Welcome back to the first segment of Best of Weekly Music Shows for 2018! Although not all music shows aired this week, perhaps owing to all the excitement from the end-of-year music festivals, there were still many fun and quirky stages to start the new year! Exo took home two wins for “Universe” on KBS Music Bank and MBC Show! Music Core, while Twice won for “Heart Shaker” on SBS Inkigayo. Congratulations to both groups!
Here were some notable stages of the week:
VIXX’s “The Wind of Starlight + Shangri-La (Remix Ver.)”, MBC Show! Music Core, January 06, 2018
VIXX’s performance of “Shangri-La” during their comeback promotions was included in my list of annual favourites of music show performances, and this remixed version did not fail to blow me away. First performed at the 2017 MBC Gayo Daejejeon, it went viral — for good reason — and the group was invited to perform at the weekly music show! The added instrumental introduction, aptly titled “The Wind of Starlight” as a sweet gesture to their fandom, is unique with its use of silk ties adding softness to the otherwise powerful choreography. The dance break during “Shangri-La” was a surprising twist with the futuristic neon laser beams in stark contrast to the oriental themed stage. VIXX never fails to disappoint, and I am so glad that they are being acknowledged publicly for their amazing performance!
Lovelyz’s “Triangle”, SBS Inkigayo, January 07, 2018
Having made their comeback nearly two months ago with Fall in Lovelyz, it was nice to see Lovelyz perform a B-side, “Triangle”. The performance is simply sweet and charming with the members wearing cute matching outfits, befitting the track which has that classic sweet and endearing K-pop sound. Lovelyz has been steadily on the rise, and is definitely a group to look out for this year!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuoSYVBUPwE
Kriesha Chu’s “Like Paradise”, SBS Inkigayo, January 07, 2018
Kriesha Chu, a member of KWINS who was runner-up of Kpop Star 6, has come back with “Like Paradise”. It’s a solid stage which really shows off her charismatic stage presence as emphasised by her sparkly outfit. Her charm as a solo female artist lies in her fresh and bright personality, and it will be interesting to see how this develops as she progresses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xNjYm8BB_0
Momoland’s “Bboom Bboom”, KBS Music Bank, January 05, 2018
I’ll admit that I haven’t been paying close attention to Momoland, but their performance of “Bboom Bboom” this week was very impressive. The track is funky and addictive in the best way, their performance was fun with just the right amount of sass, and it honestly just made me want to get up and dance along!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSQce8sBkGk
Monsta X’s “Dramarama”, SBS Inkigayo, January 07, 2018
Monsta X is another group who made their comeback quite a while back, and they are now wrapping up their promotions with “Dramarama”. Unfortunately, Minhyuk was unable to join the rest of the group as he is currently filming for Law of the Jungle, but the rest of the group seamlessly adjusted their performance to cover for him. What is very impressive is that even after nine(!) weeks of promotions, the group still performs with utmost enthusiasm, making their stages always a must-watch!
