Abang Yoli's Chef Jamie Yoo opens up about bringing Korean fusion to Minnesota
"I told my dad I wanted to be a chef, and the my dad was like 'sure, you can do it. Just try it.' and one thing he told me was don't give up," said Yoo.
Yoo spent part of his childhood in Korea, learning to cook from his mother and grandmother.
"We didn't really go out when I was young. I just saw my grandmother and my mom making kimchi at home, and they were using a bathtub to salt the cabbage, about 250 pounds," said Yoo. "So I started learning from my mom, side by side."
Yoo moved from Korea to Seattle when he was 14 years old. After spending time learning at culinary school, he went on to work at Bellecour under James Beard Award-winning chef, Gavin Kaysen.
"When chef Gavin opened Bellcour in Wayzata, he offered me a job to work at the Bellcour and that's why I moved to Minnesota," said Yoo. "It was a great restaurant. [I] learned skills there, and the unfortunately after COVID, we closed. I just [didn't] know what to do after that restaurant closed."
Yoo said it was a dream of his to open this kind of concept restaurant — cooking the food similar to what he ate at home when he was a child. Abang Yoli isn't a fully traditional Korean restaurant.
"I saw Korean cuisine getting more popular and I was thinking maybe I can bring, instead of doing traditional Korean cuisine, maybe I can bring what I've learned to a restaurant. It was kind of a bit more for me," he said.
Yoo opened his current location in Minnetonka earlier this year.
"I mean, I love my concept right here," said Yoo. "It's a little bit of the not traditional way. It's a little bit of a mix. I think a lot of guests are scared about kimchi. We are doing a little bit of non-traditional kimchi, we call it kimchi-slaw. I give a sample and I mean 99% [of guests] are enjoying it. I'm very happy when I see guests enjoying my kimchi recipe. "
"My signature item is the Korean style fried chicken —chicken sandwich and the grilled sweet potato. I put a lot of effort on that grilled sweet potato that still has a memory too. When I was young, in Korea on the street they're selling this kind of grilled [sweet potato], and that flavor . . . the taste is just the best taste," he added.
"Do you ever what to go back to Korea to try and get more influence [from the food]?" asked WCCO producer, Chloe Rosen.
"Yeah I mean, it's just, every week there's a new things coming out," said Yoo. "It's just like, everything's changed so quickly there. So like corn dog was very popular, like so many things are like going crazy you know. So like I saw, I try to get inspired from those kind of street food instead of making a full dish."
Yoo is focused on his restaurant in Minnetonka, making it the best it can be. But he has dreams for the future.
"So my biggest goal is I want to have a bit of fine dining Korean cuisine. My finer goal is a sit down restaurant, a little bit more detail, and nicely plated and more like high technique, Korean fusion cuisine. That's my goal."
Yoo knows his dreams take a lot of work and a lot of long hours.
"I know my parents are worried about me, like how much I work here. But like I just don't want to give up and I just like, it's like today, I just felt so tired, and then when I came here and opened the door and turned on the gas [it] just kind of like woke me up a little bit. Now I feel great, you know? I'm just ready to work another 15 hours. I love cooking and I just love to talk, that's just makes me [feel] energy and then feel good."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tom's Guide
2 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I've watched most of Netflix's top-streamed shows in 2025 — here are 3 to watch and 2 you should skip
I'm a streaming writer by trade — my job is to recommend television shows and films on major platforms like Netflix. Typically, my recommendations are rooted in what's trending or new to the platform, and I eagerly research new loglines every month for upcoming original releases. But the best indicator, in my eyes, is always viewer data, and Netflix has just dropped an interesting look into its most-watched television shows of 2025 so far. Netflix recently shared its latest Engagement Report, revealing the shows and movies that its subscribers binged from January to June 2025. The report details a huge 99% of all content viewing occurred in the first half of 2025, with over 95 billion hours streamed globally. The appeal of Netflix Originals remained strong throughout the report, with audiences continuing to engage in not only new productions but also older, much-loved entries in the streamer's catalogue. Netflix notes that nearly half of the viewing for Netflix Originals in this report came from titles that debuted in 2023 or earlier. That said, as a certified