K-Pop Releases: Oct. 2025

Initial Release: Nov. 3

Hello, everyone! Welcome, or welcome back to Monthly Reviews - the series where I take a number of k-pop songs released in the month to give my thoughts on them! I'm Grace, A.K.A, Lil' Miss Different, and today, we'll be looking at the songs from October! This month is an interesting case, because while the male acts were pretty hit or miss, the girls really killed it this month! Granted, not all of them were perfect - there's some tracks I only found okay - but some of them just instantly clicked for me.

To find out exactly how I feel about these songs, I rank them with my Tier List, based entirely on my opinion!

Tier Rankings:

• 0/6 - Crap Tier (hate the song)

• 1/6 - Bad Tier (still don't like, but could be worse)

• 2/6 - Mid Tier (boring or just mediocre)

• 3/6 - Decent Tier (just okay, only check out once in a while)

• 4/6 - Good Tier (perfectly serviceable)

• 5/6 - Great Tier (really enjoy)

• 6/6 - Amazing Tier (completely in love)

Simple enough, right? If you disagree with my thoughts, that's fine, but please be respectful of my opinion if you want me to respect yours. Also, if you find this blog interesting, I advise you to subscribe to my blog so you don't miss out on any new releases! I also have social media links for YouTube, Instagram and Threads up above the site, if you want to learn more about me.

With all of that out of the way, let's get started!

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'HAPPY' by HITGS

Release: Oct. 6

Label: H Music Entertainment

Tier: 3/6

We're starting off a little late into the month, but before we get into the madness, here's a group we haven't discussed yet! This is HITGS (I believe it's pronounced as "Hit Girls", but if you know about them, feel free to correct me on this), a five-member girl group who debuted in late April of this year with some minor buzz, as their music videos garnered around three to four million views on YouTube. They currently don't have their own Wikipedia page, but they do have their own Kpop Wiki page, which is where I'm getting the info from.

'HAPPY' is the title track to their first mini-album, Things We Love: I, and it's okay. It's a perfectly passable disco track, with its most memorable element being the "Happy, happy / I'm so happy / A-E-I-O minus U" bits being sung in this robotic vocal filter, which ends being surprisingly cute. I even like the key change in the final chorus, even though I feel like it came out of nowhere and could've been built up better. Unfortunately, I think what's holding this song back for me is the girls themselves. This might come off as mean, but I'm sorry - I don't find any of them that interesting, at least vocally. They're going for this cutesy style, but they don't have the distinct vocal presence RESCENE or even FIFTY FIFTY do. In other words, there's a bunch of other 5th Gen girl groups from smaller labels I could be listening to instead.

'ME+YOU' by TWICE

Release: Oct. 10

Label: JYP Entertainment

Tier: 4/6

Speaking of girl groups I find more interesting...

Actually, before I get into the song itself, here's something you should know about me: I'm a late-period ONCE. Let me explain myself. I first found out about TWICE in 2019, when the eternal bop 'FANCY' was set to be added in Just Dance 2020. I liked a few of their songs released after that, but I was still a casual k-pop listener. It wasn't until 2023, when I gave most of their other title tracks another listen, that I would call myself a fan. It also wasn't until last year, when I learned all the members' names by heart. Yes, really.

Even though I called myself a fan, I've been conflicted with TWICE's recent output. I don't hate their newest singles, but they're clearly not as great as their stuff from 2019 and the earlier 2020's. I don't know if it's because they're now sharing that "top JYP group" role with Stray Kids, but I think TWICE have reached that point in their career where their songs are good, but nowhere close to their peak. And yet, 2025 might be their most globally successful year thus far! 'Strategy' even got a second chance for a pretty decently popular hit.

Let's get back on track. TWICE have just released their new mini-album to commemorate their ten-year anniversary, and so what do I think of its title track? It's pretty good! It's also 40 seconds longer than 'THIS IS FOR', which is nice. The production is a bit more on the basic side as a down-tempo pop song, but 'ME+YOU's strong point is the lyrics. This is about TWICE's long-lasting friendship, and the sentiment is really sweet. The girls sound good here as usual - I especially like Momo's and Chaeyoung's rap in the second verse, and Jihyo sounds great on the bridge! I usually try to avoid giving my thoughts on music videos in these blogs, but the group homaging their debut, 'Like OOH-AHH', is adorable!

