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2022 K-Pop Ramble
Dec. 20th, 2022 06:40 pmI am convinced there was some curse that befell the K-Pop industry this year. Sure, there have been many other years where groups disbanded left and right, and this might not have been the worst year for me, personally, but… holy shit. Holy shit. Some of the stuff that happened this year was wild!
Let's take a look at some of the members that left their groups. For me, the one that hit the hardest was actually Heo Chan from VICTON. He left the group after being arrested for driving under the influence, which… Yeah, that's bad. You shouldn't drink and drive. But plenty of idols have done much worse and have gotten away with a slap to the wrist, so I find Chan's departure to be a bit excessive. I mean, look at Lucas; he's still technically in NCT and WayV, even though we haven't seen his face in more than a year. I think Chan should've stayed, especially since it happened so close to their Virus comeback. I'm going to miss him a lot, and I wish him all the best in the future.
Then we have PIXY. Both Ella and Satbyeol left the group at the same time, after neither of them participated in their Villain promotions. The news hit me quite hard, considering they were my biases in the group. Ella has one of the best voices I've heard out of 4th gen and Satbyeol's deep voiced rapping was so perfect. I won't be unstanning PIXY or anything of the sort, I don't think so, but it's gonna be hard to look back. Plus, all the remaining members are much younger than me, and to be quite honest, I am not always comfortable with such young kids. Since, you know, they're children. But I also must admit that the other girls are among my favourite idols in this gen, so we'll see.
Naeun left APINK. I am never recuperating from that. Something about seeing 2nd and 3rd gen disappear makes me so sad, even if APINK themselves aren't going anywhere. Besides, we're getting KARA back, and Super Junior, SHINee, Red Velvet, EXO, 2NE1, Big Bang, 2PM, MAMAMOO, and BoA aren't going anywhere. We also got an OT8 Girls' Generation comeback, and that was the highlight of the year for me.
There were plenty of other people who left their groups, far more than I want to talk about: Jinni left NMIXX, which was crazy because two days prior to the announcement she was talking about how happy she was and how excited she felt to see the fans again, how much she liked being an idol, all that. Plus the way she left, many people think there is something off about it. Whatever it is, I blame JYP.
I could talk about the Garam situation at length, but to be frank, I don't want to. I could talk about mass panic, mass hate, how some fans think themselves to be investigators when they're teenagers with overdue History assignments, how companies are so quick to switch up and how the public opinion will undoubtedly ruin your reputation whether the gossip is true or not. I, myself, am guilty of so. In my defense, and for what is worth, at the time of all of this happening the 'evidence' against her circulating the net was overwhelming. There were countless accounts from past classmates, school records, and so much more, and I can't say I regret believing them. I am only one person, and we make mistakes. I am saddened that her reputation was dragged through the mud, since it is all too similar to what happened to Soojin. I hope they can both come back one day.
Chuu and LOONA… Where do I even begin? I hate BBC. There is really nothing more I can say. I sincerely hope the girls can get the fuck out of that company, get their pay checks, and move on to do something better. I hope they can stay together, but if not, then I wish them all good luck in their future endeavours. Fuck BBC.
As for music… the girls were eating up the boys all year round. IVE, NMIXX, Le Sserafim, (G)I-DLE, Yena, AESPA, Bibi, Seulgi, Red Velvet, Girls' Generation… So many others dominated the charts. ITZY did not do as well as other years, but I still loved what they did (except for fucking Boys Like You). I am going to talk about my top songs of the year and why I liked them so much:
1. ANTIFRAGILE - LE SSERAFIM:
Oh, boy. Where do I even begin? These girls had their debut and I genuinely liked Fearless, even if it was simple. And then they had their first comeback with this and who am I to say not to this reggaeton beat? I am honestly obsessed with so many parts of this song, it would be impossible to list them all. I can't even choose a bias in this stupid group.
2. PINK VENOM - BLACKPINK
I DON'T CARE WHAT PEOPLE SAY THIS SONG IS A FUCKING BANGER AND IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT THAT'S ON YOU THAT'S IT
3. STRAWBERRY CAKE - XDINARY HEROES
These kids seriously… they did not come here to play at all. JYP bands are something else entirely, because how is it that I am in love with both Day6 and Xdinary Heroes? Anyway, back to this song… the chorus is an absolute masterpiece and the main reason why I come back to this song so often.
