KATSEYE - BEAUTIFUL CHAOS (Album Review: 5.5) @ Pitchfork (250701)

Now that all seven BTS members have completed their military service, we’re officially entering the post-enlistment era. For years, we’ve been imagining what “BTS in 2025” would look like. Well, we’re here now. And honestly, it raises a lot of questions about what comes next. There’s no doubt that the anticipation is massive. Some fans are expecting a full album drop, a world tour, maybe even a return to their chart-topping momentum. But others (myself included) are wondering if things might look different this time more reflective, more careful, maybe even slower than we’re used to. During enlistment, every member carved out a distinct solo identity. We saw a huge range in style, message, and personality across their projects. They didn’t just experiment musically, they grew up, in real time, in front of us. So when they reunite as a group, the question is: will BTS pick up where they left off… or will they redefine themselves yet again? And then there’s the industry. The K-pop landscape is not what it was in 2022. Newer groups are dominating global conversations, music consumption has shifted even more toward virality and short-form content, and competition is more intense than ever. But BTS doesn’t need to compete like that anymore; they’re in a different category now. The question is whether they see it that way. I also keep thinking about tone. Will their comeback be explosive, like a declaration of power? Or will it be understated, a quiet but intentional return that prioritizes reconnection over spectacle? I wouldn’t be surprised if their first move is something simple but deeply symbolic, rather than loud. And as excited as I am, I also wonder how fans will respond if BTS chooses a softer or slower path. Are we ready for a more mature BTS, one that doesn’t necessarily chase hits, but focuses on meaning and longevity? Or are expectations already too high for anything less than another “Dynamite” or “Butter”-level rollout? All that said: it’s an incredibly emotional moment. They've completed a major chapter as individuals and as a group. Whatever they do next is going to carry weight, even if it’s not what everyone expects. What are your thoughts? submitted by /u/Seesawey [link] [comments]

Not just kpop but in general, I’ve seen a lot of discourse about how stadiums are just not fit for the full concert experience and I completely understand. Sound issues, terrible views, crowd control and what not. All those issues are valid but it gets to a point where some people that complain and demand for arenas instead of stadiums come off as selfish and entitled, especially for really huge artists. For these artists, stadiums may be the only venues that can accommodate the amount of people who want to see them and if they were to do arenas, it would mean having to do several nights. I can imagine what a logistical nightmare that would be. On top of that, I think what a lot of people don’t take into account is the fact that these artists would have to perform for 3-5 nights in a row, performing the same set lists over and over again which can take a toll on their health, especially for kpop idols who have to dance almost constantly, when they could instead book stadiums and only have to do 1-2 days give or take. And yes, the tickets are expensive and it earns you a certain level of entitlement to the type of service expected but if you don’t like stadium shows, no one is forcing you to buy those tickets. And also, I think stadiums allow more fans to have a chance at seeing their favorite artists. I’d imagine there’d be the same people buying tickets to multiple stops if they were to do arenas over several days, which may take away the chance of another fan who can only see them for one night. All in all, nothing too serious. It’s just something that irks me every time it’s brought up. Yes, some stadiums could be really shitty but instead of calling for arena stops, I think it’s better to demand quality set ups and organization from these stadiums because there are instances where a stadium show is really well done and everyone leaves with a good experience. What do you guys think? submitted by /u/SomewhereOnEarth37 [link] [comments]

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In a constantly evolving industry filled with countless debuts and comebacks, many incredibly talented artists often go unnoticed by the mainstream audience. Whether it’s due to limited promotion, smaller agencies, or simply being overshadowed by bigger names, their artistry deserves more appreciation. Which K-pop group or soloist do you believe is truly underrated but consistently delivers in terms of vocals, performance, or creativity? submitted by /u/Own_Environment_640 [link] [comments]

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I swear, I’m the #1 sagging pants hater. Why are their pants halfway down? Pull up your pants! It's just weird. And honestly, it feels like cultural appropriation to me. Sagging isn't part of Korean culture at all — it has roots in Black and hip-hop culture, and seeing it slapped onto K-pop idols like an “aesthetic” just feels off. submitted by /u/Narrow_Start_5340 [link] [comments]

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Shoutout to the original creator, that part at butterfly was excellent!!!. submitted by /u/Muted_Bodybuilder109 [link] [comments]

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Im a stray kids fan, and they have an ex member Woojin so ever since Woojin left, Stray kids rerecorded almost every song (except 4419, school life, heros soup, glow and i actively listen to school life 24/7) to not have his voice in the songs (the ot9 versions are still on spotify however, so i feel it could be js legal reasons for stage purposes) ive known about skz since 2018 (tho didnt consider them until gm era bc i thought they were competing w bts/txt) so naturally ive come to know who Woojin is im an ot8 stay all the way and i dont miss Woojin (sometimes i wish they are on good terms/resolved), infact i never want Woojin to rejoin skz since i feel he wasted his talent there since skz songs are not vocal heavy/his voice doesnt suit songs like thunderous/christmas evel (actually im a staycub, so i support wj and skz separately) but im more used to hearing the ot9 version of songs like district 9, my pace, i am you, etc. from watching the m/vs trying to identify members (not dragging the ot8 version by any means, i dont have a preference to the ot9/ot8 songs tbh) submitted by /u/Minute_Ice_7434 [link] [comments]

the group can't be too popular tho as i kinda want to discover different groups through this that i don't know :p (so example: no bts, stray kids, twice, etc. get the idea?) so groups either kinda mid-tier ish i guess in terms of popularity or completely nugu is fine :> or maybe theres a popular group i haven't heard before idk :o for the songs: the 3 songs need to be different, so like a ballad, and total rock sounds or just something different from the first one, and same thing for the last one i hope this makes sense hehe submitted by /u/5iv3_ [link] [comments]

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The way K-POP demon hunters bring back savage TWICE back on business is insane. It is what TWICE could have received if JYPE did have much better strategy for promotion and chart success. JYPE tried to extend their western links with Strategy as an official collaboration song with an M/V but it could not catch people’s attention. Maybe it was because of poor management or something else. I did not expect the soundtracks to be so full of hits at the first time of hearing Strategy being played during an episode. Now the soundtracks are all doing so well including both versions of the song. I am so happy and have some hopes for This Is For to perform better than TWICE’s most recent comebacks after Talk That Talk. submitted by /u/leonardreignn [link] [comments]

My friends and I made a K-pop themed friend group, where we each represent our favourite group/one that relates w us the most and we use our lightsticks as like "wands"? (eg my theme is Stray Kids bc theyre my fav group, Will's theme is Seventeen cus he watches a lot of Jun dramas) ik its childish for the record, but its super fun and gives everyone a creative way of representing their favourite group/we all get along cus of no fanwars? submitted by /u/Minute_Ice_7434 [link] [comments]