If the weekend were an athlete, they would be a world-renowned track star with the way it sprinted forward in the blink of an eye. Now, a new work week is already upon us.

For many, the first day of the week can be one of the toughest to get through. Sometimes, not even multiple shots of espresso can help us on a Monday morning. But through K-Variety Round Up, we hope to provide the perfect serotonin boost to help alleviate those Monday blues!

Through this series, we focus on small happenings from various Korean variety shows that you might have missed over the past week/weekend. These clips might appear across social media feeds, but it can be difficult to watch absolutely everything, on top of tending to our busy schedules.

But that’s why Kpopmap is here to bring you the most heartwarming and entertaining clips right to the palm of your hand! Now, take a look down below for a little dose of happiness on this dreary Monday.

 

1. Fun Picnic Time With ATEEZ

Although it's summer, you can still have a relaxing picnic outside and enjoy the sun's bright rays. On this past episode of "Child Cloud", we see ATEEZ members San, WooYoung, and SeongHwa spend some quality time with children JaeYul, AYoon, and ARin.

They do a variety of activities like running around in an open field, painting nails, and so much more. The ATEEZ members' interactions with the three children are simply heartwarming to see and will provide a bigger than life smile on your face.

 

2. ChoCo 1&2 Overcome With Joy

On the latest episode of Mnet M2's "ChoCo In Hollywood", we see ChoCo 1&2 passionately prepare for their first performance on Mnet's "M COUNTDOWN". They practice tirelessly to ensure every move is on point and they are completely synchronized with one another.

When the day of the performance comes, they absolutely kill it on stage and come out looking absolutely elated. They shed multiple tears of joy and relay messages of thanks to all those that have supported them in their musical journey. Seeing their efforts, you cannot help but feel a surge of happiness for the duo as they celebrate their very first music show performance.

 

3. MONSTA X JooHoney's Aegyo Display

JooHoney is greatly recognized for his hard hitting rap skills and impressive vocals. But it's no secret that he's incredibly good at aegyo, too. On SBS' "Running Man", we witness the idol do a demonstration of not just one, but two aegyo techniques he developed himself. After each display of his innate cuteness, you feel the corners of your mouth go upwards as a reaction. Everything from his voice, facial expressions, and hand gestures will leave you with a radiating warmth that spreads throughout your entire body.

 

4. SHINee Collab On "Amazing Saturday"

230701 Amazing Saturday
Taemin x Minho dancing to Taemin 's IDEA 🤩🤩🤩🤩#태민 #Taemin #샤이니 #SHINee #Minho #민호 pic.twitter.com/uIavVlGIdf

— 태민♥민호_Taemin_Minho_2min_SHINee_5 (ZOL) (@Zolshinee2min_5) July 1, 2023

With their recent comeback, veteran idol group SHINee are making their way across various variety programs to promote their new music. But they're not only there to work, as they are seen having tons of fun, joking around with each other and the castmates of the show.

While SHINee's Key has become known as the thesaurus of girl group dances, fellow members TaeMin and MinHo strut their stuff in a collaboration performance. The two end up performing TaeMin's very own 'Idea'. Although they make a mistake towards the middle, you cannot help but feel amazed by their overwhelming charisma that covers the two from head to toe.

 

5. Idols Turned Actors On DIVE Studios' "HWAITING"

and the Oscar goes to… 🏆#HWAITING #ERICNAM #JAMIE #AARONKWAK #ASHLEYCHOI #AleXa #KEEHO #JIUNG #P1Harmony #DIVEStudios pic.twitter.com/E1e8LRwaLn

— DIVE Studios (@thedivestudios) June 30, 2023

As a way to bask in the summer vibes, DIVE Studios recently released "HWAITING" season 3, hosted by Eric Nam. Through the show, various idols come together to play a variety of different games. In the first episode, we see the featured guests form teams with one another.

When it's time to see if anyone would like to be partnered up with charismatic soloist Jamie, the remaining cast turn into full-fledged actors. While Jamie is turned around, everyone else pretends to scoot over to her side. And while they make appropriate noises and comments, the soloist is able to detect what's really going on. Her reaction, along with their comedic acting will make you bend over in laughter. This one scene provides the perfect serotonin boost to combat the Monday blues.

