#my new all time favorite exo album

[guardians-of-exo]

Happy Birthday, Jongdae! 💙

Sorry for being late with this post, I've honestly been so busy with work I can barely keep up with time passing. But knowing that I'll always have EXO to come home to, your music to support me on my rough days, makes it all worth it. Thank you for working hard so that we all have something to light up our dark times 💙

[chaysingthesun]

Rover initial thoughts

IT’S SO FREAKING GOOD AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH

I AM LIVING!!! Like I said earlier this has probably been the most fun comeback I’ve ever experienced since becoming a kpop fan a few years ago. Rover is my favorite Kai title track yet! I am absolutely obsessed, with both the song and the mv. 

Rover: Musically Rover is so catchy, an absolute banger. I can’t help but dance whenever I hear it. I was worried when I heard the mv teaser that it would be kind of monotone but it’s actually got so much beautiful complexity. I love how it builds. I love the vocal layering (on Rover and on the entire album) — the richness of that is one of the things I love most about his and exo’s music. His voice blew me away yet again, and his deep voice for the raps??? Holy crap I was not expecting that. I’m not even a big fan of rap but I swear every time he opened his mouth for those parts my soul separated from my body (especially when combined with the visuals in the mv... yeah). He killed me and sent me straight to heaven.

Someone said the mv is delicious. I can’t describe it better. The scenes, the coloring, the outfits, everything is so gorgeous. THE BALLERINAS????  He did that for me 😭😭😭 And the concept/plot!! Spy/scammer X-Kai? I’m 100% here for it. That ending too... I gasped. The whole thing is just kpop perfection, everything I could have wanted. 

(Okay, I take that back, I was hoping to see him do a few ballet moves, but maybe that will come with Film: Kai 2. And being a former ballet dancer I know how difficult that would be to train for, so I won’t be too disappointed if not... but still, just imagine 🥺)

I’ve been listening to the album over and over since it dropped and I’m loving it more and more every time. It’s impossible for me to pick a favorite yet, so I’ll just go through the rest of the songs in album order:

Black Mirror: Okay so I wasn’t sure about this one from the teaser—yeah that beat is absolute fire, but I’m definitely more of an r&b and pop fan than hip-hop and rap, and I wasn’t sure if it would be my vibe or not. I needn’t have worried. It’s incredible omg. So well-crafted from start to finish. His voice is mesmerizing, whether rapping or singing. The second verse where the vocal layering comes in? I’m ascending once again. Every time I listen I have to stop what I’m doing and just let myself be swept away. This song is a transcendental experience. 

Slidin’: Speaking of transcendental experiences, this one takes the cake. That hypnotizing arpeggio behind his even more hypnotizing voice? Ugh it’s so good I can’t handle it. Also those lyrics... yeah 🥵 I saw someone say this is Kai’s Baekhyun Drown moment. Anyway the whole song is heavenly, but the last 35 seconds? Not only did I ascend, I felt like I was being serenaded by a chorus of angels. This song may be my favorite on the album. 

Bomba: Maybe I’m missing something or maybe it’s because I don’t really listen to reggaeton, but this song isn’t my favorite. I still like it, and jam out whenever it comes on, but I’m relieved it didn’t end up being the title. Rover just feels so much more complex. I do love his glorious vocals in the bridge. Time will tell if it’ll be the type of song that will grow on me a ton or if I’ll end up skipping it sometimes, but regardless, I am SO excited to see him perform this, it’s going to be fire.

Say You Love Me: Oh this song FUCKS. No other way to say it. Gorgeous, haunting, captivating. Every time I listen to it I fall into its charms more deeply. What a mood. His voice!! I could see this one eventually becoming my favorite, it’s a close contender for the top spot.

Sinner: This is the one I thought from the teasers would be my favorite, and indeed, it’s also a top contender. The first time I heard it in full I wasn’t sure about it; the different way he sings it and the relatively simple melody took a minute to get used to, but by the second or third listen I was completely seeing the vision. The emotion in his voice, or is it deadness? The feeling of defeat? It hits hard. And I absolute love the way each chorus changes, morphs into something different and new, each repetition telling its own story, changing the tone of the words, capped off by the magnificent, soaring final chorus. So beautiful.

All in all I’m so so happy, I can’t believe he’s done it again. So proud of all Jongin’s hard work. You can tell he spent so much time pouring over these songs, tweaking everything to be just how he wanted, adding so many layers and so much depth. I imagine this will be like his first album for me — no matter how many times I listen, I will hear something new. Currently nothing can beat his first album overall for me, that is quite possibly my favorite album of all time, but this one... it’s more than a worthy sequel, it stands on its own along with Peaches and I think it’s truly another masterpiece. So proud of Jongin, my heart is full ❤️

[defjux]

Here's 100 of the albums from 2024 that i''ve enjoyed the most: 50 hip hop records, and 50 albums in other genres. There's still a ton of stuff I haven't gotten to yet or need to revisit, but i'm feeling pretty good about this and don't think too much would change aside from the order. Insane year for music overall, and surely there will still be some big releases in the next two months. Biggest surprise for me was definitely The Cure making a comeback after almost two decades and putting out their best album since Wish. I'm also convinced that Robert Smith is an actual vampire. he still sounds great after all this time. Charts with album titles included Again, i'm sure there's plenty of stuff that has gone under the radar for me so as always i'm open to recommendations. Let me know what your favorite records are, i'd genuinely like to know. I'll post the list of albums below, and maybe at the end of the year will do some kind of spotify playlist with one or two songs from each. Peace.

Hip hop:

ELUCID - REVELATOR

Ka - The Thief Next To Jesus

AKAI SOLO - DREAMDROPDRAGON

Mach-Hommy- #RICHAXXHAITIAN

Cavalier - Different Type Time

The Fortunate Ones - RESIN

Armand Hammer - BLK LBL

Dead Players - Faster Than the Speed of Death

ShrapKnel - Nobody Planning To Leave

Sunmundi & klwn cat - Lived and Born

Desert Camo - Desert Camo

Nakama - EMBERGO_

Lee Scott - To Tame A Dead Horse

Joshua Virtue - Black Box: JOSHUA IS DEAD

Freddie Gibbs - You Only Die ince

Navy Blue - Memoirs in Armour

Phiik & Lungs - Carrot Season

Nickelus F - MMCHT

Nuse Tyrant - Juxtaposed Echoes

Mary Sue - Voice Memos From A Winter In China

DJ Muggs & Raz Fresco - The Eternal Now

Revival Season - Golden Age of Self Snitching

Midnight Sons - Money Has No Owners

Tyler, the Creator - Chromakopia

Sasco - The Hottest Year on Record

Boldy James & Conductor Williams - Across The Tracks

Hester Valentine - Valenta

Mavi - Shadowbox

Serengeti - KDIV

JPEGMAFIA - I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU

Rap Man Gavin & postureless - Memories, Dreams, Reflections

yungmorpheus - WAKING UP AND CHOOSING VIOLENCE

Sadistik & Maulskull - Oblivion Theater

Roc Marciano - MARCIOLOGY

R.A.P. Ferreira - the First Fist to Make Contact When We Dap

Deca & Dealz - Bough

Nxworries - WHY LAWD?

Oddisee - And Yet Still

Rich Jones & SINAI. - Sour Dub

Lupe Fiasco - Samurai

Noveliss & Hir-O - Cyberpunk Rhapsody

Cavalier & Quelle Chris - Death Tape 2: We Gon' Need Each Other

Killah Priest - Abraxas Rebis Simha Pleroma

Vince Staples - Dark Times

Kooley High & Tuamie - All Infinite

MIKE & Tony Seltzer - Pinball

Daniel Son & Futurewave - BUSHMAN BODEGA

Vic Spencer & August Fanon - Psychological Cheat Sheet 5

Jack Jetson & Illinformed - Winter Forever

bromethugzine - THUG ZINE issue 002: WORLD-SPIRIT

Everything else:

Chelsea Wolfe - She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She

Iglooghost - Tidal Memory Exo

chat pile - Cool World

Frail Body - Artificial Bouquet

The Cure - Songs Of A Lost World

Trauma Ray - Chameleon

Terry Green - PROVISIONAL LIVING

Gouge Away - Deep Sage

Thou - Umbilical

ØKSE - ØKSE

Tenue - Arcos, bóvedas, pórticos

Krallice - Inorganic Rites

Nala Sinephro - Endlessness

Punchlove - Channels

Milton Nascimento & Esperanza Spalding - Milton + esperanza

Arooj Aftab - Night Reign

Hammok - Look How Long Lasting Everything Is Moving Forward For Once

Blood Incantation - Absolute Elsewhere

Crumb - AMAMA

Kamasi Washington - Fearless Novement

Fievel Is Glauque - Rong Weicknes

Camila Bañados - Viento 1.

julie - my anti-aircraft friend

Oranssi Pazuzu - Muuntautuja

Skee Mask - Resort

Mary Halvorson - Cloudward

Infant Island - Obsidian wreath

Blushing - Sugarcoat

Godspeed You! Black Emperor - NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD

MAGDALENA BAY - Imaginal Disk

Leaving Time - Angel in the Sand

Joel Ross - nublues

Both Gibbons - Lives Outgrown

geordie greep - The New Sound

Nilüfer Yanya - My Method Actor

Nails - Every Bridge Burning

Hiatus Kaiyote Love Heart Cheat Code

Liana Flores Flower of the soul

Babii - Daredeviil2000

Blind Girls - An Exit Exists

HERIOT - Devoured by the Mouth of Hell

Julia Holter - Something in the Room She Moves

Cindy Lee - Diamond Jubilee

Melt-Banana - 3+5

Ulcerate - Cutting The Throat Of God

Spirit of the Beehive - YOU'LL HAVE TO LOSE SOMETHING

Hannah Frances - Keeper of the Shepherd

Ginger Root -Shinbanguni

Martha Skye Murphy - Um

Pluma - Não Leve a Mal

[randomobsessionsofa30something]

My top 15 kpop songs of 2024

My countdowns of the year are overdue. So here's my first list with my favorite kpop songs of the year.

