Welcome back to another week of Best of Weekly Music Shows! This was a bit of a slower week with fewer comebacks, including Apink, Melomance, Teen Top, and Yoon Mirae. That can be a good thing, though: K-pop can sometimes be such a blinding flash of groups and songs passing by so quickly that it can be all too easy to miss hidden gems, so this was a good chance to explore lesser known comebacks.
With regards to music show wins, BtoB took home a win for “Only One For Me” on SBS The Show, while Nu’est W won for “Dejavu” on KBS Music Bank. Blackpink went away with three wins for for “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” on Mnet M! Countdown, MBC Show! Music Core, and SBS Inkigayo. Congratulations to all the groups!
Without further ado, here were some of our favourite stages of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxHf3zOjGio
Shinee’s “Our Page”, SBS Inkigayo, July 08, 2018
I’m not too sure whether “mournful” is the best term that Inkigayo used to label Shinee’s performance of “Our Page”; rather, it feels more fitting that they are celebrating and remembering Jonghyun. “Our Page” is the final part of the group’s The Story of Light trilogy for their 10th anniversary, and this track is dedicated to Jonghyun. As always, the members pour their hearts and souls into every performance, but there’s just something about this performance that is so incredibly moving, powerful, and melancholic as they come into harmony towards the climax of the song. Regardless of whatever fandom you’re from, this is definitely a must-watch.
Apink’s “I’m So Sick”, MBC Show! Music Core, July 07, 2018
The mixture of beats, synth notes, and vocal effects certainly pack an interesting punch throughout the track, but Apink makes it work with a mature and sexy concept this comeback. Each member is gorgeous in her own right, and they exude grace and confidence in their bold stage for “I’m So Sick”.
Kim Donghan’s “Sunset”, KBS Music Bank, July 06, 2018
Kim Donghan goes dark for “Sunset”; this is definitely a dark and intense performance. Of course, to match the atmosphere, one needs immense stage presence, and he delivers all that and more with a strong gaze that seems to pull you right in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wEuudsE9TE
Nu’est W’s “Dejavu”, SBS Inkigayo, July 08, 2018
Nu’est W’s stage for “Dejavu” is the ultimate deadly combination of sultriness and power. The way they combine hard-hitting and fast moves with slow and seductive ones is a smart way to match the diverse beats and rhythms of their title track. In the same way, JR’s deep raps complement Baekho’s high notes, which are also balanced with Aron’s and Ren’s smooth vocals. All in all, it’s such a balanced performance that is just perfectly rounded off with fanchants!
Momoland’s “BAAM”, MBC Show! Music Core, July 07, 2018
There are some uncanny similarities between “BAAM” and “Boom Boom” from the onomatopoeia of the track names to the point choreography to the actual music, especially during the chorus. With that being said, “BAAM” is still a fresh and catchy song in its own right that is perfect for the summer weather with its easy-to-follow choreography, key chants in the chorus, and of course, the members’ genuine enthusiasm!
