Graphics: Andrean Madridejos/INQUIRER.internet
It’s been a month since “KPop Demon Hunters” was launched, but the web nonetheless can’t get sufficient of its gut-wrenching story (a number of fan edits on TikTok are proof), placing animation, and the rivalry between Huntrix (or Huntr/x) and Saja Boys. The quintet could also be irresistible and lovable at first look, however they become soul-sucking demons who serve their menacing grasp, Gwi-Ma.
With 25.8 million views, “KPop Demon Hunters” held the highest spot on Netflix’s English movies rating for the fifth week in a row, whereas it’s within the second spot of Netflix Philippines’ most-watched movies. In the meantime, all of its songs remained on Billboard’s Scorching 100 on the week of July 26 — together with the quintet’s catchy “Soda Pop” and sensual “Your Idol.”
Since “KPop Demon Hunters” continues to be a pattern within the Philippines, many P-pop acts have been becoming a member of within the Saja Boys’ hype on TikTok, with many followers stating their similarities to SB19 — with Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin dancing to “Soda Pop” at a vacationer vacation spot in Taiwan. Different boy teams who additionally danced alongside to the music had been VXON and BGYO.
For those who nonetheless couldn’t get sufficient of “KPop Demon Hunters” and are interested in P-pop, we put collectively an inventory of songs to take a look at, whether or not you’re keen on the cuteness of “Soda Pop” or are obsessive about the soul-sucking and alluring appeal of “Your Idol.”
‘Cuppy Cake’ by AJAA
Cute, catchy, and irresistible, “Cuppy Cake” is a extra healthful tackle “Soda Pop,” which embodies the cute appeal of AJAA’s Ash, JC, Alex, and Axl. The observe is a play on the sweetness of a “cupcake” upon seeing one’s crush or particular somebody, the place a smile or amusing is sufficient to make one’s day.
‘Alab (Burning)’ by SB19
As soon as upon a time, SB19 dabbled in bubblegum pop, and “Alab” was a observe that captured their innocence and simple appeal. The P-pop powerhouse’s present discography could also be leaning extra in the direction of “Your Idol,” however this music was a show of how Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin can showcase energy whereas additionally exuding an aura of cuteness.
‘Hiraya’ by Alamat
With “Hiraya manawari / Ikaw ang bahaghari / Na tanging naglalapat ng kulay sa aking mundo / Hiraya manawari / Agimat ko ang iyong labi” as its most memorable lyrics, “Hiraya” has the infectious and colourful vibe of “Soda Pop.” From the easy use of rhymes within the lyrics to the seamless mixture of cute and attractive, this music can appeal to consideration from any informal listener and switch them into an Alamat fan (or Magiliw) immediately.
‘Amin Amin’ by 6ENSE
If there’s a P-pop music that’s refreshingly and disgustingly cute in true Saja Boys’ a la “Soda Pop” trend, 6ENSE’s debut observe “Amin Amin” matches the invoice. The music showcases the eagerness of Wiji, Axis, Hunter, Ruko, L.A, and Caizer to grab somebody’s coronary heart, though the lyrics are extra healthful and kilig than the fictional boy group’s assured “I’ll get you” type of vibe.
‘Bababa’ by 1621
Laced with the addictive “Bababa ka ba? Bababa ka ba?” within the refrain, “Bababa” is a music that put 1621’s title on the map, because of its catchy lyrics, infectious beat, and the group’s unapologetic cuteness. The observe is certainly heart-fluttering once you take heed to it, however when you watch the boy group’s actions and analyze its lyrics, it follows the Saja Boys’ model of “you’ll love me” a la “Soda Pop.”
‘Lovey Dovey’ by HORI7ON
If there’s a Filipino group that captures the Saja Boys’ debut period in all their magnetic glory, HORI7ON’s “Lovey Dovey” is the proper instance. “Soda Pop” confirmed off the members’ totally different charms (significantly Child Saja’s harmless face and deep voice, and Jinu’s traditional main man appeal), which made them jive collectively as one unit, which was showcased by Vinci, Kim, Kyler, Reyster, Winston, Jeromy, and Marcus on this observe as effectively.
‘Mana’ by SB19
Haunting and highly effective, SB19’s “Mana” shows Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin going full “demon” with their highly effective vocals, growls, and (occasional) evil laughs, which has the same scary but fascinating vibe as “Your Idol.” What makes this music totally different from the Saja Boys’ soul-sucking anthem, nevertheless, is the P-pop powerhouse’s willpower to defeat the monsters that come their approach, significantly in its lyrics “Kakailanganin niyo na ata ng milagro / Sa’kin ay hindi problema / Kung ‘di niyo pa rin nakikita / Tinataglay ko ang biyayang / Hinding-hindi niyo maikakaila.”
‘Sport On’ by BGYO
The lyrics of BGYO’s “Sport On” could also be a stark distinction to Saja Boys’ “Your Idol,” but it surely captures Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate’s mysterious and alluring appeal, whereby they don’t should do an excessive amount of to get their followers’ swooning, but it surely someway sends them right into a titilating delight.
‘Breaking Dangerous’ by VXON
If there’s a P-pop music that mixes the deadly angle and all-out spectacle of “Your Idol” with out attempting too laborious, VXON’s “Breaking Dangerous” is the P-pop music that checks all containers. The lyrics, significantly “It’s getting hotter now / Kailangan lang walang iba kung ‘di ikaw / I simply can’t resist temptation now / I’m breaking dangerous,” and the hypnotizing efficiency is a soul-stealing delight; any listener gained’t assume twice about surrendering to them.
‘Ghost’ by NEW:ID
“Ghost” is the debut observe of NEW:ID — composed of Wilson, Macky, L, Thad, and Jom — which showcases the highly effective vocals and heart-pounding performances as a glimpse of what they’ll supply as a bunch. Whereas taking up a horror idea is a big gamble for a debut, there have been no indicators of awkwardness within the quintet, as they even embraced it fully.
‘Drawback Youngster’ by 1ST ONE
If there’s a P-pop boy group who showcases the totally different sides of a darkish and highly effective idea, 1ST ONE is the proper instance. “Drawback Youngster” is the group’s assured declaration of being the “villain one retains working and preventing for all times,” whereas slowly teasing the listener into getting into their darkish world à la “Your Idol.”
‘Aswang’ by Alamat
With “Sipsipin mo ang aking dugo’t buto’t laman / Gamit ang mabalasik mong dila hanggang sa manghina / Ang katawan ko at puso, mula paa hanggang ulo / Pag-ibig ko sa’yo’y kailanman di guguho” as its most squeal-worthy lyrics, Alamat’s “Aswang” is darkish and engaging, being one of many songs that captures “Your Idol’s” vibe completely effectively. The music reveals off the boy group’s potential to make use of music and dance as a option to reel listeners into their spell, whereas holding a component of thriller on the identical time. /cb
