Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
I struggled to decide whether to label this a “buried treasure” or simply a normal song review. Dreaming You (상상 속의 너) was technically released as a digital single, paired with one of those charming (but basic) behind-the-scenes videos usually relegated to fan songs. I doubt many people even know it exists. Still, I think it’s my favorite song that K-pop has delivered in the last two weeks.
Dongkiz won me over in July with their Ghostbusters-sampling BlockBuster. That track hasn’t had quite the staying power I would’ve hoped for (VERIVERY’s Tag Tag Tag would reign at the top of my revised July round-up), but I still find it absolutely charming. If you haven’t watched one of their live music show performances, do yourself a favor and head to youtube. Their ghost mascot is stupidly hilarious.
Now comes Dreaming You, which puts a nice cap on the group’s 2019 promotions thus far. There’s nothing inventive or unique about the song, but this is the kind of buoyant, old-school pop music that I just love. I love the instrumental’s bright, fizzy synths and rhythm guitar. I love the soft harmonies and bright ad-libs during the pre-chorus. And most of all, I love the punchy, brass-kissed hook. Dreaming You may not make strong waves with many fans. Even fewer will likely remember it by the time we reach the end of the year. But for now, it’s the perfect tonic to inject some life into this extended K-pop lull.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
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The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Thank you for bringing attention to this song. Didn’ t expect to love this as much as I do! Dongkiz and Verivery are like my kpop life support until Golden Child finally comes back ;
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This song is of the type that every kpop group does for their fans after they do so many events and fan signs. It isn’t for me, but I am sure their fans are thrilled.
Can someone please advise how to pronounce “Dongkiz” correctly? I am imaging “dahn-kizz”. Dong rhymes with bong, with very very small g. Kizz rhymes with fizz but smaller zzz sound closer to an s than z. Maybe close to an eastern Europe “sz” sound.
(and certainly not “dahn-keez”)
I have become quite fond of ONEUS “Bing Bing”, which came out in May, and also the Purplebeck ridiculously high “Crystal Ball”. I have barely listened to any of the NCT’s this year, although I admire the songcraft and have bought them all, sometimes the full albums too.
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Dongkiz has won me over! Blockbuster was cute and fun, but a bit too gimmicky to immediately win me over. However after checking out this song and debut “Nom”, I’ve decided I’m on board. They’re very fresh and upbeat, which are exactly the group qualities I find myself obsessed with these days. TL;DR: it’s the real cute kind of song and MV that their fans, Dongaris, would love. And it makes me want to be a Dongari too.
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