Bunni Pop's January favourites: Featuring TXT, Taeyang, 'The Glory' and 'Single's Inferno'
2023 is already off to a solid start!
Welcome to Bunni Pop’s monthly favourites. Here, i’ll break down some of the songs, shows and movies I’ve been consuming over the last month.
Music
Stamp on It by GOT the Beat
What if you took some of SM Entertainment’s most powerful female vocalists and made them into a group? That’s exactly what GOT the Beat is, with BoA (whose been around since she was 13 years old!) at the forefront.
The group is rounded out by members of Girls Generation (Taeyeon and Hyoyeon), Red Velvet (Seulgi and Wendy) and Aespa (Karina and Winter). Their single “Stamp on it”, released on January 1st, is a powerful dance track featuring some of K-pop’s best female idols at the very top of their game. While all the ladies kill it, this song belongs to Red Velvet’s Wendy for me. Back in 2019, she fell approximately 8.2 ft from a stage accident, fracturing her pelvis, wrist and suffered several facial injuries. It’s a miracle she’s performing the way she is right now. And as RV’s main vocalist, her vocal power is showcased beautifully on “Stamp on It.”
OMG by NewJeans
NewJeans haven’t even been around for a year and they’re already making history. “OMG” is an upbeat R&B song that mixes elements of hip-hop and trap. While its video can be interpreted as commentary on idol-fan relationships, the bouncy and energetic track is undoubtedly a certified bop that will likely be played year-round.
VIBE by Taeyang ft. Jimin of BTS
Nearly six years since his last solo release, Big Bang’s Taeyang reminds us he’s still got it with his 90s-style R&B track “Vibe.” This time, he brings BTS member Jimin along for the ride. I’ve been most curious about the type of work Jimin would do as BTS focuses more on solo endeavours. This song is very much up his alley. It’s sexy and sweet. And the dance moves are so intricate and difficult to learn that only him and Taeyang can perfectly make it look easy.
Moonlight Sunrise by TWICE
I can always count on these ladies to deliver a certified bop. “Moonlight Sunrise” marks the girl group’s second English track. While the girls have always been known for bright colours and bubblegum pop, TWICE have been moving toward a more sultry approach. I’m here for it!
Madness by Moonbin&Sanha
The year 2023 began with lots of promise as ASTRO members Moonbin&Sanha released their third mini album as a sub-unit. The title track “Madness” refers to Moonbin&Sanha's "fatal sexiness as a scent that is inevitably spread and absorbed, containing a message that their scent will make others happy.” Its accompanying music video has the boys playing mad scientists in a dark lab. Unlike the bright concepts seen in ASTRO songs like “Candy Sugar Pop” and “Crazy Sexy Cool” , Moonbin&Sanha are embracing a sexier and more sultry side here. Oddly enough, I heard this recently in a skincare shop and found myself bobbing my head along as I looked at different perfumes. The store definitely knew what it was doing!
Sugar Rush Ride by TXT
I thought I was just about done with a month PACKED with new music, but I had to save some room for TXT, who released their EP The Name Chapter: Temptation on January 27. According to a press release by their label, BIGHIT MUSIC, the “conceptual album” tells a story about “youth on the brink of adulthood” with each track.
“It follows a group of boys on their journey forward despite obstacles and sweet temptations. The story is one that represents today’s generation as they continue to grow through the challenges of the world,” the company said. It adds that “Sugar Rush Ride” is specifically about “a boy who falls to the sweet temptations of a devil.”
The music video is also gorgeous, as the boys are seen running around the beach and exploring the forest. One could say they’re escaping to Neverland. And I am addicted to the dance break that comes with the chorus of this song.
Television
Single’s Inferno
While I could never get into shows like The Bachelorette or Love is Blind, Single’s Inferno has managed to keep me invested and captivated. This show doesn’t give us raunchy make out sessions or catfights. Instead, we’re let inside the beauty that is chaste courtship — from hand holding, subtle flirting to small talk. It’s a study into the human condition and it’s easy to find yourself getting invested in people’s stories. I managed to get three friends hooked on this show, and that is probably my biggest accomplishment this month.
The Glory
I cannot stand bullying of any kind, especially when it is violently portrayed onscreen. So seeing a woman plot revenge against her bullies is somewhat satisfying. This drama is dark and difficult to watch at times. But I stay because I’ve never seen Song Hye-kyo in a role like this. This might just be her best performance yet. And for those of you still processing the cliff-hanger from part 1, we thankfully don’t have to wait long for part 2 which is coming out on March 10.