My 2022 Kdrama Round-up: Only 17 kdramas and 1 variety show so a fairly light year for me. I was about as surprised as I was disappointed, but I was happy to catch up on some old shows.
Loving that I finally get to see one of the famous spreadsheets that a few people refer to. What a great way to keep track of what you have watched and to guide your reflections. I wondered about the meaning of the heading stickiness. I also wondered about the characters what are you scoring on acting, quality of the writing e.g. are they well developed? Also the three distinctions is supporting for the rest of the cast or those that support the protagonists?
“Stickiness” came from Javabeans and Girlfriday who would use that to talk about how well you remember a drama. I don’t score that part of it until a month or so later.
For the OTP/leads, I’m mostly scoring likability of the character and how logical they are but acting can effect the score too. Suppprting as in non-OTP/leads so any side characters that aren’t antagonists. Antagonists are usually scored by how logical they are but also how much I want to strangle them (a reasonable amount of strangability adds points but too much subtracts them) lol
Oh man that sucks. I think I caught it when it was on Viki for a short bit. It would flunctuate between free or not so can’t quite remember. It’s not even listed at all now.
They’re one of my favorite OTPs.
I think I loved more k-pop than most people I knew this year. I had quite the list to cut and rearrange. I know I will have cutters-remorse after posting this, but here is my top 20 K-pop (and *cough*1 C-pop*cough* song) for 2022.
20. Drippin – Game
19. Ateez – New World
18. Taeyeon – Set Myself on Fire
17. The Boyz – Levitating
16. Rolling Quartz – Azalea (definitely recommend reading the history on this song)
15. Mamamoo – 1,2,3 EOI (I love the references to their older eras)
14. Minho – Choice
13. Key – Ain’t Gonna Dance
12. Wonpil – Pieces
11. TO1 – Drummin
10. BamBam – Slow Mo – This sneaked its way up on my list, but the more I listened the more attractive it became. The soft beat with his soft vocals really make a lovely song.
9. Pentagon – Feelin Like – This was one of my first favorite songs of the year. The chorus is very minimalist, but I love the choreo and the whole package of the song.
8. Winner – I LOVE U – You cannot not jam to this song. The high notes are HIGH, and I love how it just keeps building up and up.
7. Taeyeon – You Better Not – I love the vocal rhythm. It just sounds fun.
6. Kingdom – Promise (단심가) – This group was a surprise discovery this year. This song delivers the vocals and the emotions.
5. Epik High (ft Lee Hi) – Rich Kids Anthem: I am a sucker when rap meets beautiful vocals. The song is fun but also sharp.
4. Onew – Sunshine: The title says it all really. Sunshine sings sunshine. I recommend also checking out the duet version with AKMU’s Suhyun.
3. The8 – Hai Cheng (海城): This is a full cheat. There is *technically* a Korean version, but the original Mandarin is just so pretty. The song and the vocals are pretty in itself, but I had to go back to the Mandarin for it to truly deserve the 3rd spot.
2. Itzy – Boys Like You: This is just a half cheat with the song being all in English, but honestly, I love the lyrics and tune. It could sound cringy if anyone else with less confidence tried to say the same phrases, but Itzy pulls it off.
1. Girls’ Generation – Forever 1: Outside of Shinee, never had I hoped for a comeback to be good as much as I did for SNSD. It had been a long wait, and they had to do quite the juggle to get everyone together. Thankfully the song (and album) delivered. I love how each member got to shine as individuals and as a group. Hopefully we do not have to wait so long for the next one.
I need recs of a genre I never watch for a young friend. What are some good action kdramas available on Viki? Needs to be G/PG rated in content and fantasy/horror aspects preferred though not required
We’re watching Healer now! She loves JCW but I don’t think she’s been too sold on the whole show. It’s less action and more romance and investigation. I’ve been loving the rewatch though lol
Thanks for the list! I’ll definitely have to pass these on to her.
I LOVED What’s Up! I keep trying to get people to watch it but no one listens to me 😅 I am making her watch Imitation with me. Maybe I can sneak that one in too. Lol
I finally watched W: Two Worlds. Lee Jong-suk carried that show. I never really connected to the (ironically) manhwa-ish FL. I found the whole show pretty consistent though and didn\’t mind the amnesia switch. I think it actually put them on a more level field. Glad I can finally mark this off my list. I need more LJS though. Maybe I\’ll finally get to School 2013.