binge-watcher, I can attest that not everything in Netflix's original television catalogue is worth watching — even with the hours upon hours of streams that titles have received in the past six months. I've put together three of the best Netflix shows I've watched this year — and two I wouldn't recommend — to compare to the streamer's data. I've also taken into account Rotten Tomatoes scores and other reviews from fellow Tom's Guide writers. So, without further ado, here are the top three shows to watch on Netflix and two you should definitely skip. As per Netflix's report, the UK series "Adolescence" reigned supreme as the most-watched show, amassing 144.8 million views in the past six months to date. The show was released on March 13, 2025, and has been viewed globally for 555 million hours. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Over a 3.5-hour runtime, the series catapulted audiences into the chilling story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who is accused of murdering a teenage girl who went to his school. The one-shot crime drama proceeds to follow the unravelling of Jamie's family, including his dad Eddie (Stephen Graham). It also details the ins and outs of the police investigation fronted by Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe (Ashley Walters), whose son attends Jamie's school, and the harrowing assessment of Jamie's condition made by Briony Ariston (Erin Doherty), the clinical psychologist assigned to his case. The show scored a massive 98% RT score, with audiences giving it a 74% rating, securing it as a must-watch limited series. Even here at Tom's Guide, our reviewer said that it "might be the best original show Netflix has ever made". If you're a fan of gripping crime dramas, "Adolescence" is not to be missed. This cult-followed K-drama has been the most talked about Netflix Original series in years, and the entire show takes out three spots in the top ten most-streamed list. "Squid Game" season 2, which debuted late last year, beats out the final season that dropped last month, cultivating 117.3 million views and 840 million hours streamed globally. Across all three seasons, the show has received over 231 million views. The series follows Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-Jae) as he accepts a strange invitation to compete in a series of children's games for a share of a 45.6 billion won prize. After the first round, Gi-hun and the other 455 players learn the harsh realities of the games — the pot only grows by 100 million won once a player is eliminated (read: killed). With a solid 86% rating on RT, and a nice 66% audience score, "Squid Game" delivers on drama, mystery and nice comedic moments, courtesy of some interesting character arcs. Now that all seasons are available to stream, you could easily binge the series on a weekend… and give yourself something to talk to your colleagues about on Monday. Hilarious, easy-to-watch and stars Kate Hudson? Sign me up! After debuting in February, this basketball-based comedy has received over 41 million views and 209 million hours streamed, which is no mean feat for a Mindy Kaling production. When a scandal forces her brother to resign, Isla Gordon (Hudson) is appointed the president of the Los Angeles Waves, a prestigious basketball team and her family's business. Often overlooked by her brothers, the board and the players, Isla works to prove herself the right person for the job — and (spoiler alert), does just that. The series was renewed for a second season and has a nice 82% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It delves into tough topics but plays it all off with a healthy dose of tomfoolery, secret brothers and loving relationships — platonic ones, too. I cannot wait for the next instalment, and my only wish is for a LeBron James cameo. Despite performing rather well in Netflix's report, ranking in fourth after "Adolescence" and "Squid Game" seasons 2 and 3, "Zero Day" received an underwhelming response from me (and Rotten Tomatoes). The limited series follows former US President George Mullen (Robert De Niro), who, as the head of the Zero Day Commission, leads an investigation into a devastating cyberattack that wreaked havoc and caused thousands of fatalities across the country. The series was De Niro's first major television role, but even the beloved actor couldn't save it from getting a poor 53% RT critics score and 53% audience rating. Admittedly, I always try to finish a series, but I couldn't make it past the first episode for this one, and not even the appearance of Lizzy Caplan could reinvigorate my spirits for this political thriller. There's a lot to unpack here, but let's start with the figures from the report, shall we? The second season of "XO, Kitty" was released on January 16, 2025, and has since