{"id":8557,"date":"2025-09-09T16:21:06","date_gmt":"2025-09-09T20:21:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/?p=8557"},"modified":"2026-03-31T16:09:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T20:09:14","slug":"top-5-k-pop-releases-of-the-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/2025\/09\/09\/top-5-k-pop-releases-of-the-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 K-Pop Releases of the Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul class=\"wp-block-social-links is-content-justification-right is-layout-flex wp-container-core-social-links-is-layout-89b4c9e9 wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-spotify wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/6dmfh85ZSwaFlpCSdONAWJ?si=1169c8b0b17f4092\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12,2C6.477,2,2,6.477,2,12c0,5.523,4.477,10,10,10c5.523,0,10-4.477,10-10C22,6.477,17.523,2,12,2 M16.586,16.424 c-0.18,0.295-0.563,0.387-0.857,0.207c-2.348-1.435-5.304-1.76-8.785-0.964c-0.335,0.077-0.67-0.133-0.746-0.469 c-0.077-0.335,0.132-0.67,0.469-0.746c3.809-0.871,7.077-0.496,9.713,1.115C16.673,15.746,16.766,16.13,16.586,16.424 M17.81,13.7 c-0.226,0.367-0.706,0.482-1.072,0.257c-2.687-1.652-6.785-2.131-9.965-1.166C6.36,12.917,5.925,12.684,5.8,12.273 C5.675,11.86,5.908,11.425,6.32,11.3c3.632-1.102,8.147-0.568,11.234,1.328C17.92,12.854,18.035,13.335,17.81,13.7 M17.915,10.865 c-3.223-1.914-8.54-2.09-11.618-1.156C5.804,9.859,5.281,9.58,5.131,9.086C4.982,8.591,5.26,8.069,5.755,7.919 c3.532-1.072,9.404-0.865,13.115,1.338c0.445,0.264,0.59,0.838,0.327,1.282C18.933,10.983,18.359,11.129,17.915,10.865\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Spotify<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-youtube wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLjkPf09EZ9ZfaA2IyP4T2d3rvKOM1kNdr&#038;si=SgE6ayJ8Ky8FKb3O\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M21.8,8.001c0,0-0.195-1.378-0.795-1.985c-0.76-0.797-1.613-0.801-2.004-0.847c-2.799-0.202-6.997-0.202-6.997-0.202 h-0.009c0,0-4.198,0-6.997,0.202C4.608,5.216,3.756,5.22,2.995,6.016C2.395,6.623,2.2,8.001,2.2,8.001S2,9.62,2,11.238v1.517 c0,1.618,0.2,3.237,0.2,3.237s0.195,1.378,0.795,1.985c0.761,0.797,1.76,0.771,2.205,0.855c1.6,0.153,6.8,0.201,6.8,0.201 s4.203-0.006,7.001-0.209c0.391-0.047,1.243-0.051,2.004-0.847c0.6-0.607,0.795-1.985,0.795-1.985s0.2-1.618,0.2-3.237v-1.517 C22,9.62,21.8,8.001,21.8,8.001z M9.935,14.594l-0.001-5.62l5.404,2.82L9.935,14.594z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">YouTube<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The summer of 2025 brought the most chaotic and iconic songs k-pop has seen in years. Several iconic groups made comebacks that did not disappoint. Some were predictable, but some I never saw coming.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: K-Pop Summer 2025 Playlist\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"352\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/playlist\/6dmfh85ZSwaFlpCSdONAWJ?si=b294e7fb3eca48d7&amp;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-larger-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">5.<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/track\/07aEbvZALVz1nczN2GO77T?si=68b96bdc7e6b426b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> I WANT IT<\/a> &#8211; STAYC<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;I WANT IT&#8221; is contagious with summer vibes. The energy almost feels overwhelming, but it works. It\u2019s definitely a certified summer pop song. If you\u2019re having a bad day, this song can pull you right out of that rut. As far as summer vibes go, this one definitely had the most. The bright reds and cool blues in the video build the perfect summer atmosphere that makes me want to join them, even if they\u2019re stuck working at the car wash.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/album\/252AHBq3W65lTnnELHIi4y?si=RmOwi5E3S-G11T6ixchb_g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/STAYC-i-want-it-album-art-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"STAYC's 1st special single album I WANT IT\" class=\"wp-image-8563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/STAYC-i-want-it-album-art-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/STAYC-i-want-it-album-art-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/STAYC-i-want-it-album-art-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/STAYC-i-want-it-album-art-768x769.png 768w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/STAYC-i-want-it-album-art-80x80.png 80w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/STAYC-i-want-it-album-art-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/STAYC-i-want-it-album-art.png 1532w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">STAYC&#8217;s 1st special single album &#8220;I WANT IT&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"STAYC(\uc2a4\ud14c\uc774\uc528) \u2018I WANT IT\u2019 MV\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/W8ml4ryPwic?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/track\/4kSDi21MeOoSvpZs6MveI9?si=6045895d0c7c45cc\">Teddy Bear<\/a>&#8221; in 2023, STAYC continues to split the three choruses into two parts, giving all six members a chance to sing it. Any chance I can hear Seeun in the spotlight, I\u2019m here for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The beat in the very beginning reminds me of Icona Pop\u2019s &#8220;I Love It&#8221; from 2012. But their use of samples has yet to disappoint. Thankfully this song stands at three full minutes. In this day and age, k-pop stans are lucky to get anything over two minutes, so that alone is a blessing. If it weren\u2019t for some other songs, this would have easily taken the number one spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-larger-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">4. <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/track\/3IUtLSW5FWB0K4RdkvOamG?si=00a6feed308b4b71\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BUBBLE GUM<\/a> &#8211; Kep1er<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/album\/3pKcgDJmV3GZwgElcupVrg?si=e0PmFH7jTnaC8VowsrWKnQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Kep1er-BUBBLE-GUM-album-art-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Kep1er's 7th mini-album, BUBBLE GUM\" class=\"wp-image-8562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Kep1er-BUBBLE-GUM-album-art-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Kep1er-BUBBLE-GUM-album-art-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Kep1er-BUBBLE-GUM-album-art-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Kep1er-BUBBLE-GUM-album-art-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Kep1er-BUBBLE-GUM-album-art-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Kep1er-BUBBLE-GUM-album-art-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Kep1er-BUBBLE-GUM-album-art.