Ateez are the Disprupters K-pop Needs
You can never count Ateez out. Although from a small label, the eight-member group has paved its way in a crowded field of powerhouse boy groups. With their new release, Ateez further shows why they deserve to be in the conversation of today’s biggest K-pop acts.
I haven’t been in love with their releases in the past few years, but Ateez has won me back this year with 'Bouncy’ and ‘Crazy Form.’ These releases remind me of the impact of songs like ‘Wonderland.’
Ateez has always stuck true to their storyline, and with this album, we get powerful defiance and liberation. We also get some fantastic sub-unit songs and instrumentals that pack an emotional punch.
I’m excited to see a group outside the big four K-pop music labels succeed. Ateez was the only group on KQ Entertainment for years. The label had to get creative to build a loyal fanbase and find mass success. They’ve done it and are poised for a top-five Billboard 200 debut this week.
The 2023 MAMA Awards Were Underwhelming
During this week’s podcast, I gave my honest thoughts on what’s wrong with the MAMA Awards and how they can right the ship.
The show shouldn’t be two days, needs to be at a smaller venue, and has to book better talent. Not having any members of BTS, Newjeans, or Stray Kids present hurt them this year.
I’m also exhausted with dull, lip-synched performances. If I wanted to watch choreography and a bunch of poses, I’d watch a music video. Instead, I tune into award shows to see live performances. And yes, that includes live vocals.
If idols can’t perform with live vocals, I’m unsure what the point is and why I should tune in.
Jungkook Finally Got a Collaboration With A Worthy Arist
Most of you know I haven’t enjoyed the majority of Jungkook’s features. In my opinion, Jungkook is a tier above the artists he’s been collaborating with. But with Usher, he finally collaborated with an artist on his level!
I love Usher’s verse on ‘Standing Next To You.’ He adds to the song and matches the vibe without detracting from Jungkook. Why did it take this long for this collab? And why didn’t we get a music video?
At least they gave us a quick clip dancing to Usher’s classic ‘Yeah.’
I’ve Been Afraid of Changing Cause I Built My Life Around You
This next week will be very difficult for ARMY worldwide as the remaining four members of BTS - RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook, enlist in mandatory military service. This means fans won’t see or hear from them until 2025.
One thing K-pop continues to do is remind me of the passage of time. I got into K-pop in 2017 with third-generation boy groups. During the past year, I’ve watched Monsta X and now BTS enlist. It’s served as a reminder of how much time has passed and how things will never be the same.
Although there are amazing groups left to focus on, I can’t help but feel nostalgic and sad. Some of my best memories include BTS, and their enlistment is a reminder that as hard as it is, life goes on. Sometimes, that reminder stings.
As Stevie Nicks sings in Landslide, ‘But time makes you bolder, even children get older, and I’m getting older too.’ No one can escape Father Time, even idols like BTS.
Well, I've been afraid of changin'
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I'm getting older too
Songs I’m Obsessed With This Week
It’s You - Ateez
Rising Sun - TVXQ
One and Only - Boy Next Door
Epilogue: Young Forever - BTS
Crazy Form - Ateez