Best of May 2025
Photo: FNC Entertainment
May was another strong month of comebacks this year with boy groups and girl groups serving up K-Pop excellence. With one more week left to go, here are some of my favorite B-sides that have been released this month so far.
“Work” - P1Harmony
In their latest EP, DUH!, P1Harmony serve entrancing trap-pop with the closing track “Work.” Used in the trailer to introduce the EP, “Work” interestingly closes DUH!, delivering addictive, energetic and nostalgic vibes that would equally and excellently have worked as an opening track too. If RuPaul’s Drag Race ever wanted to dive into K-Pop music for their lip sync battles or runway challenges, then “Work” would be an incredible song for the show, as the combination of the track’s arrangement and the members’ vocals deliver a fierce, noughties-inspired dance anthem energy that fits in well with the songs used on the show, leaving anyone who listens to “Work” feeling confident and empowered. With writing credits from members Jongseob and Intak, “Work” is that song that will leave you wanting to hear more, having you listen to DUH! on repeat as soon as “Work” ends.
“Chain” - I-DLE
i-dle (formerly known as (G)-IDLE) returned with a name change and new music this month, delivering their eighth mini-album WE ARE. Amongst its six tracks, the fourth track “Chain” quickly became my favorite with its sensual, synth-pop sound that feels slightly reminiscent of the work of THE WEEKND and Kate Bush’s “Running Up the Hill (A Deal with God)” in the backdrop. Written by Minnie and performed entirely in English, “Chain” casts a hypnotic and dreamy atmosphere with the members’ haunting vocals and the song’s sultry lyrics, drawing the listener into its moody presence.
“Midnight Mirage” - RIIZE
This month saw RIIZE release their debut, 10-track album Odyssey. From the second the song begins, track seven, “Midnight Mirage,” quickly became my favorite. The way Sohee opens the track immediately captured my attention with his vocals having an endearing and refreshing presence, which beautifully projects the lyrical flow of the chorus. For casual RIIZE listeners (like myself), “Midnight Mirage” is a track that will have you diving deeper into RIIZE’s discography, being a stunningly warm song with an anthemic vibe that you can imagine being a fan favourite at a RIIZE concert.
Edited by Cara Musashi