October Favorites
Music
Favorite Song: Stray Kids - “Double Knot”
Ignoring the incredibly sad news about Woojin’s departure from Stray Kids (I’m still not ready to talk about it), “Double Knot” was a phenomenal single released at the beginning of the month. As a fan of 3RACHA, I’m always happy to see the sub-unit’s hip-hop influences bleeding over into group activities. “Double Knot” has a much heavier hip-hop influence than most of their title releases, especially compared with most recent titles. It’s just an added bonus that the lyrics of the song preach freedom of choice in life.
Favorite Album: VAV - POISON
Now this one is a bit of a curve ball. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a huge soft spot in my heart for the boys of VAV, but this may be a first where their full album captivated me over other releases in the month. Beginning with a title produced by PENTAGON leader Hui, it’s hard to not continue on an impressive note. The members had a hand in the production of this album, not always a standard for the group, and the musical diversity from the four different tracks on the album really showcases what the group is capable of, despite their struggle to gain mainstream recognition. I was especially captivated by “119,” a heavily R&B-influenced track with sensual undertones that sounds nothing like I’ve heard from the group before. I’m really cheering for this group to continue past their previous hardships and find success in their career, and I think that anyone who takes the time to listen fully to POISON would agree that they are on the right track.
Favorite Music Video: ATEEZ - “Wonderland”
Now if you ask me, October has been the month of ATEEZ. After not being incredibly thrilled with the “Wave” comeback, I was a little concerned with what would come with the return of “Wonderland.” I was delighted by the return of intense ATEEZ, and even more enthralled by not just the composition of the song itself, but the upgrade in video production for the music video as well. I love that each member has an individual shot and theme composition melded together with group shots of the choreography, plus the intense contrasting colors and use of darkness more than light help fit the mood of the song. If I could, I would probably put “Wonderland” in every favorite category for this month.
Favorite Performance: ONEUS - “Lit” on Music Core
As a late September release somewhat overshadowed by bigger group returns, ONEUS’s “Lit” hasn’t quite gotten the attention it deserves among the K-Pop community, at least in my opinion. With a rich representation of Korean heritage and a catchy beat, “Lit” has found its way onto my heavy rotations playlist this month. But it’s not just the song itself that has lots of charm, the performance is also very fun, and the stage outfits tend to have an influence of traditional dress with them, along with a modern twist. Plus, who wouldn’t fall in love with Hwanwoong and his sweet intro of a hand kiss for each performance?
Entertainment
Favorite Drama: Melting Me Softly
Melting Me Softly has been getting some mixed reviews since it began, mostly from critics complaining that the drama line is too predictable. But if you’re the type of person that doesn’t need an extremely complex and intense plot line to enjoy a show, then you’ll probably be a fan of the simple romantic growth in this drama. After exhausting myself on the likes of draining (yet very well-written!) dramas such as Hotel Del Luna and Lawless Lawyer, I was ready for a respite in the romantic comedy that is Melting Me Softly. Plus, you know, Ji Changwook.
The drama follows the story of variety PD Ma Dongchan (Ji Changwook), an ambitious young director known for making strides in the broadcast community. He manages to convince part-time worker at his network, Go Miran (Won Jinah) to join him in a 24-hour cryogenics experiment. Moved by the possibility of advancing science that could help her mentally disabled brother, Miran agrees and enters into the experiment after much push back. However, something goes wrong and the 24-hour period effectively turns into 20 years stuck in a frozen tube, with the duo only awoken by a miracle that can be revealed in the first episode. The story follows the two as they struggle to adjust to life upon waking up, from aging family to broken relationships and even perilous circumstances.
The suspense and romance is fairly predictable, yes, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable, especially as chemistry grows between Dongchan and Miran. Sometimes we just need a nice break of simple, heart-pounding passion instead of fierce, angsty heartbreak, and that’s exactly what this drama provides. Oh, and did I mention the heavy amount of comedy? Sweet romance, comedy, and Ji Changwook. What else could we ask for?