Danni Perez

Covering the world of music with album reviews, feature interviews, event coverage, roundups, and more. I’ve got a knack for K-pop but will gladly listen to and write about any genre (or topic).

[REVIEW] OMEGA X Subunit OX:N Explore New Opportunities With Debut EP ‘N’

OMEGA X’s first-ever sub-unit OX:N has hit the ground running with their debut EP, N. Comprised of OMEGA X’s leader JAEHAN, as well as fellow members XEN, JEHYUN, and YECHAN, OX:N is a sultry, vocal powerhouse that offers a new edge to the 11-member K-pop group.

Aside from symbolizing the roman numeral IV for its four members, the unit’s name also includes the number “n” to express the infinite possibilities for OMEGA X, both as a full group and other endeavors the future holds for each of its...

Best K-Pop Songs of 2025 So Far

2025 is shaping up to be another standout year for K-pop, with artists across generations pushing sonic boundaries and delivering some of their most compelling work yet. From chart-topping anthems to genre-bending B-sides, this year’s releases have showcased the full spectrum of what makes K-pop so globally captivating. Since we are at the halfway mark of the year, join Genius Korea in taking a look at the best K-pop songs of 2025 so far.


This list’s entries and rankings are compiled based on...

Best K-Pop Albums of 2025 So Far

Some K-Pop albums are more than a collection of songs, they’re immersive narratives, emotional journeys, and carefully crafted worlds. From concept-driven epics to raw, personal reflections, these albums invite listeners to feel, imagine, and connect. Here are the standout K-pop albums of 2025 so far, the ones that didn’t just top playlists but told stories worth remembering.


This list’s entries and rankings are compiled based on the opinion of the Genius Korea Community. Eligibility period:...

[FRESH PICK] The Rose Brings The ‘WRLD’ Together With Heartwarming Album

South Korean indie-rock band The Rose returned to the music scene on May 30th with one of their most profound collection of tracks to date. Sentimental connection is one of the band’s strengths, and their latest record, WRLD, is a testament to their unabashed vulnerability.

All seven tracks were self-written, composed, and arranged by The Rose themselves. Woosung, Dojoon, Taegyeom, and Hajoon come together to remind listeners about the complexity, joy, and beauty of being human.


At times, it...

[EVENT REVIEW] ONE OR EIGHT Meet Fans in Los Angeles For Sold-Out Show

You can find entertainment on nearly every major avenue in Los Angeles. But on the evening of April 23, in an intimate venue nestled in the neighborhood of Echo Park, Japanese boy group ONE OR EIGHT was the group to see. The octet recently visited iconic landmarks such as Buenos Aires, Mexico City, New York, and São Paulo as a part of their global fan meeting tour, SHŪKAI. Genius Korea was invited to this successful closing date, where ONE OR EIGHT met fans for a striking sold-out show at the Ec...

[REVIEW] TEN’s Bold and Confident 2nd Mini-Album Is An Absolute “STUNNER”

Multifaceted popstar TEN has made his much-awaited return with his second mini-album, STUNNER. His self-titled mini-album—which was covered on Genius Korea and highlighted in Genius Korea’s “Best K-pop Albums of 2024” list—captured his unique artistic color, but STUNNER shows what happens when that creativity runs wild. Enticing and eccentric as ever, TEN proves to be the epitome of versatility with this record.

The KingDom Take Fate Into Their Own Hands - EnVi Media

Trading in their illustrious royal outfits, The KingDom emerge anew as they level up and step into the modern-day scene. On April 30, the seven-member K-pop boy group introduced a chic edge to their regal reputation with their latest EP REALIZE — the beginning of a new chapter within the group’s intricate and ever-growing storyline. Dann, Arthur, Mujin, Louis, Ivan, Hwon, and Jahan are nowhere close to stepping away from their thrones, though. EnVi chatted with The KingDom via Zoom to discuss ne...