4. NO CELESTIAL - LE SSERAFIM
Chaewon is no fucking angel, no fucking goddess. The whole album deserves so much more praise and attention than it got.
5. AFTER LIKE - IVE
IVE have been surrounded by odd controversies for a while, mostly regarding the very clear favouritism STARSHIP holds toward Wonyoung, and of course these girls can't breathe without it being over-analysed by strangers on the internet, but that won't stop me from streaming the shit out of their music! After Like is a retro banger and it deserves all the awards there are!
6. ATTENTION - NEWJEANS
Ah, yes. NEWJEANS. They came out of nowhere for me, since I was pretty adamant on not supporting this group due to how much of it I am against (an all-minors group debuting, their concept is so weird, and I hate the idea of the majority of their fandom being grown ass men). However, I can't sit here and lie: their songs are bangers. I listened to one out of curiosity sometime around NOVEMBER and quickly grew obsessed, and now here they are… my 6th song of the year.
7. NXDE - (G)I-DLE
These girls never disappoint. The entire concept for NXDE is impeccable, I loved the Soojin references, and I am completely obsessed with Yuqi's little growl when she sings "how do I look?" plus the final chorus is perfection.
8. GOOD PARTS - LE SSERAFIM
I am once again telling people to stan Le Sserafim. That's it.
9. LOVE DIVE - IVE
THE FINAL CHORUS OF THIS SONG IS PERFECT ABSOLUTELY PERFECT
10. BIBI VENGEANCE - BIBI
Bibi has been around for a while, and I remember listening to her collabs and features a lot, so seeing her gain so much popularity overnight with this song makes me so happy. She's always been successful for the people who are into KHH and that sort of scene, but she's going mainstream now (or as mainstream as K-Pop may be) and I love it. I love her.
11. GUERILLA - ATEEZ
I love it when ATEEZ do loud music. Some of their noise songs are a miss for me, but for the most part I love their sound, and this song is so catchy and so much fun… And I loved the TikTok GUERILLA Dance Challenge.
14. JIKJIN - TREASURE
Stanning TREASURE was not on my 2022 bingo but I guess that's who I am now… and right after Yedam and Mashiho leave? Fucking homophobic if you ask me!
15. LOVE ME LIKE - OMEGA X
I have some sort of magnet for bad luck AND I have the power of manifestation cause like… I saw their debut, liked it but not loved it, didn't think about them again for a while, then they released THIS absolute fucking smash hit, I stanned, they announce that two members will be starring in a BL together, then the lawsuit against their CEO… a rollercoaster. But stream Love Me Like for good grades clear skin etc etc.
16. DICE - NMIXX
N MIXX CHANGE UP LET'S GO BIG WAVE BIG WAVE AYYYYYEEE
17. OPENING SEQUENCE - TXT
This should have been the title track instead of GBGB… this is a masterpiece and I will never get tired of it.
21. RAIN TO BE - ONEWE
Somehow this is my only ONEWE song to make it onto this list even though they are my comfort musicians. Something odd is at foot.
22. CHARMER - STRAY KIDS
Honestly, this song gives me so much energy, it's like injecting caffeine directly into my veins.
23. VILLAIN - PIXY
I thought that Addicted would be my top PIXY song but I guess I listened to this a lot more? Lol. In all seriousness though, the sound change really fits PIXY, the horror concept was a lot of fun and the rock vibes were my shit, but this concept is very adequate for them as well. And I suppose that it might also have something to do with the line-up change? Since they added a new member and two left… either way, stan PIXY.
24. GIRLS - AESPA
This might be their best release so far (after Illusion and Dreams Come True, even if DCT isn't technically theirs). And no, I don't care if the choreo looks funny, it was created for the sort of camera work that SM released! It's called art, baby! And the next person to talk shit about Giselle is getting punted into the sun.
25. 28 REASONS - SEULGI
Jesus Christ, Seulgi's solo debut was the best thing to come out of this fucking year, I swear to God. She's perfect, the concept is perfect for her, the song and the album production were everything I expected from SM… Love it, love her.
