Music

Favorite Song: IZ*ONE - “La Vie En Rose”

IZ*ONE is the newest Produce group formed by the winners of Mnet’s Produce 48. While I hesitate following survival shows as a method of preventing heart break, this girl group has completely won me over with “La Vie En Rose.” The track has classic elements of a K-Pop song: electronic dance beats, catchy hooks, and great rap verses that complement the song. I often caught myself whispering “La la la la vie en rose” throughout this month. It did take me a while to figure out that my friends weren’t talking about Édith Piaf’s “La Vie En Rose,” but I’m glad I eventually found my way to IZ*ONE. This is a definite bop.

Favorite Music Video: EXID - “I LOVE YOU”

It warms my heart to see all of the girls of EXID back together in a beautiful, colorful music video. The ‘90s-inspired production serves as the perfect complement to the wonderfully produced track. The eye-candy visuals don’t distract from the song, but the heartbroken members are somehow at their prettiest I have ever seen them. I’m hoping EXID will single handedly bring back women in suits for the rest of 2018.

Favorite Performance: NU’EST W - "Dejavu" and "HELP ME" at the 2018 Asia Artist Awards

NU’EST W never fails to put on incredibly beautiful performances. The group works in absolute synchrony to create beautiful visuals while delivering flawless vocals and rap. Their 2018 Asia Artist Awards performance of “Dejavu” and “HELP ME” was one of my favorites of the night, with the latter also being one of my favorite releases this month. Finishing off 2018 so strongly excites me immensely for what NU’EST W and NU’EST will bring us in 2019.

Entertainment

Favorite Movie: Burn The Stage: The Movie

Watch this movie without crying, ARMY, I dare you. I walked into my screening of Burn The Stage: The Movie alone, tired, cold (the first snow of the season for NYC, and it was not my best day), and with a headache. Honestly, I was hoping the hour-and-a-half long movie would just start so I could see both their beautiful faces and performances and go home to sleep off the harsh day. But boy, did BTS brighten me up. As an ARMY having followed their career since their pre-debut days, my weak little heart couldn’t handle seeing their The WINGS Tour journey while simultaneously hearing their messages of gratitude both to fellow members and to us as fans. If you’re a K-Pop fan, this is a must see if you’re hoping to dive backstage into the heart of a K-Pop production. If you’re an ARMY, bring tissues—lots of them.