Proceed with caution this Thursday as we get into some dangerous K-Pop throwback tracks.

“Danger” - TAEMIN

TAEMIN’s 2014 solo debut “Danger” set the tone for the game-changing releases he continues to add to his discography. Although SHINee are no strangers to a diverse set of trends and concepts, this release was wild and surprising nonetheless for the group's maknae. The dark, smokey makeup looks, piercings, and outfits match the scenes of this video, and the sharp, angled moments of the choreography perfectly accentuate the heavy drum and bass of this electronic track.

“WARNING!” - DAY6

Get your pop-punk fix with this track off the 2018 DAY6 mini-album Shoot Me: Youth Part 1. For those more inclined to heavy guitars, fast drums, and angsty vocals, “WARNING!” is the awesome introduction to an release full of no-skip tracks.

“Punch” - NCT 127

2020 brought us some incredible releases from NCT 127; the Neo Zone saga introduced an entirely new era musically and stylistically for the then four-year-old group. With so much hype still present for “Kick It,” “Punch” may have flown under the radar for some. SM Entertainment producer and the expert behind so many NCT hits, Dem Jointz, returned for this low-key and passionate release encouraging listeners to bring their best to the ring with “that punch!”

NCT 127 will also return with a new song this week, “2 Baddies.” Be sure to check it out!

“Mayday” - Dreamcatcher

If you’re a fan of Dreamcatcher, you’re likely in love with their heavy, borderline metal-inspired sound. The term “mayday” refers to the international radio signal indicating distress. This B-side from their second mini-album, Nightmare - Escape The ERA, is powerful and dangerous, highlighting all the best ways the group’s incredible vocals mesh with the rock sound. If listening isn’t enough, Dreamcatcher also blessed us with a live performance video featuring a full band enhancing the entire experience - linked below!

“Danger” - BTS

Reviewing some of the gems of the early days of BTS’s music is always fun. “Danger” is one such comeback that exaggerates the lengths this group has traveled throughout their career. Be careful — this track warns us immediately with the opening whispers “you’re in danger” as the group bursts into the choreography. The sirens and ominous guitar melody draw out an atmosphere of impending doom that drive home the frustrated attitude BTS intended to convey.

“Trouble” - EXO

OBSESSION was remarkable for many reasons. Musically, this album offered an intense selection of hip-hop and R&B-inspired tracks with a tasteful sampling of classics from the western music scene — “Ya Ya Ya” and “Groove” stand out here. The title, “Obsession,” featured sinister Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde references that not only paid homage to their elaborate debut concept, but flipped it entirely in doing so. “Trouble” is the second song from this album that continues to lean into this dark-sided concept. This time, we’re the “danger,” as the chorus ends with the lyrics, “Girl, you’re trouble.”

Edited by Vivian N.

Throwback Thursday: You’re In Danger!