I also wouldn't call this their best friendship song, either. I haven't gone too deep in their discography, but in terms of singles, 'I GOT YOU' was released last year! Not only did that song tackle the friendship theme really well, but the production was more sonically interesting. I'd say listen to that song instead, but I'll go in depth with it another day. 'ME+YOU' is solid, and that's about it!

'WE GO UP' by BABYMONSTER

Release: Oct. 10

Label: YG Entertainment

Tier: 5/6

Here's something you may already know: 'HOT SAUCE' isn't part of WE GO UP. But a major upside to this comeback is that the title track of the same name is incredible!

'WE GO UP' is in Great Tier right now, but it could grow on me. And yes, I'm dead serious. This song is awesome! It's a hip-hop track with a rock edge - mainly that guitar sound in the verses - about BABYMONSTER's determination to reach greater heights. The girls all sound great on this! Ruka and Asa deliver really good rap verses in the first verse, and I like that Chiquita's starting to rap more these days as well. She could easily keep up with those two if she wanted - she's that good! While I enjoyed Pharita's vocals fine, Rora didn't stick out for me that much. I know she's the most "low-key" member in terms of stage presence, but during the first couple listens, I kept forgetting she was on this track.

But do you want to know which member was the opposite of forgettable? Ahyeon...which isn't shocking at all, if you know about an inkling of BAEMON. She really steals the show here, with an excellent second verse she shares with Chiquita and soaring vocals that aren't too over-the-top. As much as I enjoy 'SHEESH' and 'DRIP' from last year, Ahyeon could've toned down her performances from those songs. Heck, with Rami were here, she would've been a stand-out, too! Her lower register would be perfect for this track! I really hope she's healthy enough to return to the group for their next comeback, because I really miss her. A badass track, and a slow return to form! Great job!

'EYES CLOSED' by JISOO x ZAYN

Release: Oct. 10

Label: BLISSOO

Tier: 4/6

This collab came out of nowhere. Not only that, but it's a pleasantly good collab, as well! 'EYES CLOSED' is Jisoo's first collab, which in this case, is Zayn, the former member of One Direction.

This is a lovely track, with an R&B-esque beat that showcases both singers' vocals really well. At least in the verses, because as much as I love Zayn, I feel like he overpowers Jisoo in the chorus when they sing together. It's so distracting! Besides that, it's a nice ballad that you can get lost in pretty well. And since this is a collab, maybe this might be Jisoo's first track to enter Billboard? Ah, we'll see.

'OVERDRIVE' by TWS

Release: Oct. 13

Label: HYBE - Pledis Entertainment

Tier: 4/6

Now, let's see what one of the boy bands are up to! Looks like TWS have their new mini-album out.

I reviewed their pre-release track, 'Head Shoulders Knees Toes', last month, and long story short, I found it really annoying. I get that they wanted to try a different sound, but it was something that didn't work, at least for me.

We have the title track, and 'OVERDRIVE' sounds much better. It's a simple lovestruck song, with a light, shredding(?) guitar that sounds really cool. The boys are their usual enthusiastic selves, and that's good for this type of track. There's not much else to discuss here; it's just a really good song. The production may be a bit different from their earlier title tracks, but I don't mind that here. Give this a listen if you haven't yet.

'Blue Valentine' by NMIXX

Release: Oct. 13

Label: JYP Entertainment

Tier: 6/6

Before we review 'Blue Valentine', let's backpedal a bit. I reviewed NMIXX back in March, and I wasn't a fan of 'KNOW ABOUT ME'. I found the song so uncharacteristically boring for this group and quite disappointing. I'm happy other k-pop fans seem to like that song, as NMIXX are one of the more underrated groups from JYP.

They're back with 'Blue Valentine', the title track to their first full-length album of the same name, and holy crap! They made something really special here! Where do I even begin? NMIXX go for an emotionally heartfelt theme, which is backed by a sparce piano, skittering hi-hats and a fast-paced guitar. The twinkling instrumental in the pre-choruses threw me off at first listen, but I learned to appreciate that part over repeated listens. Heck, Jiwoo even has a good rap in the second pre-chorus.