W is not between my favorites k-dramas but it’s quite enjoyable. There is a moment when I didn’t understand anything about the father and the killer, so I told myself to stop trying and enjoy the show.
Top 20 K-pop of 2021 [20-11]
This list is the epitome of my k-pop identity: a shawol multi-stan (don’t tell Taemin). I always have cut-remorse (sorry girl groups/solos; they had some awesome releases, but these songs just were so strong to me); but I highly recommend (G)i-dle’s I burn album and Epik High’s Epik High is Here, too.
20. Damage – Just B
19. Dad – D.O
18. Oort Cloud – Younha
17. Conversation – Twice
16. Make Up Your Mind – Ailee
15. Sad Kids – Taemin
14. Celebrity – IU
13. Period – Purple Kiss
12. Luna – Oneus
11. Eeeny Meeny – U-Know
Top 20 K-pop of 2021 [10-1]
10. Unthinkable – FT Island: the emotion in Hong-ki’s voice is matchless
9. I Really Want You – Shinee: my go-to pick me up this year
8. Back to You – Ha Sung Woon: great rhythm and melody
7. Happy Birthday – Oneus: light sultry; their voices and melody pull you in
6. Us – Moon Jong Up: not so light sultry; so catchy
5. The Real – Ateez: this really defines Ateez; this humble confidence
4. Waterfall – B.I.: this whole album is great; I love the repeating ohs
3. Helium – Key: Hey, girl. What’s up? All in English. So what. This counts to me cause it’s still very k-pop and is the epitome of Key’s sass and artistry
2. Atlantis – Shinee: this whole album was great; while other songs on the album are probably technically better, this just makes me so happy any time it plays and feels so Shinee and fresh
1. Way – Onew ft Punch: this song reached to my soul. Onew and Punch’s voices are great together. I side-eyed the final build up originally, but it comes in sooner than originally thought and now I love how it just all builds together.
Finished Memory (one with Junho, not the one with cats, though he\’d approve)! It was a good, though not easy, watch. I really loved the trajectory of all the characters (except the ML\’s dad; always frustrating to see dramas salvage scum parents). Seeing all the levels of evil was really interesting too. It was not a perfect drama but it was a good melo that had some really interesting commentary on grief, forgiveness, and what it takes to live as a better person. Now I\’m wrapping up the kdrama Life on Mars. I\’ll definitely need some fluff after all this.
I earned 1 whole bean this year…At least it makes it easy to choose (Imitation)…
If I were to count just all k-dramas/webseries/variety, I would get only a semi-pathetic 16.
Finished Jewel in the Palace! I loved the 1st half, but once the FL was bent on revenge for the entirety of the 2nd half and it was more politics than her learning her craft, I got frustrated. The ML was awesome though. And, he really rocked that facial hair.
To differentiate the two I refer to HOMETOWN: CHA CHA CHA as: CHA CHA CHA and Yoo Jae-myung’s drama as: HOMETOWN which I am hoping will be available on Viki.
(Also for obvious reasons I am referring to POLICE UNIVERSITY as POL U rather than PU.)
@waadmay Imitation behind the scenes: Ateez version! Figured you might not run into this unless you’re an Ateez fan. They’re so cute being so nervous but having fun.
I got to start my day with Shinee at their 13th anniversary vlive, so I thought I’d share one of my favorite videos. Shinee knows each other to the core and they often use that to harrass each other.
Revenge Note 2 is so bad. All the writer had to do was copy+paste from the 1st season with different actors. I just don\’t get how you can completely ruin the world you had already built.
My kdrama rankings for all the kdramas I watched in 2020. The blue highlighted ones will still have points going towards them for Stickiness (how well I remember the drama after a month or so). Once I condensed my list to just this year, I was a bit surprised by the rankings, but I would still agree with the order/scores (though take note that there are a number of ties). Life and Weather were the definite highlights of this year.
Top 20 K-Pop Songs of 2020 [Pt. 1]
I think I’ve listened to more music this year than ever before thanks to @kaleidoscopic and @infinitize. My picks are still pretty surface level, but these are the songs that stayed in my brain, that I found unique, and/or really captured something special to me.
