LOONA’s Why Not continues the Loonaverse Narrative

Posted on October 19, 2020 by thekpopsenpai

Woah, woah, woah, woah, woah

Finally, the Kpop group that I stan has returned to add some pump to my lonely existence. Anyway, LOONA’s back with “Why Not?” and I’m glad that the Loonaverse story line lives on.

If you’re able to be at least familiar with the theories connecting every LOONA MV ever, then “Why Not?” continues to confirm or maybe refute some speculations behind their Möbius strip. I won’t go into the details, because Google and Reddit are your best friends when it comes to that. A lot of the details seen throughout the MV are waiting to be dissected: the one eye color, the moons, Cheorry’s mirror, the sub-units gathered, 12:00, etc.

On the surface level, I’m glad to see ViVi rocking that orange hair with multiple lines. Sis deserves it! And Yeojin with that new styling is growing up right before my eyes. AND BLUE-HAIRED GOWON?? YES PLEASE! Bulma would be so proud. Of course, the rest of the members are good looking and fine as usual. It’s just that I’m lazy to describe each of them, but yeah #STANLOONA .

Song wise, it takes multiple listen for it to grow on me. As of now, I’m remain a “Butterfly” supremacist. Maybe I’m attached to the old LOONA sound that doesn’t cater to the mainstream girl crush trope. The chorus sounds good but can still do more. Still it’s a dance song that I wouldn’t hate, yet I obviously expect a lot more from my bias group. Perhaps I’ve been spoiled too much with their predebut releases. But hey, I’m here for the long term with them. love4eva, amirite?

So what’s next for LOONA? Will the next comeback still fall under the “girl crush” sound, will it be the return of the Butterfly era, or will it be something we’ve never seen before? It’s hard to predict what’s up with them, and I’m always thrilled for what they will serve. And while we’re at it, Why Not #StanLoonaIn2020 ?

BLACKPINK’s Lovesick Girls is the Comeback We’re Waiting For

Posted on October 5, 2020 by thekpopsenpai

Finally, an inspired-sounding title track from BLACKPINK. So far, Lovesick Girls is one of their better to best releases yet, as per my personal preference.

The overall sound has indie pop vibes that reminds me of Charli XCX’s SuperLove which is a song that I actually enjoy, hence making Lovesick Girls an instant bop. I also like the acoustic guitar bits sprinkled here and there. Each member’s part blends in well together to form a song that is made for a group. The chorus also has that LSS (Last Song Syndrome) factor which makes it hard to forget.

Now onto the MV, Rose’s bit of acting while in tears is actually eye catching. And their outfits are now more fashionable than ever with the emphasis of not outshining the other members. They have become fashion icons and are brand ambassadors that deserve to serve looks during their comeback.

I don’t wanna go over comparing the song to that of 2NE1, because it is never BP’s fault. So yeah, in itself, I like it. It’s a bop, it’s replayable, and it’s actually music.

Now YG, stop being sick for your ONLY GIRL GROUP’s releases. Do better!

Sunmi’s “Noir” Doesn’t Lie

Posted on March 20, 2019 by thekpopsenpai

When the MV came out, I have nothing but respect for Sunmi for calling out all the bullsheet and widespread online toxicity.

The warped reality of today, all for the sake of social media craze and online validation, is absolutely not worth it.

Doing challenges and filtering every little thing in life for online content? Really? Humans, we’re better than this. Since no one cares about what I say, at least listen to Madame Sunmi’s wisdom through her music. If what you do online seems meaningless, it really is useless. It’s not fun. You do you. Don’t be a normie.

Anyway, Noir’s strongest suit is the visual– the music video itself. Song is good too, but I personally like Siren’s groove better. And Sunmi, as a soloist, continues to deliver.

Sunmi is the Kpop we need and deserve!

The CROWN of TXT is Pretty Intense

Posted on March 5, 2019 by thekpopsenpai

The debut of TXT with CROWN literally looks and sounds pretty but comes with intense dance moves.

The boys were able to pull the cutesy, flower boy aura while dancing heavily. I don’t know how they do it, but they did. Also, I don’t know each of their names yet. I’m getting old to be a hardcore KPOP stan.

The center guy at the start, which is also a rapper, has caught my eyes. Kinda feels similar with BTS’s V, but perhaps that’s just the hair and the contacts. I mean, same company, same vibe.