26. HAPPY DEATH DAY - XDINARY HEROES
Again, this band is so fucking good. I feel like they're criminally underrated because how are they not already ROTY or something?
27. TALK THAT TALK - TWICE
Some people keep yapping and talking crap about TWICE and that's okay because at the end of the day they continue to serve!
28. 2 BADDIES - NCT 127
This is the only NCT song to make it onto the list, and I think that should really tell you something about my relationship to the group this year. It isn't even an issue with the boys, it's about the fans! And the problem is that now I can't listen to their music or watch random videos of them without thinking of whatever nonsense the fandom was getting up to last and it pisses me off.
31. RED - THE ROSE
This song didn't even come out this year and yet.
32. THE HYDRA - LE SSERAFIM
The sheer audacity of making this an intro instead of its own song with a music video and all… disgusting.
33. CREATURE - E'LAST
I know jack shit about this group but this song slithered in like an earworm.
38. BIRTHDAY - RED VELVET
Ate FMR up!
39. DOOM DU DOOM - P1HARMONY
P1HARMONY really do great music… maybe I should stan.
42. FOREVER 1 - GIRLS GENERATION
This song would be a lot higher if it weren't for the fact that I cry every single time I listen to it.
46. FUTURE PERFECT (PASS THE MIC) - ENHYPEN
I may not like this group, and I may solo stan Sunoo and Jay, but fuck if they don't make music exactly my style.
47. IMPURITIES - LE SSERAFIM
GOD KAZUHA I LOVE YOU
48. HYPE BOY - NEWJEANS
Again, I did not expect NEWJEANS to be so catchy, but here I am. The choreo is also super fun to do.
52. TEST ME - XDINARY HEROES
TEST ME TEST ME OOOOHHHH
53. POPPING - ONF
Happiness in a song. If you ever need a pick me up, I recommend this one.
57. MMMH - KAI
ARIANA WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE
No but in all seriousness though, I didn't expect this song to be on here, it was a nice surprise.
60. LAPUTA - DPR LIVE, CRUSH
This shit is like drugs.
61. REASON - KAI
I am once again shocked because I did not think I had listened to Kai that much?
65. MMM - TREASURE
I love you TREASURE even if you're a YG boy group.
66. 病 - TREASURE
What I said a line ago.
67. PARTY (SHUT DOWN) - SIK-K, CRUSH
What is this song even doing here… jumpscare.
70. DEAD MAN RUNNING - SEULGI
HER VOCALS MAN HER VOCALS ARE SO FUCKING GOOD I NEED HER TO WIN EVERY SINGLE AWARD THERE IS ON THE PLANET.
71. SO BEAUTIFUL - DPR IAN
Ian is seriously such an inspiration, I love him. And this song is a fucking banger.
72. SHUT DOWN - BLACKPINK
I am obsessed with that part where they say "When we pull up you know it's a shut down" and they do that hand move like they're slamming something shut and the instrumental sounds like a gate slamming shut… masterpiece.
73. VISION - DREAMCATCHER
I don't know how much I like this song because it's so different to everything else they've done, in my opinion, but there is no denying this is a banger.
74. I NEED SOMEBODY - DAY6
This is my favourite DAY6 song of all time, so it's no wonder that it's on here again. It's probably gonna be on this list every year until I die.
77. WAITING - WOODZ
WOODZ seriously never disappoints, I need him to do 20 more full albums before he retires.
78. LUNA - ONEUS
This is their best title track, there is no arguing that. The scandal with Ravn still hurts, not knowing the truth hurts, but listening to this song makes me feel better, even if just a little bit.
81. BONNIE AND CLYDE - YUQI
Gosh, her VOICE. I need Yuqi to keep doing rock.
84. HAIR CUT - XDINARY HEROES
I am once again urging you to stan XDINARY HEROES.
87. RUN - LUMINOUS
I know absolutely nothing about this group but this is a really good song.
88. SELFISH - YOOA
She never disappoints, seriously.
89. BYE BYE - RED VELVET
THE BEST SONG ON THE ALBUM I SWEAR TO GOD
90. MARTINI BLUE - DPR LIVE
Why is this song here on the year of our Lord 2022?
91. SHE'S IN THE RAIN - THE ROSE
Song for the mentally ill.