Speaking of the members, they're all great on this! Kyujin and Bae have nice bits sprinkled throughout, but it's Sullyoon, Haewon and Lily that are the main stand-outs! The way those three sing their respective choruses is so catchy and satisfying to me! I feel like Sullyoon in particular has really improved her vocals over the past year; she might on par with Haewon and Lily at this point!

At this point, I'm ready to call NMIXX one of my ult groups. Sure, their sound needed some for me to get behind, but I think they got their MIXXPOP style down to science since last year. If you're still not convinced, fine, but at least give this one a chance! I promise you won't regret it!

Also, check out 'SPINNIN' ON IT', the pre-release for Blue Valentine; it's also fantastic!

'Body Language' by U-KNOW

Release: Oct. 13

Label: SM Entertainment

Tier: 1/6

"I know, you know, Lee Know!"

...Wait... that's the wrong Know... This is actually U-Know, the leader and rapper of the boy band turned duo TVXQ!. Of course, I'm not super familiar with them outside of their 2008 hit, 'MIROTIC', which is a certified bop! If you haven't listened to it, please do!

Yunho has been putting out solo music since 2017, and 'Body Language' is the first time I'm checking out one of his tracks. It's the pre-release song for his upcoming album next month, and man... This makes me feel uneasy. Let's start with the positive: I like Yunho's stage presence. He has a low, soulful voice (he's an SM idol, after all), and he has charming charisma. Unfortunately, what holds this song back from being tolerable is the production. The harmonica that plays throughout the track is not just annoying, but it clashes horribly with this heavy pulse of a beat! I feel like I'm about to get a migraine from just listening to it!

I hope this guy's other songs are better, because now I'm really skeptical about that new album. Maybe then, I'll turn my opinion around.

'BURNING UP' by MEOVV

Release: Oct. 14

Label: THEBLACKLABEL

Tier: 4/6

My opinion on MEOVV really shifted over the past few months. When they debuted last year, I had little to no interest in them. I just found their earliest tracks either annoying or forgettable. It's a shame, because I like the members enough; they all have mid-range to low voices, and they have this confident stage presence I really like.

Then, their comeback came around spring, and I like the two songs they released! 'DROP TOP' is still just fine, but 'HANDS UP' grew on me significantly - I especially enjoyed that one! I was curious to see what they had in store.

'BURNING UP' is a stand-alone single, and while it's no 'HANDS UP', it still works for me! Sure, the fast panting chants can be pretty annoying, but I really like this beat. It has a laid-back vibe, but it's also energetic enough for the girls to work off of. I especially really like Narin's and Gawon's rapping in the second verse, as they both sound really good there! The "Oh-oh-oh"s in the bridge also sound nice, too - really catchy. MEOVV might end up growing on me if they keep the quality up. Nice song!

'Round&Round' by Bae Jin Young

Release: Oct. 14

Label: Aura Entertainment

Tier: 0/6

It's been a while since I ranked a song in the Crap Tier, hasn't it?

Before we review the song in question, let's talk about Bae Jinyoung. He first started out as a member of the project boy band, Wanna One, and after they disbanded, he would go on to debut in another boy band, CIX, as the face of the group. Though, he ended up leaving CIX last year, after his contract with C9 Ent. expired. He's now under Aura Ent., making a more "proper" solo debut. I say that because he technically made his solo debut in 2019, before joining CIX.

This is the title track to his first album, and man, this is not the best first impression... I like Jinyoung's voice, but that's it. 'Round&Round' is a party-vibe track, with a really obnoxious hook - repeating the phrase "round and round" at nauseum in the most obnoxious vocal filter you can imagine! And while I also said I liked Jinyoung's voice, he's pretty annoying in the verses, too. Why is he singing in his upper register at the end of every line? It sounds so awkward!

I guess I should consider myself lucky this song is only about two minutes and 20 seconds long, meaning at least it's short enough to end so quickly. Though I do feel weird about ranking this song very low. The other tracks I put in the Crap Tier in previous blogs have been more irritating or shockingly disappointing. 'Round&Round' fits more in the former, but not even the beat is that interestingly bad. It's just bogged down by terrible vocal mixing. I hope Jinyoung can bounce back in future releases, because this was not a good first step forward.