TXT starts off with a high-end debut MV and takes the cute route to establish its own identity. Good moves, Big Hit. Now ARMYs will be your ally.

For me, the song is okay. Dance is good. MV is pretty pricey. And the members are undeniably pretty and fresh.

I really like the text message sound incorporated in some parts of the song. And I wonder if there will be theories during their comeback.

Bulletproof and No More Dream era will be missed. Got damn!

Butterfly by LOONA is the PERFECT KPOP comeback

Posted on February 19, 2019 by thekpopsenpai

I’ve been stanning LOONA since Yves’ introduction, so you guys should come join the fun.

During their debut, favOriTe had me hyped up. But, to be fully honest, Hi High was just okay. I mean, the quality of the predebut songs of each girl and each sub-unit was TOO HIGH of a standard.

The devil works hard, but BBC works harder. This comeback with Butterfly is not just a good KPOP song, but a good song overall. It just is good. This is next-level KPOP quality. This might change the KPOP music stereotype, for all we know.

Am I just a hardcore orbit or Butterfly is that good?!

P.S.
#STANLOONA

BLACKPINK’s US Debut Doesn’t Look Good

Posted on February 13, 2019 by thekpopsenpai

Literally I don’t like their uncoordinated outfits on these live US TV shows. The BLACKPINK I remembered was a group of fashion idols. They seriously have the best outfits/dresses during award shows back in South Korea. So what’s up with their overseas look?

Now they’re just the BLACKPINK that I used to know

Promoting them on the west is not a problem with English-speaking members, but I think YG is in a hurry with this out-of-nowhere US TV debut. Either I’m way out of the Kpop loop or the lack of marketing is strong in this one.

Sure, BLACKPINK is popular. But they have like what… 9 songs. A whooping 9 out of the other songs better than DDU-DU DDU-DU for a live performance. Heck, they could have performed Whistle in English or BOOMBAYAH for an energetic dance. For real, BLACKPINK could have shown better and YG could have done better. Idk, everything just feels rushed.

The only girl group under YG yet they still need more attention.

Even Google knows the problem

ITZY’s DALLA DALLA is not enough

Posted on February 11, 2019 by thekpopsenpai

The hype for ITZY’s debut is real. And the girls have proved their skills and visuals through various survival shows. The expectation was high, and the teaser was ready to blow our minds.

…Only to release a full debut song that was… a mix of misplaced things. I’m not a hater, but I’m not a fan of mish-mash KPOP songs that tries to put all things together. If DALLA DALLA wants to show ITZY’s swag, then so be it. But what it showed me was an attempt to be a girl crush whilst preserving the cutesy bits. And that ain’t it chief.

The visuals of the girls, the colors, the outfits, and the MV’s production are all good. Nothing to question there. The lyrics are empowering, I guess. Going against the current and being different. But overall? I mean, JYP debut songs for its girl groups have always been good: Irony, Bad Girl Good Girl, and Like OOH-AHH. So what happened with DALLA DALLA?

ITZY will still get the Rookie Award for new KPOP girl group this year, for sure. But yeah, I’m underwhelmed with this debut song. I hope they have a good comeback though. Soon?

Psy’s P NATION plans to catch ’em all

Posted on January 27, 2019 by thekpopsenpai

Should I be the English writer for P NATION?
Inetz represent, ya know

We all know Psy–the Korean dude that broke the Internet à la Oppa Gangnam Style. And from a new face to a new start comes the launch of P NATION. Not only a motherfudgeking gentleman but also an entertainment company founder.

This new company means a new home for a variety of Kpop artists. And the first recruits are head-turners. Captured on Instagram, the first to sign was Jessi.

Girl got the swag, without a doubt. Missy Jessi knows her thing, music and entertainment wise. Signing to P NATION was undeniably a Gucci move.

Moving on from the solo-lo-lo-lo-lo

How about the idol couple that shook Kpop 2018? Well yeah, they’ve joined the P party. Hyuna didn’t collab with Psy for nothing.

Solid artist lineup so far. Might be that P stands for Power, since this rookie entertainment company is already gathering power performers. P NATION is off to a promising start, but we hope that doesn’t stop there.

Oh yeah…

If you’re wondering about P NATION’s recruitment, auditions, and all that stuff… I too need more details.

P NATION, spill the tea while it’s hot!

The Kpop Senpai

the Kpop blog that no one asked for

Tag Archives: Kpop