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
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
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.
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.
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.
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….
Releasing “RECORD OF YOUTH”, GreatGuys Are Grateful To Be Here
In this exclusive interview, GreatGuys reflect on their six years together, their new single “LUV LUV LUV” and their debut.
Griffy’s Heartfelt Pop Songs Are For Everyone
Singer-songwriter Griffy left classical composition school to make pop music. He found his voice a storyteller along the way.
Bobo.Xx Is The First Asian American Rockstar
The transgressive artist created his own path through music and photography. “I wanted to break through the stereotype, and show a different side of Asian Americans,” he says in this exclusive interview.
GreatGuys Celebrate Their Anniversary with “RECORD OF YOUTH”
GreatGuys, an 8 member idol group, return on June 18th with a new mini-album and fresh concept.
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.