JACOB’s debut album is independently released and self-created. In a new interview, he reflects on why it was important to have creative control and why he refuses to limit himself.
Profiles in Music
How HEART OF WOMAN Scored a Huge Debut
The girl group debuted in May in a highly unusual way: with a full album. Now, the members recount their road to debut and why their success still surprises them.
Profiles in Music
The singer returns with an EP geared towards summer and a sizzling set at WATERBOMB. But 15 years into his career, he’s more determined than ever to be the best at his craft.
Listening Booth
On Rated R, from20 Leans Into the Gossip
‘Rated R’, the singer’s newest album, follows his breakthrough single “Eye Candy”, and is filled with scandalous disclosures.
Profiles in Music
EJEAN’s Balancing Act
Ahead of a headlining tour, the musician reflects on how letting go of shame and charting their own path led to their debut EP, Meant Love.
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
SIHYEON’s Hidden Charms
In her first solo interview, SIHYEON reflects on CSR’s first comeback in two years and why she wants to share a new side of herself with fans this year.
Profiles in Music
With “Stagefright”, 8TURN Make a Sharp Turn
8TURN has staged an artistic evolution since the release of “ELECTRIC HEART” last summer. Now, for the first time, the members reflect on why this change feels so natural and so important to their growth.
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.
A Bittersweet Farewell to ZEROBASEONE
From Seoul, the popular boy group hold a final encore concert and say goodbye as the group splits in half.
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….
Woojin Is Still Dreaming
Woojin’s Still Dream tour opens this week. Learn about the story that inspired it.
Jay B Wants to Become the Wind
In one year, Jay B worked to secure the rights to GOT7 ‘s trademark name and released three unique bodies of work. Now he prefers to be in nature.
DKB Brings the Heat to ATL’s Center stage
DKB reminds us why sometimes the best concerts can occur in hot concert halls.
The Year We Were “Jopping”: The Wild Story of SuperM
In 2019, SuperM was hailed as “The Avengers of K-Pop” but their debut single “Jopping” suggested something far from the mainstream.
The Reverse Engineered Success of Eric Nam
Ten years ago, Eric Nam traveled to South Korea for a shot at making it in music. But to find himself, he had to return home. This year, he released an album that declares a pop-star fully in control of his future.
How “FEVER EPILOGUE” Made ATEEZ a Force to be Reckoned With
Six months after competing on Kingdom, ATEEZ released an album that showed their interior world and spoke honestly about mental health.
What (G)I-DLE’s “TOMBOY” Tells Us About K-Pop’s Globalization
(G)I-DLE’s hit single “TOMBOY” represents a unique crossroads the K-Pop industry finds itself in as it races towards global domination.
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.