20. Where the Sea Sleeps – Even of the Day (Day6): A sweet ballad with a heartwarming music video
19. What Do I Call You Now – Taeyeon: sweet sounding song that packs a punch
18. Wish You Were Here – SuperM: If the first line doesn’t hook you, then nothing will
17. The Melody – Super Junior: A nostalgic song appropriate for their 15th anniversary
16. Amnesia – Kai: The melodic rhythm is so entrancing
15. Wannabe – Itzy: A fun anthem with fun choreography
14. Play – Chungha: An upbeat, catchy song confidently delivered
13. Better – BoA: Queen is back in her natural habitat
12. All That Love – Changmin: A catchy beat by a veteran performer
11. Abracadabra – YooA: I really like her range of tones and wow, a female rap that isn’t that pitchy Nikki Minaj-style.
The rest of my list. I listed out like all possible songs I thought good this year then eliminated a number of them that didn’t quite make it to “great” then ranked, so I ended up technically with a top 38. Here’s the rest:
21. 2 Kids – Taemin
22. Swear – E’last
23. Burn the Floor – Super Junior
24. Then, Now, and Forever – CN Blue
25. Inception – Ateez
26. With You – SuperM
27. Happy – Taeyeon
28. What Are You Waiting For – Somi
29. LMM – Hwasa
30. Idea – Taemin
31. Back Door – Stray Kids
32. Dangerous Woman – SuperM
33. Fault – Zelo
34. Paradise – Eric Nam
35. Nineteen – Natty
36. Ex – Stray Kids
37. Remember – Winner
38. Afraid – Day6
Top 20 K-Pop Songs of 2020 [Pt 2]
10. The Stealer – The Boyz: Their choreography is no joke. The song is well suited for them and the choreography elevates it even further.
9. Strangers – Taemin: A haunting tune where you can hear the longing in his voice with a hint of dementedness
8. Zombie – Day6: A perfect anthem for 2020. The monotone sound works in this song because of the great vocals and performance.
7. Think of You – Taemin: This song is just completely “odorable.” The music video and lyrics just make you smile all day.
6. Big Chance – SuperM: [This feels little like cheating since this song is actually all in English but since it was still technically a Korean release, I let it contend for a spot] Such a catchy song! The harmonies are beautiful and their voices really shine here without all the electronics and overly-complicated structure of their title tracks.
5. Hello Stranger – Kai: The difference in tone between his singing and rapping voice is very distinct. It makes this song ever the more interesting.
4. Answer – Ateez: Another solid anthem song from Ateez. This song hooks you from line one and brings you along for the ride.
3. Eight – IU: A song of grief but cathartic in its beauty and rawness, making us fell not alone in grieving for any young person we have lost, celebrities or not
2. HOLO – Lee Hi: A perfect song for such a tough year, reminding us that this too shall pass
1. Criminal – Taemin: This is pure art for those who want art and a perfectly catchy song for those who just want to jam out. You can’t deny the charisma and talent Taemin demonstrates in his Never Gonna Dance Again series.
I\’m tempted to not watch Ep 12 of Gumiho until it returns in 2 weeks, but since I rarely live-watch, I should get the full experience of suffering through the pain of (self-made) pre-emptions.
Jig
January 4, 2023 at 8:38 PM
My 2022 Kdrama Round-up: Only 17 kdramas and 1 variety show so a fairly light year for me. I was about as surprised as I was disappointed, but I was happy to catch up on some old shows.
Reply1988 - Mother Bean (DB Wooga squad)
January 4, 2023 at 10:12 PM
Loving that I finally get to see one of the famous spreadsheets that a few people refer to. What a great way to keep track of what you have watched and to guide your reflections. I wondered about the meaning of the heading stickiness. I also wondered about the characters what are you scoring on acting, quality of the writing e.g. are they well developed? Also the three distinctions is supporting for the rest of the cast or those that support the protagonists?
Jig
January 5, 2023 at 1:20 AM
“Stickiness” came from Javabeans and Girlfriday who would use that to talk about how well you remember a drama. I don’t score that part of it until a month or so later.
