July Favorites
Favorite Song: Dreamcatcher - “BEcause”
Coming as a shock to absolutely no one yet again, Dreamcatcher’s latest release makes it onto the favorites list. Having been a big fan since their rebranding from MINX to Dreamcatcher, I can’t help but enjoy everything they release, especially given that there is a different twist in each song. While the heavy metal is a base for all the concepts, the group has explored many different genres within that, which continues with “BEcause.” The song has a more haunting tone similar to “Red Sun,” but also incorporates a light sprinkling of pop into the melody. The song definitely lends itself to the haunted doll and carnival concept, and is another killer release from the girl group.
Favorite Album: Broken Kaleidoscope - NIve
Your favorite creators have been raving about soloist NIve, and for good reason. If you’re unfamiliar with the soloist, NIve is a Korean-American producer that has written for the likes of EXO, Jeong Sewoon, and Sam Kim, among others. Broken Kaleidoscope marks his first mini-album release and features a plethora of different musical genres and overall vibes. The lead title “ESCAPE” was released a month ago and features an upbeat and groovy melodic line that is simply infectious and a perfect summer track. The songwriter certainly doesn’t hold back on the heavy feelings of depression in this album, but he contrasts at the same time with a fierce will to live. It’s a beautiful juxtaposition, and there is no denying this man has strong musical talent. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out his album.
Favorite Music Video: “KARMA” - KINGDOM
If there’s one thing I’ve learned since KINGDOM’s debut, it’s that they’re going all out for their visuals and storyline. For the latest comeback “KARMA,” the music video set is so intricate and so gorgeous it’s difficult not to fall in love at first glance. What radiates possibly the most beauty is the choreography, with the backup dancers and members incorporating fans into the dance. As KINGDOM told us in their exclusive interview, “KARMA” is the storyline of Chiwoo, king of the Kingdom of Cloud, and flashes back to the hardships he has faced in a previous life, which is fully illustrated in shots throughout the music video. If you’re looking for breathtaking visuals and a stunning set, look no further than KINGDOM’s releases.
Favorite Performance: “Tear Drop” - SF9
While the song itself may not have thrilled me as much as previous releases, there was no doubt in my mind that SF9’s “Tear Drop” was going to have stunning performance potential. I was definitely not disappointed, as the boys brought performance to the forefront with this comeback. The fluidity of their movements matches the tone of the song and many of the sets are complex, most notably the opener where Youngbin stands at the center of a dancer tower during Jaeyoon’s first verse. It’s hard to ignore the outfits of each member as well, especially given that Yoo Taeyang has destroyed the Internet more than once in this group’s return.
Favorite Drama: My Roommate is a Gumiho
Supernatural and Slice of Life collide! If you’re looking for an easier watch or a strong, silent type male lead, then My Roommate is a Gumiho is a good show for you. Sometimes dramas can be a little too intense, and while there are some heavier themes in this drama, overall it has a lighter tone than a lot of other supernatural dramas. Shin Wooyeo (Jang Kiyoung) is a 999 year old nine-tailed fox (or gumiho in Korea) that aspires to be human. Lee Dam (Lee Hyeri, formerly of Girl’s Day) has a chance run in with Wooyeo and ends up accidentally taking his fox bead, and the result has the two living together while Wooyeo tries to get his bead back. This drama is based on a webtoon, which would make sense given the somewhat unrealistic plot line. But despite that, it’s been enjoyable to watch so far.