JoySauce Radio: Keeping up with K-pop
There's been a ton of new releases in the world of K-pop recently; here are some of our faves!
From left, cover art for “Almond Chocolate” by ILLIT, “HOT” by LE SSERAFIM, and “Wait On Me” by KAI.
Photo illustration by Ryan Quan
Words by Anjana Pawa
JoySauce Radio: Consider JoySauce Radio our own personal song recommendations—from the tunes and videos our writers love to DJ-produced mixes of dance floor bangers—all from Asian and Pacific Islander artists around the world.
Happy April and happy festival season to live music enthusiasts! Asian acts have been taking over festival circuits, gearing up to perform on stages across the world all spring and summer long. Coachella kicked off the season this past month and there were 15 artists of Asian descent who performed, including several K-Pop acts like ENHYPHEN and XG. And if you want to see your favorite K-Pop group this coming year, maybe Lollapalooza or Governor’s Ball is the place to go. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with all the releases splashing out of the Hallyu wave, though. Take this month’s Joysauce Radio is a refresher for what’s currently going on in the world of Korean pop.
“1999” by Mark Lee
As a member of NCT (and its many sub-units, including NCT 127, NCT DREAM, and SuperM), Mark Lee is a true veteran. He’s done several types of genres, performances, and styles, but “1999” feels like the closest we’ve gotten to him authentically. The lyrics are vulnerable and honest, but delivered in the classic Lee cadences. The track feels melancholic, introspective, and warm.
“HOT” by LE SSERAFIM
Since their debut under HYBE in 2022, LE SSERAFIM has always been fearless, whether that’s with exploring new styles, lyrics, or sounds. “HOT” is a playful, quirky, track that is full of confidence and attitude. It has the classic LE SSERAFIM sound, so if you’re already a fan, you’ll love this track. It’s perfect for your Friday night playlist.
“Drip” by BABYMONSTER
YG’s much awaited girl group BABYMONSTER had expectations sky high before they debuted and “Drip” did not let anyone down. The group, which has members from South Korea, Thailand, and Japan, debuted April 2024 and they’ve been unstoppable since. This track shows off the group’s ability to blend gritty beats, fast rhythms, and still carry the unmistakable attitude of a YG artist.
“Almond Chocolate” by ILLIT
From the same label as LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT is the latest girl group to debut under HYBE’s ADOR. But “Almond Chocolate” is proof they’re carving out a sonic identity of their own, laced with their own style. This joyful pop track embodies the vulnerability of young love and the visuals that go along with it are just as sweet.
“Wait On Me” by KAI
With “Wait On Me,” KAI reminds us just how magnetic his energy is. Best known as the main dancer of EXO (and also a key part of SM's supergroup SuperM), KAI’s solo material consistently hits the spot. It’s sensual and vulnerable, but still confident and self-assured. This track, released as part of his third mini-album, Rover, has minimal production, but is still memorable with an earworm hook and vocals that enthrall.
Published on April 29, 2025
Words by Anjana Pawa
Anjana Pawa is a Brooklyn-based culture reporter who regularly covers music, entertainment and beauty. You can find her on Twitter at @apawawrites.
Art by Ryan Quan
Ryan Quan is the Social Media Editor for JoySauce. This queer, half-Chinese, half-Filipino writer and graphic designer loves everything related to music, creative nonfiction, and art. Based in Brooklyn, he spends most of his time dancing to hyperpop and accidentally falling asleep on the subway. Follow him on Instagram at @ryanquans.