99. LOVE - (G)I-DLE
"She's me, she's my love" so true besties.
The rest of my wrapped was non-K-pop!
Let's take a look at some of the members that left their groups. For me, the one that hit the hardest was actually Heo Chan from VICTON. He left the group after being arrested for driving under the influence, which… Yeah, that's bad. You shouldn't drink and drive. But plenty of idols have done much worse and have gotten away with a slap to the wrist, so I find Chan's departure to be a bit excessive. I mean, look at Lucas; he's still technically in NCT and WayV, even though we haven't seen his face in more than a year. I think Chan should've stayed, especially since it happened so close to their Virus comeback. I'm going to miss him a lot, and I wish him all the best in the future.
Then we have PIXY. Both Ella and Satbyeol left the group at the same time, after neither of them participated in their Villain promotions. The news hit me quite hard, considering they were my biases in the group. Ella has one of the best voices I've heard out of 4th gen and Satbyeol's deep voiced rapping was so perfect. I won't be unstanning PIXY or anything of the sort, I don't think so, but it's gonna be hard to look back. Plus, all the remaining members are much younger than me, and to be quite honest, I am not always comfortable with such young kids. Since, you know, they're children. But I also must admit that the other girls are among my favourite idols in this gen, so we'll see.
Naeun left APINK. I am never recuperating from that. Something about seeing 2nd and 3rd gen disappear makes me so sad, even if APINK themselves aren't going anywhere. Besides, we're getting KARA back, and Super Junior, SHINee, Red Velvet, EXO, 2NE1, Big Bang, 2PM, MAMAMOO, and BoA aren't going anywhere. We also got an OT8 Girls' Generation comeback, and that was the highlight of the year for me.
There were plenty of other people who left their groups, far more than I want to talk about: Jinni left NMIXX, which was crazy because two days prior to the announcement she was talking about how happy she was and how excited she felt to see the fans again, how much she liked being an idol, all that. Plus the way she left, many people think there is something off about it. Whatever it is, I blame JYP.
I could talk about the Garam situation at length, but to be frank, I don't want to. I could talk about mass panic, mass hate, how some fans think themselves to be investigators when they're teenagers with overdue History assignments, how companies are so quick to switch up and how the public opinion will undoubtedly ruin your reputation whether the gossip is true or not. I, myself, am guilty of so. In my defense, and for what is worth, at the time of all of this happening the 'evidence' against her circulating the net was overwhelming. There were countless accounts from past classmates, school records, and so much more, and I can't say I regret believing them. I am only one person, and we make mistakes. I am saddened that her reputation was dragged through the mud, since it is all too similar to what happened to Soojin. I hope they can both come back one day.
Chuu and LOONA… Where do I even begin? I hate BBC. There is really nothing more I can say. I sincerely hope the girls can get the fuck out of that company, get their pay checks, and move on to do something better. I hope they can stay together, but if not, then I wish them all good luck in their future endeavours. Fuck BBC.
As for music… the girls were eating up the boys all year round. IVE, NMIXX, Le Sserafim, (G)I-DLE, Yena, AESPA, Bibi, Seulgi, Red Velvet, Girls' Generation… So many others dominated the charts. ITZY did not do as well as other years, but I still loved what they did (except for fucking Boys Like You). I am going to talk about my top songs of the year and why I liked them so much:
1. ANTIFRAGILE - LE SSERAFIM:
Oh, boy. Where do I even begin? These girls had their debut and I genuinely liked Fearless, even if it was simple. And then they had their first comeback with this and who am I to say not to this reggaeton beat? I am honestly obsessed with so many parts of this song, it would be impossible to list them all. I can't even choose a bias in this stupid group.
2. PINK VENOM - BLACKPINK
I DON'T CARE WHAT PEOPLE SAY THIS SONG IS A FUCKING BANGER AND IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT THAT'S ON YOU THAT'S IT
3. STRAWBERRY CAKE - XDINARY HEROES
These kids seriously… they did not come here to play at all. JYP bands are something else entirely, because how is it that I am in love with both Day6 and Xdinary Heroes? Anyway, back to this song… the chorus is an absolute masterpiece and the main reason why I come back to this song so often.
4. NO CELESTIAL - LE SSERAFIM
Chaewon is no fucking angel, no fucking goddess. The whole album deserves so much more praise and attention than it got.
