[Bonus] The Late Report: December 2018

December is always a weird month for Kpop in my mind. There's not too much activity due to the holidays and end of the year shows and performances. Plus most of the new music usually follows the Christmas spirit and theme. Personally I don't care for it, but that also means I don't pay much attention to the Christmas songs. Here are three short selections from the last month-ish that are worth checking out.

Younha - Snail Mail

When does Younha disappoint? Never. "Snail Mail" is yet another beautiful ballad from the established veteran. I tend to get sentimental (read: at a loss for words) when it comes to Younha since she was the artist that got me started on my Kpop journey, and her music is always emotional yet powerful. Damn, her lyrics got me feeling mellow early in 2019.

Yubin - Thank U Soooo Much

Despite the cringeworthy title format, Yubin discreetly dropped a sick retro track at the end of November. Wonder Girls have gone but Yubin carries their legacy with the retro domination. You can easily hear how the whole gang would've sang this track (which is both good and bad). While I wish she could've had a smooth rap, she makes up for it with her surprisingly clear voice. Really makes you wonder why it was never utilized during her Wonder Girls tenure, right JYP?! Like the song title, some of the English is suspect, and there should always be a higher standard of English in JYP Entertainment but I guess the old dog does the same tricks still.

EXO - Tempo

Chen continues to kill it. Dude was made to sing anything and everything. EXO are known for their insane bridges but the opening of "Tempo" might be one of the greatest I've ever heard. There are some old EXO classics - killer instrumental, vocal artistry, along with some new wrinkles - extended rap sequences, demonic intermission which make "Tempo" appear more experimental at first listen. Then again, as someone who isn't too privy on EXO's full discography this could be an incorrect assumption. I didn't have the balls to predict this in Kpop Hopes but I think Lay is done with EXO. Maybe not this year, but after the main Chinese promotions wrap up and he's settled a foundation back in his homeland. Sooner or later, pressure will get to him and I think he'll complete the Chinese desertion project. Goodness, this took a dark turn. Happy Saturday!