In this episode of Anatomy of a Song, I take a closer look at the vocal identity of HYBE’s girl groups by focusing on how their voices actually function within the music.

Using NewJeans’ “Ditto,” LE SSERAFIM’s “Impurities,” and ILLIT’s “Cherish,” I strip the production back and listen closely to tone, layering, delivery and how much of the emotional weight is carried by the vocals themselves.

HYBE girl groups are often associated with a softer, more understated vocal style but how consistent is that across different groups? And when you remove the production, what actually stands out?

In this episode of Anatomy of a Song, I explore the vocal identity of PLEDIS artists by listening closely to how their voices carry their music once the production is stripped back.

Using songs from SEVENTEEN, After School, NU'EST, TWS and fromis_9, I compare tone, blend and overall musicianship across the label’s groups.

PLEDIS has a distinct approach to vocals, often leaning into clean delivery and strong group blend but how does that translate across different generations and styles?

Using my ranking system — civilian, athlete, Olympian or world class — I break down where each performance lands once everything else is removed.

In today’s episode, I talk about a growing shift I’ve noticed in HYBE’s artistic direction — one that seems to prioritise a more “global” image over traditional K-pop performance.

From stripped-back stages to a reduced focus on choreography and spectacle, I question whether this approach actually works for idols whose strengths were built within the K-pop system. Using recent examples, including TXT's newest comeback and BTS’ concert direction, I unpack why removing performance elements doesn’t automatically create authenticity — and can sometimes expose the lack of it.

I also discuss Heeseung's new solo identity, Evan.

In this episode of Anatomy of a Song, I put 5th gen boy group vocals to the test, focusing on how newer groups are approaching tone, delivery and overall vocal identity.

Using tracks from TWS, NCT WISH, LNGSHOT and more, I strip the production back and listen closely to how the voices actually carry the songs. With 5th gen still defining itself, the differences in style become even more noticeable from softer, more restrained vocals to brighter, more polished delivery.

In this episode of Anatomy of a Song, I take a closer look at the R&B side of THE BOYZ — a side that often goes overlooked.

By listening to vocal acapellas from “Butterfly,” "Closer", “Wings,” “Rose,” “Spring Snow,” and “Goodbye,” I strip the production back and focus purely on the voices. Without the instrumentals, it becomes much clearer how the group handles tone, blend, layering, and emotional delivery.

THE BOYZ aren’t always the first group mentioned in vocal conversations, but when you isolate the vocals, there’s a softness and control in their R&B tracks that feels surprisingly refined

In today’s episode, I break down the news around Mark and Ten leaving SM Entertainment, focusing on how different their statements felt and what that might suggest about their situations and future directions.

I also talk about aespa’s Jakarta appearance and overall experience, along with updates surrounding Manon from KATSEYE and what her situation currently looks like.

Finally, I discuss Kim Gunwoo going on hiatus and what it means to see WakeOne publicly defend him, and how that shapes the narrative around idols, companies, and fan perception.

In this episode of Anatomy of a Song, I compare the vocal approaches of JYP and SM through some of their standout female soloists. By stripping the production back, I focus on how each voice carries the song — tone, control, delivery, and overall presence.

Using tracks like I Found You by Girls' Generation’s Taeyeon, “Butterflies” by TWICE’s Nayeon, “ATM” by Jihyo, “Blue” by aespa’s Winter, and “Whatever” by Red Velvet’s Seulgi, I break down how each artist approaches phrasing and vocal texture.

JYP and SM have very different vocal philosophies — one often leaning into clarity and accessibility, the other into control and layering — but how does that translate at a solo level?

In this episode of Anatomy of a Song, I take a closer look at the vocal identity of YG boy groups by stripping the production back and listening to what’s really carrying the music.

Using songs like Haru Haru by BIGBANG, Baby Baby by WINNER, Goodbye Road by iKON, and Orange by TREASURE, I compare how each group approaches tone, delivery and emotional weight.

YG is often known for style, attitude and distinct vocal colour over traditional technique but how does that translate across generations?

Using my ranking system — civilian, athlete, Olympian or world class — I evaluate how these performances hold up once everything else is stripped away.

I finally got to experience HEARTS2HEARTS live in Jakarta, and in this episode I’m talking through what it was actually like being there.

From the moment they came on stage, what stood out most was the group’s chemistry, it felt natural, relaxed, and really carried the whole fanmeet. The setlist didn’t surprise me too much since I’d already seen what to expect, but that didn’t take away from the overall vibe tbh.

I also talk about meeting other Hachu, the overall vibe of the crowd, and how the experience felt beyond just the performances.

In this episode of Anatomy of a Song, I focus on the vocal detail and control behind some of Red Velvet’s most R&B-leaning tracks, including “Cool Hot Sweet Love,” “Perfect 10,” and more.

By stripping the production back, I listen closely to how the members handle tone, layering, harmonies and delivery — and where their vocals really shine. Red Velvet are often praised for their vocal ability, but how does that actually hold up when you isolate the performances?

Using my ranking system — civilian, athlete, Olympian, or world class — I break down what makes their vocal approach so distinctive and where different moments land on that scale.