There are few things I enjoy more than a great summertime song. They’re bright, they’re exciting, and they remind me of my favorite time of the year.

There’s no telling what this summer in K-pop will bring, but over the next few weeks I’ll be flashing back each day, showcasing a highlight from past summers. The rules are simple: I fire up my carefully compiled “K-pop summer” playlist, hit ‘shuffle,’ and if the song that pops up hasn’t already been featured on the site, it gets a post and mini-review of its own.

So, get ready for a summer of K-pop on The Bias List!

(View all the Summer of K-pop songs here)

<< Song 08 >>

TVXQ – Hi Ya Ya (2005)

We’re going WAY back in time for this one, but the fifteen-year journey is worth it. TVXQ (or DBSK, as they were known back then) began their career with a contrasting mix of tender ballads and hard-hitting, rock-influenced dance tracks. Hi Ya Ya is neither of those, but remains a classic of the season. Over a sprightly beat that makes good use of pumping 80’s synths and rhythm guitar, the guys deliver an open-armed pop melody that culminates in a gorgeous, multi-part chorus highlighted by a generous blend of vocal harmony. It’s the kind of timeless pop track that would feel nostalgic in any year, breezy and uncluttered but still packing a punch.