We hope with this edition of K-Variety Round Up, your Monday is filled with happiness and strength. Fighting!

Which of these Korean variety moments is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

 

2022 has been an incredible year for K-Pop, with big names returning for much-awaited comebacks, reunions, exciting debuts, further global expansion, and so on and so forth. In the midst of everything that was popular, there were some amazing songs that might have slipped under your radar. From excellent production to choreography, music videos, and more - there were several factors that made them some of the best songs of the year and they definitely deserve much more love and appreciation.

So, without further ado, here are 10 K-Pop songs that you should have listened to in 2022 but probably missed!

Note: This list is not a ranking, but you can vote for your favorite song in the poll at the end of the article. As this is a poll for readers to vote and share their opinions on whenever they find this article, it will not be closed, and no result article will be published.

 

The Rose - 'Childhood'

Story: As raw and real as it gets, "Childhood' by The Rose is an ode to life as it was - innocent, pure, and unadulterated before we abandoned our inner child. Despite the bleakness of the world we live in, The Rose insists that we soothe this inner child, console and heal them, and the time to do that is now. All of us have been hurt in different ways in life, but if you strip your inhibitions and take a look at your authentic self, you cannot help but wish to return to your true essence. While this is a universally resonant message, it holds even deeper significance for the group, especially since it is their story of how in spite of the endless difficulties they faced, the members stuck together for their dream and made things happen. As The Rose start their new musical journey, 'Childhood' is an initiation to set them on the right path, a declaration of the values they have and will always hold dear. Read our complete analysis of the lyrics and M/V of 'Childhood' here.

Sonic Merits: 'Childhood' is one of those songs that musically reflect their theme. It is compelling yet simple, powerful yet soft, passionate yet gentle. The acoustic guitar beautifully underlines the golden vocals of the song, giving wind to the heightening intensity. It is the personality of the song that takes center stage rather than any ornamental production and that is exactly what sends the message so strongly across. It almost brings us to tears - listening to the members' voices after such a long wait, especially considering that The Rose is easily one of the most brilliant bands in the Korean entertainment industry. We cannot wait for more of where that came from.

 

N.Flying - 'I Like You'

Story: No matter how heartbroken you are, love always finds a way, and that is what N.Flying is here to tell us. 'I Like You' is the story of a new flame who reminds our protagonists of their old love. Right when they were getting over them, a new person showed up who not only resembled their former lovers but also brought those familiar romantic feelings back with a vengeance. The music video portrays the members trying their hardest to hold their feelings back, albeit in vain and the ultimate acceptance of impending doom is both liberating and cathartic at once!

Sonic Merits: When it comes to rock, N.Flying has a unique flair that is truly inimitable. From the youthful flourishes of their signature style to the summery freshness of the instrumental, everything about this song makes us want to run outside and dance the night away. Perhaps the motif of rain in the sun that appears in the music video best represents the duality of the song itself. The vocals are bright, energetic, and full-throated and the guitar adds an addictive touch to an already catchy song. 'I Like You' is undoubtedly the complete package.

 

Golden Child - ‘Replay’

Story: 'Replay' is a proposal to turn back time and return to the sweet old love a separated couple once had in their relationship. Each day without the beloved is painfully long and dreadful, filled with regrets and memories. However, our protagonist has had enough of sulking around. This time, he is determined to rewind their timeline and fix things so that he doesn't lose the love of his life - the only one who truly understood him. All he needs is one last chance to change it all.

Sonic Merits: From the moment this song opens, 'Replay' is a burst of unstoppable energy and intensity. It is unpredictable yet carefully structured, with the spotlight being shone on both the vocals and rap. 'Replay' also features one of the finest anti-drops of 2022 K-Pop, and it is every bit as satisfying as the high notes that follow. This song is a masterpiece and definitely lives up to its name because the "replay" button is as good as broken from the number of times we've played this on repeat.

