Bunni Pop's February favourites: Featuring Epik High, BSS and 'Physical 100'
Let's have more fun K-pop comebacks, shall we?
Another month has passed, so it’s time for Bunni Pop’s monthly favourites! Here, I’ll break down some of the songs, shows and movies I’ve been consuming in the month of February.
Music
Epik High - Strawberry EP
Last year when I spoke to Tablo from Epik High, he contemplated what they wanted to do next after more than two decades together. It appears touring and performing was such a joy that they trio decided to put out some more new music, which resulted in their latest six-track EP, Strawberry.
Describing why the album is called Strawberry, Tablo explained it’s because it’s “sweet and fresh, which is what we wanted to do at the beginning of our 20th anniversary.”
“We thought that people would expect some music that is reminiscing and weighed down by the years, and we wanted to go against that expectation and just create something that sounds like three guys that just decided to create a group together. But strawberries are interesting because they’re so fragile; you can smash them up with your thumb but, somehow, they’ll stain on your table perfectly fine. And it reminds me of blood when it’s squished. So, there’s a little bit of pain in that sweetness. I think that that’s what Epik High is,” Tablo said in an interview with Billboard.
Listening to the album, it definitely sounds like Epik High is having a lot of fun, bringing voices like Hwasa and Jackson Wang along for the ride. Tablo himself has been heavily promoting the EP on social media, using memes to hilarious effect. I love that he’s kind of like the dad of Korean Hip hop and I am totally here for it!
And by the way, if you wanna see them on tour, they’re going to be in Canada in March!
BSS - Second Wind (Single Album)
Seventeen’s silliest sub-unit BSS made a long-awaited comeback with the release of their single album Second Wind.
The album is written specifically to motivate you at different points of the day from morning, noon to night. The BSS members have described the project as something to help you get through the busyness of the work and school week, which is SERIOUSLY needed as we try and get through the winter blues.
Yes, there’s absolutely nothing revelatory or deep about their new songs. However, releasing music just for the fun of it is seriously what K-pop needs.
I love avant-garde looks and sexy concepts as much as the next person. But, it just hits different when you see idols being themselves and having a good time. Seventeen had an incredibly busy year of touring and performances. I would argue BSS needed this comeback just as much as the fans did. More of this please!
Key - ‘Killer’
I can always count on the boys of SHINee to deliver a certified hit. First of all, the production level for the music video is top notch, beginning with Key on a motorcycle surrounded by flames.
The song itself is reminiscent of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights”, with ‘80s-style synth loops and a bustling beat. And once the chorus hits, Key delivers his best Michael Jackson-esque dance moves with dramatic flair.
What I love about SHINee is that the boys are never afraid to explore something avant-garde or theatrical. “Killer” is certainly up that alley.
The Boyz - ‘Roar’
Since The Boyz debuted in 2017, they have been described at “the chameleons of K-pop”. They can go from bright, colourful and youthful in songs like "Bloom Bloom" and sexy and intense in songs like "Stealer". They're also not above taking on creepier and darker concepts. In "Maverick”, The Boyz take on a dystopian storyline that has their bodies bloodied and pushed to the limit. That’s why I’ve always been interested to see what they would do next in their comeback “Roar.”
As a song, “Roar” kinda reminds me of EXO’s “Love Shot”, and the music video has The Boyz delivering a more sultry concept. I have to admit that it took me a few listens to truly get into the song. After all, it is a single best experienced as a performance. The choreography is really what sold it to me, and the dance break right before the final chorus is sublime.
oceanfromtheblue - ‘Close To You’
R&B singer-songwriter oceanfromtheblue released his first full-length album on Feb 2, and I was particularly struck by his single ‘Close to You’. His warm and soulful voice is perfect for listening to on a rainy day or a chill study session. The rest of his album itself melds elements of ballad, pop, disco, funk and alternative music.
I know I often talk about some of the more mainstream artists on this newsletter, but there are tons of gems in the K-indie scene as well that are definitely worth checking out!
Television
Physical:100
This show was super entertaining to watch! It took me back to my teenage days where I watched survival/strength shows like Amazing Race and American Gladiator religiously on a weekly basis.
