Profiles in Music
A.C.E’s JUNHEE’s Next Bold Move
JUNHEE never imagined he’d be a CEO of his own company. But now, with a debut album coming out in September under his own label, the leader is looking back at a wildly successful year. “I think life has a way of leading you down unexpected paths,” he says in this new interview.
Profiles in Music
The Trailblazer
In his follow up to blanc, JUNNY set out to make “an R&B version of an opera”. The result is an ambitious album that defies convention and never plays it safe.
Listening Booth
X FACTOR
A decade into their career, MONSTA X are at a creative peak with their new EP THE X.
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.
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.
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
and all the rest….
No, Seunghan Shouldn’t Apologize.
The idol cited a heavy mental burden and sense of responsibility as the reason for his departure. But he shouldn’t have to leave.
Eric Nam and The Rose’s Dueling Perspectives
On a dual track to artisitc freedom, Eric Nam and The Rose release two imaginative new albums.
Outsiders in K-Pop? WayV Relishes in the Freedom
Chinese idols rarely find the same success as their Korean counterparts. With “On My Youth”, WayV navigate their own lane.
ZEROBASEONE Inch Closer to Superstardom on “Melting Point”
Boys Planet was a pop culture phenomenon. Can ZB1 build momentum with “Melting Point”?
The Thrilling Return of Taemin
“Guilty” is Taemin’s first EP since returning from the military. He’s as daring as ever — and has much more to say.
jason chu’s Music Is For the Next Generation
Rapper and activist jason chu creates music that explores Asian American history and identity. “I’m very aware of where I stand in history,” he says in this interview.
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”.