H.M. ROSÉ- APT. This earworm- because that's what it is- would easily make my top 3 of the year but apart from the intro the song it's in english so I do consider it a pop song but I just had to mention it.

15. TAEYEON-Letter to myself. The thing I love the most about Taeyeon's ballads is that she always picks interesting melodies to sing. And this one is no different. So no matter how many times she sings about heartbreak I keep loving it.

14. BOYNEXTDOOR-OUR. This song is so fresh and fun. This group has really become one of my favorites of the fifth gen and this song was my favorite this year even if Earth, Wind and Fire is also great, and the actual title of their mini album.

13. DOYOUNG-Little Light. When I heard NCT's Doyoung was releasing his solo album I was convinced he would release a ballad album and I was wrong. He went the pop rock route and I really enjoyed his whole album but I kept listening the title that in korean translates to firefly. It's a bright fun song to listen to.

12. New Jeans-How sweet. I have to confess I'm not a fan of New Jeans overall look but I love the songs they come up with and this one in special was as the title says a sweet song to listen to.

11. RIIZE-Impossible. RIIZE is such a fun group. I've enjoyed all the songs they've released and this one was really stuck in my head the first half of the year. It's about feeling everything that is impossible it's somehow possible when you're with that special somebody.

10. BABY MONSTER-SHEESH. Another song that stayed in my head for ours on end. It definitely has that YG feel and a great hook. I haven't really paid as much attention to them but this song makes me feel I'm really missing out.

9. NCT Dream-Unknown. I think this is kind of like their cheerleader song. It's about going after your dreams. Definitely feating for my favorite NCT subunit.

8. SEVENTEEN-MAESTRO. To be honest, I don't know why I either love or hate Seventeen songs. This one I absolutely love it. The choreo is everything and the beat is bright.

7. Taemin-Horizon. So, fun fact: my most listened kpop artist of the year was Taemin. This year he released his first album after singning with BPM and it really meant the confirmation that it wasn't SM that drove his career... it's all him. Sexy in the air was good but it was this song that really got me. It's Taemin so you know the choreo had to be crazy and on top of that he got some of the best dancers in the industry and yet his star quality shines through.

6. Baekhyun-Pinneaple Slice. Baekhyun was another artist that showed that he could deliver without the SM machinary behind him. This fun, sexy song is catchy. The MV has a vampire theme that is fresh. The vocals are EXO quality, of course.

5. Chanyeol-Hasta la vista. My favorite song from EXO Chanyeol's first album. I mean finally. Why is this the first one? Anyway... This song might be just a bside from his album but it was one of my most listened songs of the year. It has the band aspects Chanyeol has always loved, the vocals are so sweet even if the lyrics are heartbreaking.

4. AESPA-Supernova. Another earworm. When they released Supernova I was like "nope, next" and I actually like Amargeddon too but it's been seven months since it was released and still sometimes I wake up and the first thing out of my mouth is "Su-su-su-su-supernova".

3. GD ft Taeyang and Daesung-HOME SWEET HOME. Power was such a great comeback for GD but when Home Sweet Home was released to the world it was just legendary. It just screams BIGBANG. Exactly what I've been hoping for the last few years and to this day it sits on top of the korean charts.

2. ZICO ft. JENNIE- Spot. Zico has been kind of dragging his feet when it comes to releasing albums because he has been so focused on producing but him releasing this song was like him saying I can top the charts if and when I want to. The lyrics are about having a night out. It has a cool beat, Zico's signature rap, a great hook and Jennie's fun vocals.

1. Lee Young Ji ft Do Kyungsoo-Small girl. This song is mostly in english but I think D.O.'s parts in korean qualifies it as kpop. The lyrics really hit me hard the first time I watched the MV because it took me back to me being fourteen and feeling so much bigger than all of my friends. It really talks about self esteem but it's also a cute duo with Kyungsoo's beautiful vocals. It also happens to be my most listened kpop song of the year.

[omgsuperstarg]

#K-popaddock- Toto Wolff x reader

You know I love nothing more than K-pop! So what better than dance challenges with some of the drivers and even the boss man himself for some good fun in between races.

As a driver, you knew it had been stressful having to push the pedal to the metal every weekend but you loved it and wouldn't have it any other way. Everyone knew how much of a K-pop fan you were by the edits and dance covers you uploaded and they loved when you got the chance to show off your skills.

The Mercedes admin gave you the honour of creating some content for the Team Socials and the fans knew that in your spare time, you loved to dance especially to K-pop songs. So you started the #kpopaddock in which each race weekend you tried to do at least some challenges personal and fan-voted. So for the newest edition, it was time to see the other drivers on Grid show their moves and the poison was EXO Kai's Rover since it was the easiest and you knew most of the guys could pick it up well.

And so it began, it was enjoyable seeing the guys try their hand at the choreography. Charles and Carlos put their own flavour and comedy into the dance as you knew the C² would. Max and Daniel did the dance well and Lewis put his own style and improvised a dance to the song.

Now this was the moment that the fans would go ballistic over. It's a proven fact that Toto is a staple to the F1 internet and what better way to get the fangirls screaming than their fave principal dancing. The admin had him agree to do some content but he doesn't know what kind so it was time to break the news and document it.

"Hey boss man, I hope you're ready for your special challenge", you say smiling hiding your evil intentions on what your boss has to do.

'"I hope nothing too difficult and embarrassing.", the Austrian principal speaks with a hint of amusement.

"As we all know, you can party hard and dance so I want to challenge you to bust a move utilizing some k-pop choreo and the whole garage is going to be your personal cheerleader", the garage erupts into cheers and whistles with some taking out their phones ready to capture the moment.

Toto's face resembles a cherry with blood rushing to his cheeks but knowing Toto he's not one to refuse but I did have a stipulation if he did forfeit.

"Just so you know sir, if you fail to accept you must wear wolf ears for the remainder of today's proceedings. So choose wisely!", you say in giddy excitement.

You could hear him mutter in German at the mess he's about to enter.

"Don't worry boss, your dance will be cool and simple to complete and that song is 2PMs My house. Get your popcorn yall cuz this is finna be a show you'll never forget", you profess like an announcer at a circus saving the best act for last.

You begin to teach Toto the moves and he's a surprisingly quick study, its always nice to see the man you look up to have a little breather since race days always have him stressed and the cherry on the cake is that it gives the team a morale boost.

"You think you're ready Mr. Wolff?", you inquire to your commander.

"Yes, I hope I don't embarrass myself too much. I'm marvelled at you. Not only you're a great driver yet here you displaying another facet of your talent. Im quite proud of you.", he confesses after which he gives you a huge wolff hug.

NOW ITS SHOWTIME!!! With all cameras at the ready and baited breath, this was his debut and you placed the cat headband on him for good measure and then the music started.

It was such a huge moment that even some of the other garages came to sneak a peak at the powerful Wolff getting his dance on and in the end, he did pretty great and the crowd loved it. Some cameramen even documented it live. It was truly an ICONIC Toto moment! You didn't think Toto was able to move his hips like that but he proved you wrong.

You even sent the video to Mrs Susie so she could see her beloved husband in action and she LIVED FOR IT AS WELL as well as little Jack laughing at seeing his dad dance😊😂👌

"AHHHHHHHHH, yep!!!!! This is millions-worthy right here. THE FANS ARE GOING TO EAT THIS UP!!!!!", you say as you observe the footage.

"You did really good Toto, im proud of you. The ears stay on", you said running to prep for the day's races before he can rebuttal.

Bonus Clip

At the end of the day, you placed P4 and to celebrate you had one more challenge to do and it was a compilation of Lee Chaeyeon's Knock. You've been practising for all four levels of the dance and now it's time to bare the fruits of the labour. Dressed in your outfit, you proceeded to leave it all on the track for everyone to see!

