I’ll be making my 2024 K-pop resolutions tomorrow, but in true Bias List tradition I’d like to rewind one year first. I usually set my wishes pretty high, and 2023 was a weird year for K-pop. But now that the dust has settled, how did I do?
Make sure to look back at 2023’s resolutions before continuing!
1. More Long-Awaited Comebacks from the Legends
Did 2023 deliver? — Strangely, yes!
This time last year, I don’t think I could have predicted that almost all of my favorite second-gen boy groups would make a comeback in 2023. Unfortunately, I also couldn’t have predicted that nearly all of these comebacks would underwhelm. What a strange year 2023 has been…
2. The Return of the Mega-Producer
Did 2023 deliver? — Nope
Song camps and outsourced tracks continued to be the norm in 2023. Because of this, it was difficult to compile a “top producers” list this year. So many songs boast a whole team of names on their credits, making individual perspective harder to find than ever.
3. Better Utilization of Vocalists
Did 2023 deliver? — Not really
There were glimmers of hope — mainly in debuts like The Wind or ZEROBASEONE. However, the industry still seems to favor sing-talk over big, robust vocal performances. Even vocal legends like Infinite, SHINee and TVXQ returned with music that de-emphasized spine-tingling power notes.
4. Maximalism
Did 2023 deliver? — No
We’re firmly lodged in K-pop’s subdued era, and even when maximalist is present in the music videos or performances, the actual songs are either more hesitant or more shouty. That’s not the kind of maximalism I’m pining for, unfortunately.
5. New-Gen Girl Groups Unveil Their Classics
Did 2023 deliver? — It was a mixed bag
While this new crop of girl groups conquered the charts, only one of them truly set my heart on fire. Judging by stats alone, I guess you could consider songs like I Am, Ditto, Cupid, Super Shy and Eve, Psyche & the Bluebeard’s Wife “classics” of the year. Only one of those songs made my top 50, though.
6. New-Gen Boy Groups, Where You At?
Did 2023 deliver? — Definitely
I guess where they’re at is… 2023. While the year was sparse with girl group debuts, it was overflowing with new boy groups. Many of these new acts were among my favorites of the year, so I’d consider that a win.
7. Break the Template
Did 2023 deliver? — Nope, the templates remain intact
YG Entertainment is the biggest offender when it comes to predictable song templates, but the whole industry is obsessed with certain songwriting approaches and when you listen to as much K-pop as I do it’s impossible not to notice them.
8. Justice for Spurned Idol Acts
Did 2023 deliver? — I guess?
I can’t say many of the “spurned acts” I mentioned last year (ie: iKON, LOONA) had gigantic, chart-conquering hits this year, but most have rebounded to a stable situation.
9. More Recognition for Acts/Agencies who Consistently Release Excellence
Did 2023 deliver? — Not really
Most K-pop publications and articles continue to focus on the biggest acts. Many of my personal faves are still pretty unknown by the larger fan base. I guess that’s not all bad, in some respects.
10. K-Pop Tours, Please Come to the Pacific Northwest!
Did 2023 deliver? — Not in 2023, but 2024’s looking good!
I’ve already got two K-pop concerts booked for this year in which I don’t have to travel more than 90 minutes. That’s two more than last year!