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kep1er&#8217;s 7th mini-album, &#8220;BUBBLE GUM&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;BUBBLE GUM&#8221; is a perfect balance of tough and cute. The majority of the song is strong, with heavy drums and intense vocals. Dayeon and Hikaru start the first verse off very tough, with Xiaoting bringing in delicate vocals right after. I\u2019m so happy to see Bahiyyih get more and more lines. Even though we are down several members, I don\u2019t think she\u2019s getting these lines by default. She really does shine in what she sings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Kep1er \ucf00\ud50c\ub7ec l &#039;BUBBLE GUM&#039; M\/V\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MZm4qcvbvbQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There&#8217;s a subtle use of cowbells in the first verse that really scratches my brain. At only 2:34 in length, it&#8217;s definitely on the shorter side of their typical song length. Although Kep1er is my ultimate favorite group, I can&#8217;t say this is my favorite song of the summer. But it is very catchy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3. <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/track\/3598iBWrS4JhJqP5tHlpVK?si=2e6fe751ff4b4279\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">This is For<\/a> &#8211; TWICE<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;This is For&#8221; is a cute poppy song reminding you to be confident and let go of anyone who\u2019s done you wrong. It has strong girl power vibes and doesn\u2019t disappoint. Like their last couple releases, this song is entirely in English. Korean songs are always amazing, but for the average k-pop listener, English songs are sometimes better as they\u2019re easier to learn the lyrics to.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/album\/02dUOPB3MtmV5fawzaZiq6?si=913iB9KjR7asHP8EgVuy0A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Twice-this-is-for-album-art-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"TWICE's 4th album, This is For\" class=\"wp-image-8561\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Twice-this-is-for-album-art-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Twice-this-is-for-album-art-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Twice-this-is-for-album-art-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Twice-this-is-for-album-art-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Twice-this-is-for-album-art-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Twice-this-is-for-album-art-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Twice-this-is-for-album-art.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">TWICE&#8217;s 4th album, &#8220;This is For&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"TWICE &quot;THIS IS FOR&quot; M\/V\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eHHQaoEW30Q?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A good pop song has solid verses, and Nayeon and Tzuyu completely deliver in the first one. Sana\u2019s prechorus really shines too, and I\u2019m obsessed with the buildup to the chorus. The instrumental is full of bass that makes it perfect for a car ride. Another solid title track from TWICE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-larger-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">2. <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/track\/02sy7FAs8dkDNYsHp4Ul3f?si=c2f3485016a440d0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Soda Pop<\/a> &#8211; Saja Boys (KPop Demon Hunters)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/track\/02sy7FAs8dkDNYsHp4Ul3f?si=c2f3485016a440d0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/saja-boys-soda-pop-kpop-demon-hunters-album-art-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Soda Pop by Saja Boys\" class=\"wp-image-8560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/saja-boys-soda-pop-kpop-demon-hunters-album-art-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/saja-boys-soda-pop-kpop-demon-hunters-album-art-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/saja-boys-soda-pop-kpop-demon-hunters-album-art-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/saja-boys-soda-pop-kpop-demon-hunters-album-art-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/saja-boys-soda-pop-kpop-demon-hunters-album-art-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/saja-boys-soda-pop-kpop-demon-hunters-album-art-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/saja-boys-soda-pop-kpop-demon-hunters-album-art-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/saja-boys-soda-pop-kpop-demon-hunters-album-art-600x600.