Six young men, justb, dressed in colorful racing and streetwear jackets pose among car engines and tires in a dimly lit industrial setting.

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?

SHINee's ONEW, a smiling young person with blonde hair, wearing a light blue distressed striped shirt, sitting on stairs in front of a colorful graffiti wall with green, pink, orange, and purple patterns.

In his first U.S. tour as a soloist, ONEW chose to meet fans with a surprisingly intimate, stripped back concert.

Six male performers, 82major, on stage wearing red shirts and black pants, with one holding a microphone, performing behind black curtains with stage lighting.

Concert Review

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.

A person with dark hair is performing on stage, holding a microphone and wearing a guitar strap across their shoulder. The image has a motion blur effect with streaks of red and purple light against a black background.

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.

A person standing inside a red telephone booth, looking down, with trees and a parking lot in the background.

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.

Young woman with long black hair wearing a white tank top and jewelry, leaning against a pastel blue window with textured glass panels.

THE MAD SCIENTIST

Hikaru Utada’s Science Fiction retrospective, reviewed

A person with long black hair, wearing a black shirt, is playing an electric guitar and singing into a microphone during a live performance outdoors.

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.

A woman with short blonde hair looking down, sitting outdoors near a pool with empty bleachers in the background, during sunset.

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”.

Six women sitting on a couch in a dimly lit room with a red wall, a mirror, and a plant in the background. They are dressed in trendy, edgy clothing with various accessories.

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.

Young woman with long dark hair wearing a yellow sweatshirt, smiling, and holding up a peace sign in front of a mirror.

Essential reading from the API music scene

infinite scroll

You’re Witnessing the Rise of G. Nine
Michael H Michael H

You’re Witnessing the Rise of G. Nine

After years of experimentation, the Korean singer-songwriter has found his place in music. But he says, “I'm not entirely satisfied with where I am right now. I know there's more to explore and accomplish as an artist.”

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On Validating Sulli’s Pain
Michael H Michael H

On Validating Sulli’s Pain

In the two part special “Persona: Sulli”, the late singer discusses in harrowing detail the trauma she experienced in the public eye.

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