For the OTP/leads, I’m mostly scoring likability of the character and how logical they are but acting can effect the score too. Suppprting as in non-OTP/leads so any side characters that aren’t antagonists. Antagonists are usually scored by how logical they are but also how much I want to strangle them (a reasonable amount of strangability adds points but too much subtracts them) lol
Reply1988 - Mother Bean (DB Wooga squad)
January 5, 2023 at 3:18 AM
Thank you so helpful, we might need to add some of these elements to our Watch and Discuss Korean Drama group discussions.
mmmmm
January 5, 2023 at 6:46 AM
Yes to another Bean who loved Our Hubby Mr Oh!!!! I was so sad Netflix took that one away from its platform. I wanted to rewatch it so many times!
Jig
January 5, 2023 at 10:11 AM
Oh man that sucks. I think I caught it when it was on Viki for a short bit. It would flunctuate between free or not so can’t quite remember. It’s not even listed at all now.
They’re one of my favorite OTPs.
mmmmm
January 5, 2023 at 5:28 PM
Same here. They are just so adorable!!!
Jig
December 31, 2022 at 12:46 PM
2022 Top 20 K(ish)-Pop (20-11)
I think I loved more k-pop than most people I knew this year. I had quite the list to cut and rearrange. I know I will have cutters-remorse after posting this, but here is my top 20 K-pop (and *cough*1 C-pop*cough* song) for 2022.
Runner Ups: NewJeans – Hype Boy, Itzy – Snowy, Max Changmin – Maniac, Moon Byul – Lunatic
20. Drippin – Game
19. Ateez – New World
18. Taeyeon – Set Myself on Fire
17. The Boyz – Levitating
16. Rolling Quartz – Azalea (definitely recommend reading the history on this song)
15. Mamamoo – 1,2,3 EOI (I love the references to their older eras)
14. Minho – Choice
13. Key – Ain’t Gonna Dance
12. Wonpil – Pieces
11. TO1 – Drummin
Jig
December 31, 2022 at 12:45 PM
2022 Top 20 K(ish)-Pop (10-1)
10. BamBam – Slow Mo – This sneaked its way up on my list, but the more I listened the more attractive it became. The soft beat with his soft vocals really make a lovely song.
9. Pentagon – Feelin Like – This was one of my first favorite songs of the year. The chorus is very minimalist, but I love the choreo and the whole package of the song.
8. Winner – I LOVE U – You cannot not jam to this song. The high notes are HIGH, and I love how it just keeps building up and up.
7. Taeyeon – You Better Not – I love the vocal rhythm. It just sounds fun.
6. Kingdom – Promise (단심가) – This group was a surprise discovery this year. This song delivers the vocals and the emotions.
5. Epik High (ft Lee Hi) – Rich Kids Anthem: I am a sucker when rap meets beautiful vocals. The song is fun but also sharp.
4. Onew – Sunshine: The title says it all really. Sunshine sings sunshine. I recommend also checking out the duet version with AKMU’s Suhyun.
3. The8 – Hai Cheng (海城): This is a full cheat. There is *technically* a Korean version, but the original Mandarin is just so pretty. The song and the vocals are pretty in itself, but I had to go back to the Mandarin for it to truly deserve the 3rd spot.
2. Itzy – Boys Like You: This is just a half cheat with the song being all in English, but honestly, I love the lyrics and tune. It could sound cringy if anyone else with less confidence tried to say the same phrases, but Itzy pulls it off.
1. Girls’ Generation – Forever 1: Outside of Shinee, never had I hoped for a comeback to be good as much as I did for SNSD. It had been a long wait, and they had to do quite the juggle to get everyone together. Thankfully the song (and album) delivered. I love how each member got to shine as individuals and as a group. Hopefully we do not have to wait so long for the next one.
Jig
November 7, 2022 at 6:16 AM
I need recs of a genre I never watch for a young friend. What are some good action kdramas available on Viki? Needs to be G/PG rated in content and fantasy/horror aspects preferred though not required
Ally
November 7, 2022 at 6:56 AM
Healer
Jig
November 7, 2022 at 11:37 AM
We’re watching Healer now! She loves JCW but I don’t think she’s been too sold on the whole show. It’s less action and more romance and investigation. I’ve been loving the rewatch though lol
beantown
November 7, 2022 at 7:15 AM
Kingdom
Jig
November 7, 2022 at 11:38 AM
That wouldn’t be too violent/gorey? She is nowhere near as baby as I am but wasn’t sure if that would be too much
Midnight
November 7, 2022 at 7:42 AM
I don’t have Viki so I don’t know about availability, but Tale of the Nine-tailed?
