Comparing Fantagio Entertainment’s roll-out of Astro in 2016 and LUN8 in 2023-24 is like measuring a freight train against an old jalopy. Without frequent comebacks, robust promotion or a distinct sound, this group feels nebulous and underappreciated. And to make things worse, the music has rarely been that great. I’m sure LUN8 are very talented and work exceptionally hard, but their discography thus far isn’t really bearing that out.
New single Whip is another so-so track to throw into the market. It tethers trendy jersey club influences to more familiar K-pop hip-hop touchstones, bopping along a brisk beat. Tonally, it feels more in line with what’s happening with Korean girl groups at the moment. The song takes a catchy — but subdued — hook and drives it into the ground, sacrificing peaks and valleys for a sing-song approach that works well in the context of a twenty-second TikTok video but wears thin over the course of three minutes. The song is pleasant throughout, but has a workmanlike quality that doesn’t buoy LUN8’s chances of standing out in the crowded K-pop market.
Hooks
8
Production
7
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.5