achieved 35.3 million views and 143 million hours streamed in the past six months. Comparatively, the rom-com's first season obtained 14.7 million views in that time, with eager rewatchers anticipating the new season. Starring the beloved younger sister from the "To All The Boys" movies, Katherine "Kitty" Song Covey (Anna Cathcart) takes on Seoul, Korea, as she attends the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS) alongside her long-distance boyfriend, Dae (Choi Min-young), and rediscover a connection to her mom, a former student of KISS. Now, I am a sucker for a rom-com series or film, and there's a fond place in my heart for the Netflix original movie trilogy, in which Kitty comes to life. But that's where I draw the line, unfortunately, as this spin-off seriously fell flat. The interwoven storylines and endless love triangles are often confusing, the side characters are somewhat annoying, and the only episode I thoroughly enjoyed in the latest season was when Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) came to visit — and his brief appearance didn't restore my faith in the series. I'd argue the 63% audience score may be conflated with the love for the movies, but I seriously hope season three gives fans (and Kitty) the justice they deserve.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
The 25 Best K-Pop Songs of 2025 (So Far): Critic's Picks
A kaleidoscope of sonic innovations and bold lyrical statements, K-pop songs in 2025 have already proven to be a year where artists' confidence in their sound and messages has an unmistakable, unshakable boldness. More from Billboard Village People Reacts After President Trump Shares 'Offensive' AI Video of Fake Obama Arrest Set to 'Y.M.C.A.' Billy Joel Shares Health Update, Says Brain Disorder 'Sounds a Lot Worse Than What I'm Feeling' Liam Gallagher Pokes Fun at 'Snidey' Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal During Manchester Show Acts like JENNIE, IVE, NMIXX, ONEW, BBGIRLS, STAYC and ALLDAY PROJECT flip the scripts on stardom, stereotypes and social expectations with anthems that are as empowering to listen to as they undoubtedly are for the artists to sing. Meanwhile, groups like SHINee, SEVENTEEN, DAY6, ATEEZ, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, JUSTB, ONE PACT, MEOVV, and KickFlip saw their members contributing across production, arrangement and lyrics to craft undeniable messages and sounds. Zooming in, newly debuted acts like KickFlip and CLOSE YOUR EYES have churned out earworm hooks and unexpected genre dives, staking their claim alongside fellow next-generation boy bands like ZEROBASEONE and ONE PACT, ushering in a promising wave of male groups on the horizon. Elsewhere, rising female troupes like H1-KEY, MEOVV, and RESCENE demonstrate how new girl groups continue to set new trends with pristine soundscapes. Moreover, beloved artists like ITZY leader YEJI and NCT superstar MARK secured their solo debuts to demonstrate new sides of their artistry, as the former leaned into her passion for dance, while the latter offered up an experimental, multifaceted musical exploration of his life. Both artists offered new ways for audiences to connect with them on a more personal level and crafted compelling records all their own. With so many musical achievements from the K-pop industry already this year, which songs stand tallest among the best? Billboard's 25 best K-pop songs released in 2025 so far are below. 25. SEVENTEEN, 'THUNDER'SEVENTEEN is a decade deep into their career and still electrifying audiences, as proven with 'THUNDER.' Crafted by longtime producer Bumzu alongside members Woozi and the track pulses with seismic shifts — the catchy whistle hook makes it ready for pop radio ahead of dropping the chanty 'ALO! ALO! T.H.U.N.D.E.R.' chorus. 'THUNDER' isn't just a celebratory single for the group's 10th anniversary, but forecasts another decade of successes. 24. RESCENE, 'Glow Up' As their latest single's title suggests, RESCENE's pristine discography is only growing better as the rising girl group mixes their dreamy soundscape with catchy, glitchy hyperpop hooks. The quintet's swift rollout of an English version of 'Glow Up' further cements RESCENE's promise as an ascending global K-pop force. 23. CLOSE YOUR EYES, 'All My Poetry' While acts like NewJeans helped revived the bubblegum-pop sound of Y2K, CLOSE YOUR EYES bring back the smooth R&B flair of the era with their debut single 'All My Poetry.' Despite all of the members being born in 1999 or later, the septet channel '00s R&B boy bands like Day26 to ponder the point of all the lovely words, poems and stories they've crafted about the one they love: 'So, if I write it, does it matter?/ Does it matter? Does it matter?/ Tell me what to do,' with silky smooth delivery reminiscent of Lloyd and Omarion. 