'Good Goodbye' by HWASA

Release: Oct. 15

Label: P Nation

Tier: 5/6

We now move on from an artist who's freshly solo to someone who's been in the solo market since 2019. You most likely know Hwasa as one of the members of MAMAMOO and one of the first k-pop idols you think of who don't fit into Korea's strict beauty standards. In her case, she's tan and has a (usually) curvy physique; and since I'm from the U.S., that makes her one of most attractive k-pop idols in my books!

But I try to look past appearances as best as possible, since it's the talent that matters more to me. My thoughts on Hwasa as an artist are summed up like this: I enjoy her in MAMAMOO, what with her gorgeous voice and commanding stage presence, but as a soloist, she's really hit or miss. She has some good songs under her belt, but her weakest tracks tend to be really flimsy. 'I Love My Body' has a great message about self-love, but its production is terrible, sounding like a diet Meghan Trainor song.

So color me surprised when I see that she released a ballad! And a great one at that! 'Good Goodbye' is about a break-up and Hwasa wishing her ex-partner well. The production has an 80's synthpop sound that's slow and plucky, and yet, it works surprisingly well against Hwasa's vocals! She sounds great on this; she's heartbroken, but there's also some hope that everything will turn out okay. It's a wonderful song, and I hope you give it a listen!

'Hollywood Action' by BOYNEXTDOOR

Release: Oct. 20

Label: HYBE - KOZ Entertainment

Tier: 3/6

Throughout the year, I keep asking myself why I like BOYNEXTDOOR. Don't get me wrong; they're a solid boy band, but they're not one I seek out all the time. Their music is quirky, but I feel like it can get grating. The guys come off as dorky, but I think they're aware of that, which is why I kinda like this group. I should find them annoying, but I don't.

And 'Hollywood Action' is a great example of my thoughts. It's fine, but this could end up growing or shrinking on me based on my mood. I really like the production on this track; the jaunty piano and swanky horns really envoke that "old Hollywood" vibe. I also like the guys here, as they sound so confident in themselves, and they really let their quirky voices shine. And yet, just when I feel like the song is about to let loose, it just ends! Why do songs keep doing this?! You're allowed to be three minutes long! Why stick to the two-and-a-half minute formula, k-pop songs in 2025?

Besides that, my thoughts remain in the middle. I'll let you know if this ends up growing on me the next time we see these boys.

'FOCUS' by Hearts2Hearts

Release: Oct. 20

Label: SM Entertainment

Tier: 4/6

Well. Hearts2Hearts' mini-album is out. 'FOCUS' is a strange first listen; a sharp contrast from their previous singles. It's a house-beat track, with twinkly production elements in the pre-chorus and jaunty piano notes in the verses. I think the song's strongest element is the girls themselves. None of the individual members have stand-outs moments to me, but they all sound surprisingly nice on this track, as they sing about being captivated by another person.

The production may be a weird shift from their other stuff, but I still have a good time listening to this song! I can see why someone out there wouldn't like this track (won't argue against it), but for me, Hearts2Hearts have yet to release something I dislike. I think that's all I can say about this: fine, but there's songs from them I easily prefer.

'Overdrop' by XIUMIN

Release: Oct. 20

Label: INB100

Tier: 4/6

You know what? This might be the first song I like from him.

In case you didn't know, I reviewed Xiumin back in March, and 'WHEE!' wasn't exactly my cup of tea. It wasn't awful... just misguided.

He's back with a new single, and let me just say, 'Overdrop' is a bop! It's not stellar, but it gets the job done. The production goes for a dancy, almost sensual vibe, and I love the guitar solo near the end of the song! It sounds so good! I also think Xiumin sounds nice on this track, and I think he brings in some flair. I'll come back to you if this ends up growing on me, which I can see happening. Give this song a listen!

'SPAGHETTI' by LE SSERAFIM (ft. j-hope of BTS)

Release: Oct. 24

Label: HYBE - Source Music

Tier: 3/6

Not gonna lie... I had higher expectations with this collab. LE SSERAFIM have always been just fine to me; when they're good, they're really good. But at their worst...? I wouldn't say awful, but their "worst" songs are either misguided or mediocre. And as for J-Hope, he's a really good rapper; not the technically strongest in BTS, but I still really like his flow. I was intrigued when I learned that he was gonna be featured on this song.

