K-Pop Playlist: Healing Menagerie

AdminMarch 1, 2025

There’s an upside and downside to being sick. The downside? Most definitely being sick. But the upside?? Having some forced downtime, in which to binge an entire drama AND get caught up on all the newest Kpop releases! The recovery has been slow. But this selection of new songs is helping keep my spirits high, as I get back up to speed. Grab yourself a mug of yuja cha and come check out this week’s healing menagerie with me!!

MAZZEL – ‘Mazquerade’

I confess. Even though I listen new drops weekly, sometimes I miss one. And in this case a really fun one! So instead of Christmas in July, today, we’re going to celebrate Halloween in March! Eight-member, Japanese boy group, MAZZEL extends an invitation to this spooky, yet quirky, midnight masquerade. I’m totally captivated with that pre-chorus drop, the thematic dance-break choreo, and the ending harmonies!

D82 – ‘Vinasse’

I recently discovered this four-piece Korean band and fell hard for their newest single, ‘Vinasse’! And I’m loving their vocalist, Yun — his timbre is magnetic and powerful, pairing perfectly with the strong rock vibe of this song. Also, can we talk about that crazy piano riff at the end?! Fantastic!!

HONGJOONG – ‘Beat It (Original by Michael Jackson)’

ATEEZ’s HongJoong took up the challenge of covering a song by the “King of Pop” and delivered a most excellent tribute!! This special MV demonstrates his passion for music, while showing utmost respect to a cherished idol. His addition of a rap break was brilliant! And in deference to MJ’s memory, he chose not to use the signature red jacket. He instead wore complementary yellow and magenta pieces, because when those two colors are combined, it makes red. It’s the little details that make this cover stand out!!

KiiKii – ‘I Do Me’

I discovered this pre-debut girl group and was absolutely delighted with their sound! Their alto vocals are super easy on the ears and the message of the song celebrates individualism, rather than conforming to the collective! Their fresh faces, colorful bohemian styling, and the gorgeous backdrop of the Southern Alps of Australia, make for an engaging introduction as these ladies get ready to launch!!

LUN8 – ‘Butterfly’

The members of LUN8 artfully balance yearning and disappointment is this newest single release. The melancholic song features subtle, yet impactful, moments throughout. I was immediately transfixed by the styling in the MV. The fluid, lyrical choreography, combined with the flowing, modern hanboks is truly hypnotizing — a perfect visual representation of the title, ‘Butterfly’.