Jig
November 7, 2022 at 11:39 AM
That is one of her favorites. We are waiting for season 2!
Midnight
November 7, 2022 at 11:58 AM
What about Train? It isn’t too violent on screen but there are lots of corpses.
Time travel action:
365 Days Repeat the Year
Kairos
Light action comedy:
Welcome to Life
Switch
Non-fantasy action thriller:
Defendant
Lookout
Two Weeks
And non-action semi-musical youth drama just because I can and I would have loved in my youth:
What’s Up
Jig
November 7, 2022 at 12:53 PM
Thanks for the list! I’ll definitely have to pass these on to her.
I LOVED What’s Up! I keep trying to get people to watch it but no one listens to me 😅 I am making her watch Imitation with me. Maybe I can sneak that one in too. Lol
Midnight
November 7, 2022 at 7:49 PM
I LOVE What’s Up too!
PYC
November 8, 2022 at 7:05 AM
Another What’s Up fan here!
Jig
September 29, 2022 at 3:34 PM
I finally watched W: Two Worlds. Lee Jong-suk carried that show. I never really connected to the (ironically) manhwa-ish FL. I found the whole show pretty consistent though and didn\’t mind the amnesia switch. I think it actually put them on a more level field. Glad I can finally mark this off my list. I need more LJS though. Maybe I\’ll finally get to School 2013.
parkchuna dreams of all the Oppas
September 29, 2022 at 7:43 PM
Yes to school 2013!
IsaGC
September 30, 2022 at 12:23 AM
W is not between my favorites k-dramas but it’s quite enjoyable. There is a moment when I didn’t understand anything about the father and the killer, so I told myself to stop trying and enjoy the show.
Jig
December 31, 2021 at 5:34 PM
Top 20 K-pop of 2021 [20-11]
This list is the epitome of my k-pop identity: a shawol multi-stan (don’t tell Taemin). I always have cut-remorse (sorry girl groups/solos; they had some awesome releases, but these songs just were so strong to me); but I highly recommend (G)i-dle’s I burn album and Epik High’s Epik High is Here, too.
20. Damage – Just B
19. Dad – D.O
18. Oort Cloud – Younha
17. Conversation – Twice
16. Make Up Your Mind – Ailee
15. Sad Kids – Taemin
14. Celebrity – IU
13. Period – Purple Kiss
12. Luna – Oneus
11. Eeeny Meeny – U-Know
Jig
December 31, 2021 at 5:33 PM
Top 20 K-pop of 2021 [10-1]
10. Unthinkable – FT Island: the emotion in Hong-ki’s voice is matchless
9. I Really Want You – Shinee: my go-to pick me up this year
8. Back to You – Ha Sung Woon: great rhythm and melody
7. Happy Birthday – Oneus: light sultry; their voices and melody pull you in
6. Us – Moon Jong Up: not so light sultry; so catchy
5. The Real – Ateez: this really defines Ateez; this humble confidence
4. Waterfall – B.I.: this whole album is great; I love the repeating ohs
3. Helium – Key: Hey, girl. What’s up? All in English. So what. This counts to me cause it’s still very k-pop and is the epitome of Key’s sass and artistry
2. Atlantis – Shinee: this whole album was great; while other songs on the album are probably technically better, this just makes me so happy any time it plays and feels so Shinee and fresh
1. Way – Onew ft Punch: this song reached to my soul. Onew and Punch’s voices are great together. I side-eyed the final build up originally, but it comes in sooner than originally thought and now I love how it just all builds together.
Jig
December 30, 2021 at 12:05 PM
Finished Memory (one with Junho, not the one with cats, though he\’d approve)! It was a good, though not easy, watch. I really loved the trajectory of all the characters (except the ML\’s dad; always frustrating to see dramas salvage scum parents). Seeing all the levels of evil was really interesting too. It was not a perfect drama but it was a good melo that had some really interesting commentary on grief, forgiveness, and what it takes to live as a better person. Now I\’m wrapping up the kdrama Life on Mars. I\’ll definitely need some fluff after all this.
