Final yr, Music Financial institution’s International Pageant was interwoven into KBS’s year-end pageant. This yr, they’ve chosen to broadcast it individually however I assumed I’d cowl it anyway as a result of (like final yr) components of it have been stronger than lots of the correct year-end phases.
This yr’s theme was “The Golden Path” and the present was held within the Tokyo Nationwide Stadium. This measurement of venue enhances issues significantly from a visible standpoint. I like watching filmed variations of exhibits in giant venues as a result of the group power turns into such an enormous a part of the expertise. I’m wondering if it’s as enjoyable in particular person? I imply, can the faraway seats even see something?
Like final yr’s present, there have been plentiful pictures of viewers members going loopy for the performances, which I truly discover fairly charming as a result of it’s good to sense that trade of power between viewers and performer. That’s what Ok-pop’s weekly music exhibits are lacking, truthfully. I do know followers need close-ups of their idols’ faces 100% of the time however there’s extra to a efficiency than that. Power is so vital.
One factor that made this yr’s present distinctive was the addition of mega-popular J-pop act Snow Man. Sadly, they didn’t carry out their greatest materials (apart from W), however as a longtime fan it was nonetheless a surreal feeling to see them wedged between Ok-pop acts. Sadly, KBS hasn’t uploaded movies to YouTube, however the distinction between their songs and all of the Ok-pop surrounding them was fairly humorous.
As at all times, 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.
11. izna – Fairly Woman
They picked good (if apparent) songs for his or her cowl phases this yr. Kara was an particularly good alternative for Japan. It’s at all times good to listen to a Sweetune track in 2025.
10. ATEEZ – Blind + In Your Fantasy
This had very humorous staging. They at all times convey the drama. I’m not conversant in Blind and didn’t suppose a lot of it, however I’m glad they preserve giving In Your Fantasy its due on these year-end phases.
9. NMIXX – Spinnin’ On It + Blue Valentine
I really feel like NMIXX proceed to be haunted by mic points which make components of their year-end performances exhausting to listen to. Nevertheless, I favored the “winter” mixture of Blue Valentine. It’s not likely a track that advantages from remixes, however this felt extra like a modest enhancement in locations.
8. IVE – Insurgent Coronary heart + Expensive, My Emotions + Perspective
I nonetheless have my points with Insurgent Coronary heart (it feels prefer it ought to be on Ok-pop Demon Hunters), but it surely sounds good in a stadium. Following that, all of the strolling to (and on) (and round) the stage was type of refreshing counter-programming to all of the night time’s extremely choreographed routines. Generally fierce stomping suffices.
7. KiiiKiii – I Do Me
This combine ought to have been the official model of the track. It’s not remarkably totally different, but it surely has a extra particular perspective and I just like the added digital components – significantly the dance break.
6. Hearts2Hearts – Genie
Ah, Hearts2Hearts masking the type of music they need to have debuted with. Significantly, SM, give them a track like this.
5. KickFlip – My First Love Tune
So far as the brand new combine goes, I feel I respect what they have been making an attempt to do greater than the sound of the ultimate product, however this was an attention-grabbing reinvention. Extra importantly, I assumed the efficiency itself was nice. I liked the added dance break.
4. ZEROBASEONE – Satan Sport – Iconik
I don’t have a lot love for Iconik, however I ADORE Satan Sport and the dance transition between songs was superior.
3. NEXZ + TWS – Hit & Lalalala Dance Battle
Nicely, these two teams had an excellent night time they usually maximized their joint slay right here. This was fairly spectacular.
2. NEXZ – Beat-Boxer
This was superior! You all know I like a rock remix, and THIS is how you can do a rock remix! A lot power for a track that may completely deal with it. I would like a studio model.
1. TWS – Overdrive + Countdown
No fancy rearrangements right here, sadly. Simply two of the yr’s greatest songs carried out with reside vocals and a ton of power. Significantly, I have to see extra folks on the web raving about how gifted this group is. So many Ok-pop acts really feel nearly constrained by their choreo and formations. TWS convey issues to life in a method that’s not simply posing and posturing and shouting. A efficiency like that is merely a delight to look at – particularly in such an enormous venue.