[writingmochi]

! "songs you actually listen to(?)" tag game !

rules: when you get this you have to put 5 songs you actually listen to, and post it! then, send this to 10 of your favorite followers (non-negotiable, positivity is cool) < that is actually part of the rule i didn't make it up

tagged by: ilem aka @lovejoshua love how you tagged me but the tagging link doesn't work... it's very fortunate that i saw your post on my timeline

i'll do you all better... i'm doing 5 artists i'm currently listening to instead! and this will be full of tone indicators because people will get offended even by the minuscule things + because this is music i will freaking ramble so i'm sorry for the incoming long post

&team, specifically firework

this song is such a surprise for me and to be honest i hadn't even thought that hybe could make another good song for any other artists than newjeans /pretty srs. it has a bit of txt's thursday's child 80's vibe to it. it definitely makes much more sense than what the walmart twilight concept enhypen is doing /nm /criticism (believe me, i'm still stuck in the tamed-dashed era. also bring back the composer who makes given-taken pls /gen) i also want to give my two cents and say that i like the korean version better. i think this song was meant to be sung in korean before japanese imo

radiohead

what is 2023 lissie without radiohead? from creating and planning a 20-part anthology series based of their discography to buying my favorite albums of theirs on vinyl (which are the two albums that i plaster above), they've climbed up my ranks of favorite artists of all time. i choose jigsaw specifically because i rekindle my love of playing bass from that song and climbing up the walls because of the seonghwa fic i'm planning (it is exceptionally one of the most underappreciated songs in ok computer...)

billlie

they are the children of f(x) i'm telling you!!!!!!!!! just like how i consider the boyz as the children of exo and txt as the children of shinee. they are the siblings of 2016-2019 loona and gwsn. they are the product of sm ent's music prodigy sibling and i love them for that. they also are the junior of brown eyed girls, aka one of the most iconic kpop 2nd gen gg and the one that releases bops such as brave new world, kill bill, sign, and abracadabra! i love their discography so much and they have the potential to have one of the best kpop discographies in the industry alongside red velvet. i'll gatekeep them until the end along with onf because only people with taste can enjoy their songs /lh /gen aaaaaaaaaaa

triples aaa

the unit that could be if modhaus don't make such a strict rule because they disbanded for not having 100k album sold (womp womp) generation is such a high-quality debut track from a small company and dimension having their own versions within the subunits is a great concept. i mean, jaden jeong is the head of the 2016-2019 loona sound and i gotta have to appreciate him for picking good tracks man. their songs are also one of the bases of sound for my oc kpop group sound in @interactivemochi. also a discussion starter question: will modhaus actually be able to do the multi-unit many-member group that sm ent wanted with nct? i actually think they will because indie labels are more experimental than the big corporate ones (aka nct will be great with their infinite concept if they're committed and take those risks) just look at jaden jeong's print on onlyoneof and loona, they're pretty small but their fans are loyal af. yet, i'm merely just a casual listener of triples because they play around with nfts (and i am a biz student who doesn't like crypto and nft)

depeche mode and other new wave and 80s experimental musicians

when you have a gen z kid who likes older songs rather than new ones, they have to listen to new wave and synth-pop, specifically depeche mode. people usually associate them with post-punk along with talking heads, joy division, new order, kate bush etc and i can definitely agree. new wave is one of my favorite genres because of how experimental they are and it is exactly what depeche mode is doing + i love the resurgence of old brit bands like the shoegaze bands that includes slowdive, mbv, and siouxsie and the banshees

don't forget that this is meant to be 5 songs and i wanted to be extra because i can be extra *wink*

tagging: @ujunxverse (you could definitely do it on @/orochxi if you want), my fellow untag people from ilem's post @boba-beom @robin-obsessed, also others such as @dim-sun @tyunlatte @heart2beom @itz-yerin @txt-yaomi @talesofyuan @euphor1a + anyone who wanna join cuz i would love to hear new music :D

[dailyexo]

[INTERVIEW] Kai - 230314 UPROXX: “Kai Doesn’t Care What You Think, ‘Rover’ Is His Reminder To Live Life Freely”

"When Kai debuted with EXO 11 years ago, he was already a fan favorite. His teaser featured him smoothly dancing across a puddle of water to the group’s jazz pop track “My Lady.” From then on, Kai, whose real name is Kim Jongin, became one of the attractors and magnets for potential EXO-Ls to be.

With a massive discography and awards accrued over the last decade with EXO (and SuperM), it was only November 2020 when Kai unraveled his own world to the masses and proved how much of an ace he is. With his debut single “Mmmh,” the EXO member checked off every tick on what it meant to be a whole package — and be rightfully called “Idol’s Idol:” a catchy R&B ear worm that’s easy to sing along; sexy, jaw-dropping choreography that went viral; and looks (including a jawline so sharp) that could kill from a glance.

His title as Asia’s First Love only continued to grow when he followed up with “Peaches” (2021), a poetic R&B serenade that highlighted his romantic side.

Fast forward to today (March 13), Kai unleashes the wild side of him in his upbeat, Latin-inspired single “Rover” off his third EP of the same title. Last week, we caught up with Kai to discuss his new project, and his success as a soloist and member of EXO.

We obviously think of a car when we hear “Rover.” But how would you interpret that?

Kai: “Rover” is about not caring about what people think or say. It’s about just going your way freely as a wanderer. But that is also the whole album overall. It’s also about social media as well. A lot of different people see what you post and it’s a place where a judgment or opinion could actually be easily made. There are possibilities you could also be jealous of someone, or look up to someone when you’re on social media. But it’s more about not caring about all those different perspectives, or those gazes at all. And it’s a message of just think free, so the message that’s here I think is let’s be free.

I have a lot of messages to share to the world but whoever interprets it or whoever sees it, are free to interpret it individually since it’s different for each person. But regardless, I want to say that I’m just going to do whatever I want to do, what I like to do, and just spread the message of freedom and show that I’m doing what I want to do and what I like.

It’s such a switch from your last two singles, what did you think when you first heard it?

Kai: The first impression for “Rover” was very good. I thought the melody and rhythm meshed well and was very addictive. The song has a nice rhythm that’s very fun and easy to dance to. And while preparing for “Rover,” I was excited knowing I can focus on showing a new side of myself.

Are you aware of your virality every time you make a comeback?

Kai: Well, actually I don’t focus on that that much. Nor do I feel it that much because it’s a fight with myself because of how time is actually limited. We only have 24 hours a day and there’s a lot of good that I want to do and show to my fans. But other than focusing on the virality that I bring or the popularity that I have, I do have a little bit of pressure to focus on making something good

In “Mmmh” it was the choreography, then “Peaches” the detail that went viral was when you twirled one of your dancer’s hair. What do you predict would be the viral moment for “Rover?”

Kai: I could honestly say that out of all the dances or choreography that I’ve done, this one was very much difficult. But difficulty [for me] is shown in a cool way, or I hope so. So I’m not going to be able to choose just one part because I like everything.

Actually, I’m actually looking forward to what the people, fans, and listeners would choose as the viral moment or the killing part of the song. So, I really wish and hope that people could choose for me.

Any behind-the-scenes moments you want to talk about in this album?

Kai: Particularly, I do like the track “Bomba.” It’s one of my b-side tracks for this album and one of the tracks that I actually considered as the lead single for my second album,Peaches — between “Peaches” and “Bomba.”

Especially for this album, rather than focusing on what others would like to see from me, I mainly focused on what I like and what I would like to show. As I was really enjoying that thought in the production process, I couldn’t even think about any difficulties. I think my third album is more of a result of the experiences that I had with my first and second albums. So if it weren’t for my first and second albums, I think that my third album wouldn’t be possible. And I think when I was shooting the song, preparing the album itself, I tried to be more bold and unique with the choices that I make and I tried to work on that.

Do you feel any pressure still, as you make these comebacks?

Kai: Sometimes. I did have some pressure creating this album because I really want to showcase a new and different side to my fans. However, all of that pressure was released in the process of this album, while also preparing for it.

I always want to do better and show the best to my fans. I try my best not to think too deeply about it because I ultimately want to solely focus on the stage. Because when I start thinking too deeply into things, then I won’t be able to concentrate and fully show my 100 percent.

Have you found any stark differences or discoveries about yourself as a soloist and you as a member of EXO?

Kai: Well, yes there are differences to this actually. So, when I’m in the group — as a member of EXO, I feel more comfortable because we’re able to share this pressure that we feel altogether. I tend to rely more on the members than relying on myself. And it’s also that I really do enjoy and like being in EXO when in a group altogether. Because there’s EXO, I exist. Because of EXO, there’s Kai.

But even as a soloist, it’s very fun. I enjoy it as well since it’s only about me doing well, and me doing the best that I could do. It can be comfortable in those terms, but sincerely do enjoy both. Because, once again, I think Kai exists because of EXO.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned as a soloist?

Kai: As a soloist, I’m honestly very satisfied to where I’m at but I still can feel that I really, and truly, miss my members, especially those who enlisted. I’m really looking forward to the album that we will release as EXO altogether.

I could say that I realized I still do lack a lot of skills, and I have a lot to improve on still. And since I had my members while doing a lot of different activities with EXO, I was able to share the pressure. As a soloist, all the pressure is on me. Everything really depends on how I show my performance, and how the outcome is done by me. I really came to realize that I have to do my best and do better.

And, this is actually not directed to me being a soloist but, one really big learning that I realized these days is that time is special.

One thing the world doesn’t know that Kai wants to share.

Kai: Actually, I really don’t know who I am still and I think it’s kind of definite for the world not to know fully about me too. It’s more so that the images that I show as a member of EXO and Kai are very different from who I am as a person.

And you know, the fans do know that you know on stage, I’m charismatic and you know pretty much cool but that I’m a bit different off stage but I could say that not a lot of people know this because you know I may seem a bit you know charismatic on stage and cool but I’m actually a pure and kind person and yeah that’s about it for the first question.

Anything else you’d like to say?

I actually went to go eat Kaljebi which is a mix of Kalguksu (hand-pulled noodles) and sujebi (flattened hand-pulled noodles, and that was my favorite place to go eat."

Credit: Uproxx.

[ranseltoska]

"I kinda think I am becoming the adults in the little prince book. Living a mundane life and mediocre one, not having any dreams, sparks, or passion at all, don't even know where to go and what to look for. Such a walking shell without a soul."

This is my entry when I turned older on my birthday last week. I don't know what to feel, I don't know what to expect, I don't know what will change. I just feel like I always in this staying a float phase, not flying and trying to not drowning myself. But as I go through my personal memories last year, I feel like whatever phase I am in I am doing quite a good life, somehow.

