Epik High

5 Favorite K-pop MVs of 2021

Mei-Mei2 Comments

As always, here is my list of the MVs I had on repeat this year.

1. “Rosario” by Epik High

The year started off strong with this collaboration, which is hands-down my most-watched video this year. Epik High is a phenomenal hiphop trio whose playlists helped get me through lockdown last year. CL is the former leader of my favorite Kpop group, 2NE1, and Zico is the main rapper from Block B who has consistently been putting out bops with his own label. So when they say they are legends, they are not exaggerating.

There are so many great little details in the MV: Mithra Jin’s The Shining reference, Tukutz’s bare feet, the different hotel rooms. I especially love Tablo shooting with the remote at the end, and the way the MV is shot vertically, like a TikTok; these both speak to the song’s themes about fame and longevity/obsolescence. There are a lot of great fan theories about the MV as well, like that they are all actually dead and the narrow rooms represent graves, or that there is a criminal conspiracy going on between the characters. So many possible levels of meaning!

2. “Love Peace” by Tiger JK

Another legend of K-hiphop here, Tiger JK created a real piece of art with this MV (and the song features his wife and collaborator Yoon Mirae as well). It’s beautifully shot and the aesthetics are amazing, plus the song is so culturally relevant with its positivity about Asian cultures during this time of increased hate crimes against people of Asian descent.

Plus, how cool is this??

Love Peace GIF

3. “Lalisa” by Lisa

All of the solo debuts of the BLACKPINK members have been great, but Lisa’s MV really stood out this year. She can sing and rap, is one of the best dancers in Kpop, speaks fluent English, and has that natural swagger and stage presence that just can’t be taught. I love how the MV incorporates her Thai heritage at the end.

Also check out her performance video for her single “Money.”

4. “Advice” by Taemin

Long hair Taemin is back!! Taemin’s solo releases never disappoint and this one is no exception. Catchy song, intricate yet effortless choreography, amazing aesthetics: that’s SHINee’s multitalented maknae for you. And how does he look so good in that crop top?? He’s just unreal.

5. “Lilac” by IU

One of my favorite Kpop singer/songwriters, IU reflects on her career and the end of her 20s with this charming and slightly bittersweet song and MV. Her other releases this year “Celebrity” and “Coin” also had really excellent MVs, but I feel this one is destined to become a classic.

Honorable Mentions:

5 Favorite K-pop MVs of 2019

Mei-Mei4 Comments

And just like that, another year of great music has come and gone.  I have no idea how many of you guys care about these posts but I love going back over all the K-pop music videos that came out every year to pick my favorites.

1. “ICY” by Itzy

2019 has been a great year for rookie groups, and Itzy is at the top of the list.  This is actually their second big hit of the year; they may be rookies but they have become known for their catchy, self-confident songs, energetic choreography, and great live performances.

And as cool as this video is, it doesn’t even have the best bit of the song’s choreography (frankly, my favorite bit of choreo I’ve seen anywhere, all year).  Feast your eyes on the “neck snap:”

ITZY_ICY_M_V_TEASER_2

2. “Breakthrough” by TWICE

TWICE had a landmark year, morphing from their original, cute image to a more mature concept. (It reminds me of when Girls’ Generation released “Run Devil Run.”)  This is one of their Japanese releases, probably lesser-known, but the song is catchy, the video has great atmosphere, and TWICE is always good in Japanese (they have three Japanese members).

3. “+I Quit 180327+” by CL

The leader of the former group 2NE1 is finally back with solo songs, releasing an EP herself after leaving her company.  The numbers in the titles are the dates the songs were written, showing that she’s been doing work all along, her company just wasn’t releasing them or promoting her.  “I Quit” is one of the better songs on the album (though the rap section is sub-par), and the video takes it to another level with colorful sign language that almost morphs into interpretive dance.  CL does not appear in the video at all, which is an interesting choice considering her natural charisma, but the video is art anyways.

4. “Lovedrunk” by Epik High ft. Crush

You wanted a wuxia movie to go with your K-pop?  Okay, then!  This beautiful cinematic MV features a fraught relationship between two martial artists, one played by K-pop idol IU.  The black and white cinematography goes perfectly with the haunting song from one of my favorite hip hop groups.

5. “Kill this Love” by Blackpink

Blackpink is back in your area with another killer hit.  There’s so much to love in this one; it just blows you away from the first trumpet notes.  The production value is incredible, and I love Rosé and Jisoo’s acting, as well as Lisa and Jennie’s interaction in the rap part.

I also had a lot of fun watching dance practice videos this year!  I love seeing the full choreography in a more informal setting.  Here’s two that I thought were particularly good.

Plus, if you enjoyed the League of Legions promotional video “POP/STARS” by K/DA last year, I think you will also enjoy this gem featuring Soyeon of (G)I-dle.