Manga and Anime Maniac

On the 15th of June 2023, the Back to ZEROBASE Film was released.

Owned by WakeOne

On the 5th of July 2023, the In Bloom M/V Teaser 1 was released.

Owned by WakeOne

On the 7th of July 2023, the Youth In The Shade Album Sampler was released.

Owned by WakeOne

On the 8th of July 2023, the In Bloom M/V Teaser 2 was released.

Owned by WakeOne

On the 10th of July 2023, the In Bloom M/V was released, along with the physical and digital release of their debut mini album Youth In The Shade.

Owned by WakeOne

On the 16th of July 2023, the In Bloom Dance Practice (Fix Ver) was released.

Owned by WakeOne

On the 19th of July 2023, the In Bloom M/V (Performance Ver.) was released.

Owned by WakeOne

On the 7th of August 2023, the New Kidz On The Block Dance Practice (Fix Ver.) was released.

Owned by WakeOne

Youth In The Shade peaked at No.1 on the Circle Albums Chart and No.2 on the Oricon Albums Chart.

Circle Sales = 2,037,790+

Oricon Sales = 105,682+

Total Sales = 2,143,472+

*YouTube views correct at time of writing post*

The M/V for In Bloom has so far gained 32,243,396 million views, with the views still continuing to increase.

Youth In The Shade was released in 2 versions: Artbook and Digipak.

The Artbook has 2 versions: Youth and Shade. Both versions are set out in a paperback book style case and comes with the Cd, photobook, sticker pack, random Zerose coaster, random layer car, random photo frame set and a random selfie card.

First-press also came with a folded poster.

The Digipak version is member based and set out in a fold-out case. Each one comes with the Cd, member based photo & lyric booklet, tattoo sticker, random postcard and a random photocard.

All photo books are different.

Track List:

Back To ZEROBASE

In Bloom

우주먼지 (And I)

Our Season

Always

I have the Gyuvin Digipak of the album and I love the little lyric & photo booklet. I bought this album in a sale and was happy they had the Gyuvin version as he's one of the members I was familiar with.

The album itself made me fall in love with them, not only was it one of my favourite debuts in 2023, but this album was also my No.9 album for my 2023 Top 20 K-pop Albums. I was hooked on this album from the very first listen. Each track is different and really shows why they were voted to become members of the group.

I think Back to ZEROBASE is the perfect album opener. It's a great song that not only opens the album but introduces the members. Their harmonisation is stunning in this track, it definitely blew me away on my first listen, it really sets the tone for the album.

Back to ZEROBASE

I think In Bloom was the perfect song for them to debut with. I love the melody, their vocals, the raps. I love how their vocal tones compliment the melody as well as each other.

In Bloom

New Kidz On The Block is my favourite track off the album as well as my favourite ZEROBASEONE B-side. It's been my favourite track since my first listen of the album. I love the melody, the song itself is really catchy that whenever it plays, I'm singing along.

New Kidz On The Block

That intro for 우주먼지 (And I) is stunning. I love the melody and their vocals against it makes it even more stunning.

우주먼지 (And I)

I love the melody for Our Season. I love how uplifting this song sounds with the melody and their vocals. I love how their vocals and vocal tones compliment each other and the melody.

Our Season

I remember Zhang Hao struggling when they were practicing Tomboy on Boys Planet, which while I watched that performance for Hui, Zhang Hao really caught my eye. Knowing he came in first place and has a stunning solo song on the album with Always makes me insanely proud and happy with how far he's come. I love the melody it really suits his voice. It's the perfect song to close the album with.

Always

I think this was the perfect debut release for them and definitely made me keep watching them to see what would come their way.

I only saw clips from Boys Planet, but there were contestants that caught my eye, some of which I already knew. The only episode I watched was the live final of the group being formed, I was happy to see Zhang Hao make the group as he'd caught my eye when performing Tomboy. Ricky I knew from his introduction of himself. I was familiar with Jiwoong from his acting as there are a few drama's of his on my to watch list. And Gyuvin caught my eye in the live final. They were initially the only members I could put names to faces, I can now put more names to faces, like Matthew with his viral Moo, Hanbin from being an MC with BOYNEXTDOOR's Jaehyun and Yujin because he's the same age as my daughter.

Each of their releases have been amazing, now I've bought one album, I think I'll want to complete the collection, but it's sad to think that their time as a group is starting to come to a close, I hope they renew, but I'm also looking forward to what comes next in their journey's.

What were your thoughts on Youth In The Shade?

Do you have a physical copy?

Which version(s) did you get?

What were your thoughts on In Bloom as the title track?

Do you have a favourite track on the album?

Let me know in the comments below.

See you soon!

