Six young men, justb, dressed in colorful racing and streetwear jackets pose among car engines and tires in a dimly lit industrial setting.

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?

Six male performers, 82major, on stage wearing red shirts and black pants, with one holding a microphone, performing behind black curtains with stage lighting.

Concert Review

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.

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.

THE MAD SCIENTIST

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

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.

Six women sitting on a couch in a dimly lit room with a red wall, a mirror, and a plant in the background. They are dressed in trendy, edgy clothing with various accessories.

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”.

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

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The Trials and Bravery of LOONA
Michael H Michael H

The Trials and Bravery of LOONA

In June, LOONA announced their first world tour. Five months later their most popular member would be kicked out and nine members would file to terminate their contracts. What happened?

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