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
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
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
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.
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.”
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
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.
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….
B.I. Swings Hard For Greatness on “TO DIE FOR”
B.I. returns with his boldest work yet, mixing R&B, hip-hop and pop together for one of the wildest rides of the year.
Indie Wonderkid adore Releases New Single “Antics”
adore’s new single explores the end of a relationship and reminds us why he’s one of the most talented, undiscovered artists working in Korea.
It’s Jae Fontane’s Time
19-year-old Minnesota musician Jae Fontane deferred college to chase his dream. Armed with his mentors’ and fans’ support, he’s betting that he will succeed.
Keydom and Shoku Collaborate For the First Time on “MORE TIME”
The two musicians, who are part of the independent music collective EXPOSITION, dropped their new single “MORE TIME” today.
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.
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.