Starting the year with exo performing together again, win a giveaway to eat at gelora baik for free, go to solo to spend day with alifa, trying new place like bakmi gandhok, bakmi bersahadja 77, warung bahtera. Solo trip with mbak flos. Watching someday or another day and reading gadis kretek. Learning english translation seriously.

On february, trying new places again; ceria cafe, cinema bakery, wm berdikari, dragon hot pot. Watching jalan yang jauh jangan lupa pulang with ilak. Coming to arin's wedding with andri. Strolling around prawirotaman; tjemara noodle, art and craft space, tirtodipuran link, kebun buku, lawson. Having my first job ever. Moving from my favorite place on earth.

The march, going to pasar wiguna and reunited with isma. Watching suzume. Meet kak fira, mas danish, and dek al. Trying por aqui and the iconic.

Fourth month, trying to open jastip. Bukber with cece. Trying gudeg bromo, ayam gulai, golden geisha, nanamia pizzeria, tous ler jous. Going home. Spending ramadhan with people at home. Celebrating eid with extended family. Meet geng8. Vacation to Malaysia with ayah, bunda, kak qi, and adek. Seventeen release FML album.

May. Going back to jogja. Start journaling for fun. Trying sophie's sunset sunset library, cuena coffee, bungah, nasi teri gejayan. xyz coffee. Going to jogja beauty fest with mbak flos. Watching spiderman across the spiderverse.

The next month, join noraebang with mbak flos. Meet aliya, oma, and tante erna. Visited by mom and dad. Trip around jogja, solo, and pacitan with them. Meet kak fira's family again. Celebrating eid adha. Going to dongeng kopi and watching staar syndrom, onde mande, elemental force, the childe.

July would be a month full of reconnecting. Attending kak dika's wedding. Meeting firda in solo; going to loske, tfp, uma yumcha dimsum, pasar gede. Visiting alifa; patjar merah and lokananta. Having a day off; trying mie sapi banteng, dongeng kopi, warung yanto, cosan. Going to bantul to try sena cafe, meet sagita at jnm bloc, eat kazu ramen. EXO's comeback. Going to rumah miguni with mbak flos. Celebrating wonwoo's birthday. Watching barbie, my precious, and smugglers.

August. I am becoming the full timer in my work place. Going to toko buku nathan and trying ness donut. Watching the moon and head over heels towards do kyungsoo. Parting ways with some friends. Having a barbecue party with team.

This is the special month. I am coming home and gathering with families. Having spirited journey and doing umroh. Cutting of all the connection with real world, praying, worshiping, spending time with my favourite support system in Allah's house. Spending a week at Turkiye, road trip all over it. Spending time with myself and my loved ones. Listening over and over to Pengantar Purifikasi Pikir and Expectation. Reading Loki Tua

October, coming back to jogja and working again. Watching petualangan sherina, iu's golden hour, killers of the flower moon, and cobweb. Noraebang here and there with mbak flos. Seeing blooming season in this city.

November. Getting closer to farah. Reuniting with ilak. Going to bakmie 88, sintesis, kedai ketjil, fore, gyoza sutra, roti jala tanah melayu, baked me to the moon. Watching budi pekerti, love reset, past lives. Learning making beads with farah. Attending JAFF. Meeting lots of cool people. Watching lots of good movies; la luna, sugarland, jatuh cinta seperti di film-film, perfect days, gadis kretek talkshow, women from rote island, and monster.

The last month, my favourite December. Ending JAFF; watching Fallen Angels, attending the closing ceremony with Andri, watching 13 Bom di Jakarta. Evaluation with the team. Going to mie ayam grabyas, hotway chicken, homeground crsl, makmur chicken. Taking a day off to explore prawirotaman; my little warung, house of zaw, kebun buku, lakaey, and walking around kota baru. Finishing reading what you are looking for is in the library and watching the boy and the heron. Meet vika, trying kopitiam, journaling together. Watching live viewing seventeen follow the tour in cinema. Early christmas and birthday dinner with mbak flos at francis pizza and cheese cake cafe. Working in a very packed store during christmas till new year's eve. Celebrating my birthday; cleaning the room, going to periplus to buy a gift for myself, visiting dear eleanor to taking picture of my older self, journaling. Spending the last day of the year in work with a full heart. Meeting mbak flos' warm and beautiful family.

See, it's not a bad year after all. Of course, there are lots of tears, mental breakdown, fears, worries, and hurting myself and people around me. But you gotta experience lots of things, spend your days with your loved ones, going to places you never go before, eating lots of good food. Making connection with people. Buying and collecting lots of cute stuff. Enjoying lots of good films, music, books, and another form of art. So maybe this mundane and mediocre life, is good enough.

[sternbilder]

Ranking my favorite 2023 K-pop comebacks

I feel like 2023 was a year where I followed kpop comebacks especially diligently bc of my newfound interest in dance, and since it's 2024 this means an entire year has passed now of This

here's a list of my 10 personal favorite title tracks this year, happy new year all!

The Top Ten

1. Monsta X - "Beautiful Liar"

listen. when I said

in january of last year I meant it with my whole ass and I stand by it an entire earth year later. this song fucks So hard

firstable Yes I'm sad this is their last cb with most of the group in a while but also jesus what a banger to go out on

I love the guitars, the looks everyone is serving, the funky little twist in the song structure after the second verse, plus thinking always about lovemelovemelovemetellmetellmetellme + the chains + kihyun with a literal goddamn whip + the gunshot sound effects punctuating joohoney's verse. chefs kiss

2. Taemin - "Guilty"

god taemin is back and you can just feel the catholicity through the screen. the haunting vocals. the delicious string textures throughout (the way the arpeggios shift to pizzicato for the second verse!). the 6/4 time (the only choreo I learned this year that was not to an 8 count). the fucking through the shirt grab. the bridge which they extended in the MV specifically to squeeze in Even More Yearning™.

this is a perfect cb and I will say the rest of the album is also flawless and my favorite out of this list. honestly this probably would have been first if not for the fact that I personally just liked beautiful liar so goddamn much. thank you taemin. no notes.

3. SHINee - "HARD"

aka the song I previously described as "2 baddies, but Good" (no really, they have same key signature & near identical song structure. listen to them side by side with HARD on .95 speed if you don't believe me)

anyway, like 2 baddies this is SM-flavored af but I love the old school hip-hop vibes in HARD soooo much. I've had some people tell me they found it weird and off-putting but to me it's effortlessly cool but also earnest and just. fun? (not only the music but also the visuals? hello? the fashions in this MV) def gotta be one of my most played this year

4. Lee Gi Kwang - "Predator"

ok now for a dark horse pick. I feel like in the borderline 5th gen landscape nowadays older groups are often forgotten (even though hello! 2nd gen bgs are back from the military now and are having a Moment) so people perhaps understandably overlooked this one but god this song is a bop.

is it just criminal by taemin part 2 but less sexy and with a lower budget? yes. but the song is an absolute bop and the choreo slaps in its own right so imo it's a very worthy homage especially given it captures its exact gender of "pathetic sadboy making horny mistakes and needing to dance abt it" so so perfectly,

5. Exo - "Cream Soda"

tbh not what I was expecting from an exo comeback and I was surprised that I ended up liking this so much given I didn't really care for the prerelease tracks, but the more I listened the more this grew on me?

ofc it's an exo track so the vocals are 100 emoji but the chorus and melodies are simply addictive and the choreo for this one is also just a ton of fun (the sexy little head swipe,)

also I love the outfits in this MV (everyone keeps saying this is the Weed aesthetic but honestly? with korea's whole Thing? this is exo's macklemore-style thrift shopping and/or raiding grandma's attic for hidden midcentury treasures phase. to me.) but thank u @ the universe specifically for giving us back silver haired baekhyun. bless.

6. VIXX - "Amnesia"

another underrated release tbh! this initially gave me guilty vibes w/ the abundant use of pizzes since they were released around the same time but I also just independently love this song

I feel like it's a very mature song that takes itself seriously but not in an overly self-absorbed or cheesy way (another comparison I might make is to leo's losing game from last year), the chorus is poignant and hits hard because it's so earnest—maybe especially so since they were down to 3 with this cb—but man that melody is just so gorgeous, like it haunts me

7. Dreamcatcher - "Bon Voyage"

ok if I'm gonna be real it wasn't a great year for my faves—while I liked OOTD and reason they weren't top 10 worthy for me, mx had 1 excellent release before having most of its members yoinked by the military, and I didn't love either of oneus's cbs this year

that being said! I did still like bon voyage! while I preferred the first 2 in the trilogy it still felt like a good and fitting finale, bittersweet and full of equal parts regret and hope

in many ways it feels like a harkening back to classic dreamcatcher with the Big Anime Opening Vibes™ but more somber and grown up, an unexpected summer anthem from these queens,

8. TXT - "Sugar Rush Ride"

it's been a busy year for txt and while I'm not super familiar with them and their releases are sometimes a bit hit or miss for me, when they do hit they HIT

I actually considered chasing that feeling for this list too but despite adoring the take on me-ness of it I ended up nixing it after adjusting for recency bias

sugar rush ride though, I feel is a bop that stood the test of time with its catchiness and surprisingly dark undertones, and is also one of my favorite choreos I learned this year by far like. come on. it's the epitome of Boy Group Hot.

9. Taeyang - "Vibe"

this song lived rent-free in my head for MONTHS, god it's so catchy

I actually missed when my local studio taught this song but I liked the choreo so much I learned it on my own which, predictably since it literally features 2 main dancers, was not easy but extremely worth it bc just like the song itself it's just really fun

other than that what can I say. the MV is nothing special but otherwise it's just a really solid song with Big feel good energy.

