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….
How JAE KIM Is Creating His Own Brand of K-Pop
A lifelong fan of K-Pop, the Toronto-based musician is capturing viewers attention on TikTok and creating cathartic music that blends pop and R&B.
Why Roman Kayz’s “trilogy” Will Still Break Your Heart, One Year Later
Released in 2023, Roman Kayz’s “trilogy” represented a turning point in the singer’s life and became his most honest music to date. The second edition of The Reissues Project examines why.
(G)I-DLE’s Radical Refusal to Conform
Political records have never belonged in K-Pop. But (G)I-DLE are pushing back with an album aimed at misogyny and the repression of women.
Lucas Wong Wants a Second Chance. Will Fans Allow It?
After serious accusations sent the idol on hiatus in 2021, he’s re-emerged with an apology and a documentary. But questions about the truth remain.
jstnwng Is Creating His Own Lane
From his bedroom in Pittsburgh, PA, jstnwng has created alt-pop music that’s gaining traction on streaming. But his next move is a calculated risk.
Female Idols Don’t Owe You An Apology
Why did a 23-year-old idol release a handwritten apology to fans? Because she is dating a famous actor.
With New Single “Underneath”, DEVYN Wants You To Look Closer
The alt-pop star returns with a comeback that is her most experimental and freeing to date.
The Reissues Project: The Cool Confidence of BNZA’s “Soul Tree”
Released in 2020, BNZA’s debut album introduced a singer unmatched in charisma, confidence and songwriting.
Peach Luffe Wants To See How Far This Can Go
His unique blend of folk, alternative and pop music has singled him out as an artist to watch. But Peach Luffe is just grateful to be here.
brynne Is Championing the Next Generation of Artists
As President of NEXT WORLD Collective, the singer is creating space for young creatives to succeed while managing his own rising solo career.
Townewest Aim Sky High with “ENERGY GAVE ME A CHANCE”
Townewest’s hip-hop influenced comeback continues to challenge and innovate the group.
Meet XTIE, the Pop Star Reshaping the Music Industry
She’s one of the few self-made pop stars from Hong Kong, but XTIE is now on her way to becoming a supernova in global pop stardom.
TXT’s Soobin Debuts with the Tender Cover “Forest”
TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s leader debuts with a solo cover from Choi Yuree that captures his empathy.
On “Next Life”, Bobo.Xx Explores a New Theme: Vulnerability
A rockstar can only stay ferocious for so long. On “Next Life”, Bobo.Xx tries something new: Showing his feelings.
A Farewell in a Room Full of Love at Sarah Kang’s “Hopeless Romantic” NYC Show
The singer’s New York show is her last, for a while, before she becomes a mother.
Milky Day Announces His First North American Tour
After a stellar year in streaming, the singer brings his “Impulses” tour to five cities in Canada and the U.S.
Sarah Kang Brings Her “Hopeless Romantic” Tour to New York’s LPR This Sunday
Kang’s tour is the last before she takes time off to focus on her family. While tickets are sold out, a waitlist is available for all ticket tiers.
The Simmering Politics of (G)I-DLE’s “Wife”
The group’s provocative single is a sharp missile wrapped inside a bubble gum package.
Beomhan Now Knows The Limit Doesn’t Exist
Debuting with a new fashion collection and his first single, Beomhan is learning he’s an all-around artist.
Beomhan Debuts — in the Fashion World
The singer’s fashion collection is just the first of many exciting new projects scheduled for 2024.