Bite Review: Pentagon’s “Coward” Returns to Classic Songwriting and Storytelling

A Pentagon single in 2026 feels like no small feat. With seven active members at different agencies and busy solo schedules, Pentagon had not released group music since 2023. Kino took a pivotal role in releasing “Coward” for Pentagon’s tenth anniversary, co-writing, producing and distributing the song through his company. “Coward” addresses Pentagon’s challenges of returning after a three-year absence, using classic K-pop songwriting to tell a vulnerable story about confronting their fears. In a K-pop landscape filled with two-minute songs that repeat hooks for TikTok virality, “Coward” feels both nostalgic and refreshing. It embraces the slow build of melody and dynamics that has been dying out in recent title tracks. The track follows a traditional K-pop structure, with a slower vocal verse rising to a rap verse before ascending in the pre-chorus. The chorus brings a warm burst of energy, particularly through Hui’s bright, slightly husky tenor. The bridge provides an emotional peak, with Jinho and Hui harmonizing in soaring notes, followed by an energetic dance break and triumphant final chorus. The song is not only satisfying because it feels fully developed, but also because i...