Jig
December 14, 2021 at 7:51 PM
I earned 1 whole bean this year…At least it makes it easy to choose (Imitation)…
If I were to count just all k-dramas/webseries/variety, I would get only a semi-pathetic 16.
Jig
August 28, 2021 at 12:27 PM
Finished Jewel in the Palace! I loved the 1st half, but once the FL was bent on revenge for the entirety of the 2nd half and it was more politics than her learning her craft, I got frustrated. The ML was awesome though. And, he really rocked that facial hair.
dramalover4ever
August 28, 2021 at 6:55 PM
There should be a special t-shirt for people who finish it. Quite an achievement.
Jig
August 24, 2021 at 8:31 PM
It would be quite the shock if someone forgot to put \”Cha Cha Cha\” after \”Hometown\” before they started watching.
knewbie
August 25, 2021 at 12:06 AM
Hahaha so true.
bong-soo
August 25, 2021 at 7:39 AM
To differentiate the two I refer to HOMETOWN: CHA CHA CHA as: CHA CHA CHA and Yoo Jae-myung’s drama as: HOMETOWN which I am hoping will be available on Viki.
(Also for obvious reasons I am referring to POLICE UNIVERSITY as POL U rather than PU.)
Jig
August 25, 2021 at 4:15 PM
Yeah I have a feeling most will end up going with Cha Cha Cha. Double Dimples could work too hehe
Ha that is an unfortunate acronym
mugyuljoie is preciousss
August 25, 2021 at 7:28 PM
I’ve also seen Dimple Duo.
dramalover4ever
August 26, 2021 at 2:24 PM
Adopted. Hope viki have Hometown
Jig
July 24, 2021 at 8:37 PM
@waadmay Imitation behind the scenes: Ateez version! Figured you might not run into this unless you’re an Ateez fan. They’re so cute being so nervous but having fun.
Waadmay
July 24, 2021 at 9:36 PM
Thanks @crysta ,the things we do for Imitation
By the way did you see this ????!
https://youtu.be/gv7D6KEV71c
Jig
July 25, 2021 at 6:53 AM
Oh I had seen the first half but not the second half! So cute.
Jig
June 8, 2021 at 3:14 PM
My life motto (Jewel in the Palace; 7 episodes down 47 more to go!)
🧛♂️ 💔💔 but 👧💔💔💔💔
June 8, 2021 at 11:35 PM
Jewel in the Palace.. my the most fav Kdrama ever…
Midnight
June 9, 2021 at 5:32 AM
I have watched this show at least 20 times. I love it so much.
Jig
June 9, 2021 at 5:45 AM
O_O! Wow I can’t imagine watching such a long one so many times. I really like it so far though.
Kudo Ran
June 9, 2021 at 9:02 AM
yay another one watching it ^^ . I watched it earlier this year and enjoyed it :). Tagging @peony who’s a fan of it 🙂 .
korfan
June 9, 2021 at 10:28 PM
Jewel in the Palace! A classic! Enjoy!
Netsuke
July 19, 2021 at 12:58 AM
This motto I like very much. Funny, but good.
Jig
May 25, 2021 at 10:09 AM
I got to start my day with Shinee at their 13th anniversary vlive, so I thought I’d share one of my favorite videos. Shinee knows each other to the core and they often use that to harrass each other.
CharmingKey
May 25, 2021 at 11:03 AM
This is one of my favorites too! Onew’s impression of Key gets me every time!
Jig
April 25, 2021 at 8:47 PM
Revenge Note 2 is so bad. All the writer had to do was copy+paste from the 1st season with different actors. I just don\’t get how you can completely ruin the world you had already built.
Jig
January 31, 2021 at 5:24 AM
Shinee is baaaack (back back back back)!! Another month until the full release but a great, new b-track to tie us over <3
Orientedstar
January 31, 2021 at 6:39 AM
Yes they are back. Thank you posting this. Shinee’s chorus is the best!!
Jig
January 31, 2021 at 8:33 AM
Those harmonies are gold.