 

tripleS AAA - 'Generation'

Story: The youth often face reservations from adults about how their generation is widely different from the ones that came before. Instead of expressing the feeling of resentment against them, tripleS AAA shows off their pride with 'Generation'. The story follows 4 young girls who have a colorful life outside of school that they have built for themselves - complete with TikTok dances, umpteen selfies, live streaming, and more. No matter how much this generation is judged for being chaotic and decadent, the young know exactly what they're doing and they're having fun while at it too!

Sonic Merits: Adding on to K-Pop's legacy of iconic "la la la"s, 'Generation' represents the spirit of the youth who embrace themselves and their differences with bold confidence and utter joy. 'Generation' falls perfectly in line with the predominant girl group sonic aesthetic but adds a rare edge to the same. The instrumental is a vibrant mix of genres - a touch of alt-rock, a sprinkle of funk, and so much more. Together, they create an unforgettable melody that fans will not be able to get out of their heads.

Despite the controversy surrounding the "disbandment" of AAA after the subunit failed to reach the 100k album sales quota, Modhaus CEO Jaden Jeong has assured fans that they will be able to see more from the members very soon. In particular, as fans' votes determine the group's activities and subunits, an AAA comeback is also not ruled out entirely.

 

TAN - 'DU DU DU' (Korean Ver.)

Story: 'DU DU DU' is a celebration of the senses. It follows the fateful encounter between two people who are irresistibly drawn to each other. There's a push and pull, a sense of chase between them, as our protagonists go from smug to nervous and back again. TAN is turning the allure on for this song and they're determined to put the object of their affection under their spell.

Sonic Merits: TAN gives the K-Pop rookies a lesson on how to sound like veterans with 'DU DU DU'. Oozing machismo and power, perfectly aligned with the show that birthed them - "Wild Idol", 'DU DU DU' is carried by a current of EDM and house and embellished with the smoothest vocal-rap balance. The rap, in particular, prioritizes a unique flow rather than speed and this creative choice is what transforms the song altogether. The constant momentum of the song translates to a pulse that drives the enchantment further. These young men are really putting the "W" in "Wild".

 

E'LAST - ‘Creature’

Story: At first glance, 'Creature' gives off the impression that it is a song about toxic relationships. However, if fan theories and symbolism are anything to go by, 'Creature' is a vampire-werewolf tale as old as time. Now, granted, that is indeed also a toxic relationship where both parties are constantly mired in a circle of pain but it does make it a hundred times better when it features our favorite mythical beasts. The message at the end of the day is that your true self, that you've pushed down deep inside, will always prevail, no matter how much you try to suppress it. When it does, you will be reborn.

Sonic Merits: One of the most interestingly structured K-Pop songs of 2022, 'Creature' has a melody attractive enough to intoxicate you. It is inventive and refreshing but also has a classic, timeless touch to it - much like the 2nd and 3rd generation K-Pop songs we still play on repeat. The chorus is extraordinarily novel, and its strange appeal is perfectly on brand with the title of the song. 'Creature' brings out something primal in E'LAST, and that is reflected precisely in both the lyrics and the composition of the song. In addition, the signature E'LAST orchestral is fantastic, as always.

 

OnlyOneOf - ‘Skinz’

Story: A revolutionary K-Pop legend in the making, OnlyOneOf imbues their music with the deepest significance and social relevance. With 'Skinz', OnlyOneOf emphasizes that skin is, after all, skin deep. Regardless of one's skin colour, their race, nationality, ethnicity, and so on, what truly matters is the person inside. The song is a petition to throw away our pretensions and falsehood and embrace not only our own real self but also that of others.

Sonic Merits: OnlyOneOf has always been known for their fearlessly experimental approach to music. They're not your regular K-Pop boy group and OnlyOneOf have taken it upon themselves to keep up this reputation. 'Skinz' is unlike anything we've heard this year, and it sticks with you before you even know it. There's order in the chaos OnlyOneOf is unleashing with this song and that is what keeps it from being discordant. The breathy whispers form the core of the song, the rap gives it conviction, and the vocals lend drive and grit. OnlyOneOf is unwaveringly dedicated to their musical identity and we love to see it.

