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….
Amber Liu Announces “No More Sad Songs” 2024 Tour
Amber Liu’s tour is her first in North America in nearly three years and supports new music.
On “I’VE MINE”, IVE Invite Us Into Their World
IVE experiment with new sounds and reveal, just slightly, a more authentic side of themselves.
Does North American Success Matter For TOMORROW X TOGETHER?
After two big attempts for North American success with mixed results, TOMORROW X TOGETHER move to new career heights.
“WHO’S NEXT” Proves BNZA is MVP
The single is BNZA’s third this year, and accelerates his moves as one of the best rising musicians in Canada.
HOHYUN Wants You to Know You’re Not Alone
HOHYUN was plagued by self-doubt for years. “But I’ve realized when you feel like giving up, it's the most important time to not give up,” he says in this interview.
Townewest’s Bittersweet Summer
On their debut album “before it’s too late”, Townewest want you to relive your best — and worst — summer memories.
Beomhan’s Not Afraid of the Future
In his first interview since becoming an independent artist, the singer reflects on his biggest challenge yet: Believing in himself.
RAIN Announces “THE RAIN 2023 Still Raining” North American Tour
For the first time in sixteen years, the K-Pop superstar will hold two concerts in North America.
Key’s Journey Towards Self-Love on “Good & Great”
On his second mini-album, SHINee’s Key reminds us why he’s one of the best artists working today. Period.
Why G-Dragon’s “COUP D’ETAT” Is a Modern Classic
G-Dragon was not the first Korean to attempt to break into the American music industry, but his effort was the boldest. Ten years later, the album is still a force.
On “Running Off The Track (ROTT)”, Bobo.Xx Finds Freedom in the Pain
Rock star, photographer and trailblazer, Bobo.Xx releases a new single that embraces the mess of it all.
Juju B. Goode Wants to Introduce You to Mr. Lee
Korean singer-songwriter Juju B. Goode dug deep into the sounds of K-Pop’s past and his own history to create a new persona: Mr. Lee
How Milky Day Created His Most Honest Music Yet With “Impulses”
Known for his self-affirming singles, musician and producer Milky Day pushed himself further than ever before on his debut EP “Impulses”. In this exclusive interview, he breaks down how he did it.
BZ-Boys Release Their First Mini-album “OUTLAW”
Once believing it was impossible, BZ-Boys have defied the odds and released their debut mini-album following a successful year of “firsts”.
At KCON Day 1, An Icon and 4th Generation Leaders Take the Stage
Several K-Pop groups made their North American debut at KCON, while Taemin performed for the first time as a soloist.
Jimmy Brown Wants To Talk About Love on His “Like the First Time” Tour
In this exclusive interview, Jimmy Brown talks about his upcoming North American tour and why love is such an important theme in his music.
At KCON Day 2, Past and Present K-Pop Collides
Hosted by MC Rain, Saturday nights’ KCON brought together a new generation of K-Pop with the industry heavyweights.
The Future of K-Pop Was At Lollapalooza
After decades of being ignored, K-Pop took over last weekend’s Lollapalooza with performances that will likely change the trajectory of the genre.
eaJ Announces His First North American Tour
Following the best work of his career with the “insomnia” trilogy, eaJ is headlining his first tour.
DPR IAN Announces New EP “Dear Insanity…” and Lead Single “Peanut Butter & Tears”
Ahead of two major festival performances, DPR IAN returns with “Peanut Butter & Tears”.