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 his first U.S. tour as a soloist, ONEW chose to meet fans with a surprisingly intimate, stripped back concert.
the rookies
In-depth profiles about leading independent Asian musicians.
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.
On “Mediocre At Best”, Pluto Koi Is Packing Up His Insecurities
Pluto Koi used to be known as a hopeless romantic. Now he wants you a more complex version of himself.
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
Bouncing back after a challenging year, keshi gave a ferocious performance that jolted life back into his second album Requiem.
critically speaking
Essays from the frontlines of K-Pop and beyond.
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
infinite scroll
Roman Kayz Found His Voice. He Wants To Tell You About It.
As one of the most talented singer-songwriters to emerge in music, Roman Kayz experimented to find his sound. A musical trilogy allowed him to make his most authentic work to date.
Jimmy Brown Announces “Like The First Time: North American Tour”
As K-R&B’s popularity surges in North America, Jimmy Brown has announced a headlining tour with close friend and collaborator Rovv.
Why Milky Day Could Be The Next Big Thing in Music
Rising star Milky Day has been creating music from his bedroom for years. But he’s on the verge of a breakthrough.
Why XG Is a New Kind of Global Girl Group
As K-Pop expands, new groups are emerging that feature members of several different identities. XG, a seven member girl group from Japan, is leading the charge.
On “ICKY”, KARD Refuse to Be Conventional
A co-ed K-Pop group shouldn’t be unusual in K-Pop. But KARD are breaking boundaries with their new mini-album “ICKY”.
Semmi Wants His Music to Heal You
Korean American Semmi hasn’t even debuted yet. But he has a hell of a story to share behind his first single “RIP”.
MUSTB’s Next Chapter Begins with “ROYALTY”
MUSTB discussed their new single “ROYALTY” and why this is a new chapter for the group.
melatonin boy’s Playlist of Reckless Youth
Quick-witted, self-assured, and entirely self-made, melatonin boy is confident about the artist he’s becoming. But first, he wants to tell you about his past.
Gifted Their Trademark, INFINITE Now Has Artistic Freedom
Reunited for the first time in four years, INFINITE has something they’ve long craved: Complete control over their careers.
In Her New Music, DEVYN Is Finally Embracing Her Most “Authentic Self”
Korean-American artist DEVYN spent years being a muse for others ideas. Now she is fully in control of her voice and artistic identity.
Inside a Rapidly Shifting K-Pop Landscape, aespa Welcomes Us To Their World
When they debuted, aespa was known for concepts that pushed K-Pop to its limits. Now on the heels of several daring singles, the group has turned inward.
On His New EP, Korean Singer-Songwriter adore (아도레) Embraces The Sunlight
adore might be an independent artist, but that has never tempered his ambitions to release heartfelt, gorgeous music.
CHUNG HA Recorded “Bare&Rare, Pt. 2”. Will It Be Released?
K-Pop soloist Chungha planned to release “Bare&Rare”, a two-part album, in 2022. But plans stalled after the release of Part 1. Now she’s left her company.
The Unexpected Catharsis of TOMORROW X TOGETHER’S Japanese Releases
Though they’re popular for their Korean releases, TOMORROW X TOGETHER’S hidden gems lie in the emotional complexity of their Japanese discography.
JUSTIN TRASH is the First Anti-K-Pop Star
The industry’s doors weren’t opening for artists like CLUB BOYBND’s JUSTIN TRASH. He’s kicking them down anyway.
Can CRAXY Escape “NUGUDOM”?
CRAXY’s new single “NUGUDOM” critiques an industry and fandoms that rewards the richest companies. But can they break free of the label?
Headlining His First Concert and Poised for a Breakthrough: Meet BNZA
Flying under the radar for years, Toronto’s BNZA is on the edge of mainstream success. “I want this work to be a little beacon of confidence for the next generation,” he says in this exclusive interview.
Want to hear the future of Atlanta’s KHip-Hop Scene? Listen to OSIX.
OSIX is an up-and-coming rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. Together with VISION MUSIC, he is shifting the sound of the South’s KHip-Hop scene.
Singer-Songwriter ABOUT Once Felt He Was Cursed. Now He Sees His Potential.
ABOUT is an indie darling who’s spent over a decade recording music that describes his pain. “I always say that my music is cry together music,” he says in this exclusive interivew.
Making Way for Kwon Ji-Yong
Six years ago BIGBANG’s G-Dragon released his last EP “KWON JI-YONG” and with each year it’s meaning of reclaiming the rapper’s personhood has only grown.