Profiles in Music
Meet WAKER, the K-pop Group Given a Second Shot at Success
Before joining the team, many of the group’s members had given up on their dream of becoming an idol. Now promoting their third album, the members look back at the long road to debuting as WAKER.
Profiles in Music
8TURN Wants You To Find Your Power
The members of 8TURN reflect on their new single and what “bruises” they’ve had to accept about themselves.
Q&A
In a new interview done in collaboration with KOHAI, the singer-songwriter considers why he’s drawn to superheroes and how a determination to succeed has fueled him since he was a teenager.
Listening Booth
On ‘TYPHOON,’ Luke Chiang Knows Good Things Take Time
The singer’s debut album comes nearly six years after a health issue nearly torpedoed his career. It’s worth the wait.
Profiles in Music
In K-pop, Few Groups Shatter Stereotypes Like 1VERSE
The boy group has become one of fifth gen’s most promising rookie groups without changing much about themselves. With their new single “WABIF” and an upcoming world tour, 1VERSE is proving that idols can be remarkably relatable, too.
In-depth profiles about leading independent Asian musicians.
the roookies
Minh Is Just Beginning to Find His Potential
For the past four months, Minh’s music has made gains on streaming services. In his first interview, he reflects on his new EP’s momentum and why he became a self-made musician.
Meet West of Eden, A Giant Group Much Larger Than It’s Four Artists
The Seattle-based group succeeds because of their strong friendship and an extremely creative team of designers, producers, videographers, photographers and artists.
Yel Is Turning Her Best Memories Into Works of Art
The California-based singer-songwriter makes dreamy, romantic music that is becoming a smash hit on streaming services.
Profiles in Music
KANG YUCHAN and from20 Enter a New Era With WAY BETTER
When KANG YUCHAN joined HELLO GLOOM and from20’s company WAY BETTER, the friends saw a possibility to chart a new path for idols. “Maybe,” from20 theorizes, “we could flip the whole culture.”
Hikaru Utada’s Science Fiction retrospective, reviewed
Profiles in Music
After more than 25 years in the industry, Crystal Kay is regarded as a pioneer of J-R&B and J-Pop. Now, about to embark on her first North American tour, she is just beginning to grapple with the meaning of her legacy.
Essays from the frontlines of K-Pop and beyond.
critically speaking
From Rain to Kai, San and from20: How Male Sexuality Has Evolved in K-Pop
A new generation of male idols are embracing a fluid view of sexuality. It’s a major course correction from years’ past.
With ‘One in a Million’, The Women of TWICE Finally Share Their Stories
In a revealing new documentary, the members share why a decade of TWICE was never guaranteed.
BoA in Japan: Soft Powers and Teenage Dreams
In 2001, BoA was the first of her kind: a K-Pop star landing number one’s in Japan. Her success transformed K-Pop into a global super power.
Essential reading from the API music scene
and all the rest….
GOT7 Return For Their Encore
When GOT7 left JYPE in 2020, many fans believed they would disband. But then something extraordinary happened: GOT7 not only stayed together, but released a new album that assures us they are here to stay.
What Makes Jackson Wang a Magic Man?
A mental health breakdown almost stopped Jackson Wang from creating. Then he found the power in sharing his story.
The Continued Resurgence of Brave Girls
One year after Brave Girls experienced a career breakthrough, they are back as the underdog on QUEENDOM 2. Can they make lightening strike twice?
“Every moment was special”: BZ Boys reflect on their first tour
In this exclusive interview, BZ Boys look back on their first tour and what it was like to finally meet fans in person.
EXO’S Suho is on a Quest to Reclaim Time
The leader of EXO returns with an album that looks back at the year and nine months lost during a military service.
BZ Boys are touring North America and you should give them a chance
The tender story of BZ Boys and why you should support their North American tour.
How B.I. Transformed His Pain Into Poetry
Two years after B.I.’s world was turned upside down, he returned with an album of hope and resilience. Revisit “Waterfall” as we near the album’s one year anniversary.
The Surrealism of Red Velvet
A closer look at the art historical references and strange beauty found in Red Velvet’s newest video “Feel My Rhythm”.
Lee Know Holds the Drill: The Viral Moment of Stray Kids
Stray Kids debuted at number 1 on Billboard this week, but member Lee Know is also having one of his most successful eras. It all comes down to a drill.
The Portrait That Inspired IU’s “Red Queen”
In celebration of what would be Sulli’s 28th birthday, we’re revisiting the story of a mysterious portrait that inspired IU’s single “Red Queen”.
“It Was Supposed To Be Major”: The Story of SHINee’s “View”
The story of how an inspiring letter from a listener of Jonghyun’s Blue Night radio gave SHINee their biggest hit — and control of their careers.
Highlight is still here - and that is important.
Highlight’s new album DAYDREAM reminds us of why they deserve to be celebrated for thriving in K-Pop.