5. AFTER LIKE - IVE
IVE have been surrounded by odd controversies for a while, mostly regarding the very clear favouritism STARSHIP holds toward Wonyoung, and of course these girls can't breathe without it being over-analysed by strangers on the internet, but that won't stop me from streaming the shit out of their music! After Like is a retro banger and it deserves all the awards there are!
6. ATTENTION - NEWJEANS
Ah, yes. NEWJEANS. They came out of nowhere for me, since I was pretty adamant on not supporting this group due to how much of it I am against (an all-minors group debuting, their concept is so weird, and I hate the idea of the majority of their fandom being grown ass men). However, I can't sit here and lie: their songs are bangers. I listened to one out of curiosity sometime around NOVEMBER and quickly grew obsessed, and now here they are… my 6th song of the year.
7. NXDE - (G)I-DLE
These girls never disappoint. The entire concept for NXDE is impeccable, I loved the Soojin references, and I am completely obsessed with Yuqi's little growl when she sings "how do I look?" plus the final chorus is perfection.
8. GOOD PARTS - LE SSERAFIM
I am once again telling people to stan Le Sserafim. That's it.
9. LOVE DIVE - IVE
THE FINAL CHORUS OF THIS SONG IS PERFECT ABSOLUTELY PERFECT
10. BIBI VENGEANCE - BIBI
Bibi has been around for a while, and I remember listening to her collabs and features a lot, so seeing her gain so much popularity overnight with this song makes me so happy. She's always been successful for the people who are into KHH and that sort of scene, but she's going mainstream now (or as mainstream as K-Pop may be) and I love it. I love her.
11. GUERILLA - ATEEZ
I love it when ATEEZ do loud music. Some of their noise songs are a miss for me, but for the most part I love their sound, and this song is so catchy and so much fun… And I loved the TikTok GUERILLA Dance Challenge.
14. JIKJIN - TREASURE
Stanning TREASURE was not on my 2022 bingo but I guess that's who I am now… and right after Yedam and Mashiho leave? Fucking homophobic if you ask me!
15. LOVE ME LIKE - OMEGA X
I have some sort of magnet for bad luck AND I have the power of manifestation cause like… I saw their debut, liked it but not loved it, didn't think about them again for a while, then they released THIS absolute fucking smash hit, I stanned, they announce that two members will be starring in a BL together, then the lawsuit against their CEO… a rollercoaster. But stream Love Me Like for good grades clear skin etc etc.
16. DICE - NMIXX
N MIXX CHANGE UP LET'S GO BIG WAVE BIG WAVE AYYYYYEEE
17. OPENING SEQUENCE - TXT
This should have been the title track instead of GBGB… this is a masterpiece and I will never get tired of it.
21. RAIN TO BE - ONEWE
Somehow this is my only ONEWE song to make it onto this list even though they are my comfort musicians. Something odd is at foot.
22. CHARMER - STRAY KIDS
Honestly, this song gives me so much energy, it's like injecting caffeine directly into my veins.
23. VILLAIN - PIXY
I thought that Addicted would be my top PIXY song but I guess I listened to this a lot more? Lol. In all seriousness though, the sound change really fits PIXY, the horror concept was a lot of fun and the rock vibes were my shit, but this concept is very adequate for them as well. And I suppose that it might also have something to do with the line-up change? Since they added a new member and two left… either way, stan PIXY.
24. GIRLS - AESPA
This might be their best release so far (after Illusion and Dreams Come True, even if DCT isn't technically theirs). And no, I don't care if the choreo looks funny, it was created for the sort of camera work that SM released! It's called art, baby! And the next person to talk shit about Giselle is getting punted into the sun.
25. 28 REASONS - SEULGI
Jesus Christ, Seulgi's solo debut was the best thing to come out of this fucking year, I swear to God. She's perfect, the concept is perfect for her, the song and the album production were everything I expected from SM… Love it, love her.
26. HAPPY DEATH DAY - XDINARY HEROES
Again, this band is so fucking good. I feel like they're criminally underrated because how are they not already ROTY or something?
27. TALK THAT TALK - TWICE
Some people keep yapping and talking crap about TWICE and that's okay because at the end of the day they continue to serve!
