People seem to like the new 2NE1 but to me it sounds like what a lot of good K-pop has managed to avoid -- watery imitations of US- and Brit- and Europop. Not sure why, but nothing is sticking from it.

So far my belated listen to IU's wax museum of neo-bachelor pad has been kind of fun. Will need to check out new After School who almost made my top ten last time around (went with Orange Caramel, whose album I listened to more).