XIN LIU Highlights The “Reality” Of Love In English Debut Single - EnVi Media

If you tuned into the 88RISING FUTURES showcase at Coachella last weekend, there is no way you could have missed Chinese superstar XIN LIU. Aside from being adorned in gold from head to toe, she owned the stage with her dynamic vocal range, passionate dancing, and captivating presence. Showing love for her roots, XIN LIU’s set also featured Chinese street dance and dancers who wore traditional clothing from her hometown of Guiyang, China.One of the highlights of XIN LIU’s set included the live d...

All the Asian Artists to Watch Out For at Coachella 2024 - EnVi Media

Happy April! You know what that means — it’s almost Coachella season! Yesteryears of Coachellas past have seen memorable performances from Beyoncé’s historical headlining set in 2018 to the iconic reunion of second-generation K-pop girl group 2NE1 in 2022. Coachella 2024’s lineup is filled with an eclectic range of artists, but we’re especially looking forward to the Asian acts from across the globe.This year, the performers range from powerhouse K-pop group ATEEZ and Vocaloid character Hatsune...

8 Asian-owned Shops to Buy Self-Care Essentials From - EnVi Media

December may be one of the most wonderful times of the year, but it can also be packed with stress. With finals season wrapping up, last-second holiday preparations, and the new year approaching, it is important to remember to take care of yourself. EnVi compiled a list of eight Asian-owned brands — ranging from small shops to booming businesses — fit for all of your self-care needs. While self-care can vary for each person, we have everything from beauty products to comfort specialties lined up...

Red Velvet’s “Chill Kill”: An Ode To Duality - EnVi Media

Forget about your sorrow and indulge your deepest desires with Red Velvet’s third LP, Chill Kill. On November 13, the K-pop quintet, consisting of members Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri, returned to the music scene nearly one year after the release of their EP, The ReVe Festival 2022 – Birthday. Chill Kill is not only their first full-length album since Perfect Velvet’s release in 2017, but it also marks the group’s departure from more lighthearted themes. Following the oh-so-spunky “Birthd...

OMEGA X Start Anew With Third EP "iykyk" - EnVi Media

If you know, you know that the latest record from OMEGA X is a special one. For those who don’t know, the 11-member K-pop group’s third EP, iykyk — the acronym for the term “if you know, you know” — celebrates the chance to start anew. It is also the group’s first album since they signed with their new agency, IPQ Corp, earlier this year. Members Hangyeom, Jaehan, Junghoon, Xen, and Yechan participated in songwriting, composition, and production for various tracks on the EP. But the entire group...

THE BOYZ Begin Their PHANTASY With Pt.1 Christmas In August - EnVi Media

As the summer season continues to sizzle, THE BOYZ are here to cool things down with the first installation of their second full-length album, PHANTASY. On August 7, the 11-member group released Pt.1 Christmas In August—the first of three concepts that are loosely based on ‘90s films. Channeling their classic charismatic energy, THE BOYZ bring out the season’s refreshing energy with these summery tracks.In this movie, THE BOYZ don’t get the girl, but they sure do try their best. The music video...

Jungkook and Latto Top Music Charts With Hit Single “Seven” - EnVi Media

“Every hour, every minute, every second” counts when listening to fun summer hits, such as Jungkook’s smash single, “Seven.” The youngest member of superstar K-pop group BTS dished out his latest solo project—a UK garage-influenced pop track—on July 14. Joined by American rapper, Latto, the duo served a risqué and charismatic dynamic together. Clearly, fans and casual listeners alike have enjoyed the more provocative side of the K-pop star because “Seven” topped multiple music charts across the...

Emei Teases Sophomore EP with Maniacal Single “Cynical” - EnVi Media

Wake up, babe, the latest manic pixie dream girl anthem by Chinese American alt-pop songstress Emei just dropped. Just ahead of her sophomore EP comes the lead single sharing the same name, “Cynical,” on July 14. Known for her dripping vocals, colorful lyrics, and slicing wit, Emei is taking the world by storm. After garnering over 12 million Spotify streams for her latest releases, “Irresponsible” and “Scatterbrain,” Emei continues to explore young adulthood through her hyper-relatable musings...

