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 his first U.S. tour as a soloist, ONEW chose to meet fans with a surprisingly intimate, stripped back concert.
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
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.
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
semmi Debuts. Finally.
semmi’s debut single “armageddon” is a year in the making and a pop punk masterpiece.
Jaie Takes the Plunge
Following one of the darkest periods of her life, Jaie turned to music and created her debut album, “Night Swim”.
beabaoodee and NIKI Are Tired of Being Strong Girls
Across two new albums, beabadoobee and NIKI use their distinct brands of storytelling to turn the mirror back to themselves. The results are nothing short of compelling.
What Home Means to Sam Kim
In 2016, a 17-year old Sam Kim debuted with an EP that made him a prodigy. Today, his search for home and the meaning of his Korean American identity still resonates.
KISS OF LIFE’s “Sticky” is the Vibe for a Hot, Sweaty Summer
Summer is a scorcher, and so are these five tracks from API artists, both independent musicians and idols from K-Pop.
How keshi Influenced a New Generation of Asian American Artists
keshi’s music has never fit the mold for Asian artists. Now, with his second album on the horizon, a new generation is following his lead.
THE PLAYLIST: keshi’s Big Swing For Mainstream Success
Five new tracks by API artists to stream right now, including brynne’s “CPR” and Sarah Kinsley’s “Starling”
How Sarah Kang Remembers Falling in Love
Sarah Kang makes beauty and poetry out of everyday matters. On her debut album, she wrote about love as she remembered it.
JUNNY Is Pushing the Boundaries of K-Pop
From Korea, the singer discusses why his new EP “dopamine” is his most experimental work yet and how he’s become a leader for Asian Americans in music.
3 Minutes That Will Make You Love TAEYEON
As the leader of Girls’ Generation, TAEYEON has become one of the most influential idols in K-Pop. Here’s a sampling of what makes her so great.
The Playlist: Can BLACKPINK’s LISA Teach Us Japanese?
Five new tracks by API artists to stream right now, including AleXa’s “distraction” and HOHYUN’s “Today”.
On “Nicole”, NIKI Wanted Us To Feel It All
For the latest Reissues Project story, I look back at “Nicole”, an album that NIKI wrote for her younger self. But it’s themes of of self-worth and heartbreak resonate far beyond teenage years.
HOHYUN’s First Headlining Concert Is A Moment Five Years in the Making
Billed as a visual experience for his debut album “DRAMA.”, the concert was a fiery debut for the singer-songwriter.
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.
How Taeyang Created a Modern Classic
Ten years ago today, Taeyang released “Eyes, Nose, Lips”, a ballad that would become career defining for him and for a new generation of male vocalists.
Kai Caden and Brynne Are Bringing NEXT WORLD Everywhere
The collective’s mission is to empower and train artists. As a result, they’ve built one of the strongest artist-led communities in music.
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.