THIS WEEK’S K-POP RELEASES

iKON concludes their album trilogy with “Goodbye Road,” released on October 1 from their EP, New Kids: The Final. With the final installment of their New Kids series, iKON showed how they established their own sound this year with melodramatic hip-hop, as showcased with their latest track. After experiencing denial in “Love Scenario” and angst through “Killing Me,” the seven members finally accept and embrace the end of the road of their relationship with “Goodbye Road.” Sweet harmonies and strings add a light-hearted touch that expresses their mended hearts as they reminisce their final memories before wishing farewell to their past, hoping their past loved one experiences a great new love in the future as well. Currently number one on Bugs! and six on Instiz’s real-time chart, it’s certain that “Goodbye Road” will be one of this season’s chart toppers that further supports iKON as one of the dominating groups of 2018.

Seulgi, SinB, Chungha, and Soyeon combine their girl crush forces for this week’s SM Station X 0 with “Wow Thing” released on September 28. These femmes fatales share their story of finding confidence that boosts them in achieving their dreams. Like a butterfly, these girls undergo a metamorphosis through effort and determination that becomes the wind beneath their wings in reaching their dreams. This jazzy tune exudes confidence from the four ladies as a powerful and charismatic quartet while also showcasing their individual charms, which irresistibly allure listeners. Taking the number one spot on Bugs! and 12th on Instiz weekly chart, take flight and find your “Wow Thing” with this new Station X 0 track.

THIS WEEK’S HIDDEN GEMS

Dingo Freestyle partnered with Indigo Music and resident artists Giriboy, Kid Milli, NO:EL, and Swings for the collaboration track “flex,” released on July 31. This swanky hip-hop track takes shots at “fools” who are conscious of fashion labels—from haute fashion designers to high-end streetwear, and those brave enough to mesh both. While some rappers believe the larger the cost, the more stylish the threads, this rap crew believes in flexing with confidence from the jealousy and envy of others. Each rapper radiates their own style full of fun and flashy colors and encourages others to join their expressive style by throwing an underground silent disco that stays true to their carefree fashion. This summer release also brings back summer vibes of chilling and partying that has listeners warming up in the crisp autumn months. Currently number ten on MelOn’s weekly charts, shop and flex your real style with the Indigo crew.

Park Won touches the universal subject of desolation through “Rudderless” from his newest EP, r, released on October 1. Park Won expresses the internal struggle of losing motivation and unclear determination that keeps us surviving on a daily basis, but not truly living life with a genuine purpose. However, this song is not complete without viewing the music video that embodies the issue, with the protagonist covered in a black mask, experiencing isolation from his co-workers. He eventually frees himself from his suffocating mask but only at the expense of one of his co-workers who then adopts the constricting mask, symbolizing not only the ubiquitous feeling of hopelessness but also how we unfortunately feel relieved from our own personal pain after witnessing someone’s own misery. This insightful song, which currently ranks number 11 on Mnet, encourages self-reflection of our feelings of emptiness and how to cope with agonies.

OST OF THE WEEK

Hwang Chiyeul belts his heart out in “How Can I Forget You,” released on September 30. As the grand OST for the ending of Mr. Sunshine, this ballad fully expresses the power of love creating an unforgettable relationship. Hwang Chiyeul’s powerful vocals do justice in expressing someone’s eternal love, the “shine of [their] life,” with memories that are impossible to erase, and finding their lover’s presence in all their surroundings and even within themselves. Topping the Soribada chart at number one, “How Can I Forget You” is the perfect ballad to wrap up Mr. Sunshine.