Apart from an anti-climatic finale and episode three (I am sorry, that was repetitive and not a good use of screentime!!), I stayed mostly for the badass women who kept challenging stereotypes when men underestimated their abilities. It makes me so mad when the men get all ego-centric and macho because they think women aren’t strong enough. Thankfully, Jang Eun-sil was there to sit them down during her run on the show. “Do we look like ordinary women to you?” She is so iconic.
I also have to hand the biggest kudos to the production team, because the budget on this show must have been insane. I still cannot get over the first challenge where everyone had to hang on bars, and I am also so in awe of the ship moving quest. Whoever thought of this show definitely has a winner on their hands!
Though if I could make one suggestion…if the next season is going to bring 100 contestants again, I’d love for the show to find a new creative way to weed out half the competitors. Perhaps half the participants can do a wrestling challenge, and the other half can play one-on-one water polo? Just a thought…
Jinny’s Kitchen
If you’re a fan of variety series such as Summer Vacation and Youn’s Stay (Choi Woo-shik, Park Seo-joon and Jung Yumi make appearances or star in both!), you will definitely love Jinny’s Kitchen. And if you are BTS Army, you’ll be delighted to know that V, or Kim Taehyung, is also part of the show!
The show follows the crew as they help open a restaurant in Bacalar, Mexico, where they bring a Korean snack-filled menu of ramyeon, gimbap, and tteokbokki to tourists and locals.
Personally, I am a sucker for cooking shows because they are just perfect to watch as you unwind after a long day. I have also always been super impressed with Park Seo-joon’s cooking skills. Whereas, Choi Woo-shik and Kim Taehyung can be at times…questionable at best! (Don’t worry, I STILL LOVE THEM!!!)
Can’t wait to see what other shenanigans this lovable crew gets up to!
In other news…
Rocky leaves ASTRO and label Fantagio
The group ASTRO will continue as a group of five after Fantagio announced that member Rocky would be leaving the band following the expiration of his contract. Rocky has been with Fantagio for 14 years.
In a statement, Rocky thanked his fans (Arohas) and his fellow members for being his “biggest strengths.”
“Thanks to your overflowing love and encouragement, I could grow and learn a lot,” he continued.
”No matter where I am, I will not forget the memories I made with the members and AROHAs and cherish them carefully.”
Wishing Rocky all the best on his next endeavour!
J-Hope of BTS starts process to enlist in the military
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
It was announced Sunday that J-Hope is beginning the process of enlisting for mandatory military service, following in the footsteps of his fellow BTS member Jin.
“We would like to inform our fans that J-Hope has initiated the military enlistment process by applying for the termination of his enlistment postponement,” Big Hit Music said in the statement, adding it asked fans for their “continued love and support for j-hope until he completes his military service and safely returns.”
Following the announcement, J-Hope went on a livestream to speak with fans about his decision.
“I’ve been thinking about this since last year. After Jin went in, I wondered when I would do it too. When thinking about it, I decided that the sooner I go in, the sooner I can return and show you something good.”
Thankfully, there is more J-Hope content to come very soon before he goes off to training. Big Hit announced yesterday that J-Hope will be releasing a new single called “on the street” on March 3. Wishing our sunshine boy all the best on his next journey!
K-pop dominates IFPI Global Charts
It’s been a pretty big year for K-pop, especially for groups including BTS, Seventeen, and Stray Kids.
Last week, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), which represents the recording industry worldwide, named its top Global Recording Artist of the Year.
While Taylor Swift came in first for a third time, a number of K-pop artists made the top 10, including BTS (#2), Seventeen (#6) and Stray Kids (#7). Congratulations to all! All three also made IFPI’s Global Album chart along with Blackpink, who came in at #8.
If you’re in Toronto…stop by the new PLAY LINE FRIENDS pop-up!
I recently had a chance to preview the PLAY LINE FRIENDS pop-up store at the Toronto Eaton Centre.
It’s the fourth pop-up of its kind held by Canadian company Sukoshi Mart. And as someone with countless Tata and RJ dolls, I am really looking forward to adding to my collection!
If adorable plushies are your weakness, you’ll be happy to know the Play Line Friends pop-up officially opens to the public on March 2. Follow Sukoshi Mart on Instagram for more info on opening day offers and other updates!
Take a look inside the store below:
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Can't wait to check out your music recs! Physical 100 is still on the top of my watch list! Hopefully March will be a bit slower so I can catch up... but right now I've only got Yoongi on my mind! I NEED to secure tix for his tour!!!!