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….
Song of the Winter? It Belongs to RIIZE’s “Love 119”
The SM rookie group balances nostalgic flourishes and the pangs of first love in their latest comeback.
With “Minimal”, Towenewest Continue to Experiment
The innovative boy band is back with a new single and an appetite for pushing their music to the edge of pop.
BOYNEXTDOOR Won K-Pop’s Award Season
In a season full of painstakingly choreographed stages, BOYNEXTDOOR stood apart simply by being themselves.
Jessica Jung and Amber Liu’s Unexpected Collaboration
In Jessica Jung and Amber Liu’s new single “Get It? Got It? Good” two outcasts from K-Pop come together to find common ground in new beginnings.
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.
EXO’s “The First Snow” Is No. 1 — Ten Years After It’s Release
Why did a Christmas B-side from 2013 became the smash hit of the season? A TikTok dance challenge had something to do with it.
Pluto Koi Writes Love Songs for Everyone
The singer-songwriter once denied being a hopeless romantic. Now he’s embracing the term — and writing about all forms of love.
K-Pop’s Highs and Lows in 2023
A look back at the biggest stories and trends of the year.
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.”
Meet The Rising Stars Class of 2023
A look back at some of the most promising artists profiled on Bias Wrecker this year.
The Best Independent Releases of 2023
Ten albums or tracks that come from the bold vision of independent artists featured on Bias Wrecker in 2023.
For Bobo.Xx’s First Show at the Forum, He Painted a Constellation
“My mentality now is I wanna show everyone what I can do, break boundaries and conquer those new challenges for future generations to be even better than I am,” the rock star says following his opening slot for The Rose.
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.
On “Smile! You’re On Camera”, Juju B. Goode Chooses Adventure
The singer-songwriter and producer’s debut album reinterprets K-Pop from his childhood, and defies categorization.
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.