10. Kiss of Life - "Shhh"

ok,,,,,,,I don't really follow rookie groups that closely bc generally I don't feel like I'm the target audience but. out of this year's new groups I did especially like kiss of life's debut!

the MV doesn't do much for me tbh but musically it sounds uncharacteristically mature to me, in a good way—it has a subtle confidence about it that I like plus excellent vocals, and is (possibly hot take?) what I was hoping to get from newjeans this year as a continuation of their debut last year tbh

Honorable Mentions

Jungkook - "Standing Next to You"

this one just felt like cheating bc it's technically an English single and there's probably some recency bias here but I can't not mention it bc I simply love this track. I'm not even a BTS stan but it's just a jam with great vocals and instrumentals (the big band notes and MJ influence! please!) and the choreo is also SO ridiculously fun, both the chorus and the dance break

BTOB - "Wind and Wish"

this is just a wholesome song that makes you feel good, like is it a lil bit cheesy? yeah, but it's also Good Vibes Comma the Song, wearing its entire heart on its sleeve in the most endearing way. it's nostalgic and mellow and full of love for its friends and a zest for life

also special shoutout to the bridge, which in such an otherwise lowkey song did not have to go that hard and yet it Did?? that harmony gives me chills, 100% certified vocal kings would cry again

Shownu X Hyungwon - "Love Me a Little"

this is a pathetic meow meow song in the best possible way and was sadly beat out by the other slightly better pathetic meow meow songs on this list (guilty, predator, amnesia) bc it was just a really good year for them but I still think it deserves a mention bc first of all yea boi @ my mans shownu being free from the military but also the instrumental/dance break at the end is dark as hell and also SO fucking tasty

Infinite - "New Emotions"

another 2nd gen group that quietly had a renaissance this year! this song is simply a bop and while the song itself is not as memorable as some in the top 10 the choreo is actually really fun

also myungsoo looks really ridiculously fine as center in the first chorus and that's the last thing I have to say about this song,

Key - "Killer"

honestly I really liked both of key's cbs this year but I feel like killer was slept on somewhat, it's got a hint of sadboi but it's tempered by the upbeat 80s pop style, plus the grungy mullet and beret outfit from the MV was a fucking Look and a Half

And my favorites per month

January: Monsta X - "Beautiful Liar"

February: Purple Kiss - "Sweet Juice"

March: Onew - "O (Circle)"

April: Lee Gi Kwang - "Predator"

May: Dreamcatcher - "Bon Voyage"

June: SHINee - "HARD"

July: Exo - "Cream Soda"

August: MAMAMOO+ - "dangdang"

September: Key - "Good & Great"

October: Taemin - "Guilty"

November: VIXX - "Amnesia"

December: TVXQ - "Down"

[apencilandpen]

K-Pop Recap Of 2023!

Tagged By: @we-survive-endlessly

Groups You Started Stanning?:

uuhhhh, i started really liking Monsta X and I really enjoyed The Boyz's most recent two albums. They're not groups, but I got really into WOODZ, DPR Ian, and ONEWE Giuk's solo work this year

I'm a really casual listener of a lot of artists but those were the ones that like, stuck in my brain

New Ult Biases?:

I don't really do ults! I just got guys that I like! But V has been my main man for a long time and I think he mightve been usurped by Hongjoong and Kai

Idol(s) Who Got The Most Of Your Simping?:

...kai...and san...no one look at me

OH and also WOODZ i had to put him on my wall hes so cool

Most Streamed Group(s):

according to Spotify: Ateez and Stray Kids

BUT i take issue with that because i listen to a lot of music off of spotify bc i started BUYING MUSIC AGAIN, and fun fact the only reason skz is my top artist is because i looped heyday for about half an hour last january and then i listened to han's solo songs a bunch :D

according to me and my vibes: probably Ateez, Monsta X, and The Boyz, and maybe EXO

Most Streamed Soloist(s)?:

according to Spotify: WOODZ and Key

according to me and my vibes: WOODZ, Kai, DPR Ian, Key, Taemin, Giuk, Kihyun, and Agust D

Top K-Pop Song(s) Of This Year (Opinion Or Streaming, You Choose):

As i've said, i take issue with my spotify top songs bc i know it's not accurate so I'm just gonna list some of my faves from some albums in no particular order:

Fighting - BSS

Say You Love Me/Sinner - Kai

The Feeling/Sweet Misery - SHINee

Bouncy - Ateez

D-Day/Snooze - Agust D

Passion Fruit - The Boyz

Welcome to the Other Side/Don't Go Insane - DPR Ian

Drowning/Amnesia - WOODZ

Rat in the Trap - The Boyz

My Blue/Outro: Dresden - Giuk

We Know - Ateez

Down/Rebel - TVXQ

Top Debut This Year:

i don't really follow debuts, but i really liked xikers's albums

Choreographies You Learned:

if i had more time i'd actually learn them, but i know bits and pieces of Lip Gloss, Hard, and Fighting. And of course i know bouncy XD

Albums/Merchandise You Bought:

okay so i visited kpop specialty stores for the first time this year and spent so much money. and also shout out to my best friend SubK. i ended up buying between 35-40 albums over the course of this year sooooo these are some of my favorites:

my entire Monsta X collection: Reason, The Dreaming, All About Luv, Fatal Love, No Limit, One of a Kind, Lights, Youth, The Unseen

albums from this 2023: Will, D-Day, Dear Insanity, Psycho Xybernetics: Turn Over, Phenomena: Boy's Blue/Rise Waves, Rover, Killer, Chase, Phantasy Pt. 1: Christmas in August, Name Chapter: Temptation, Oo-li, Doorbell Ringing

albums from not 2023: Don't Mess Up My Tempo, Colorful Trauma, Only Lovers Left

New Kpop Mutuals You Made?: maybe but idk how time works so idk when everything happened :D

[callmecayce]

Happy Donghae Day!

2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022

Well, we’ve made it through another year and it’s time for Donghae Day! To be quite honest, I don’t know that I thought I’d still be such a big kpop fan in the year 2023 - I’m not sure I was even thinking about 2023 when I became a kpop fan back in 2011. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that 12 years have passed and then other times it seems it went by in a flash. But here we are - on the 12th annual Donghae Day!

For those (very few) of you who are new - October 12, 2011 was the day I learned about kpop. I’ve been celebrating this day in various ways since then. Prior to 2016 (when I was working 2 jobs), I usually went out to dinner with friends or treated myself to something nice. Since I started my full time job in 2016 (!) I’ve taken the day off almost every year (except 2020) if I was working. And this year is no exception! I don’t have any real big plans, except to go to H Mart and maybe Trader Joes. My life is so exciting, I know.

But that’s been the theme of the past few Donghae Days, ever since the pandemic took over our lives. I am one of the few people who still doesn’t go out (I haven’t really been sick since 2019) and see people that often, though I am seeing people, so I am not a complete shut-in. But Donghae Day isn’t to talk about these bad things (and god, there have been so many this year since the entire world is on fire). Instead, it is to talk about things that are good and happy - because those do exist.

Most every day (unless I’m off visiting my dad), I fire up my watch later and listen to the most recent releases (kpop and others). There’s a lot of great music out there and finding it and consuming it makes me happy, as does sharing it. That’s why I still do my song-a-day playlists! Every day since Kpoptober 2020, I’ve been posting one song a day and it’s still going. My first kpoptober was 2019 and I’d originally meant to just post in October, but after the pandemic, I decided I wanted to share music every day, so here we are. It’s a true labor of love, since all the tracks I post are ones I like (and sometimes adore). You can find links to all of the playlists (YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music) by year here:

song-a-day playlists

Also in 2023 (some sad stuff happened: Moonbin, I miss you) - there were new groups that debuted and others that had comebacks, but for me there were a few specific comebacks that made me really happy:

Teen Top

Infinite

EXO

ONF

It’s hard to explain, but I don’t know that I thought either Teen Top or Infinite would ever come back, in spite of the fact that neither group had ever mentioned they were disbanded. Both of those releases were great and I am so happy they’re still making music. EXO coming back was also quite a shock (especially considering all the drama surrounding them and their contracts). However, their release was enjoyable as well (and in the process, my favorite members changed again - don’t ask or maybe do). And, of course, the rest of of ONF returned from the military - what a delight! Their release was also wonderful (and I think their albums might arrive today, which how perfect!) and as great as their previous ones. And while, sure there are plenty of other groups who’ve come back with great release this year (Just B, I’m looking at you), these four really meant a lot to me.

Over the past year it’s not just music that I’ve been consuming. I’ve made my return to watching kdramas and watched a couple of Chinese dramas as well. This year (2023) I’ve watched (and finished) 6 dramas (see them here), not as many (yet) as 2021, but more than 2022 (when I watched none). I’ve also been watching a lot of anime, both with the (virtual) anime club I am a member of and on my own, which has been a lot of fun. I’m reading more and have found my way back to Animal Crossing again, which has been a lot of fun.

But the real thing that keeps me going are my friends and family. Donghae Day only exists because my journey as a kpop fan hasn’t been alone. I have made so many wonderful friends, some have come into and gone from my life, but many others are still here. Not all are connected by kpop, some are people I’ve known for years (online and off), others I’ve only gotten close to recently and still others I've known only through places like Discord. I am forever grateful to these people, close friends and acquaintances alike. They have made my life a better place and I hope that I’ve done the same for them, even in just the tiniest of possible ways.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading! And if this is your 12th post or even your first, thank you for joining me on this journey, whatever form it may take. I hope to see you in 2024!