 

JAMIE - ‘Pity Party’

Story: 'Pity Party' is the story of a good girl gone bad. Once sweet and innocent, JAMIE is now a goth queen who lives for the drama. The pain she has experienced in life has given her a hard exterior, so now she's a heartbreaker, often dubbed toxic and indifferent. However, she knows that no matter how many times people try to knock her down, she will rise like a phoenix. She takes pride in her twisted worldview and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

Sonic Merits: When it comes to vocals, JAMIE is incomparable, and 'Pity Party' proves once again that her spunk can be molded into whatever shape she desires. This time, JAMIE goes the disco-pop way in an English language track that screams radio hit. However, it is also technically immaculate, complete with melismas, riffs, and runs. With all the different vocal textures, tones, and colours, this song sounds like an entire girl group would be behind it but it's a one-woman show that will blow your mind. If you've been looking for the perfect party song for New Year's Eve, blasting JAMIE's 'Pity Party' might just be your best bet!

 

Cherry Bullet - ‘Love In Space’

Story: Much like the title suggests, 'Love In Space' explores the feeling of familiarity when you finally meet your soulmate. The moment you cross paths with them, a whole new world opens up and you wonder how you've lived without them for so long. It is almost as if you've met and loved before in an alternate universe and are meeting again for the n^th lifetime. This also comes with the reassurance that you'll meet again, perhaps in another world, but even then, you'll be head over heels in love with each other.

Sonic Merits: Combining futurism and nostalgia all at once, 'Love In Space' sounds like it could belong rightfully in both the 1980s and the 2080s. Living up to the group's name, this song runs like a bullet. It is breathless and fierce, unstoppable and exhilarating. The dreamy synthwave forms an ideal foundation for the iconic vocals that have lasting power like no other. 'Love In Space' is a brilliant interpretation of mainstream genres and holds the potential to be a global mega-hit. Cherry Bullet is only getting started and it will certainly be interesting to see where the group's sound goes next.

 

SuRan - ‘Diamonds’ ft. NCT’s TaeYong

Story: 'Diamonds' is a song about SuRan's promise to always be there for her fans. Her music can be your respite and she will always hold her hand out if you need it. The world becomes a more beautiful place when you live your life doing what you love and SuRan wants to be a part of that everlasting happiness. The fantasy world she creates with her art will shield you from any and all sadness and you can always count on her to pull you out of a slump. All you need to do is believe in yourself because SuRan and TaeYong believe in you.

Sonic Merits: Blending city-pop with ethereal R&B, 'Diamonds' is a dazzling showcase of expert artistry. SuRan's sublime voice gives way to TaeYong's crystal clear rap tone, coalescing to form the most aurally splendid masterpiece, and their harmonization is simply out of this world. This song must be what astral projection feels like because our souls officially ascend the moment this song starts to play. 'Diamonds' is a mature condensation of the Y2K spirit and definitely deserves anthemic status.

 

 

Which other 2022 K-Pop song would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments section down below!

 

K-Pop is one of the musical genres that are highly inclined to be innovative and follow trends. This goes for visual performance aspects of the genre, as well as the integral elements within the production process. In recent years, fans have been noticing that K-Pop songs are increasingly making use of samples and interpolation, as a rising trend.

Whilst the use of samples and interpolation has been consistent in K-Pop over the years, the past couple of years have definitely seen an increase in more and more blatant intertwines of other music.

Have you noticed an increase in K-Pop songs that sound familiar/similar by your favorite K-Pop artists these days?

Today, we'll delve into understanding more about where this familiarity stems from in this article.

 

The generally experimental nature of K-Pop

K-Pop is known as a genre that is open to ideas.

"K-Pop is all about experimentalism. You can go from super bubblegummy pop one minute to a hardcore breakdown the next second. Most K-Pop fans won't even blink at this point."

- "Explained" series, K-Pop episode

In this case, samples and interpolations originally generate from the hip-hop music culture. Hip-hop was the only genre to use these music production techniques for a long period of time before the methods were adopted by pop music and K-Pop, as well. They are both considered experimental music production tools that mix nostalgia with fresh originality.

