On a whim, and at the endorsement of my best K-pop friend, I decided to buy a ticket to see Omega X in Cleveland.
Was the venue insanely small? Yes. Is Cleveland a ridiculously random city for a K-pop act to go? Absolutely. But I wasn’t going to question a good thing. Then, a few days after purchasing a decently close floor seat, I finally delved into Omega X’s discography. Now, compared to the other groups I’ve been spending the year with, their discography is considerably smaller. But, upon further research, completely understandable. Firstly, I thought it was really cool to learn that all ELEVEN members of Omega X came from previously disbanded K-pop groups. So seeing that a lot of the members were in their late twenties became less of a surprise once I learned that. The only labeled member they have is their leader and eldest member, Jaehan. Everyone else, Jaehan included, seem to be a jack of all trades, as far as K-pop positions and skills go. That’s a huge asset!
What was even more shocking to learn that after getting together in 2021, they suffered abuse at the hands of their previous company Spire Entertainment, before filing for a copyright of their name and a lawsuit against the company which they thankfully won in 2023. Since signing onto their new label, they seem to have been thriving, though I’d like to think they at least found comfort in each other during those traumatic years with Spire. The only thing I’ll poo-poo this new company is for getting their US tour canceled. Meaning, the whim I acted on is for nothing! But in all honesty, it was about time I fell hard for another K-pop group, and I’m glad it’s for the up and coming and insanely talented Omega X.
So far in their short time together they’ve released one full-length album, three Korean EPs, two Japanese EPs, one single album, and a soundtrack for the KBL series A Shoulder to Cry On that Jaehan and maknae, Yechan acted in. The cadence with which K-pop bands release music is still insane to me, so I can’t be mad at all of the things that Omega X have already put out. Their full-length album, Story Written in Music, is actually really solid given it’s thirteen tracks. There are considerably more slow songs than I have been used to from the other groups I’ve spent time with, but they are good at them. I think that’s because everyone has really great vocals. A lot of the members can rap, but I wouldn’t consider any of them as strong as the other groups I’ve listened to. Still great, though. “Play Dumb” was the lead single off this album and at first it sounded a little to fluffy and poppy for me, but I love it deeply. Other incredible songs off the album include “Venus” and “Airplane.”
All of the EPs have been amazing. Their first EP, Vamos, including their debut song of the same name, is so strong. I mean, how many bands can rock a song named after themselves? Omega X can and it slaps. Love Me Like includes an infectious title track of the same name that is both sexy and intense and possibly their most popular song out there. “Action” is another terrific song off of that EP. Just as amazing as these other two EPs is their most recent one released in late 2023, IYKYK, where all five tracks are slam dunks. “Junk Food” might possibly be one of the best songs I have ever heard. On the opposite end of the spectrum, “Hey!” is the most unlikely song I’ve fallen in love with almost instantly. Even their two-song single album is a win-win. I’ve only not spent time with their two Japanese releases, but I’m confident they are just as good.
All in all, Omega X are another group of goofy guys with insane talent and endless charm and charisma. I knew even just after three days that I will never not be a fan, and I hope they can stick it out for the long haul even in the wake of mandatory military service. I suppose that’s a benefit of having so many members. They could expertly stagger their service and not miss a beat. So I really hope that’s what they do! I also really hope that a tour happens in the US near me next year. I will buy a ticket in a heartbeat.