22. ONEW, 'Winner' Shining in the solo spotlight, ONEW stakes his claim with 'Winner,' a reflective rock‑pop anthem that marries grit and grace. The SHINee leader unleashes his full vocal spectrum for a chorus that reads like a battle cry, with the translated lyrics, 'Raise your head and yell at the sky, I'm not going back… / Even if I fall down, I'll get back up/ I'll smile and ask you: 'Now, who's the winner?'' flipping vulnerability into victory. The SHINee leader co‑wrote every track on his CONNECTION EP from January. With his past battles with vocal surgeries, as well as psychological and physical issues, ONEW choosing 'Winner' as his new single feels like one part painful memories, but another part manifesto to never give up. 21. JUSTB, 'CHEST' While Charli xcx's influence has become undeniable on the western pop landscape, JUSTB went where few K‑pop acts have tread, plunging into brat-y hyperpop on 'CHEST.' Confirmed by the group to have been inspired by Charli, the track flits from delicate piano pulses to thunderous Auto‑Tune breakdowns in a SOPHIE-indebted production, crafted by member Geonu and more of his collaborators. But underneath the digital dazzle lies a tender payoff to ground the experimental ride in heartfelt comfort: 'When I come home, you can sleep on my chest.' 20. YEJI, 'Air' As the first member of ITZY to drop a full solo project, group leader YEJI embarks on her journey and sets a fierce tone with a synth-pop single, 'Air,' dedicated to her love of dance and her immersion in the art form. But lyrics across the chorus like: 'You keep takin' all of my air, air, air/ When I'm locked in your gaze, you take my breath away' transform a personal passion into a universal metaphor for all‑consuming experience, from dancing and singing to falling in love. 19. TOMORROW X TOGETHER, 'Love Language'TOMORROW X TOGETHER school listeners in the sweetest way with 'Love Language.' With the sun‑drenched Afro‑house beats and a synth breakdown that recall some of the best Justin Bieber tracks, 'Love Language' doesn't let the production do all the talking with fluttering harmonies from the guys opening the track, setting the stage for warm vocal layerings and ambitious belts later in the track. TXT's main producer Slow Rabbit recently promised a 'transitional period for the group,' with 'Love Language' loudly announcing an exciting new era for the group ahead of full-length album The Star Chapter: Together. 18. BBGIRLS, 'LOVE 2' Formerly known as Brave Girls, BBGIRLS broke out in 2021 with 'Rollin'' as an unexpected viral K-pop hit. Despite changing their name and record label, the group is still doubling down on feel-good pop. Released in January, 'LOVE 2' is the perfect winter pick-me-up with a more mature take on recognizing different sides of love: 'Would it be alright if we held hands? I'd love to…/ The way you speak even wipe away my tears/ I don't love to lose…' 17. CHEN, 'Broken Party' Switching up from his tender ballad releases from recent years, CHEN transforms by embracing a rebellious rock‑pop sound with 'Broken Party.' The EXO vocal powerhouse embraces thunderous guitar riffs and percussion to throw an emotional rager: 'Oh, welcome to my broken party…/ I'm dancing with my broken memories, baby.' The track feels both celebratory and cathartic, while also being incredibly refreshing to hear CHEN's vocals soar into territory beyond ballads. 16. KickFlip, 'Umm Great'Alongside CLOSE YOUR EYES (at No. 23 on the list), fellow rookie group KickFlip is proving that 2025 is shaping up to have one of the most impressive classes of new boy bands in recent memory. Following in the tracks of major artists like 2PM, GOT7, DAY6 and Stray Kids, the latest male act under JYP Entertainment introduced themselves with 'Umm Great,' a minimalistic hip-hop track that somehow flips nonchalant retorts into an intoxicating, viral-ready beat, in translated lyrics: 'Umm great, why are you stressing so much?/ Umm great, my head's in the clouds/ Umm great, I'm all about the fun stuff/ Umm great, yeah, uh huh, sure, umm great.' With these playful, cool riffs on life's little curveballs, KickFlip feels like a refreshing voice for a new generation of listeners and ones to watch to skate past being simply 'umm great,' but into something fantastic. 15. ONE PACT, '100!' Living up to their name by delivering the ultimate impact together, ONE PACT's '100!' is a full‑throttle funk fest. Produced and penned by member Tag, the track's vintage synthesizers shimmer, and the choruses are anchored with BeeGees-esque falsetto delivery that makes the track feel like a proper homage to a more funky time in music. This February single marked the group's first release with member Jay Chang in a minute, showcasing the group back at a complete '100!' percent and leaving us all the more curious about what's next for the quintet. 