[fyeah-chanyeol]

ARENA HOMME Magazine February 2025

Q: Our photoshoot day is December 31st. How do you usually spend the last day of the year? 🍒: I always watch the New Year's Eve bell ringing. I wait until midnight at home and watch the bell-ringing ceremony on TV before going to bed. Then, on the morning of January 1st, I make tteokguk [rice cake soup] and eat it.

Q: Do you make tteokguk yourself? 🍒 These days, meal kits are becoming very popular. I make them myself [using the meal kits], so I'm not sure if I can say I actually made them. (laughs) Just in case, I made a campsite reservation for today. If I'm not too tired, I think I'll go see the sunrise with my dog at dawn.

Q: You've been doing your solo live tour since last September. I think it was more difficult but also more special because you were alone. 🍒: The biggest difference was after the performance. When I came back to the dorm after the performance, it was so quiet. I would have spent a beer with the members, but it felt strange to be alone. I also felt burdened because I had to lead the stage by myself for almost two hours. But I was also happy that I could communicate much more intimately with my fans.

Q: Was there anything you prepared as a secret weapon while preparing for this tour? 🍒 Guitar! I played it live myself. I have been playing the guitar since I was young, so I really wanted to perform on stage with the guitar. I was so happy. When I monitored it, I saw an expression on my face that I had never imagined. I felt like "I am such a happy person when I play the guitar."

Q: In this concert tour, you covered famous songs from each country and became a hot topic. 🍒 : Originally, I planned to sing pop songs that I usually like. I thought it would be more meaningful if I played songs that were familiar and loved in each country, even though it was a little awkward. The preparation process was also fun. It was a very special experience for me personally.

Q: Is there a song you particularly remember? 🍒 The song I sang in Japan, 'Lemon' by Kenshi Yonezu. It's a song I've liked and enjoyed listening to for a long time, so it's memorable. 'See Tinh' by Hoang Thuy Linh, which I sang in Vietnam, was also special. You know 'Ding Ding Tang Tang'? It's a very famous song used in shorts and reels. I arranged it in my own way and sang it, and it was really fun. '如果可以' [Red Scarf] by WeiBird during the Hong Kong and Kaohsiung stops was also fun. The original song is so good. Above all, they are all memorable because the fans liked it.

Q: If you were to cover an EXO song with guitar, which song would you choose? 🍒: 'Tempo'. It's a song with a very unique sound, and it's one of my favorites. I think there will be a lot of different arrangements.

Q : Your solo album was released in August. Was there a goal you set for yourself while making this album? 🍒 : There was one thing I had the biggest concern about while making the album. Finding the middle ground between 'the music I want to do' and 'the music my fans like'. That was difficult. After much thought, I found that point of intersection, and as a result, I think I made a choice that both I and my fans like.

Q: I think the 'music I like' and the 'music I can do well' might be two different things. Where are you leaning towards? 🍒: I'm very polarized. I usually like calm songs that I can listen to comfortably while lying on the sofa. On the other hand, the music I can do well on stage is rock-style songs with a sense of performance. I divided the six songs included in this exactly in half.

Q : The encore concert will be held in Seoul in February. It must be especially difficult to choose the last song. Can you tell me about it? 🍒 : Excluding the encore song, it would probably be 'I'm on your side too'. I wrote the lyrics myself while thinking about EXO-Ls. While on tour, I thought that this song had to be the last song of this journey. The title, the lyrics, it's the song that fits best at the end.

Q: When I do interviews, I often meet musicians who say, "I became a singer because of EXO." You may have heard it yourself, but I wonder what you feel. 🍒 : I often meet juniors who say that and every time I do, I feel emotions beyond words. I also first listened to music with admiration for someone and dreamed of being on stage. I know how affectionate and precious that heart is. Whenever I hear those kinds of stories, I promise myself, "I really need to make music that I'm not ashamed of," and "I need to work harder because there are so many sides of me that I haven't shown yet."

Q : You've been on so many stages so far. Regardless of the scale or audience size, I think there must be a stage that you remember the most. 🍒 : The first one was EXO's debut showcase. We started the concert with the song "HISTORY." There was a choreography where you turned around and opened our pockets. When the intro started, cheers poured out behind us, and it gave me goosebumps from head to toe. The members said that they felt the same thrill as me. When we talked about that, the members' bright eyes and expressions are still vivid.

Q : Are there any memorable stages before and after your debut? 🍒 : I was in a band when I was a sophomore in high school. It was a school festival performance, and I played the guitar. Stryper's 'The Way'. I remember that day. Recently, I remember the performance in Seoul. I usually don't get nervous before a performance. That day, I was so nervous that I didn't know what to do. I think it was because it was my first solo concert. I put a lot of effort into preparing, and I felt a lot of pressure.

Q : What song was your first stage for the concert in Seoul? 🍒 : It was 'Back Again'. I thought the first impact was the most important for a performance, so I chose the most powerful song. It was also a song with a guitar solo. I was standing behind the stage, and my heartbeat resonated throughout my body. I couldn't hold back the tension and went up on stage, but the audience said that they felt a tremendous amount of energy from that. I was grateful and proud.

Q : You've been composing and writing lyrics consistently. Is there a part that you consider most important when making music? 🍒: For me, it's important to have a level of perfection that I can convince myself of. Even my ears can hear things that are lacking, but I think that if I compromise, I'm making fake music. The thought that 'this is okay' eventually leads to the thought that 'I should have tried a little bit more'. That's why I try not to forget the idea of making music that can convince myself before trying to convince others.

Q : I heard that you are very dexterous and like learning new things. Have you ever thought of any other profession besides singing? 🍒 : I like rewatching dramas. I'm currently watching the drama "Misaeng" for the 6th time. "Misaeng" shows everything that a Korean businessman goes through. It's a world I've never experienced before, so I've thought about what the daily life of an office worker is like.

Q: That's right. Technically, you're an SM employee, but you've never been an office worker. 🍒 : That's true. While watching the drama, I thought, 'What would it be like to become an office worker?' and 'What kind of office worker would I have become?' It's a vague imagination, but I think I would have been good at working at the company. (laughs) I tend to be quick-witted and act fast. If I had used my strengths, I think I would have been good at operating and repairing machines.

Q : How was life in the military? 🍒 : It's a bit embarrassing to say this myself, but I was kind of the ace. First of all, I really like being active.

Q : Surprisingly, you seem to be cut out for the military? 🍒 : I know. I was an infantryman, and I loved training. It was fun to go out shooting, and after work, we all played basketball together, and we also had fun training. Before joining the army, I never seemed to have an ordinary week. So the military lifestyle felt healthy and enjoyable. It felt like I had a whole new life.

Q: Is there anything new you're learning these days? 🍒 : It's not something new, but I spend a lot of time playing the guitar. I think it's more of a play than work. When I compose, I feel more pure joy than stress. That's why I don't go outside much these days. I listen to music, sketch songs, play guitar, and these days, I spend the most time at home with the guitar.

Q : While working, is there a moment when you think, "I'm glad I became a singer"? 🍒 : When I meet my fans. For the past few years, I've been meeting my fans at concert halls on my birthday. Around 1,000 people gather every time. This time, my concert also happened to coincide with my birthday, so I received a lot of greetings from so many people. Honestly, it's really so amazing. There are people who come to see me, and I can always have fun with them, and so I think, 'I'm so blessed.'

Q : It's been 13 years since you debuted with EXO. You've had a lot of experiences traveling around the world, but is there anything you want to try new in the future? 🍒 : First of all, I want to do another concert with the EXO members. When I watch old EXO concert videos these days, I think, 'How did we dance so hard to the point our bodies could get destroyed?'

Q : Really? I thought you would have liked singing and dancing. 🍒 : I didn't have much confidence in dancing. I first joined SM Entertainment with the intention of doing band music. I knew I was lacking, so I avoided it even more. However, when I look at myself back then now, I think, 'it seems like I had too much fun.' When I see that, I really want to go on a tour with the EXO members soon.

Q : Even professional singers who have been around for 13 years still have 'things they want to do' and 'things they have to do.' 🍒 : The thing I want to do is simple. I think that is working hard on music like I'm doing now and standing on stage with that music. I think that the thing I have to do is to promote as EXO. No matter what kind of music I make as a soloist, my roots are EXO. There are definitely many things I have to show as EXO. If there is something I have to keep in mind in the future, I think it is to consistently show a good side of myself as a member of EXO to the fans who loved me from the beginning.

Q : What kind of singer is a good singer? 🍒 : I think that a singer should be able to honestly express themselves through their music. If the song makes the listeners happy, don't you think that would make one a good singer? In order for these two things to be fulfilled, you basically have to have the skills to support you. No matter how pure and brilliant your intentions are, if you don’t have the skills, it’s hard to make music that’s good to listen to.

Q: There are a lot of people who want to become idols. "I didn't know then, but now that I see it, this is really important." I think there is something you would want to tell them. 🍒 : It's important to protect your team. Especially if you're an idol. There's no definite answer. Today, idol groups have many members, born and raised in many different places. That's how different they are. Colleagues and friends of your age are united under one goal, so it's important to keep those goals together. Ultimately, you can only show the kind of music you've prepared if you have one team. So I think protecting each other is the most important.

