I’m again with a recap of Ok-Pop’s year-end festivals. As all the time, we’ve bought 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 in all probability write about that one too. Truthfully, I believed they’d simply mash it along with the KBS Gayo like they did final yr. With so lots of the larger artists attending that Japanese occasion, this yr’s Gayo Daechukje (sorry… “International Music Pageant”) felt fairly underwhelming.
The present’s bizarre venue didn’t assist issues. On digicam, it seemed 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 massive to make it really feel intimate like MBC’s New Years Eve present is. I’m assuming the Music Financial institution in Japan particular can be extra spectacular, which is why they need to have blended the 2 collectively to forestall this from feeling like an afterthought.
Anyway, the hosts have been a sensible choice this yr. They bought 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 night time, however their patter was enjoyable sufficient.
This yr’s theme was Ok-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 occasions 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 would closely favor music I loved this yr in addition to performances that re-arrange or remix current songs.
(On a aspect observe, Kazuha from LE SSERAFIM’s cowl of Jungkook’s Standing Subsequent To You isn’t on my checklist however I believed it was hilarious that she didn’t even strive to fake she wasn’t lip syncing. Why even maintain the mic should you’re going to drag it away whilst 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 most effective (2025) track carried out on this present so it feels price mentioning.
9. tripleS – Growl
They really want 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 massive group of performers.
8. Kiss Of Life – Medley + Fortunate
Okay… I don’t know if this was good or not, however it made me chuckle so many occasions. The intro with the excessive observe 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 combination between vaudeville and Christmas? Bizarre and messy and unintentionally (or deliberately?) hilarious.
7. The Boyz – Like I Love You
After so many Ok-pop idol songs referenced this Justin Timberlake track, it was about time somebody truly lined it. I’m undecided they introduced something new to the observe, however this was a very good match for them. Nonetheless, I do not know why they selected to carry out a b-side later within the present once they might have given VVV its well-deserved highlight.
6. AHOF x Shut Your Eyes – Hearth
A good selection for opening stage. It’s an awesome track lined 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 probably the most. That child is so proficient!
And talking of rookies, KBS did NouerA soiled by not inviting them. I imply, they have been fashioned on a KBS present!
5. STAYC – Bebe + Teddy Bear
This felt like a turbo-charged model of Bebe and I liked the styling/staging. I’d be shocked if the mics have been on in any respect, however it’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 of bizarre and superfluous, however it was memorable I suppose.
4. AHOF – Pinocchio
Argh! Why didn’t they allow them to carry out the entire track?? I liked this more durable 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 bought a ton of charisma and the track benefited from a much-needed rearrangement. A welcome shot of power after a protracted string of lifeless singer-songwriter fare through 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 have been cracking me up. I liked 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 relation to Ok-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 signify a model of the woman group sound that I completely love and completely pine for in at present’s musical local weather. It’s melodic and quirky and relentlessly upbeat. Attractive vocals drive songs which are large and anthemic. Ah-Choo and Twinkle are two of their highest 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 convey this fashion again with them.