안녕

(Annyeong)

さようなら

(Sayonara)

再见

(ZaiJian)

Bye

Friday, 12 January 2024

Favourite K-pop Debuts of 2023

Hello

안녕하세요

(Annyeonghaseyo)

こんにちは

(Konnichiwa)

你好

(Ni Hao)

Google Images

Looking back on my favourite debuts, as you can see they were all male. I'm often told that I need to listen to more female groups and soloists but 2023 wasn't the year for me. It's not that I don't like female groups/soloists. I just lean more to the sound and music style of the male groups/soloists.

So let me share with you the 8 debuts I loved in 2023.

ZEROBASEONE

Google Images

ZEROBASEONE have to be my main favourite debut of 2023, their debut mini album was amazing, so much so that they appeared in my Top 20 K-pop Albums list for 2023.

Both their title tracks so far have been really good and catchy, as well as both of the mini albums really standing out.

In Bloom

Owned by WakeOne

BOYNEXTDOOR

Google Images

BOYNEXTDOOR's debut was amazing, I loved their first release, especially their debut title track. Even without knowing who they were I was pulled into being a fan just from that song. I'm even more of a fan now, knowing that they have a member whose name is LeeHan.

One and Only

Owned by KOZ Entertainment

XIKERS

Googles Images

I decided to check out Xikers debut because they're from KQ, the home of ATEEZ, and I was glad I did. Not only was there title track really good, their whole album was amazing and I loved the intro track on the album, it's something I've not really heard before and really got you hyped for the rest of the album.

TRICKY HOUSE

Owned by KQ Entertainment

LUN8

Google Images

I came across LUN8 because I was looking up updates from the past I-Land contestants and came across that Sungchul had debuted with the stage name Ian in LUN8, so I checked them out. I was hooked straight away with their title track. Their debut mini album is also really good.

Wild Heart

Owned by Fantagio Entertainment

8TURN

Google Images

I came across 8TURN the same way as LUN8, and it was while I was looking up updates on any of the I-Land contestants. I was happy to see that even though Kyungmin had left Hybe Label Japan, where he was a confirmed member of &Team. He had finally made his debut with 8TURN.

Both their mini albums are really good, but for me I love their 2nd mini album more, it stands out so much.

Excel

Owned by MNH Entertainment

One Pact

Google Images

For someone that didn't watch Boys Planet, there were contestants that I saw snippets of and were intrigued to see more of. One of those contestants was Jay, I liked him from seeing his first performance on Boys Planet, I was gutted to see he didn't debut in ZEROBASEONE. But I'm glad in a way because it meant not only did we get to see him release a solo album, but also debut with One Pact. I was also a fan of Ciipher, so I was gutted to see them disband but glad that Tag is getting another chance as he's really talented.

I really liked One Pact's debut and can't see what's next for them.

Must Be Nice

Owned by Armada Entertainment

ARIRANG K-POP

Bang Yedam

Google Images

Bamg Yedam was one of the members of Treasure I knew and recognised before his departure from the group. So when I saw he had joined KINGDOM's company, I knew he would have more creative control with his music, than he did with YG. For me his solo debut mini album showcases why he left both YG and Treasure and if this is what we're going to get, I'm glad he made that decision. I loved his solo debut and can't wait to see more from him.

Only One

Owned by GF Entertainment

Shownu X Hyungwon

Google Images

As a MONBEBE, I was not only glad to see Shownu return from his military enlistment, but also see both he and Hyungwon debut as a unit. Hyunwon is such an underrated member of MONSTA X, and I think this unit debut shows that. They're definitely one of my favourite units.

Love Me A Little

Owned by Starship Entertainment

So there was my favourite debuts of 2023, I look forward to see what debuts 2024 brings as well as more releases from Bang Yedam and the groups mentioned in this post.

Who were some of your favourite debuts in 2023?

Let me know in the comments below.

See you soon!

안녕

(Annyeong)

さようなら

(Sayonara)

再见

(ZaiJian)

Bye

Monday, 8 January 2024

My Top 20 K-pop Albums of 2023

Hello

안녕하세요

(Annyeonghaseyo)

こんにちは

(Konnichiwa)

你好

(Ni Hao)

Google Images

My Top albums for 2023 was hard to decide on, because there were so many good albums that I had on repeat. There was so many comebacks for me in 2023, so many that I've now decided to take note of how many comebacks each month, and so far I already have 10 during January.

For me there weren't really any groups that disbanded that I really listen to, they were groups I know of but not groups I follow.

Sadly though for me, 2023, saw the passing of Astro member Moonbin, I'm a big fan of theirs, so I was heartbroken when I saw the news. My heart really went out to the members as well as his sister.

Some of the albums in this list were easy to pick and place into a position, I also think for me there are some unexpected albums as they've never appeared on my Top albums lists before.

