Can JUSTB Change K-Pop?
When BAIN came out as gay onstage in LA in April, JUSTB’s members found themselves with something they’d never received before: Industry attention. But is the K-Pop industry ready to accept a group as outspoken as this one?
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.
Hikaru Utada’s Science Fiction retrospective, reviewed
As one of the only Black idols in K-Pop, BLACKSWAN’s NVee sees the group as revolutionary. But she’s only recently considered the power of her own story. Now, she is ready to share it.
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.
NewJeans Was the Future of K-Pop. Can KATSEYE Revolutionize That Vision?
A year ago, HYBE’s flagship girl group NewJeans declared war on the company. Now, a new girl group is looking to conceptualize HYBE’s vision for K-Pop without the “K”.
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….
Golden Child Burn the Stage in ATL
Golcha visit ATL for the first time with their Meet & Live tour.
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.