Kpop: Momoland (모모랜드)

Momoland is one of the debuts last autumn that I was a bit hard on, as their video and song is actually of good quality. The name of the song I think is onomatopoeic for "crash!, boom!, bang!" which is what they sing about - a love that comes suddenly. The video is really what attracted me and the song works fine too.

• Momoland - JJan! Koong! Kwang!(짠쿵쾅)

Kpop: Top Secret (일급비밀)

As with several other pre-debut kpop projects before them, for their debut 7Stone changed name to TopSecret, probably as a part of optimizing the media attention if their earlier process haven't gained traction. I do think it may help here, as their first video "She" is quite nice. They have really gone for the "innocent" look that is the most common initial first phase of kpop groups, with pastelle colors and a light sound. And there is lots of fan-service, even some implied boys-on-boys love (that lipstick kiss!), so as one commenter said "Nooo i can't stan anymore groups! lol". Indeed. ;-)

• Top Secret - She

Kpop: O21

While many kpop debut group still start of with a "cute" concept in their first video, especially the ones from the bigger entertainment companies, O21 goes a bit further with their "Show Me". The six rookies goes for sexy and (which I like) uptempo pop. The other intersting fact is that the the "leader" Wei Yang is Chinese and 1theK is doing this as a joint cooperation with a Chinese company. Again the enormous interest (and thereby market) for kpop in China affects kpop positioning. Anyway, I like this.

• O21 - Show Me

Kpop: KNK (크나큰)

When KNK debuted in mars everyone agreed that though the song started OK, the refrain was really great. With the second single "Back Again", ts the other way around - it starts off nicely and catches you from the start - but then refrain doesn't delivers on that promise. Its not bad mind you, just not special. Both songs are really promising though, and there seems to be a positive evolution. Third single, ultimate success?

• KNK - Back Again
• KNK - Knock