14. Whee In, 'Aftertaste' While we certainly miss having the four queens that make up MAMAMOO singing together, the members are all continuing to serve in their individual lanes and sounds as soloists. Originally immortalized by legendary Korean vocalist Kim Bumsoo and composer Shim Hyunbo in 2009, Whee In's rendition of 'Aftertaste' simmers with subtle restraint and a more somber take, with each chorus ascending higher, stronger, and more moving than the last. Her first release as an independent solo artist, 'Aftertaste' showcases Whee In's impeccable vocal instincts and acumen, transforming a beloved classic with her own sonic signature. 13. STAYC, 'BEBE' As STAYC inches toward their five‑year mark, 'BEBE' marks a bold glow‑up from bubblegum to bold, badass women. Over pulsating house beats, the sextet delivers a manifesto of self‑worth in a sing-rap cadence, blending both English, Korean, and French into the ear-wormy hook: 'Don't wanna be a bebe, you know I'm sick of lyin'…/ Si, c'est moi, si, c'est moi' for a multilingual twist that elevates their signature catchiness. Blending the clubby bass alongside empowering lyrics, STAYC prove they're no longer babies in K‑pop, but a troupe with far more to deliver. 12. IVE, 'REBEL HEART'IVE embrace guerrilla glamour on 'Rebel Heart,' a defiant pop march with its English chorus acting as a global rallying call: 'So you can love me, hate me/ You will never be, never be, never be me/ Try me, I'll break free/ You will never be, never be, never be me/ We are rebels in our hearts.' Co-penned by Eurovision veterans Thomas 'Grizzly' Gustafsson and Jimmy Jansson, 'Rebel Heart' sees IVE expanding their international soundscape and staking out territory as an increasingly ambitious force in K-pop. 11. ALLDAY PROJECT, 'FAMOUS' ALLDAY PROJECT rewrite the script when it comes to overnight fame as one of K-pop's rare co-ed groups. The quintet's debut single, 'FAMOUS,' rides a Neptunes-infused groove that feels both nostalgic and contemporary, in large part thanks to the group's creative connection with BLACKPINK hitmaker Teddy and their debut under his agency, THEBLACKLABEL, which also houses Rosé, Taeyang, Jeon Somi, MEOVV and more. Teddy's signature minimalist bounce underpins verses from group members Annie Tarzzan, Bailey, Woochan, and Youngseo — five artists with five very different trajectories in entertainment, colliding to prove themselves one after another in their individual verses, but topping the charts as a collective. 10. SHINee, 'Poet | Artist' To celebrate their 17th anniversary, SHINee crafted a true testament to late member Jonghyun. Written and composed by their late bandmate before his passing, 'Poet | Artist' weaves vocals Jonghyun recorded for the guiding demo track with those of his members for a truly heartfelt homage. Furthermore, ONEW, Minho, KEY and Taemin all tapped into Jonghyun's dynamic vocal styling for a celebratory single that feels like a classic SHINee track from the group's first decade. 9. IU, 'Never Ending Story'IU returned in May with the third album in her beloved Flower Bookmark series, led by her take on the 2002 hit by Korean rock band Boohwal in 'Never Ending Story.' The superstar transforms the track into a piano‑and‑strings reverie with IU's crystalline timbre as its centerpiece. Few artists today can pull off a stirring orchestral track like 'Never Ending Story,' further cementing IU's status as one of Korea's legendary performers. 8. DAY6, 'Maybe Tomorrow' A song that plays off DAY6's namesake, 'Maybe Tomorrow' is a rock ballad proving that, even as demand for the group is at its highest, the quartet still knows how to expertly balance deeper emotional heft with the uplifting and bright melodies that made their music connect with so many during the pandemic. Young K's lyrics feel like a soothing balm for weary hearts in a chaotic 2025, translated to English, with: 'When tomorrow comes, it might be better than today/ This burning wound might hurt a little less/ I wait for the day to get my smile back/ Maybe tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.' 