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The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

TWICE members pose in elaborate white outfits against a vivid fuschia and orange background.

‘With YOU-th’ attracts with electric dynamism

TWICE’s energetic 13th EP succeeds despite its regression to conventionality
Isabelle Kok
March 6, 2024
Idols are debuting in the K-pop industry at as young as 13 years old, causing controversy among fans and critics alike. Photo Illustration | Ellie Wang

Minor concerns

Minors debuting in K-pop raise concerns among MVHS community
Jillian Ju and Ellie Wang
January 23, 2024
The album cover for “BORNPINK” has simple white background with pink fangs. This showcases the duality of the group with the contrast of the color pink and the fangs

“BORNPINK” merges the old with the new

Blackpink’s second studio album diverges from prior releases yet still maintains Blackpink’s essence
Pranati Kotamraju
September 30, 2022
Diving into stan culture

Diving into stan culture

Investigating student perspectives on the K-Pop fan community
Lance Tong and Lillian Wang
April 27, 2022
Released on the first day of spring, Red Velvet’s newest EP offers the perfect bright songs to start off the spring season.

“Feel My Rhythm” is a spring gem

Red Velvet’s new mini album combines sugary bops with dreamy vocals
Aashna Patel and Angela Zhang
March 24, 2022
X1 was the other group impacted by immediately disbanded after the confirmation of rigged voting in "Produce X 101." Visual by Priscilla Cho

Is ‘Girls Planet 999’ rigged or reality?

Unpacking controversies surrounding Korean idol survival shows
Angela Zhang and Priscilla Cho
September 18, 2021
Stray Kids’ newest comeback “NOEASY” is an amazing display of their growth

Stray Kids’ newest comeback “NOEASY” is an amazing display of their growth

New album reaffirms Stray Kids’ unique musical style and versatility.
April Wang, Staff Writer
September 17, 2021
The popularity of K-pop and J-pop is increasing worldwide | Photo courtesy of Creative Commons license

Fans of K-pop and J-pop share their passion for music

How MVHS students became interested in the two popular genres
Minjae Kang
December 20, 2020
The members of MONSTA X — Shownu, Kihyun, Joohoney, Minhyuk, I.M. and Hyungwon (from left to right) — pose for a teaser for the MV of "Love Killa."

Diving into MONSTA X’s third studio album: ‘Fatal Love’

MONSTA X delivers a solid album that explores new genres while retaining its unique style, but struggles to differentiate itself from previous works
Tyler Cho
November 7, 2020
"Lovesick Girls," the title track of Blackpink's "The Album," evokes feelings of 2010s pop nostalgia.

Blackpink’s ‘The Album’ shows stagnant artistic creativity

K-pop girl group Blackpink’s first full length album fails to present musical growth despite being flavorful
Annie Zhang
October 6, 2020
ILLUSTRATION | TYLER CHO AND SHRESHTA RANGANATHAN

K-pop’s cultural appropriation issue

Students and alumni weigh in on problematic racial representation within the Korean music industry
Tyler Cho and Irene Tang
September 19, 2020
Goo Hara (left) and Sulli (right) pose for a selfie together back in 2017.

Why Western media’s representation of K-pop is unfair

Unraveling how the media chooses to report on issues going on in the industry
Leanna Sun
March 13, 2020
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