Numerous K-pop artists made a comeback in April, such as EXO Suho, Dreamcatcher, SHINee Onew, and more. But among these releases, which songs do you think are underrated and deserve more recognition?
On April 18, Reporter Jeon Hyojin from Korean media outlet Sports DongApicked "Hidden Gem" songs that stood out the most this month. The criteria are entirely based on her preference and only songs released from April 1 to 15 were nominated.
EXO Suho, GHOST9, SHINee Onew Male Idols With 'Hidden Tracks' in April 2022
Among male idols, EXO Suho's "Hurdle" from his second mini-album, "Grey Suit," was selected. Jeon explained:
"It is a reversal of the image of a decent life. Is it the same for Suho? The rough rock tone was fresh."
In particular, the EXO leader made a comeback on April 4 following his military discharge. Aside from the title track with the same name as its album, Suho also unveiled "Hurdle" MV.
Currently, the music video has 1.5 million views, 10 days since its release, and people think he deserves more recognition for pulling off such a concept!
Following Suho, the reporter also selected GHOST9's "T.Y.T," a b-sidetrack from their mini-album "ARCADE: V." She commented:
"(It's like) a teen movie! I recognized GHOST9 with "Flying at Night" from their first mini-album, "DOOR." [...] I recommend 'T.YT' which showed their simplicity."
Lastly, SHINee Onew's "On the way" was also chosen by Jeon, a song from his second mini-album "DICE." She praised the senior idol by saying:
"(He gives) unwavering comfort. Onew's vocals don't transcend genre. He simply creates a variety of moods."
IVE, Dreamcatcher Songs Selected as 'Hidden Gem' by Reporter Jeon
On the other hand, among female idols, "Royal" of IVE from their second single album "Love Dive" was selected as a "hidden gem."
"This is the runway. Can we not fall into narcissism after listening to IVE's "Royal"? The sophisticated development truly drives rise."
Dreamcatcher also joined IVE as reporter Jeon's personal pick female groups with "hidden gem" songs.
This time, she chose two songs from the group's new album, "Apocalypse: Save Us" including "Locked Inside A Door" and Gahyeon's Solo for "Playground."
She commended the group by saying:
"I drew a picture with a song. The songs' lyrics stand out the most in their second studio album. The lyrics that draw a picture in front of you and the easy melody that sticks to your eardrums combine to make you want to keep listening to them over and over again."
