Song Review: Kim Nam Joo (Apink) – Bad

Apink’s Kim Nam Joo made her solo debut in 2020 but hasn’t released new material since then. Sticking with the monosyllabic b-word pattern of past track Bird, she’s returned with new single Bad. It’s a mix of blazing potential and crushing frustration.

When it comes to girl group material this year, there’s been a persistent trend of spoken-word, catchphrase choruses that upend an otherwise solid track. Such is the case with Bad. The song comes out of the gate swinging. The instrumental’s punchy, brass-powered energy is complimented by a robust vocal performance from Nam Joo. She brings plenty of drama to both the percussive verse and gentler pre-chorus.

From here, Bad swerves into a spoken word hook that sacrifices much of the excitement built from the verses. It’s not the worst iteration of this approach, but it feels like a missed opportunity. I’ve been hoping for a return to the bombastic brassiness that characterized K-pop’s 2014-15 girl group era, and Bad feels like an appetizer for that oeuvre. The problem is, some of us are ready for the full meal!

Hooks 7 Production 8 Longevity 8 Bias 8 RATING 7.75

Grade: C+

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