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&#8220;Soda Pop&#8221; by Saja Boys (from KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s very rare that I\u2019m into boy groups, but this song takes the cake. This is one of many hit songs from the Netflix film \u201cKPop Demon Hunters\u201d. Sung by the undercover demon boy band, the Saja Boys, \u201cSoda Pop\u201d catches the hearts of many; including mine. It\u2019s the perfect pop song, with catchy harmonies, a short rap, and an unnecessary yet iconic key change. It also has a great balance of Korean and English, which makes it slightly easier to learn to sing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"&quot;Soda Pop&quot; Official Lyric Video | KPop Demon Hunters | Sony Animation\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/983bBbJx0Mk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cute soda concept is hard to mess up. The sound effects sprinkled throughout perfectly compliment the song, like the fizz in the beginning, and the sound of the can opening at the beginning of the chorus. I immediately think of &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/track\/2gpwaAJnSDTevgZa4uyM0H?si=168c51cf889549f6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">POPPY<\/a>&#8221; by STAYC, which also flawlessly used the soda theme. Peaking at #5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in August, it definitely qualifies for song of the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-larger-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">1. <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/track\/1j15Ar0qGDzIR0v3CQv3JL?si=7dc0a948b0aa4550\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gnarly<\/a> &#8211; KATSEYE<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Gnarly&#8221; is in high consideration for my song of the year. The May release went viral across social media for its intense and unique energy. As the album says it, this song is beautiful and chaotic. The verses are deconstructed and slow, but the choruses are strong with intense beat drops. Simply put, this song was gnarly. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/album\/25oD4E4cwmG7SCQIoF3ez5?si=Rj_GejO4RgikvFDA5JkNAA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/gnarly-katseye-album-cover-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"KATSEYE's single Gnarly\" class=\"wp-image-8559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/gnarly-katseye-album-cover-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/gnarly-katseye-album-cover-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/gnarly-katseye-album-cover-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/gnarly-katseye-album-cover-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/gnarly-katseye-album-cover-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/gnarly-katseye-album-cover-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/gnarly-katseye-album-cover-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/gnarly-katseye-album-cover-600x600.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">KATSEYE&#8217;s single &#8220;Gnarly&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At first listen, I was confused and a bit disappointed. I was expecting another cute song similar to &#8220;Touch&#8221;, but got something completely different. However, after several listens, I understand it. I tend to prefer upbeat hyper pop style songs, especially for the summer. Like many others, &#8220;Gnarly&#8221; did grow on me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"KATSEYE (\ucea3\uce20\uc544\uc774) &quot;Gnarly&quot; Official MV\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/R2-yomhYAj4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A lot of people criticize this song for its use of \u201csing-talk\u201d, which is a style that blends traditional singing and spoken word. But of all songs listed, it\u2019s definitely appropriate here. I think each of the members have decent screen time and lines. The song went completely viral, with many mainstream American TikTokers doing the challenge. Although they are considered a &#8220;global girl group&#8221;, I still consider them to be k-pop adjacent. This song ranked number 92 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was so popular that KATSEYE performed &#8220;Gnarly&#8221; at the <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/N44ZCtHEPPg?si=wGau1jQs-WFnY_NQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nickelodeon Kids\u2019 choice awards<\/a>. Although they did not win, then did get slimed, which perfectly matched their concept for the video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Last year set a big precedent for summer music, with tons of classics Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter. There may not be as many hits as last summer, but the k-pop world definitely delivered some unforgettable classics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/6dmfh85ZSwaFlpCSdONAWJ?si=1169c8b0b17f4092\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>spotify playlist<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLjkPf09EZ9ZfaA2IyP4T2d3rvKOM1kNdr&amp;si=SgE6ayJ8Ky8FKb3O\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>YouTube Playlist<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The summer of 2025 brought the most chaotic and iconic songs k-pop has seen in years. Several iconic groups made comebacks that did not disappoint. Some were predictable, but some I never saw coming. 5. I WANT IT &#8211; STAYC &#8220;I WANT IT&#8221; is contagious with summer vibes. The energy almost feels overwhelming, but it [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":401,"featured_media":8558,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[16,17],"class_list":["post-8557","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-opinions","tag-kpop","tag-music","entry"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/katseye-gnarly-concept-photo-1-e1757117648936.png","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/katseye-gnarly-concept-photo-1-e1757117648936.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Kevin Daly","author_link":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/author\/kevin-daly06\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8557","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/401"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8557"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8557\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8558"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8557"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8557"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8557"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}