It’s become an expectation that HYBE groups will film music videos for at least two tracks on each album and ENHYPEN are already back with a clip for their song Checkmate. This follows the release of Bloody Paradise released last month and offers a more thrilling sound.
2026 is the year where K-pop’s tempo officially heightened. This has seemingly come at the expense of fully-fleshed out song structures and… well… singing… but we can at least take solace that the industry has rediscovered its place on the dancefloor. Checkmate is ENHYPEN’s most high-octane track since Drunk-Dazed, released all the way back in 2021. Unfortunately, it’s also a full minute shorter and must contend with that clipped runtime. Gone is the possibility of a bridge or any fun diversions that don’t serve the song’s immediate purpose. One could argue that Checkmate even lacks a chorus, though its insistent “check! check!” shout-along hook takes that position.
What we’re left with is a fun blast of energy, pummeling from beginning to end. I love the sound of Checkmate, but I wonder if it might be the audio version of empty calories. Because the track lacks real songwriting substance, it feels like it might peter out quickly. It tastes good in the moment, but I doubt whether I’ll return to it often.
Hooks
7
Production
9
Longevity
7
Bias
8
RATING
7.75