7. ZEROBASEONE, 'BLUE' ZEROBASEONE dip into bittersweet hues with 'BLUE,' a shape-shifting dance‑pop track penned by legendary K-pop songwriter Kenzie. The song's cool and crisp synth work blends with an emotional vocal performance that feels equal parts nostalgic and hopeful: 'Can you remember days/ When we found each other, when the sky so blue/ When seasons pass and everything begins to change and disappear, yeah/ I wanna run, into your world of bright blue.' Be sure to listen out for Taerae's sky-piercing high note on the bridge, asking, 'Baby, what if there is a way?' packing an additional emotional punch and further deepening ZB1's pristine catalog of pop gems. 6. MEOVV, 'DROP TOP' A stomping anthem that fuses Teddy's signature pop polish with just enough darkness to keep the listener on edge, 'DROP TOP' sees MEOVV swapping their kitty claws for horsepower. Roaring through lyrics about shedding the past and driving toward a better tomorrow, the members' emotional and melancholy vocals possess crystal-clear conviction that elevates the track as one of the top singles of 2025 so far. After setting the groundwork for a group identity pairing hard‑hitting bangers like 'MEOW' and 'BODY,' with tender mid‑tempos like 'TOXIC,' the bold gear shift with 'DROP TOP' delivers a curveball for the quintet and proves there is lots more to see from THEBLACKLABEL's first-ever group. 5. MARK, '1999' With the song title recalling the classic Prince hit, the lead single for MARK's debut full-length album goes for a bold and experimental sound to establish his voice, just like The Purple One did during his time. With a cinematic orchestral intro, '1999' sees MARK leaning into his birth year ('A 1999‑baby bringing a brain slap to the industry') for a mix of clever wordplay (Noting how 'Today I feel so new/ Feels '99' to declaring 'I'll leave the 99/ Just to get the one baby'). He achieves this by spanning a range of vocal deliveries, from the falsetto-driven chorus to playful rap verses and the warm, raspy pre-choruses. While MARK has topped the charts as a member of NCT 127, NCT DREAM and SuperM throughout his career, his solo album, The Firstfruit, establishes him as an artist in his own lane completely, making lines like 'This is a revolution' feel all the more weighty. 4. H1-KEY, 'Summer Was You' With a late-June release, H1-KEY's latest single rushed in during the midst of the summer heat and couldn't have come at a better time. Trading the typical fizzy synths for summer hits with hearty rock guitars, the quartet paint a sun‑drenched romance — 'Under the blazing summer sky, we soaked in sunlight/ Dreaming away, every moment like a shooting star/ You and I, those days when everything shined' — and crown it with a chorus that builds in three distinct waves of harmonies. The powerhouse vocals that made 2023's 'Rose Blossom' their breakout hit get to shine for this rock-'n'-rollicking, top‑of‑your‑lungs anthem that doesn't rely on beat drops or catchphrases, but offers a nostalgic, classic K-pop chorus to fit perfectly into 2025 summer playlists. 3. ATEEZ, 'Lemon Drop'ATEEZ squeeze every last drop of summertime into 'Lemon Drop.' Unlike the Billboard 200-toppers' usual bombastic bangers, this R&B-inflected hip-hop jam simmers, transforming the group's signature grit and zest into a laid-back groove. From San's velvety vocals starting the first verse to Mingi's 'Emergency, emergency' rap snapping an addictive urgency, and Wooyoung's youthful, 'Cheers to this night!' ahead of the harmony-heavy chorus, every member's part feels perfectly catered to his skills. The results are ATEEZ's most accessible track to date, underscored by the guys scoring their first Billboard Hot 100 entry when 'Lemon Drop' hit No. 69 on the chart dated June 28, 2025. By channeling classic club sounds for a fresh pop anthem, ATEEZ are proving that even when they dial back the intensity, they are still cooking up global hits while turning up the heat on their ever‑soaring careers. 2. NMIXX, 'High Horse'To introduce the Fe3O4: Forward EP, NMIXX knocked audiences clean off their 'High Horse' with a single that's deceptively laid-back yet undeniably commanding, designating the girl group in a musical league all their own. There's a masterful balance of minimalism and crescendo, tension and release, throughout 'High Horse.' Opening with haunting piano chords, the song gradually incorporates crisp breakbeat drums and ethereal electronic textures for a deep, trip-hoppy tapestry best compared to Radiohead. The sextet offer more of an intimate, vulnerable vocal performance to glide over the mix, using the final minute to let loose with a series of their signature belts, with Sullyoon's closing refrain nailing the track's theme of rejecting outside labels and riding confidentially in your own identity: 'Sick of that high horse/ Our minds don't work like theirs.' Lyrically, it serves as both a personal manifesto (Jiwoo sings, 'They can't tell you what you are/ If you already know who you are'), a message of comfort to listeners (Kyunjin follows with, 'I will love you when all is gone') and, overall, a statement of artistic intent: NMIXX define success on their terms, making 'High Horse' one of 2025's most impossible‑to‑ignore K‑pop anthems. 