The singer begins his first North American tour on April 24th, and over the past year, has released the most freewheeling music of his career.
For months, brynne has been working on a project that has a strikingly independent and experimental sound. But is he ready to release a debut album into the world?
TEEN TOP’S NIEL TAKES CONTROL
NIEL never had time to think about what kind of artist he wanted to be. Now as a CEO of his own company, the singer has the freedom to find out.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
infinite scroll
Juju B. Goode Curates K-Oldies and Goodies on “GOODE radio”
Live from LA’s Koreatown, Juju B. Goode and Saké by the Water present a collage of soul, jazz and overlooked Korean tunes.
Is TOMORROW X TOGETHER Growing Up?
On their latest EP, “minisode 3: TOMORROW”, the group charts a turbulent road to adulthood.
The Meaning of Jonghyun’s Stories
A new look at Jonghyun’s poignant stories in celebration of what would have been the singer’s thirty-fourth birthday.
Why RIIZE’s Seunghan Deserves Justice
As RIIZE gears up for a new comeback and their first tour, Seunghan continues to be excluded from group activities.
Rina Sawayama’s Bold Advocacy for Women in Music
Misogyny in the music Industry is “an endemic”. Rina Sawayama wants to change that.
MONSTA X Bet Big on An English Album. Then K-Pop Exploded.
In early 2020, MONSTA X released their first English language album in a bid for North American success. Why is it still overlooked?
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.