Q : In that sense, is there a method that EXO has for teamwork? 🍒 : It's a method that we've had for a longer time than you might think. EXO has had family meetings since their debut. When we return to the dorm after practicing on the weekend evenings, we always sit in a circle and talk to each other. We talk about what we did well, what we regretted, what we were upset about, and what we were thankful for. Then, later on, we get to know what each other likes and dislikes, what we're good at and what we lack. I think those times made EXO stronger.

Q : Since EXO has many members, it's hard to decide what to eat. 🍒 : It's always the same for us. Pork belly and soju. And sometimes sushi?

Q : It's not much different from ordinary office workers. 🍒 : Of course. Pork belly and soju are the best for a company dinner. (laughs)

Q : What kind of person do you want to be in 13 years? 🍒 : Chanyeol is a person who really loves music. I hope that people will think of me that way when they watch me. And that Chanyeol is a musician who can put on a good performance. It's something that should be done naturally, but that's my biggest dream right now.

Q: Last question. What is CHANYEOL's last meal in 2024? 🍒 : I bought a kimchi stew meal kit. I think I'll go to a camping site with my dog and cook kimchi stew. Happy New Year!

Translation by no loey no life.

[exosalt]

2 years? You missed a whole half assed comeback, the youngest ones starting their military service, and 2 lawsuits by CBX. And now we are riding out SM trying to freeze CBX out and a potential whole group comeback at the end of this year.

The 2023 album was good, Exist is probably in my top 3 favorite EXO albums, but SM clearly sabotaged them with only about 2-3 weeks of promotion. Tho, they did quite a bit that EXO L wanted to see from them like music show performances, EXO Ladder show, dance relay, and Killing Voice. I have a feeling tho, a lot of this came from EXO themselves and not SM wanting to actually showcase them. So, I wonder how they will get screwed over this year, since SM really sank the 2024 winter album (after lying that they were still going to do it) that all the active members talked about doing for months.

Kai went into the military in March 2023, gets out in February 2025 and every month in the beginning it felt like I was forced to look at A*r*m*y (that other group's fan) be hypocritical about what he did during his time off. Sehun went into the military in December 2023 and gets out in September 2025. Suho keeps announcing everywhere he performs that as soon as Sehun gets out, they will start up group activities again and have a comeback. Some people are speculating that it could be a 9 member comeback, because Lay implies that he is in contact with the others and wants to be in South Korea in September.

CBX first sued SM in 2023 (months before the comeback) because they had a slave contract and didn't get to negotiate before their last renewal to have more control over their solo and subgroup. So, SM begrudgingly redid their contracts, to allow them to be in control of their solo and subgroup careers. They have 2 contracts, one for their group activities and one for their solo/subgroup activities. Then they sued again in 2024, because SM after seeing all the success, wanted 20% (I think) of total profits while also charging them a 25% (I think) fee to sing their old songs which violated their agreement. And since then SM has been trying to slander CBX, though I think they are mainly trying to punish Baekhyun, who despite it, is still thriving. Also, CBX revealed that they still haven't been paid for the group's comeback in 2023. AND D.O. and Lay, left SM after their contracts were up. So, D.O. has his own company for his solo and acting, while still staying with the group (tho I don't know if he has a formal contact with them like CBX). Same with Lay, tho he seems to talk more about EXO and a desire to be with them again.

It will be interesting to see if we will truly get group content after Sehun finishes his military service in September. CBX still has an EXO group contract with SM, but I'm sure SM will deliberately be shady to make them look bad if something happens like they tried to do during the 2023 comeback. Articles kept claiming that CBX was causing cancellations and delays and CBX through their lawyer kept refuting them and making SM look back to the point SM had to eat crow a couple of times.

hey anon! thank you so much for this, i really appreciate it! 🥰

wow it seems like i’ve really missed a lot huh… but sehun and kai coming back this year is definitely something to look forward to! i keep seeing TikTok’s of junmyeon mentioning a group comeback at the end of this year 😍 but i really need to catch up on all the stuff i’ve missed, group stuff and solo stuff as well… i’m gonna spend the next week or so trying to get back up to speed! SM are still shit it seems but nothing new there 🙄

thanks again anon for taking the time to write this! 💖 i hope you have a wonderful day! 🥰🌸✨

[zoocoup]

2024 Favorites with Notes

2024 Favorite LPs & EPs https://www.zoocoup.org/2024/music/lps.html

2024 Favorite Singles https://www.zoocoup.org/2024/music/singles.html

2024 Stats:

Albums purchased: 174

EPs purchased: 30

Singles purchased: 157

This is the first year ever that I purchased more records as digital releases than as physical releases on CD. This was not done with intent, just how it worked out based on formats available for purchase.

A few notes:

I don't own any other Shannon and the Clams records, but this one, surprisingly, really got to me.

Looking forward to more dueling title releases from Cosey Mueller and Moses Sumney in the future

The Sick Day EP almost made the top of the overall list. The title track was the 2024 song I played the most last year

So happy to have new Melt-Banana music in the world

Also happy there's finally a julie full length in existence

Glad to have St Vincent making St Vincent music again

Dwight Yoakam continues to be pretty damn amazing

The Judy and the Jerks record is life affirming

Unfortunately, the Scrunchies record might be one of the last things recorded by Steve Albini that ever joins my record collection

I like these dear francis singles, but I sincerely hope this doesn't mean the Clavin sisters have broken up Bleached

Sick Day, Slippers, Desiree Cannon, Den Der Hale, Objections, Crumbs, Artificial Go, Interlay, Hannah Frances, Robber Robber, Seven Davis Jr, Bad Breeding, Fleur, NØ MAN, SHADOW SHOW and ira glass were all new to me this year

Releases that came close to making one of the lists:

“After the First Kiss” / Faye Webster

astrel k / The Foreign Department

“Being” / Fucked Up

yaya bey / Ten Fold

Jessica Boudreaux / The Faster I Run

Broadcast / Spell Blanket

Charlie Butler / Wild Fictions

Bill Callahan / Resuscitate!

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds / Wild God

“Comeback” / ITCHY & THE NITS

Common & Pete Rock / The Auditorium Vol 1

Corridor / Mimi

“Crystal Breath” / Kim Deal

“Do Sumn” / Mother Nature

Drahla / Angeltape

Eels / EELS TIME!

“Ein Gedicht” / Daniel Decker

EXO / DEMO

“Fastalee” / MINISKIRT

“Fountain” / Kulk

Daniel Romano's Outfit / Too Hot To Sleep

Andrew Gabbard / Ramble & Rave On!

Grande Eugène / Les vacames d'été

Habibi / dreammachine

Sahra Halgan / HIDDO DHAWR

Shawn Hess / Wild Onion

“I-90 Bridge” / Chastity Belt

“I've Never Known Alice” / Damien Jurado

“Imminent Demise” / The Shouts

IRKED / EP

The Jansen / Durja Bersahaja

“Jelsy” / bar italia

Johnny Blue Skies / Passage du Desir

Kyle Kinane / Dirt Nap

“LAST NIGHT I SAW MY LOVE” / JULIE DOIRON

“Lovin' You Ain't Easy” / The Foreign Correspondents

Mint Field / Aprender A Ser: Extended

Mourning [A] BLKstar / Ancient/Future

My Brightest Diamond / Fight the Real Terror

Naked Family / La Vuelta

neutrals / New Town Dream

“No Gimmicks” / The Chisel

“Ohio All The Time” / Momma

Oneida / Expensive Air

Oranssi Pazuzu / Muuntautuja

Oruā / PASSE

“Other Means” / Batu

Parsnip / Behold

Peel Dream Magazine / Rose Main Reading Room

Pernice Brothers / Who Will You Believe

Pile / Hot Air Balloon

Pom Poko / Champion

“Say Come Hither (Long Version)” / Deep Cricket Night

SPECTRAL WOUND / Songs of Blood and Mire

The Waeve / City Lights

“Tree” / Itches

Daniel Van Kirk / Rose Gold

Winged Wheel / Big Hotel

Jack White / No Name

X / Smoke & Fiction

Nilüfer Yanya / My Method Actod

“Yung Hearts Bleed Free” / of Montreal

[dailyexo]

[INTERVIEW] Lay - 230327 Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam: “Lay Zhang: I Strive To Show My Fans Another Side Of Me”

"Lay Zhang, also known as Zhang Yixing, is a Chinese singer, rapper, songwriter, actor, and dancer. Born on October 7, 1991, in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, he is best known for being a member of the popular K-pop group EXO.

Lay began his career at SM Entertainment, one of South Korea’s biggest entertainment companies, in 2008. He joined EXO in 2012 and quickly became a fan favorite, known for his smooth vocals and impressive dance skills. During his time with the group, Lay released several hit songs, including Mama, Growl, and Call Me Baby.

In 2015, Lay made his solo debut with the EP Lose Control. The album was a huge success, topping the charts in China and South Korea. Since then, Lay has released several other successful solo albums, including NAMANANA and Honey.

The singer made his acting debut in the Chinese drama To Be a Better Man in 2016. He has since appeared in several TV shows and movies, including The Island, Kung Fu Yoga, and The Golden Eyes. Lay’s performances have earned him critical acclaim and several awards, including the Best Supporting Actor award at the 2017 China-Britain Film Festival for his role in The Founding of an Army.

Lay set aside some time in Los Angeles, during the photoshoot for Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, to share his latest news with us.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: You’re traveling around the world performing in several countries, what have you enjoyed most about being abroad?