1. JENNIE, 'like JENNIE''Like JENNIE' isn't just a Billboard Hot 100 and Pop Airplay hit — it's a two‑minute power surge that truly cements JENNIE's status as a next-generation It Girl. Over a metallic hybrid of baile funk and phonk production (courtesy of Diplo), she delivers some of the sharpest rapping of her career with a snarled confidence, with lines like 'Name, shame, blame tryna burst my bubble' upturning every negative narrative on its head. Co-written with top names like Tayla Parx and ZICO, the track's self-referential lyrics double as a manifesto of identity. Despite the hate or jealousy leveled at her, JENNIE remains the blueprint everyone wants to follow: 'Who wanna rock with JENNIE? Keep your hair done, nails done like JENNIE/ Who else got 'em obsessed like JENNIE? Like, like, like, I think I really like JENNIE.' Like JENNIE' is a standout on the BLACKPINK star's Ruby album, not just as the best track on the LP, but also for being the one track that weaves Korean into an otherwise all-English record. The song still resonated far beyond K-pop circles, peaking at No. 83 on the Hot 100 and becoming Ruby's longest-charting song. Even Top 40 pop radio — a far more traditional platform and not historically overly welcoming of Korean-language material — embraced the celebratory anthem, as 'Like JENNIE' spent 11 weeks on the Pop Airplay chart and even outpeaked Ruby's all-English lead single, 'Mantra.' At the halfway point of 2025, 'Like JENNIE' speaks volumes, showing that Jennie Kim cannot only serve a self-celebratory anthem for the masses but also flip all expectations of what constitutes a K-pop hit today. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
Los Angeles Times
7 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Jin of BTS gives a master class in fan connection at Honda Center
Attending a BTS member's solo show is probably the best way to understand the power of the group beyond Western conceptions of boy bands and the limitations of the K-pop idol system. Jin, the eldest member of the group, has become the third bandmate to solo headline a world tour with his #RUNSEOKJIN_EP. Tour, which brought him to Anaheim's Honda Center on Thursday and Friday night. At the outset of the septet's 2022 break, Jin was on a time crunch. South Korea had raised the mandatory age of military enlistment from 28 to 30 years old (with legislation nicknamed the BTS law), and it was his time to go. Without time for a bigger project before heading off, he debuted the soaring single 'The Astronaut,' co-written by his favorite band, Coldplay, and paired with a nostalgia-tinged sci-fi music video. After he was discharged from the military in June of last year, he got straight to work releasing the upbeat pop-rock EP 'Happy,' followed six months later by his latest release, 'Echo,' which veered in a more indie direction. Much of the songs on the tour's 18-song set list come from both of these releases, sprinkled with a few of his earlier stand-alone singles. On Thursday's show, the over-18,000-capacity arena appeared nearly sold out, so far proving the group's famous fandom will show up for each member. Jin's particular brand of quirky, humorous and suave energy was on full display at both shows, drawing out an element of the group's alchemy that helps explain its broad appeal and devoted fans, while also showing how the group is a world unto itself. Perhaps more than any other BTS member, Jin seems to want to deliver to existing fans rather than reaching for more. The tour is designed as an exclusive love letter to the fandom with nearly every element of its design. Jin is especially skilled at merging elements of his personality and interests into an integrated intellectual property that transcends visuals, merchandising and format while remaining firmly in on the joke, as well as sincere and engaging. The name of the tour references his solo variety show called 'Run Seokjin,' which itself is an iteration of the group's variety show, 'Run BTS.' (Seok-jin is his birth name.) It provides a framework for the structure of the concert, as classic Korean variety-show elements are employed during the nearly two-hour-long set list. Preshow, concertgoers could be found in either official or fan-made merch with a dizzying array of references to either the artist's music, aspects of his personality or both. A cute alien figure, the character created for the space-themed 'The Astronaut,' graced headbands, while tuna hats and various fishing-related outfits nodded to the viral 'Super Tuna,' an EDM-meets-trot love anthem to a tuna fish and his love for fishing in general. There are even a few ramen-themed outfits, as he is now the face of a famous Korean ramen brand that coincidentally shares his name. A known gamer (some fans could also be seen in 'Super Mario' costumes), he began the show sauntering onstage in silence only to slam on a game-show buzzer that launched both a blast of confetti and the first strains of 'Running Wild,' the all-English-language pop-rock lead track off of 'Happy.' Within BTS' vocal line, Jin's ability to hit clear, clean high notes added to the group's reputation for songs in a high register, with the lower tenor work picked up by bandmates V and Jungkook. 