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?
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
As one of the only Black idols in K-Pop, BLACKSWAN’s NVee sees the group as revolutionary. But she’s only recently considered the power of her own story. Now, she is ready to share it.
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….
Micah Yoo Takes the Lead
The singer-songwriter grapples with how to love and be loved on his debut EP “Yellow”. He hopes you see yourself in his stories.
BNZA Debuts New Project Band ben seasons
With his indie band ben seasons, BNZA explores a new genre — and proves he’s still unmatched as a musician.
MONSTA X’s Provocative Portrayal of Masculinity
In the 9 years since debut, MONSTA X have become a rare thing: A K-Pop group that is submervisive.
Orion Song Is Finding His Path
Orion Song describes himself as a “conscious R&B Asian American artist.” He’s just now begun to see how that means his music can be healing.
The Punk Defiance of 2NE1
The group debuted in 2009 with scathing comments about their looks and style. Fifteen years later, the group stands as a symbol of defiance and personal autonomy.
15 Asian Musicians Who You Should Be Listening To, Right Now
Asian Heritage Month is a great opportunity to spotlight the dynamic work of Asian musicians. But these independent artists deserve your support year-round.
What Is Driving The Hate Against LE SSERAFIM?
LE SSERAFIM was once one of the top girl groups in K-Pop. Then the trolls came for them.
Blish Is Transforming His Trauma Into Art
The Korean producer makes his debut as a singer-songwriter with the album “Wanderland”. The work, he says, covers the most traumatic time of his life.
On His New Single, Bobo.Xx Fires Up the Kerosene
The punk singer rejects conformity and looks back at his trailblazing career with the new song “Kerosene”.
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.