Please remember that this list is only based on my own personal tastes and opinion. I know what I've enjoyed won't be to everyone's tastes, so please no hate just because you may have loved something more than I did.

NO.20

Google Images

Coming in at No.20 we have Jessica with her 4th mini album, and her first album release since her 2017, 10-year anniversary album.

The more I listened to this album, the more I fell in love with it, and while it's mainly in English, it doesn't take away from the fact that she is one of the 9 reasons I started listening to K-pop 11 years ago.

Beep Beep

Owned by Coridel Entertainment

CORIDEL ENTERTAINMENT

Get It Got It Good (Feat. Amber Liu)

Owned by Coridel Entertainment

CORIDEL ENTERTAINMENT

N0.19

Google Images

Coming in at No.19, we have Jimin and his solo debut mini album Face.

Out of the BTS members making their solo debuts in 2023, Jimin's was my favourite. For me each track really stuck out and was memorable.

Like Crazy

Owned by Big Hit Music

I am an A.R.M.Y and so what

Face-Off

Owned by Big Hit Music

Jaeguchi

NO.18

Google Images

Coming in at No.18, we have Purple Kiss and their 5th mini album Cabin Fever.

I've pretty much liked Purple Kiss since their debut, but they've never succeeded in getting into my top albums list, until 2023. This album is such a good album, I loved each track. There were some tracks that really blew me away as I forgot who I was listening to.

Sweet Juice

Owned by RBW

PURPLE KISS

Autopilot

Owned by RBW

Chaemin

NO.17

Google Images

Coming in at No.17, we have THE BOYZ with their 2nd full album Phantasy Pt.2: Sixth Sense.

I love when THE BOYZ do bright concepts but for me it's their darker concepts that pull me in more. Watch It definitely has to be one of my favourite title tracks and it really sets the whole album.

Watch It

Owned by IST Entertainment

THE BOYZ

Honey

Owned by IST Entertainment

Chaemin

NO.16

Google Images

Coming in at No.16, we have Dreamcatcher and their 9th mini album VillainS.

Dreamcatcher have not appeared on top albums chart since 2020. They never fail to surprise me and while I love their rocky sounding title tracks, OOTD has definitely peaked and become my favourite title track from them.

OOTD

Owned by Dreamcatcher Company

Dreamcatcher official

Rising

Owned by Dreamcatcher Company

Chaereve

NO.15

Google Images

Coming in at No.15, is Xdinary Heroes and their 4th mini album Livelock.

I was pleasantly surprised with this album, while I've liked their releases in the past, this one is definitely my favourite release of theirs.

Break the Brake

Owned by JYP Entertainment

JYP Entertainment

Freddy

Owned by JYP Entertainment

ShadowByYoongi

NO.14

Google Images

Coming in at No.14, we have The Rose with their 2nd full length album Dual.

This is the first time I've sat and listened to a The Rose album, and I've been missing out. This album is amazing, I loved each of the tracks, they're really catchy and I always find myself singing along.

Back To Me

Owned by Windfall

The Rose

Nauseous

Owned by Windfall

NO.13

Google Images

Coming in at No.13, we have ATEEZ with their 11th mini album The World Ep.2: Outlaw.

This album was definitely my favourite release if theirs in 2023. From start to finish this album is amazing, each track fits perfectly and really showcases ATEEZ at their best.

Bouncy (K-Hot Chilli Peppers)

Owned by KQ Entertainment

KQ ENTERTAINMENT

This World

Owned by KQ Entertainment

NO.12

Google Images

Coming in at No.12, we have Lee Chaeyeon and her 2nd mini album Over The Moon.

Chaeyeon was one of my favourite debuts in 2022, so I knew I'd be keeping an eye on her in 2023 and I'm glad I did. I loved this mini album each track stands out and shows she's good at what she does.

Knock

Owned by WM Entertainment

LEE CHAE YEON

I Don't Wanna Know

Owned by WM Enterainment

Chaereve

NO.11

Google Images

Coming in at No.11 and just missing out on my Top 10, we have KINGDOM and their 7th mini album, History of Kingdom: Part VII. Jahan.

This album was the perfect way to conclude their History of Kingdom album series, I loved how the title track connected their past releases. They really are such an underrated group and each album proves that.

쿠데타 (COUP D’ETAT)

Owned by GF Entertainment

KINGDOM (킹덤)

On My Way

Owned by GF Entertainment

foolmeg

NO.10

Google Images

Coming in at No.10, we have Kim Woojin and his 2nd mini album The Moment: Bounce.

We waited just over 2 years for this release and it was definitely worth it, and I have to say it's better than his debut mini album.

On My Way

Owned by 10x Entertainment

김우진 KIM WOOJIN

Song of Icarus

Owned by 10x Entertainment

WONNIE

NO.9

Google Images

Coming in at No.9, with their debut mini album is ZEROBASEONE and Youth In The Shade.