'Running Wild,' however, begins with a beautifully low resonant tone that Jin has been able to explore more on his solo efforts. Throughout the show, he was anchored by guitarist Park Shin-won, bass player Yoo Hyun-wook, drummer Kim Dong-hyun, and keytar/keyboardist Kim Chang-hyun, all veteran players in the Korean music industry. But for the first half of the show, the band remained obscured by screens as the focus was on Jin, who cuts an almost young Elvis-like figure with his famously swoon-worthy good looks. In a later rock segment of the set, the band took on more visible prominence but remained as supportive figures. Clad in a glittery Gucci jean suit (he is a brand ambassador), Jin then exuberantly launched 'I'll Be There for You,' an uptempo rockabilly-tinged pop song with a sing-a-long chorus, a style that seems to be his rock 'n' roll safe space. The orchestrated madcap structure takes hold when backed by a running instrumental. Relatively early in the show, he announced that a short break was in order. A giant clock appeared, counting down the minute and a half onstage while he sipped water, vibed with his band and exchanged 'woofs' with the crowd. He transitioned into the lushly melancholy 'With the Clouds' off of 'Echo' — an interesting track with a cool 'backpedal' transition that highlights his softer midrange tone. But before the audience members got too deep in their feelings, at its conclusion, he offered them his best Zoolander stare and blew kisses — which they loudly ate up. 'Every show is a challenge,' he said in English, referring to the game-show format, 'And you and I have to do it together,' making it clear participation was expected going forward. He was not joking. He read out the rules for what was essentially an arena-scale game of charades between him and the audience, in which his number of wins determined which costume he donned for the next act. 'I have nine seconds to change my clothes, so be good and talk to the person next to you,' he quipped, leaving the stage with a countdown clock, popping up dutifully on time in a large fishing hat and boots. After the insanely campy 'Super Tuna,' he spun a 'Price Is Right'-style wheel to determine what song the audience will karaoke to as he changes again. The audience chose 'Anpanman,' a punchy BTS classic that played with lyrics as hilarious Y2K low-fi graphics of him singing bumps on the screen. Upon his return, clad in black, he accompanied himself on the longing ballad 'I Will Return to You' and transitions into 'Abyss.' Credited as a songwriter on almost all of his solo songs, 'Abyss,' a single released in 2020, delves into especially early feelings of self-doubt that are jarringly in contrast with his later confident demeanor. Both songs were not accompanied by subtitles, allowing the listener to focus on the particular beauty and comfort he embodies while singing in Korean and further underlining a focus on the fandom. After the fan chants of 'Kim Seokjin' died down, he switched back to rock mode with the gorgeous 'The Background.' Whether or not he has experienced real-life heartbreak is unknown — BTS members keep their lives private — but he makes you believe he has: 'Even if I call you / It echoes back and hurts me again / Even waiting / I try to convince myself it's love.' The campiness wasn't completely over as he thrilled fans again with 'Rope It,' a quirky, pop-country ditty where he gamely hip-swiveled and hat-tilted, channeling his inner Clint Black. A medley of BTS hits including 'Dynamite' and 'Butter' followed, where he danced a bit. Sexy frontman, variety-show host, rock star, comedian, he was everything for every fan. With all of its wacky charm and big confetti budget, the show remained remarkably minimalist; no fancy choreography or set pieces. Jin is comfortable onstage and at his most charming when going off script and speaking freely to the audience in Korean through a translator. It will be interesting to see where he takes his incredible vocal prowess as a solo performer in years to come — it's exciting to think of the possibilities of even a harder-edged sound or a full country album. But as the show slowly wound down, and after one last talk with the crowd, amid his trio of encore songs, perhaps lies the most compelling version of him. 'Epiphany,' off the 2018 BTS album 'Love Yourself: Answer,' offers both a sonic and mental self-actualization that has as he has transitioned from his 20s into his 30s: 'The real myself inside the smiling mask / I reveal it entirely / I'm the one I should love in this world / shining me, precious soul of mine.'
