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #Lovelyz #Twinkle #KBSGlobalFestival2025

@kpop@fedigroups.social @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every weekend I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen NMIXX – High Horse – Live Clip.

NMIXX have a well deserved reputation for their vocal prowess, but their choreo impresses me too. I particularly like seeing Bae dance – watch this video to the end!

https://youtu.be/kbEYcW_ffjI?si=pSgTD28IGUzpo8b3

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #NMIXX #HighHorse #GirlGroups

@kpop@fedigroups.social @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen XLOV -- Biii:-P -- Music Bank -- 251205.

Some other Fediverse Kpop fans have been enthusiastic about this group, so I thought I would check them out.

The first song I heard from them was "Bizness", which I absolutely loathed as far as the music was concerned.

A few days ago I came across this stage of "Biii:-P". The music was more my style, although it's unduly repetitive and could benefit from variation and a fuller development. I do find myself rather taken with the way they present themselves; they remind me of British pop both from the postpunk era and the glamrock look of the early seventies.

I hope their music improves, as they make for a refreshing presence on the Kpop scene.

https://youtu.be/GEGi689Uudo?si=xPH4aIMRQY2Bb_qt

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #XLOV#BiiiP #KpopStyling

@kpop@fedigroups.social @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen RESCENE -- Bloom -- On the Spot.

On the day of the Bloom MV release, I noted how it was "my Kpop cup of tea".

I'm posting this performance video not because I dislike the MV, but on account of 1TheK providing the opportunity to enjoy the choreo. Watching these girls dance and hearing their singing, especially in that two part chorus, is such a joy.

Having a video like this shot outside in the sunshine makes a nice change from studio sets. I like all the outfits, even though I'm puzzled about May's; why does it not co-ordinate with those worn by the others?

Anyway, I shall have more to say about one of my favourite girl groups before the year ends!

https://youtu.be/kjvlrGs5f7c?si=MDY8uyG4sxeEgkxH

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #Bloom #RESCENE #1TheK #KpopStyling #GirlGroups

@kpop@fedigroups.social @kpop@a.gup.pe

@toblaveistobluff

Hello,

I've just finished listening to your podcast about your discovery of Kpop.

As an older male Kpop fan whose first degree was in philosophy and who loved the Loona project while Jaden Jeong was at the helm, I very much enjoyed hearing what you had to say.

I see you've joined Mastodon fairly recently. I know that it can be difficult at first to find people in the Fediverse with whom one shares interests, so I thought that you might like to start following Kpop fans included in this starter pack compiled by @pixelcats , who is a very active, generous, and knowledgeable fan of long standing.

https://fedidevs.com/s/MTc5/

Even though we are a small community here , you should find all sorts of interesting people to follow.

I post my #KpopOfTheWeek each weekend; you can get some idea of my tastes by browsing that hashtag. I post quite a lot of other non-Kpop stuff too.

I look forward to seeing your posts too, whether they be pictures of your favourite idols, #BestOfKpop2025, or musings on what Marcuse would have had to say about mixxpop -- or any of the other topics you mention in your header.

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen KIIRAS – Bang Bang! -- It's Live.

No apologies for featuring this song once again. These girls can sing! The "It's Live" format suits this kind of song particularly well.

The outfits matter here. The denims strike me as so ugly that I am reassured that my love for Kpop is not just a passion for seeing pretty people in pretty dresses.

https://youtu.be/LGQeXmUXkeo?si=P6va8J62dxWygwBd

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #BangBang #KIIRAS #ItsLive #KpopStyling #GirlGroups

@kpop@fedigroups.social @kpop@a.gup.pe

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen KIIRAS – Bang Bang!

Songwriting that doesn't shy away from a rather older Kpop sound, impressive vocals, and an entertaining MV make this week's choice a pleasure.

https://youtu.be/Ocq_FIVfFGU?si=jZ9jVFjzbQR1HZ1y

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #BangBang #KIIRAS #GirlGroups

@kpop@fedigroups.social @kpop@a.gup.pe

#KpopMonday #ThisOrThat

NMIXX -- Love Me Like This -- Performance Video
https://youtu.be/Vt4JMe-I0cE?si=ebvRjZv37DcgND7X

If you follow my #KpopOfTheWeek, you'll know that I have been getting into NMIXX in recent months.

This track scores on both "this" and "that"!

#Kpop #NMIXX #LoveMeLikeThis

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen NMIXX – Reality Hurts.

Another striking video from NMIXX. Starting from a low base at their debut, my esteem for this group has grown so much.

https://youtu.be/y4LlcShv9xs?si=THkmOT4AS_H33Hlk

#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #NMIXX #RealityHurts #GirlGroups

@kpop@fedigroups.social @kpop@a.gup.pe

🧵 1/2

Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in Kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen izna – Racecar.

A difficult choice this week, but I finally settled on this “Racecar” stage.

The song does not have a fully sung chorus, but I am not one of those who make it an inflexible rule to damn the “empty chorus” The prechorus works very well, and I like the vocals. I do wish the song had been extended.

I chose this stage because a restrained use of colour achieved that “unity without uniformity” look which I find so appealing. Kpop does not have to be all eyepopping colour and more of everything.

Look at the reply I am appending to this post to compare this stage with ….

https://youtu.be/BOgAW1c9rYQ?si=qfM23608YggKcN2p
#Kpop #KpopOfTheWeek #izna #Racecar #GirlGroups #KpopStyling

@kpop@fedigroups.social @kpop@a.gup.pe