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 33 >>

BTS – Boyz With Fun (2015)

In 2015, BTS were beginning to abandon the loose, fun hip-hop of their past for more emotional tones. But, Boyz With Fun (흥탄소년단) proved that they could still party with the best of them. A highlight of their 2015 work, the track catches the guys at their freewheeling best, trading between rap and vocal melody with ease. The chorus is especially sticky, anchored by a catchy refrain and bright, chant-along hook. The song becomes even more exuberant as the guys ease into a semi-improvisational bridge, abandoning all polish for a rollicking good time. Best of all, Boyz With Fun does not take itself seriously – an underrated strength that a lot of current boy group fare could learn from.