Maq
January 31, 2021 at 9:41 AM
Love this!
Jig
January 1, 2021 at 6:21 PM
My kdrama rankings for all the kdramas I watched in 2020. The blue highlighted ones will still have points going towards them for Stickiness (how well I remember the drama after a month or so). Once I condensed my list to just this year, I was a bit surprised by the rankings, but I would still agree with the order/scores (though take note that there are a number of ties). Life and Weather were the definite highlights of this year.
Ayan
January 3, 2021 at 5:30 AM
So coool!!
Jig
December 30, 2020 at 10:41 PM
Top 20 K-Pop Songs of 2020 [Pt. 1]
I think I’ve listened to more music this year than ever before thanks to @kaleidoscopic and @infinitize. My picks are still pretty surface level, but these are the songs that stayed in my brain, that I found unique, and/or really captured something special to me.
20. Where the Sea Sleeps – Even of the Day (Day6): A sweet ballad with a heartwarming music video
19. What Do I Call You Now – Taeyeon: sweet sounding song that packs a punch
18. Wish You Were Here – SuperM: If the first line doesn’t hook you, then nothing will
17. The Melody – Super Junior: A nostalgic song appropriate for their 15th anniversary
16. Amnesia – Kai: The melodic rhythm is so entrancing
15. Wannabe – Itzy: A fun anthem with fun choreography
14. Play – Chungha: An upbeat, catchy song confidently delivered
13. Better – BoA: Queen is back in her natural habitat
12. All That Love – Changmin: A catchy beat by a veteran performer
11. Abracadabra – YooA: I really like her range of tones and wow, a female rap that isn’t that pitchy Nikki Minaj-style.
Jig
December 30, 2020 at 11:16 PM
The rest of my list. I listed out like all possible songs I thought good this year then eliminated a number of them that didn’t quite make it to “great” then ranked, so I ended up technically with a top 38. Here’s the rest:
21. 2 Kids – Taemin
22. Swear – E’last
23. Burn the Floor – Super Junior
24. Then, Now, and Forever – CN Blue
25. Inception – Ateez
26. With You – SuperM
27. Happy – Taeyeon
28. What Are You Waiting For – Somi
29. LMM – Hwasa
30. Idea – Taemin
31. Back Door – Stray Kids
32. Dangerous Woman – SuperM
33. Fault – Zelo
34. Paradise – Eric Nam
35. Nineteen – Natty
36. Ex – Stray Kids
37. Remember – Winner
38. Afraid – Day6
Jig
December 30, 2020 at 10:41 PM
Top 20 K-Pop Songs of 2020 [Pt 2]
10. The Stealer – The Boyz: Their choreography is no joke. The song is well suited for them and the choreography elevates it even further.
9. Strangers – Taemin: A haunting tune where you can hear the longing in his voice with a hint of dementedness
8. Zombie – Day6: A perfect anthem for 2020. The monotone sound works in this song because of the great vocals and performance.
7. Think of You – Taemin: This song is just completely “odorable.” The music video and lyrics just make you smile all day.
6. Big Chance – SuperM: [This feels little like cheating since this song is actually all in English but since it was still technically a Korean release, I let it contend for a spot] Such a catchy song! The harmonies are beautiful and their voices really shine here without all the electronics and overly-complicated structure of their title tracks.
5. Hello Stranger – Kai: The difference in tone between his singing and rapping voice is very distinct. It makes this song ever the more interesting.
4. Answer – Ateez: Another solid anthem song from Ateez. This song hooks you from line one and brings you along for the ride.
3. Eight – IU: A song of grief but cathartic in its beauty and rawness, making us fell not alone in grieving for any young person we have lost, celebrities or not
2. HOLO – Lee Hi: A perfect song for such a tough year, reminding us that this too shall pass
1. Criminal – Taemin: This is pure art for those who want art and a perfectly catchy song for those who just want to jam out. You can’t deny the charisma and talent Taemin demonstrates in his Never Gonna Dance Again series.
Jig
November 13, 2020 at 4:57 PM
I\’m tempted to not watch Ep 12 of Gumiho until it returns in 2 weeks, but since I rarely live-watch, I should get the full experience of suffering through the pain of (self-made) pre-emptions.