I only ever saw snippets of Boys Planet, after I-Land, I don't think I could get attached to the participants again. But I decided to check out their debut mini album and was in love from the first listen. They're definitely one of my favourite debuts of 2023.

In Bloom

Owned by WakeOne

New Kidz On The Block

Owned by WakeOne

NO.8

Google Images

Coming in at No.8, we have Tomorrow X Together and their 3rd full length album The Name Chapter: Freefall.

This is definitely my favourite release of theirs so far, their vocals on this album are so good, they blew me away.

Chasing That Feeling

Owned by Big Hit Music

Skipping Stones

Owned by Big Hit Music

ShadowByYoongi

NO.7

Google Images

Coming in at No.7, we have Moonbin & Sanha with their 3rd mini album Incense.

For 2023, Moobin and Sanha, have jumped up 5 spots from 2022, showing each release got better and better. I love this album, each track is different and showcases their talents perfectly. I'm just heartbroken that this is to be their final release as a unit.

Madness

Owned by Fantagio

fantagio 판타지오

Perfumer

Owned by Fantagio

Chaereve

NO.6

Google Images

Coming in at No.6, we have Seventeen and their 11th mini album Seventeenth Heaven.

There's so many different aspects and emotions to this album, you can tell it's their last full group release before they start their military enlistments. You can tell they really put their all into this album and it seems it's more like a gift to fans than a typical album release.

음악의 신 (God of Music)

Owned by Pledis Entertainment

Diamond Days

Owned by Pledis Entertainment

NO.5

Google Images

Coming in at No.5, we have ENHYPEN and their 5th mini album Orange Blood.

While I loved both album releases in 2023, for me Orange Blood just beat out Dark Blood, as much as I love Bite Me, overall I preferred all the tracks on Orange Blood more.

Sweet Venom

Owned by Be:Lift

Blind

Owned by Be:Lift

NO.4

Google Images

Coming in at No.4 and just missing out on my top 3, is Stray Kids and their 8th mini album Rock-Star.

Each year they make their way up my album list, back in 2019, they peaked at No.8 and have been slowly rising higher. While I always love their albums, someone always tends to just pass them. So far 2023 is the highest they've been in my top album list. Rock-Star is definitely my favourite release from them and hopefully they come to the UK on tour so I can see them perform in live.

락 (樂) (LALALALA)

Owned by JYP Entertainment

JYP Entertainment

Blind Spot

Owned by JYP Entertainment

ShadowByYoongi

Normally at this point I carry on my chart but, I'm going to change it up this time and I'll share with you the Honourable Mentions that just missed out on making my list but deserve a mention because they're just amazing albums. So before I get into the albums that made my Top 3, here are my honourable mentions.

Eric Nam - House On A Hill

Owned by Eric Nam

Eric Nam 에릭남

VIXX - Continuum

Owned by Jellyfish Entertainment

RealVIXX

ILY:1 - A Dream of ILY:1

Owned by FC ENM

ILY:1

BXB - Chapter 1. Our Youth

Owned by Wolfburn

BXB

NO.3

Google Images

Coming in at No.3, we have Seventeen with their 10th mini album FML.

I try to only have one album per artist in my list but this year has been Seventeen's year for music, this album is perfect. I also present to you MAMA 2023's Album of the Year. I cried so much when they won, Seventeen always have such amazing albums.

손오공 (Super)

Owned by Pledis Entertainment

(G)I-DLE (여자)아이들 (Official YouTube Channel)

I Don't Understand But I Luv U

Owned by Pledis Entertainment

seventeenlyrics

NO.2

Google Images

Coming in at No.2 we have Forestella with their 3rd mini album Unfinished.

I have such a soft spot for Forestella, I'm not normally into a more classical sound, but there's something about this group that I fall in love with them with each song. I could listen to this album on repeat all day. If you haven't I highly recommend checking them out.

Snow Globe

Owned by Beat Interactive

포레스텔라 Forestella

White Night (Remaster Ver.)

Owned by Beat Interactive

포레스텔라 Forestella

It's time.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!

NO.1

Google Images

Coming in at No.1, we have (G)I-DLE with their 6th mini album I Feel.

With how many times I listened to this album, it was obvious that this needed to be my No.1 album of 2023. Each track is amazing and I was lucky enough to get to go see them play the Wembley Arena in London, which made me love this album even more. I would say if you've never listened to (G)I-DLE, then this album is a good place to start.

퀸카 (Queencard)

Owned by Cube Entertainment

Allergy

Owned by Cube Entertainment

(G)I-DLE (여자)아이들 (Official YouTube Channel)

All Night

Owned by Cube Entertainment