So how did 'SPAGHETTI' turn out? I just think it's okay. It's a very weird song at first, but I got used to its weirdness during repeated listens. Let's get this out of the way - J-Hope is the best part of this song. He has the entire second verse, and he sounds incredible! His flow feels so natural against this hip-hop(?) beat, and he adds so much flair to this track!

LE SSERAFIM aren't too shabby on this either. I'm not the biggest fan of some of the partially ASMR-esque deliveries, but besides that, the girls bring a lot of charm to this quirky track. I especially like the vocal deliveries from Chaewon and Eunchae; I feel like those two really stood out most here!

I guess I could also bring up the "member version" (the one without J-Hope), which I'm pretty sure that's the one they're performing in music shows. Since J-Hope isn't in that version, the song just skips to Kazuha's opening line in the third verse, which surprisingly feels natural. Sure, the best part is missing, but I feel like the girls can hold their own either way. It's not like in TWICE's 'Strategy', where the songs feels half-baked without Megan Thee Stallion's verse. For me, 'SPAGHETTI' falls right in the middle.

'Back to Life' by &TEAM

Release: Oct. 27

Label: HYBE - YX Labels

Tier: 5/6

Hey, a male act song that's above passable! But before we review this track, let's go over this group.

This is &TEAM - a Japanese boy band made up of nine members, who debuted in late 2022. Now, I normally don't review j-pop acts on here, but this is a big one. They're wildly successful in their home country and have a pretty big audience. Not only that, but they're also from HYBE; more specifically, YX Labels, which is particularly why I'm reviewing them at all, admittedly.

'Back to Life' is &TEAM's debut Korean release, and what a great first impression! The rock-style production really carries this song! I also like the members here, too; they have nice vocals, and I like the melodic rapping in the verses. I think what holds this song back for me is the lack of a climax. It may be three minutes and twenty seconds long, but I feel like we could've had at least a final chorus. Besides that, this is really good! You might like this track.

'Beat-Boxer' by NEXZ

Release: Oct. 27

Label: JYP Entertainment

Tier: 4/6

Here's a little story that happened this month. The channel fullmoon YouTube page released their JYP-centric Game Caterers episodes not too long ago. While I mainly tuned into those videos for Stray Kids (they're my ult group, after all), it was really cool seeing that company's groups and idols interact with each other! They all seemed like a big family of siblings and cousins who haven't seen each other in a long time.

So what do the Game Caterers have to do with this song I'm reviewing? During the group introductions, while NEXZ were up, this song played. We got a glimpse of the chorus, and it was incredible! I was really excited for its eventual release! And now that it's out, I feel a bit let down.

Not that 'Beat-Boxer' is bad - far from it - but I feel like the hook is where this song shines the best. It's perfectly uplifting for this pump-up anthem, and the boys sound great! But what drags this down for me is the production in the verses. This one-two bloopy beat sounds so weird, and not in a good way. It sounds like it was pulled from a 2018-era NCT track, an era of that group I'm not crazy about (sorry). The rapping sounds good against it, but that's about it. The ending also feels a bit undercooked, and like the previous song I reviewed, it could've used as final chorus, which might've moved this song up a tier. 'Beat-Boxer' is fine, but I'll stick to 'O-RLY?', thank you.

'SUPERPOWER (Peak)' by xikers

Release: Oct. 31

Label: KQ Entertainment

Tier: 3/6

You know, it's quite fitting to see xikers have a comeback on Halloween. Not because their music is scary, but they've just become increasingly annoying to me over the past year. And I hate saying that, because these guys seem talented, and their earlier title tracks have proved to be great.

They're back, and 'SUPERPOWER (Peak)' is a massive improvement over the obnoxious 'BREATHE' from April! It's still not great, but it's one of their better title tracks in quite some time! The production is intense, yet energetic enough for the boys to work off of. The chanting hook is a bit much, but they at least sound like they're having fun, which is good, I guess.

It's far from the heights of 'TRICKY HOUSE' and 'DO or DIE', but I think it's serviceable enough. If I want to get invested in these guys, it'll be awhile. Just saying.

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And that's October! Not the way I wanted to end the month, but it was still a fun ride! Up next is November, and boy, am I excited for this one! It's another busy month! I'm Grace, and have a wonderful day!