It’s October! That means it’s time for an obligatory review of some fun, creepy, yet creative throwbacks to get into the Halloween spirit. We are already almost through the first week of the month with a lot to look forward to, so let’s jump right into this week’s selections.

“Intro: Boy Meets Evil” - BTS

What better way to start the season than with the iconic teaser that introduced us to the Wings era of BTS? j-hope ramped up the anticipation for this comeback with his outstanding performance in this trailer, highlighting his masterful talents in both rapping and dance. This track also delivered one of the first few j-hope solos (after “1 Verse,” of course) that every ARMY had been hoping for. 

This song, full of clever metaphors revealing someone’s descent into darkness, is perfect to get into the spirit. 

“RBB (Really Bad Boy)” - Red Velvet

Concept queens Red Velvet have amassed a discography of tracks perfect for the scary season. It’s definitely hard to choose just one — especially considering the incredible and eerie solo projects like Irene & Seulgi’s “Monster.” We all know and love “Peek-A-Boo,” but the campy, over-the-top horror movie aesthetic of “RBB (Really Bad Boy)” is a fun new addition to the (unofficial) list of K-Pop Halloween classics. The composition of this song is different and experimental a la SM Entertainment, which might be jarring for some, but ultimately works to highlight Joy, Yeri, and Irene’s killing parts. 

Member Seulgi makes her solo debut this month just in time for the season, with an album that brings the horror concept to a whole new level. Be sure to check it out!

“Shadow” - BEAST

“Shadow” feels like watching a full-length horror film, with its truly eerie and tricky imagery. This creepy track unsettles you, while also drawing you in with beautiful melodies and harmonies, especially in the chorus. 

“Nightmare” - SHINee

SHINee B-sides are hidden gems that never get old no matter how much you replay them. “Nightmare,” the introductory track from Why So Serious? - The Misconceptions Of Me, sets the darker tone meant to be embodied by this record and the equally diverse tracks that would follow. The preceding title track, “Dream Girl,” is juxtaposed with the ominous vibes “Nightmare” gives off as the quintet divulges the frightful imagery from their dreams. 

“Paradise Lost” - GAIN

We would all love a GAIN comeback, but in the meantime let’s appreciate the amazing tracks she’s released in the past. “Paradise Lost'' was ahead of its time in its sound and visuals, the impactful use of violins and organs driving home its steady reference to biblical concepts like the garden of Eden. For those nostalgic for the “mature” concepts in K-Pop, be sure to give this another listen. 

“Like OOH-AHH” - TWICE

TWICE’s addictive debut, “Like OOH-AHH” will forever be famous. Released in the middle of October 2015, there couldn’t have been a better way to announce their arrival than with this video taking place right in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. It wouldn’t be Halloween without this one! Their charm is undeniable; even the zombies get won over here. 

Check out The Kraze’s TWICE minizine here for more on TWICE’s iconic releases from the very start till now!

“Favorite (Vampire)” - NCT 127

This track turns one-year-old this month, making it a whole year since we got NCT 127’s take on the vampire concept. NCT 127 tends to lean more into aesthetically pleasing, abstract concepts heavy on visuals and performance, so getting something as concrete as vampires' longing for their fated one was a welcomed shift. Everything in this video was on point, from the elegant, victorian costumes, to the makeup, and choreography. 

With so many songs to choose from, especially with many groups taking on the darker, horror-inspired concepts in recent years, it’s impossible to fit every great release into one place. 

Stay tuned for part two of this article where we’ll wrap up the season with some more Halloween-ready favorites!

Edited by Cara Musashi