How K-Pop Saved My Summer

As we come closing in on Labour Day, I’m looking back over Summer 2020—where all of the things usually associated with summer got cancelled, postponed, closed, or otherwise removed as options and/or from existence—and I think, Thank God there was K-Pop.

My formerly-niche experience with K-Pop grew exponentially this summer, when the industry as a whole seemed to realize that had one duty: to continuously bring something positive, fresh, and entertaining to the people of the world who had been worn down by self-quarantining and whose summers had been effectively cancelled.  Something to power them through the COVID-tinged months ahead. And so that’s what they did.

And now, here is a brief timeline of the K-Pop releases that kept me going these past three months.

(But before I begin, a disclaimer: Even though they equally powered me through the summer, in the essence of space, I did not include any of the extensive back-catalog diving I did for K-Pop acts like Sistar, Super Junior, and Red Velvet or any of my many detours into the equally extensive and amusing world of K-Pop fan-made videos*, including numerous clip compilations of groups like Got7 and Twice).

*well, with one exception

TWICE – More & More 

My personal patron saints of K-Pop, the nine-members of Twice kicked things off on June 1, delivering a swaying, hypnotic release that could make you feel like you’ve been transported to the virtual paradise displayed in their accompanying music video. And then jolt you right back with an EDM breakdown before it got too surreal.

SEVENTEEN – Left & Right 

A propulsive, catchy offering from the 13 lads of Seventeen (fun fact, there were originally 17 members (!), hence their name), Left & Right seems to be tailor-made for people who like to nod their heads along to the beat.

NIZIU – Make You Happy 

A new girl group made up of all-Japanese trainees who were brought to Korea and immersed in the demanding K-Pop school of song-style and performance, NiziU’s “pre-debut” single is a certified bop. Over and over, the girls iterate “I just want to make you happy”. Well, mission accomplished.

SOMI – What You Waiting For 

Somi’s EDM-tinged comeback single showcased a more serious side of the performer, but it’s still a solid successor to her 2019 pop bop “Birthday”

TREASURE – Boy 

New boy band Treasure landed with strong, catchy debut single. But really, it’s all about that music change at 1:01.

ITZY – Not Shy 

The stylish quintet returned in mid-August, serving up their latest sonic slice of slick self-confidence (and capping off my timeline, as well).

BONUS

Speaking of Itzy, I would like to share one more thing before I go. The following isn’t a new single or music video, but it was probably THE most effective piece of K-Pop content powering me through the summer…by supplying me with a gaggle of giggles whenever I needed it. The title says it all. Enjoy.

ITZY Lia but she’s a strawberry