10 Songs To Ease Gen Z's Growing Pains - EnVi Media

Growing up is not as easy as it is made out to be, but the memories you make along the way are priceless. Now that the generational group known as Gen Z ranges from 11 to 26 years of age, they are embracing pivotal changes. Some are experiencing the prime of their teen years, saying goodbye to their youth as they are coming of age or even adapting to adulthood. From accepting reality’s trials to trying to hold onto their youthful optimism, Gen Z may face many challenges as they continue to grow...

Eau de NCT DOJAEJUNG: A Noteworthy Debut - EnVi Media

Despite the end of the limitless concept for NCT, the group continues to explore a variety of sounds throughout their various unit combinations. Standout vocalists DOYOUNG, JAEHYUN, and JUNGWOO have come together as NCT DOJAEJUNG to debut as a new NCT trio on April 7 with their first EP, Perfume. After working together in NCT 127 and on NCT U tracks such as “BOSS,” the unit offers Perfume, a delightfully refreshing sound in comparison to their previous projects.NCT DOJAEJUNG set a mature tone fo...

Artist Spotlight: Soothe Your Heartache With a Dose of melatonin boy - EnVi Media

For all of your sleepless nights where you lie awake reminiscing about what has been, what could have been, and what you wish for, melatonin boy is here to ease your mind, just as his moniker suggests. Born and raised in Hong Kong, he is currently exploring his artistry in Toronto, Canada, as a singer-songwriter and producer. As the latest rising star on the indie-R&B scene, he has garnered an impressive one million streams from listeners across the world on various streaming platforms. melatoni...

Artist Spotlight: Navigating Life With Keris and Her Cathartic Music - EnVi Media

Hailing from Daejeon, South Korea, singer-songwriter-producer Keris is slipping through the cracks of people’s broken hearts to heal them from the inside out. Aside from majoring in classical violin at The Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, the Korean-Canadian artist is cultivating her own unique sound through her eclectic music. In an email interview, EnVi spoke with Keris about her journey as an independent artist and her latest single, “through spring, summer, a...

Vernon of SEVENTEEN Goes Pop-punk With New Mixtape “Black Eye” - EnVi Media

Grab your eyeliner and some headphones to tune into “Black Eye,” the latest mixtape by Vernon of SEVENTEEN. On December 23 at midnight EST, Vernon’s latest solo project was released. The rapper has explored various genres, from hip-hop in his single “Lotto,” featuring Don Mills, to his hyper-pop collaboration with Charli XCX on the remix of “Beg For You,” with Rina Sawayama. Unafraid of experimenting with new sounds, Vernon ushers in his pop-punk era with “Black Eye.”Knock, knock, the early 00’s...

7 Things to Know About WayV's Ten Lee - EnVi Media

The wait is finally over and WayV are officially making their long-awaited return with their fourth mini-album, Phantom, on December 28. Over a year and a half since their last EP, Kick Back, the group has prepared an exciting amount of content to look forward to with this release. To get ready for the mysteriously-themed comeback, EnVi is here to celebrate with a series of fun facts about the WayV members. Here are seven things to know about the all-rounder, Ten Lee!As the main vocalist and sub...

Red Velvet Celebrate Their Versatility With The ReVe Festival 2022 - Birthday - EnVi Media

No one throws a better birthday celebration than the iconic K-pop girl group Red Velvet. On November 28, IRENE, SEULGI, WENDY, JOY, and YERI showed they are the life of the party with their latest EP, The ReVe Festival 2022 – Birthday. With over 700,000 copies in pre-orders, the ladies have broken their own record, ultimately highlighting their continuous growth.This new EP is a follow-up to The ReVe Festival 2022 – Feel My Rhythm, which was released in March 2022 and charted on Billboard’s Worl...

SHINee’s KEY Brings The Heat With Sophomore Album Gasoline - EnVi Media

The avant-garde prince of K-pop made his much awaited return on August 30 with a visionary LP. Gasoline is the sophomore album by KEY of SHINee and follows the release of his first mini-album, Bad Love, which came out nearly a year ago. The full-length album features 11 tracks, including a collaboration with NCT DREAM’s Jeno and several tracks in which KEY participated in the songwriting process. An impressive 14 years into his career, the K-pop veteran continues to form his own path. While he h...
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