I’m again with a recap of Okay-Pop’s year-end festivals. As all the time, we’ve received occasions from KBS, SBS and MBC in that order. Nonetheless, I wasn’t conscious that KBS was saving their “Music Financial institution in Japan” particular till December thirtieth so I’ll most likely write about that one too. Actually, I assumed they’d simply mash it along with the KBS Gayo like they did final yr. With so lots of the greater artists attending that Japanese occasion, this yr’s Gayo Daechukje (sorry… “International Tune Pageant”) felt fairly underwhelming.
The present’s bizarre venue didn’t assist issues. On digicam, it regarded just like the occasion was held in a conference heart or on line casino or one thing. The group was too small to make the occasion really feel grand, but too huge to make it really feel intimate like MBC’s New Years Eve present is. I’m assuming the Music Financial institution in Japan particular might be extra spectacular, which is why they need to have blended the 2 collectively to stop this from feeling like an afterthought.
Anyway, the hosts had been a good selection this yr. They received the Music Financial institution regulars plus a well-liked comedienne. I LOVE Jang Doyeon and discover ILLIT’s Minju very charming and Moon Sangmin endearingly awkward. They didn’t have all that a lot to do all through the evening, however their patter was enjoyable sufficient.
This yr’s theme was Okay-pop being the “key” to international tradition, which meant there have been many references to “unlocking” issues and the hosts needed to say “Open your…stage!” too many instances for my liking. It’s a thankless job, I inform you…
As all the time, this rating represents my very own ideas, which means it’ll closely favor music I loved this yr in addition to performances that re-arrange or remix present songs.
(On a aspect notice, Kazuha from LE SSERAFIM’s cowl of Jungkook’s Standing Subsequent To You isn’t on my checklist however I assumed it was hilarious that she didn’t even attempt to faux she wasn’t lip syncing. Why even maintain the mic in the event you’re going to tug it away when you’re nonetheless “singing”? So humorous.)
10. fromis_9 – Like You Higher + White Reminiscences
Nothing too loopy right here, however Like You Higher was the perfect (2025) track carried out on this present so it feels value mentioning.
9. tripleS – Growl
They actually need to seek out some new songs to cowl on these reveals, however this was cool. The association was just about the identical, however the track fits a really giant group of performers.
8. Kiss Of Life – Medley + Fortunate
Okay… I don’t know if this was good or not, but it surely made me chuckle so many instances. The intro with the excessive notice was pure camp. Like… extremely humorous to me. Then, for some motive they carried out 5 songs, however solely about ten seconds of every earlier than going right into a model of Fortunate that seemed like a mixture between vaudeville and Christmas? Bizarre and messy and unintentionally (or deliberately?) hilarious.
7. The Boyz – Like I Love You
After so many Okay-pop idol songs referenced this Justin Timberlake track, it was about time somebody really coated it. I’m unsure they introduced something new to the observe, however this was a great match for them. Nonetheless, I don’t know why they selected to carry out a b-side later within the present once they may have given VVV its well-deserved highlight.
6. AHOF x Shut Your Eyes – Hearth
A sensible choice for opening stage. It’s a fantastic track coated by two of my favourite rookies of the yr. They positively pulled it off and it was enjoyable seeing them paired collectively once more. JL stood out to me essentially the most. That child is so proficient!
And talking of rookies, KBS did NouerA soiled by not inviting them. I imply, they had been fashioned on a KBS present!
5. STAYC – Bebe + Teddy Bear
This felt like a turbo-charged model of Bebe and I beloved the styling/staging. I’d be shocked if the mics had been on in any respect, but it surely’s not like this track is about belting out the notes anyway. Then, they moved right into a rock re-arrangement of Teddy Bear, which I by no means would have thought to do. It felt a bit bizarre and superfluous, but it surely was memorable I assume.
4. AHOF – Pinocchio
Argh! Why didn’t they allow them to carry out the entire track?? I beloved this tougher hitting orchestral combine. The opening choreo was very cool, too.
3. Dayoung – Physique
Oh, the mic was on for this one! This was actually good. She’s received a ton of charisma and the track benefited from a much-needed rearrangement. A welcome shot of vitality after a protracted string of lifeless singer-songwriter fare throughout the mid-point of the present.
2. LE SSERAFIM – Spaghetti
What’s with all of the camp tonight? The opening dance breaks with the meals and utensils had been cracking me up. I beloved the reveal below the desk, too. I hadn’t heard this remix earlier than however I’ll be including it to my library as a result of it’s tons of enjoyable.
1. Lovelyz – Ah-Choo + Twinkle
In the case of Okay-pop woman teams, Lovelyz are unsung legends to me. They might not have the identical footprint as titans of the sector like SNSD, however they symbolize a model of the woman group sound that I completely love and completely pine for in immediately’s musical local weather. It’s melodic and quirky and relentlessly upbeat. Attractive vocals drive songs which are enormous and anthemic. Ah-Choo and Twinkle are two of their easiest and run circles round the whole lot else carried out tonight. It’s a pleasure to see them once more and I want they’d return and produce this fashion again with them.
