A New Kind of Superhero

In an interview done in collaboration with KOHAI, HOHYUN considers why he’s drawn to superheroes and how a determination to succeed has fueled him since he was a teenager.

Profiles in Music

CSR Is Still Worth Believing In

After two years, the beloved girl group returns with a new digital single. The members admit they’re nervous but, as their leader DUNA explains, ​“More than anything, I really want to hear MAEUM’s fan chants again after so long.”

Profiles in Music

WEST OF EDEN’s keanu.’s Near-Miss Record

From Seattle, an inside look at the making of keanu.’s third album blush., and why it was almost never released at all. 

Profiles in Music

A.C.E’s LEE JI HAM Doesn’t Believe In Limiting Himself

Following the release of his debut EP Love before Me, A.C.E’s LEE JI HAM explains why he decided to challenge himself to reveal “the emotions I buried deep inside” through music.

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 THE HUTAZONE

In his first major profile interview, BTOB’s LEE MINHYUK considers what makes him such a dynamic idol. ​“HUTA reflects the kind of artist I admire and aspire to be. My performances are filled with explosive energy,” he says in this new interview.

In-depth profiles about leading independent Asian musicians.

the roookies

A person with dark hair is performing on stage, holding a microphone and wearing a guitar strap across their shoulder. The image has a motion blur effect with streaks of red and purple light against a black background.

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.

Four young adults standing together outdoors with a scenic hilly landscape in the background, dressed casually.

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.

Young woman with long black hair wearing a white tank top and jewelry, leaning against a pastel blue window with textured glass panels.

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.”

THE MAD SCIENTIST

Hikaru Utada’s Science Fiction retrospective,

reviewed.

Profiles in Music

The Blueprint of Crystal Kay

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

A woman with short blonde hair looking down, sitting outdoors near a pool with empty bleachers in the background, during sunset.

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.

Young woman with long dark hair wearing a yellow sweatshirt, smiling, and holding up a peace sign in front of a mirror.

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….

Growing Older with Jay B and Jinyoung’s JJ Project
Michael H Michael H

Growing Older with Jay B and Jinyoung’s JJ Project

In celebration of Jay B’s first European tour, I’m writing about some of his best eras. This week we are revisiting JJ Project, a unique group with GOT7’s Jinyoung that explored the concept of youth — and growing older.

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The Courage of OMEGA X
Michael H Michael H

The Courage of OMEGA X

The eleven members of OMEGA X detailed devastating claims of abuse at a press conference on Wednesday. They hope their story will inspire others to act.

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BoA in Japan: Breakthrough
Michael H Michael H

BoA in Japan: Breakthrough

In the second installment of my “BoA in Japan” series, BoA makes history by hitting number one on the Japanese Oricon charts. But she struggles to adapt to life as a celebrity.

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INTERVIEW: XENZU is an Alien Superstar
Michael H Michael H

INTERVIEW: XENZU is an Alien Superstar

Dripping with Beijing glamour and armed with a sickening EP, XENZU is one of the most exciting artists to emerge in pop music. But she’s ready to take over the world.

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