Seventeen’s Hoshi could also be away from the business serving his necessary navy enlistment, however that doesn’t cease music from being launched. New single Child, Honey (아기자기) shock drops on a Saturday, which is kind of uncommon for Ok-pop. Possibly extra plugged-in Hoshi followers than I can clarify if there’s particular significance to the date March 14th. In any other case, this feels fairly random.

As a reminder that Hoshi nonetheless exists throughout his hiatus, Child, Honey is… simply that. It very a lot appears like a placeholder — the type of innocuous fan service that always comes together with unpromoted releases. Its existence alone will doubtless draw smiles from supporters, however even they could battle to seek out far more to seize onto. Child, Honey locations delicate, ethereal melodies over a plonky beat, repeats its refrain just a few instances and calls it a day. Calling it “slight” would truly be an understatement. Hoshi is as amiable a presence as ever, however I a lot choose seeing him because the fierce, charismatic performer than the sappy loverboy.

Grade: C-