K-Pop, in particular, is known as an already highly-experimental genre; which allows room for all sorts of common and uncommon music production techniques. In order to understand musical trends in K-Pop, one must acknowledge its experimentality. For example, one of the key traits of a K-Pop song can be how it contains more than one genre in one track. This might be disorientating for first-time listeners, however, once you adjust your ear to the K-Pop style, you will realize that it breeds room for creativity.

For example, one of the best-known experimental 2nd generation K-Pop songs is 'I Got A Boy' by Girls' Generation (2013). When the song first came out, many fans felt that it sounded 'discombobulated' and could've been divided into more than one song.

The song supposedly has 9 moments where different genres come together to create a new and infused sound. It starts with a hip-hop foundation and moves to pop-rock. then has an EDM break, and so forth.

The same applies to a song like 'BAE BAE' by BIGBANG (2015) which starts with the trap genre, transitions to folk, and has a ballad portion, too.

In more recent years, groups such as JYP Entertainment's ITZY and NMIXX have also become known for their experimental sound and are clear evidence of the progression that exploration in K-Pop music production has made through the use of several elements within a single song.

One of the ways that K-Pop has been experimenting over the years and even more recently, is through the inclusion of samples and interpolations. Hidden between these layers of experimentation, there are sounds that are familiar to the avid music lover and K-Pop consumer. Let's take a look at how these music production techniques have become part of K-Pop's creative experiment.

 

Samples vs. Interpolation: Differences and examples

Samples and interpolations are often mistaken for each other.

What is a sample?

Sampling is when you include an element of a pre-existing recording by another artist in your song.

This sampled element can be anything from the rhythm, melody, vocals, beat, etc. that you edit into your song.

Examples of samples in K-Pop - the latest renaissance classical music trend

There are many examples of samples used in K-Pop, however, today we'll focus on the use of classical music samples as a mini case study.

K-Pop has made use of classical music throughout the years, however, in recent years it seems that this has become a renaissance in itself as the classical music genre keeps being revived through K-Pop. It is not to say that classical music is dead - it isn't, but it is definitely gaining a renewed form of attention through modern pop culture.

Red Velvet has been gaining a lot of attention for its conscious effort to use classical music in its 2022 comebacks.

Their 2022 hit song 'Feel My Rhythm' used a sample from Johann Sebastian Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major BWV 1068/August Wilhelmj's 1871 'Air On The G String' arrangement.

Not only did the music video have various classic art motifs in the imagery, but the song itself felt like a renaissance melody. The homage to Bach was especially evident as the song was even released on his birthday (Mar. 21).

The song had a huge impact as not only was it lovely to listen to, but many K-Pop fans became curious about classical music after the release.

Their most recent comeback with the title song 'Birthday' (2022) also made use of another classical piece, George Gershwin's 'Rhapsody In Blue' (1924).

Additionally, ATEEZ's epic 'Symphony No. 9 (From The Wonderland)' (2021) made use of a rearrangement of Antonín Dvořák’s ‘Symphony No. 9 (From the New World)’ (1893) with their song 'WONDERLAND'. They performed the musical masterpiece on the Mnet program "Kingdom: Legendary War".

The song matched exceptionally well with emphasizing the theme of the performance. The original piece by Dvořák has multicultural influences from native American and African-American spiritual music which the composer studied when creating the piece, adding depth to its creation.

As ATEEZ is well-known for its pirate concept and the adventurous spirit of its music, the classical music piece and its influences really intensified the feeling of going on a quest in its song and performance.

The songs mentioned above are the perfect example of how samples can amplify and deepen the listener's experience of fresh music within the K-Pop genre. Not to mention that the mostly youthful target audience of K-Pop becomes more exposed to the classics and fundamentals of music as a result.

 

What is interpolation?

Interpolation is an alternative method of using existing music in a new song.

Interpolation (in music) refers to using the melody or part of the melody from a previously recorded song and re-recording it with the artist's own voice. 

This is different from sampling which simply uses the existing piece of music by the original artist. It can be a verbatim recreation or the artist may decide to change the general rhythm or rhyme compared to the original

 

Examples of interpolations used in popular K-Pop songs

'HOT PINK' by EXID (2016) uses the line, "I like the way you pink it" in the intro, which is actually an interpolation of the lyrics and melody of Missy Elliott's line, "I like the way you work it." The line comes from Missy Elliott's legendary song 'Work It' (2002).