28. 2 BADDIES - NCT 127
This is the only NCT song to make it onto the list, and I think that should really tell you something about my relationship to the group this year. It isn't even an issue with the boys, it's about the fans! And the problem is that now I can't listen to their music or watch random videos of them without thinking of whatever nonsense the fandom was getting up to last and it pisses me off.
31. RED - THE ROSE
This song didn't even come out this year and yet.
32. THE HYDRA - LE SSERAFIM
The sheer audacity of making this an intro instead of its own song with a music video and all… disgusting.
33. CREATURE - E'LAST
I know jack shit about this group but this song slithered in like an earworm.
38. BIRTHDAY - RED VELVET
Ate FMR up!
39. DOOM DU DOOM - P1HARMONY
P1HARMONY really do great music… maybe I should stan.
42. FOREVER 1 - GIRLS GENERATION
This song would be a lot higher if it weren't for the fact that I cry every single time I listen to it.
46. FUTURE PERFECT (PASS THE MIC) - ENHYPEN
I may not like this group, and I may solo stan Sunoo and Jay, but fuck if they don't make music exactly my style.
47. IMPURITIES - LE SSERAFIM
GOD KAZUHA I LOVE YOU
48. HYPE BOY - NEWJEANS
Again, I did not expect NEWJEANS to be so catchy, but here I am. The choreo is also super fun to do.
52. TEST ME - XDINARY HEROES
TEST ME TEST ME OOOOHHHH
53. POPPING - ONF
Happiness in a song. If you ever need a pick me up, I recommend this one.
57. MMMH - KAI
ARIANA WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE
No but in all seriousness though, I didn't expect this song to be on here, it was a nice surprise.
60. LAPUTA - DPR LIVE, CRUSH
This shit is like drugs.
61. REASON - KAI
I am once again shocked because I did not think I had listened to Kai that much?
65. MMM - TREASURE
I love you TREASURE even if you're a YG boy group.
66. 病 - TREASURE
What I said a line ago.
67. PARTY (SHUT DOWN) - SIK-K, CRUSH
What is this song even doing here… jumpscare.
70. DEAD MAN RUNNING - SEULGI
HER VOCALS MAN HER VOCALS ARE SO FUCKING GOOD I NEED HER TO WIN EVERY SINGLE AWARD THERE IS ON THE PLANET.
71. SO BEAUTIFUL - DPR IAN
Ian is seriously such an inspiration, I love him. And this song is a fucking banger.
72. SHUT DOWN - BLACKPINK
I am obsessed with that part where they say "When we pull up you know it's a shut down" and they do that hand move like they're slamming something shut and the instrumental sounds like a gate slamming shut… masterpiece.
73. VISION - DREAMCATCHER
I don't know how much I like this song because it's so different to everything else they've done, in my opinion, but there is no denying this is a banger.
74. I NEED SOMEBODY - DAY6
This is my favourite DAY6 song of all time, so it's no wonder that it's on here again. It's probably gonna be on this list every year until I die.
77. WAITING - WOODZ
WOODZ seriously never disappoints, I need him to do 20 more full albums before he retires.
78. LUNA - ONEUS
This is their best title track, there is no arguing that. The scandal with Ravn still hurts, not knowing the truth hurts, but listening to this song makes me feel better, even if just a little bit.
81. BONNIE AND CLYDE - YUQI
Gosh, her VOICE. I need Yuqi to keep doing rock.
84. HAIR CUT - XDINARY HEROES
I am once again urging you to stan XDINARY HEROES.
87. RUN - LUMINOUS
I know absolutely nothing about this group but this is a really good song.
88. SELFISH - YOOA
She never disappoints, seriously.
89. BYE BYE - RED VELVET
THE BEST SONG ON THE ALBUM I SWEAR TO GOD
90. MARTINI BLUE - DPR LIVE
Why is this song here on the year of our Lord 2022?
91. SHE'S IN THE RAIN - THE ROSE
Song for the mentally ill.
99. LOVE - (G)I-DLE
"She's me, she's my love" so true besties.
The rest of my wrapped was non-K-pop!
And that is it for my ramble, because I am tired and want to go make dinner. I might do a part two where I go into a little more detail about certain things but only if I really feel like it.