LAY ZHANG: I love meeting the fans and seeing all their beautiful smiles! Feeling the energy they give me when I see them. It gives me a boost of energy that helps me keep going with my projects. Every city is so different, I try to find inspiration wherever I go. Also, I love food. I give myself a little excuse to eat more so I can try the local foods.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Even more exciting for fans was your tour across Southeast Asia—also, marking your 10th anniversary since debut. From EXO, to an extremely successful solo career and acting, what has kept your drive going through these years, especially during your most challenging moments?

LAY ZHANG: I feel very lucky to have experienced all these things. I am just a normal person that has an unusual job. Because of this luck, I feel it is my responsibility to work harder and go further. I want to make my family, staff, and fans proud.

When I find it challenging, I think about my fans and how they have always supported me and given me energy to keep going through so many years. It makes me happy, and I want to return that happiness to my fans as well, through my performance and projects.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Watching your solo career excel, especially coming from a larger group, what missions did you give yourself as an artist when you branched off on your own?

LAY ZHANG: To grow and to learn! When you are in a group, you can rely on others to help and support you. I have been trying to figure out how I can do this as one person. It is tiring doing this by myself, but it is a good challenge. I have been able to grow more because as a solo artist, I need to take on more responsibility.

It is important to challenge yourself and not be afraid of growth, even if it is difficult at first. It’s the only way to become a better person and an artist. If it is not challenging, why do it? Getting love and support from my fans as I change and try new concepts as an artist has also helped me to continue going on.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Do you think that you are your toughest critic?

LAY ZHANG: Yes, but that is because I am honest with myself. I look at what I am good and bad at and see how I can better myself. I see my errors as opportunities to grow and become a better artist. So, if I have a moment to myself, I use it to practice my dancing or singing. It is important to use my time wisely as much as I can.

When I’m talking about professional aspects, music, dance, singing, producing, I am very strict with myself. I want to achieve the most because I feel so grateful to have this job.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: You’ve been releasing a great amount of bilingual music the past few years. Debuting in the United States is tough, at times it can be brutal. How have you handled the pressures and difficulties of breaking into the US music scene?

LAY ZHANG: I think it is very tough because I don’t speak very good English and it is a very different culture from China. There is so much to learn and do all at once. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed. At the same time, it excites me and makes me want to try my very best to succeed. A lot of people laugh at my dreams and goals, I think that’s okay because I’m going to keep going. As long as I have my fans support I will try to do my best, I won’t have any regrets.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Besides music, you’re always in demand as an actor in China. How difficult is it navigating these two different industries? How do you create balance between the two?

LAY ZHANG: Doing both is not easy, but I always strive to find a balance in my life. As I say, I can’t be a CEO and an artist at the same time. I can’t be a musician and actor at the same time.

Acting can be very fulfilling to me because it gives me an opportunity to find a new part of myself. It offers me an opportunity to be someone else and live a different life for a moment. This also helps me when I get back to my regular life, I appreciate what I have so much, and it makes me got out to do best that I can with everything!

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Presently, do you feel you align more to one than the other?

LAY ZHANG: I think I will always be a musician first. For me, it is hard to beat the feeling after recording a dope track. When you hear your song for the first time in the studio, I can’t help but jump up and down in excitement. Then you start putting the dance and choreography together and it gets to be really fun.

Seeing something that starts out as some snares and kicks and become a full dance move with an MV is priceless. It gets even better when you can perform a song you made on stage with all your lovely fans supporting you. I can’t imagine a life without music, and it really crosses languages and borders. Music is for everyone.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Any hints into future music, films, and shows?

LAY ZHANG: Well, I don’t think I can say anything for now, many things are happening. However, I’m constantly working a lot to show my fans another side of me. Always trying my best to better my performances and looking for inspiration for my music.

I want to improve my vocals to be even better. It is so important for me to make my fans, team, and family proud. I want to be worthy of their support.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Looking beyond your current immeasurable success, where do you want to find yourself in the future?

LAY ZHANG: The future seems to be bright. I’m really excited to branch out and try new music and new concepts. I feel more and more clear about where I’m going. While I might be getting older, I feel my mind getting younger and fresher. As long as I can continue to work and perform, many things are possible.

Throughout his career, Lay Zhang has proven himself to be a multi-talented artist with a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to his fans and community. With his infectious energy and captivating performances, he has won the hearts of millions of fans around the world, and his future in the entertainment industry looks brighter than ever.”

Credit: Harper's Bazaar Vietnam.

[sehodreamsthoughts]

ok ur soo real for that though, ik what u mean cuz only if for a night is similar it’s like… goddess entity.. it’s very haunting and i love that, i think “haunting” is a good way to describe some music i like… like to me hydraganeas (i did not spell this right) sounds haunting.. but also i like a lot of more hip hop/rap and then rnb style things… but yeah ppl can like whatever they like and that’s why there are so many different styles of music, there’s truly something for everyone<3

i forgot about cosmic love!!! i rly like that one too and dog days i think was my first florence song… some of the others sound familiar too, i will try to listen to them too!!

i think if i did an angst series id do it for tall line with n,n’s “crave”, “honey”, and “buck”… and do like one song per member.. im thinking anton, eunseok, and sungchan in that order with those songs but also idrk because sometimes im too ambitious. cuz i really don’t even know what the plot would be, likely just a lot of yearning lmao.

for kpop songs i love a lot of older songs too… i see u reblog f(x), i loved f(x)…😥.. i liked red light era the most possibly… some of my faves were nu(abo) or wtv it’s called😭😭, and i loved everything on red light, pink tape, and 4 walls😭😭😭 i loved shinee too :(, exo as we talked about… um also some random groups i liked were secret, dal shabet, fiestar, tiny g, madtown, c-clown (i was shocked to learn that rome is dpr ian i had no idea they were the same person), ukiss, i liked i.o.i a lot when they were around😓😓 gugudan, pristin😭😭 i was into twice a lot too at the time, really obsessed with my wife nayeon :((

now i like sooo many groups but they’re all pretty much 4th and 5th gen.. and mostly bgs :( ive been listening a lot to the new all (h)ours album lately, nct wish’s songbird, ateez, tws, and wayv!

what about u?

- 🥟 anon

HAUNTING YES, It's such a great word to describe how I like my music.

Hahahaaha I totally get what you mean, I have a ton of ideas but actually writing them is a whole different thing. I have storylines, I have plots, I have things that I simply want to make fics, and then they just stay like mere ideas because I move onto the next idea 😭, I have like 50 songs I've been meaning to make fics too, there's one I particularly feel sad for not doing which is touch tank by quinnie, it was the perfect song for an Anton fic but I left it abandoned too 💀, it also had a ton of yearning and it was just all about swimming (because oh surprise I was a swimmer) and I wanted to put one of my most precious childhood memories because I KNOW it was romantic as fuck even if I never had nothing with my irl friend, it was purely a fic for me but that I was sure a ton of my big girlies would've loved.

I wanted to put a lot of things about growing up with a swimmer body because I was literally the nightmare for both athletes and chubby young girls, I started becoming broader but at the same time I wasn't losing weight and to add more pain I was also always the tallest kid there, not only between girls but with everyone my age 💀 (you can see why I'm so into talking about beauty standards 💀💀💀)

Wtv I just hope that I get to read one story from you I'm sure you'd do a great job with your ideas and your great mind ❤️‍🔥

I loved f(x) so much, I've always been a SM Stan so I suffered so much when I saw my babies not releasing anything anymore, 4 walls is still one of my favorite songs ever and I remember being obsessed with the MV! I don't know tiny g, mad town or c-clown but I loved secret and fiestar too 🩷, U-kiss was such a special group for me too, they, B.A.P, MBLAQ, teen top and Nu'est would always sound in my playlists 😭, then I liked Winner and Ikon but we all now how YG is... (I still miss 2ne1).

Lately I've been really into Ateez, I never expected to like them this much, I heard about them more than once but they never caught my attention until I saw a reading about this mingi guy and it really sounded like me so I started to think who the fuck are these guys and THANK GOD BECAUSE I LOVE THEM (Yeosang is my current bias wrecker 😭). I haven't listened to their entire albums but I know the most popular songs and I've been putting those long fan playlists to find what I like the most. From other groups I've been listening to Boy next door, but I don't really like them like them, they're not really my style 😭 but I like their music a lot, it's really fresh and I have to admit, they know how to follow a concept! Zb1 is been on my radar too but my problem is I can't say I stan a group unless I find a charm on each member and in both cases I'm just there for the music 🫠, I like certain members (in bonedo no one tho, in zb1 Zhang, Hanbin and Matthew) but just liking a few is not enough for me, in Riize's case I didn't doubt to fall in love with all of them from the minute I saw them, however I have to admit that lately I've been getting a bit distant (maybe that's also a reason for my block?), idk, I miss Seunghan a lot and I haven't liked much their recent songs (boom boom bass is dope tho, I finally adore the song and have been repeating it every day), and I just... I just need more. I need to feel obsessed, to feel my body burning when I see them, my heart jumping when they dance and this desperate yearn to see more of them, but with the pass of time I've just felt the flame going down 😭.

I miss having more of everything. I'm not into moderation at all, so I'm the kind that is all of nothing, once I truly enjoy something I need it until I hate it or until I can't like anything anymore, if I like a tea you'll see me buying 20 bottles to have in storage, if I like a book I'll read everything else the same author writes, if I like a brand I'll go and get what I want, so in terms of k-pop i also need all of it until I can't digest anything else, I need more songs, constant fiction, long stories, a bunch of interactions between them, I just need to be satiated and I haven't been feeling it these days 😭, I still like them of course, I Stan them, but I still think there could be more 🥺.