For a more recent example, some of the most iconic interpolations of K-Pop this year can be found in BLACKPINK's rap in 'Pink Venom' (2022) where they use iconic bit parts from numerous songs.

Interpolations included in BLACKPINK's 'Pink Venom':

• Rihanna - 'Pon De Replay' (2005)
• Nas - 'Made You Look' (2002)
• Junior M.A.F.I.A - 'Get Money' (1995)
• Notorious B.I.G - 'Kick in the Door' (2007)
• 50 Cent - 'P.I.M.P' (2003)
• Method Man - 'Bring the Pain' (1994)

Some of these interpolations were more subtle than others and most of them originate from legendary hip-hop artists, meaning that only a lover of that genre or someone with wide music knowledge would easily be able to detect them.

 

Implications of these music production techniques

What does the use of samples and interpolations in K-Pop mean?

The increased use of samples and interpolations in K-Pop has not only created a new familiarity with K-Pop but also an air of similarity within the genre.

For example, fans were surprised when TXT 'Blue Hour' (Oct. 2020) and 3YE 'Stalker' (Apr. 2021) were discovered to be from the same sample.

Fans noted how the sample was the same with just slight changes in pitch and speed. However, this caused a bit of a stir between both fandoms as the comebacks were so close in proximity. Some fans questioned whether 3YE had simply covered TXT's song or plagiarized it, not realizing that both groups had just made use of the same sample.

For fans who are unfamiliar with the concept of sampling or even using interpolations, there might be some misunderstandings that arise.

On the contrary, using the same sample doesn't always mean that the songs will sound the same.

For example, Teen Top's 'What's Problem' (2017),  Jamie ft. PENTAGON's Kino, WOODZ, and Nathan's 'PUTP (Pick Up The Phone)'  (2018), and DREAMCATCHER's 'PIRI' (2019) all use the same sample but the songs all sound extremely different.

The sample is 'Whistle 01 (Dm) 85bpm' by KSHMR. Each song is a different genre which changes the way that the sample sounds completely. Thus, even though the use of the same sample might cause Deja Vu, the songs don't necessarily have any impact on each other despite being released one year apart.

 

Fans' opinions on the rising trend in K-Pop songs created by these music production techniques

The conversation about sampling has become prevalent among fans with the increase in this trend.

Whilst some fans feel that the use of samples can be creative and add a fresh twist to a song, others feel that it is a shortcut in music production that lacks originality.

Some fans have used the word 'lazy' to describe the use of samples, especially when the song relies heavily on the sample and doesn't just use it as a component.

Others feel that sampling gives new life to older songs and allows more people to discover the original music.

We asked Kpopmap readers their opinions on K-Pop artists who sample music in their songs on Kpopmap's Official Reddit Account. Here are some of their responses.

Whilst many fans enjoy the nostalgia that comes with sampling music in newer songs, one fan pointed out how the problem with sampling is indeed the fact that it reminds the viewer of another song.

For example, IVE's 'After Like' (2022) is one of the most blatant K-Pop samples that makes use of Gloria Gaynor's 'I Will Survive' (1978). However, this fan feels like the highly-recognizable sample intertwined in this K-Pop song does not live up to the legendary status of the original despite its own success.

This next fan agrees with the above fan, citing that one might as well listen to the original song since there is a little original twist to the K-Pop song.

However, they raise the argument that songs that dissect the sample and reinvent it, create a new listening experience that feels right.

One fan focuses on the fact that sampling is a long-standing technique in music production, hence it isn't inherently unoriginal. It depends on the execution and can be a great way for artists to pay homage to one another.

In the same way, another fan felt that artists who use samples and interpolations are simply gaining inspiration to create more art.

Although the topic has mixed responses, one common factor in most answers is that sampling and interpolations are okay as long as they are well done. More than the music production technique used, fans seem to care about the execution of the final song.

What do you think about the use of samples and interpolations in K-Pop? Do you think that familiar/similar sounds in K-Pop are harmless or do you have another opinion? Let us know in the comments!