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

Isabelle Kok • March 6, 2024

K-pop girl group TWICE released its 13th mini-album “With YOU-th” on Feb. 23. Out of the six EP tracks, the album opener song “I GOT YOU” was also pre-released separately three weeks earlier.  After...

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

Jillian Ju and Ellie Wang • January 23, 2024

Even through the screen of her phone, junior Lotus Wu could see the passion and commitment put into the idols’ performances. Ever since sixth grade, Wu has been captivated by their energy and the way...

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

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

Diving into stan culture

Lance Tong and Lillian Wang • April 27, 2022
Investigating student perspectives on the K-Pop fan community
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

Aashna Patel and Angela Zhang • March 24, 2022

On March 21, Korean pop girl group Red Velvet released its 9th EP titled “The ReVe Festival 2022: Feel My Rhythm” as an extension of the three-part, carnival-themed “The ReVe Festival” series it...

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?

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

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

April Wang, Staff Writer • September 17, 2021
New album reaffirms Stray Kids’ unique musical style and versatility.
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

Minjae Kang • December 20, 2020
How MVHS students became interested in the two popular genres
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’

Tyler Cho • November 8, 2020
MONSTA X delivers a solid album that explores new genres while retaining its unique style, but struggles to differentiate itself from previous works
"Lovesick Girls," the title track of Blackpink's "The Album," evokes feelings of 2010s pop nostalgia.

Blackpink’s ‘The Album’ shows stagnant artistic creativity

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

K-pop’s cultural appropriation issue

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

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

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