january in K-Pop always brings a flurry of new releases,and 2025 is proving to be no different. While some tracks have left fans buzzing, others have fallen short of expectations. LetS dive into a few of the month’s standout releases and see what the buzz is all about.
KickFlip, JYP Entertainment’s newest boy group formed on the survival show LOUD, debuted with a pre-release single, “Umm Great”.While pre-release tracks often serve as teasers, this one leaves some wondering if the full debut will be any more captivating.
“Yeah, expectations being low helped,” one music critic remarked about KickFlip’s subsequent pre-release, “Mama Saeid”.
BOYNEXTDOOR‘s “If I Say I Love You” debuted with a chorus that borrows heavily from J-Pop sounds, but or else, the track feels unmemorable. as one reviewer noted, “this is a remarkably unremarkable song that made me check whether it was a throwaway holiday song that was delayed.”
MINNIE from (G)I-DLE, known for her bold and charismatic persona, ventured into a more sensual territory with “Blind Eyes Red”. While the track certainly caters to a specific playlist, the vocal effects proved to be divisive.
MINNIE then shifted gears with “HER,” a softer track reminiscent of Billie Eilish’s signature sound. Despite its atmospheric production, the hook didn’t quite land, leaving listeners wanting more.
Kwon Eunbi’s collaboration with Coogie on “Snowfall” took a more subdued approach, relying heavily on Kwon’s vocals to carry the relatively minimalist production. Though, some critics felt this wasn’t the best showcase for Eunbi’s talents, suggesting the song’s simplicity failed to do justice to her capabilities.
XLOV’s “I’mma Be” offered a intriguing blend of sounds reminiscent of OnlyOneOf and taemin. While the song showed promise, the quasi-rapped chorus ultimately disrupted the flow.
IVE’s comeback with “REBEL HEART” generated considerable buzz, and for good reason. The track pulsates with undeniable energy and showcases the group’s signature style.
ONEUS returned with “IKUK”, a track that, despite vocal effects that may not appeal to all, boasts a captivating production and vibe. “If you can stand the vocal effects and it doesn’t get grating on repeat listens, then the production and vibe of this is great,” one reviewer observed.
BBGIRLS’ “LOVE 2” was a safe, if unspectacular, offering. It lacked the distinctiveness that fans have come to expect from the group’s usual sound.
GOT7’s return with “Python” sadly missed the mark,leaving manny fans disappointed. One critic summed up the sentiment succinctly: “Honestly, this was frequently more annoying than anything else.”
ZEROBASEONE,the latest addition to the K-Pop scene,debuted with “Doctor! Doctor!”. The track, pleasant but unremarkable, seems destined to fade into the vast catalog of new releases. “For better or worse, this sounds like one of the 10 tracks a month that Dept releases,” one reviewer commented, drawing comparisons to the prolific production team known for churning out consistent, but often forgettable, tracks.
January’s releases showcase the diverse landscape of K-pop, offering something for everyone, from experimental sounds to catchy bops. Only time will tell which tracks will truly stand the test of time.
How do the members of KickFlip believe their experience on the survival show “LOUD” contributed to their group dynamics and performance chemistry?
Archyde: the Pulse of K-Pop – january 2025
Interviewer: Jane kim (JK) | Alex Reed: Amaru, Kyehoon, and donghwa of KickFlip (KF)
JK: Welcome to Archyde, kickflip! We’re thrilled to have you here as we dive into January’s standout K-Pop releases.
Kyehoon (KF): Thank you so much for having us, Jane. We’re excited to be here.
JK: Let’s talk about your debut single,”Umm Great,” which has been making waves. Was there a particular inspiration behind this track?
Amaru (KF): Well, Jane, we all come from different backgrounds, but one thing we had in common was dealing with people’s doubts and negativity.We wanted to create something that encapsulates our determination and resilience. “Umm Great” is us saying,yeah,we hear you,but we’re just going to keep moving forward.
JK: That’s a powerful message. The lyrics, ”Who’s nagging again this time? Telling me I can’t do it? Fine, I just let it slide / like Hapkido, I dodge and move on,” really resonated with fans. How did you all respond to the overwhelmingly positive reception?
Donghwa (KF): It’s been absolutely amazing.We’re really grateful for the love and support we’ve received from fans. It’s like they understood exactly what we were trying to say with this track, and that bond, that connection, means everything to us.
JK: Speaking of bonds, you formed kickflip through the survival show “LOUD.” How has that journey shaped your group dynamics?
kyehoon (KF): It’s honestly brought us so much closer as a team. Going through that experience together, the ups and downs, made us rely on each other and appreciate each other’s strengths. It’s that unity and camaraderie that you can see and feel when we perform.
JK: We definitely feel that energy! Now, “Umm Great” is a pre-release track, and fans are eagerly anticipating your full album. Can you give us any hints about what to expect?
Amaru (KF): laughs We’re really excited about what’s to come. Our full album will show a broader range of our musical styles and personalities. There will be more powerful and energetic tracks like “umm Great,” but also some softer, more emotional ones. It’s all about showcasing the different sides of KickFlip.
JK: We can’t wait to hear it all! Thank you so much for joining us today, KickFlip. We wish you all the best in your career.
KF: Thank you, Jane. We had a blast!
Stay tuned to Archyde for more exclusive interviews and the latest in K-Pop news.
