Profiles in Music

The Dreams That Shaped ROCKY

On the second anniversary of his solo debut and in his most wide-ranging interview to-date, ROCKY reflects on the most meaningful moments of his career that began with a debut in ASTRO

Profiles in Music

8TURN Knows They’re Stronger Together

In a wide-ranging interview, the members of 8TURN look back at life before they became idols and consider how years of teamwork prepared them for their riskiest comeback yet.

Profiles in Music

ASTRO’s ZOONIZINI (MJ and JINJIN) Still Feel Like Rookies 

MJ and JINJIN of ASTRO’s new subunit ZOONIZINI know that second-chance debuts like this are rare — even more so with your best friend. They’re not taking it for granted.

Listening Booth

Sarah Kang’s Second Act

On her poignant third album and her first since becoming a mother, Sarah Kang considers what makes a life well-lived.

On the Ground

From Houston, A Radical Pop Star Arrives

For his first sold-out performance in Houston, Texas, Fujii Kaze presented himself as a pop star unconcerned with mainstream conventions.

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

On 'RE:BORN’, VIXX’s Ken Takes Flight

For the past ten years, KEN has challenged himself as an actor and musician. On his latest project, he reflects on why he is just now coming into his own.

THE MAD SCIENTIST

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

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.

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.

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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