A Look Into 2016: Kpop of January!

As always, the Kpop scene of South Korea changes drastically every year! This year, we have some new debuts of old people, of new groups, and singles by musicians we know, or those who are soloing away from their groups. Let's see what the Kpop scene looks like for 2016! Now I as a writer apologize, if I cannot find any of the official music videos for some of these songs. As someone living somewhere where it is hard to watch the official Kpop videos, I have tried my best to find ones that will work, or lyric videos instead.

Ravi (라비) with "Where Should I Go" Featuring Microdot

So I got to admit, I have the hots for Ravi from VIXX. However, he just went higher on the hotness scale with his solo album R.EBIRTH where his song "Where Should I Go" talks about the struggles of Hip Hop for him and those who hate him and VIXX. Also in the song is Microdot, an independent Korean born rapper who lives in Auckland, New Zealand. The song is definitely a potent one, and both tough love lyrics and at a catchy song to the ears. This album was released January 4th.

Songjwa (송좌) with "Talk To Your Face" (얼굴보고 얘기해)

I don't know too much about Songjwa, but he seems like a cool rapper. I certainly enjoyed his voice in his song "Talk To Your Face", a release of his single album on January 5th. While I cannot find a translation of his song into English, I would hazard to guess this is an emotional song based on needing to talk to someone. Needless to say, Korean or not, it is a very good song and I enjoyed listening to it.

Suzy (수지) and Baekhyun (백현) with "Dream"

A beautiful and emotional, somewhat seemingly slice-of-life song was sung by Suzy of miss A and Baekhyun of EXO. "Dream" is one of those slow Kpop songs that is a beautiful soul piece. Even the band playing in the background or the scenes of them in a house together are emotionally charging, and yet at the same time calming. And how well these two sing as a duo is amazing, I must say. "Dream" was released January 7th.

Hi.D (하이디) with "Dollar" (달라)

Hi.D, an abbreviation for High Lady, is a new debuting women's group consisting of Edge (엣지), Ha Yang (하양), Se Yeon (세연), and Bonny (바니). With a mix of interesting music in the background, Rap, and vocals that harmonize well with everything this creates a wonderful song called "Dollar". This song along with the single was released with the debut of the new group on January 27th.

A.Some (어썸) with "Temptress" (템트리스)

A.Some, which stands for Amazing Sound of Musical Emotions, debuted the 25th of January with "Temptress". With Seo Yoon Kyung (서윤경) and Moon Mi Kyung (문미경) on violins, Lee Se Rim (이세림) on Oboe, Kim Eun Ji (김은지) on Contrabass, and Park Hyun Ju (박현주) as the vocals, this group definitely changes the scene! The focus is the mixture of the vocals, which range from sometimes rap to singing, and the classical music aspect with the instruments. "Temptress" is definitely an enjoyable song!

Imfact (임팩트) with "Lollipop" (롤리팝)

Imfact is a new debuting group that features Park Je Up ( 박제업), Kim Tae Ho (김태호), Lee Ji An (지안), Lee Sang (이상), and Na Ung Jae (나웅재). Their song "Lollipop" is a song that not only can be cute, but is quite catchy! With a mixture of saxophone, good lyrics, and a nice rapper (Lee does a wonderful job), it is no doubt that "Lollipop" will become a popular song in the Kpop scene. "Lollipop" along with Imfact was debuted Jaunary 26th.

Zico (지코) with "I am you, you are me" (너는 나 나는 너)

Anyone would know Zico performs normally with Block B, but this song, "I am you, you are me" is a powerful soul and rap song by him. It's certainly a love song, talking about how two hearts can become one. The imagery in the video is quite potent as well, showing just how talented Zico is with his performances. I am sure "I am you, you are me", which came out January 26th, will become a hit with fans of all kinds.

Bang Yongguk (방용국) with "X"

Well...I can say I am certainly surprised. If you are faint of heart with the topic of sexual relations, then this is certainly not the song for you. However, it can be quite romantic, though it is legitimately a song about sex. "X" is very explicit, though despite that, it is definitely enjoyable. The background music reminds me very much of Imogen Heap's works (perhaps that might exactly be it even?) and Bang's rap is perfect as usual. "X" debuted January 30th.