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.
In a new interview, the group reflects on what sets them apart from others and how they’re preparing for a massive North American tour.
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
HOHYUN’s Houston Homecoming
HOHYUN’s first hometown show in Houston was a homecoming and a reconnection with his past.
Don’t Disturb BNZA’s Peace
In a new interview, the R&B singer reflects on his “hectic” year and a fresh single about taking time for yourself. "It’s a song about keeping your inner peace,” he says.
Being An Outsider Didn’t Silence hevel. It Empowered Them.
Growing up, the Korean musician was taught to never express their emotions. For their forthcoming album, hevel does the exact opposite.
A Re-Introduction From AVENU, Three Years in the Making
The multi-faceted artist’s journey from filmmaker to musician was a winding path. For his forthcoming EP, AVENU has found his vision.
A Triumphant Return for BIGBANG and G-DRAGON
Nearly a decade after their last performance together, BIGBANG returns more resilient than ever.
As Kep1er Celebrates a Billboard Debut, A New Era Begins
Their sixth EP “TIPI-TAP” offers a new sound and an intriguing pivot for a group who has outlasted many project groups.
Bobo.Xx Knows This Pain Will Be Useful One Day
In a new interview, the singer opens up for the first time about the lifelong challenges that inspired his punchy new single “TELL ME WHY”.
Anxieties and Strange Vibes Abound. Dru Chen and Juju B. Goode Can Help.
Two forward thinking independent artists release fresh takes on love, loneliness, and anxiety.
For 82MAJOR, Success Is Built Off of Friendship and Hard Work
In a new interview, the group discusses their second mini album X-82 and how their friendship makes them an unstoppable rookie group.
How Nicole Han Transformed Her Heartbreak Into Empowerment
Nicole Han’s first EP was “sad girl” songs. Her new music reflects a newfound freedom and power.
VANNER Soar to New Heights with “BURN”
Five years after their debut, VANNER notches a hit single and their first music show win.
The K-Pop Industry Will Never Change
After Seunghan's removal from RIIZE, how at fault are K-Pop's toxic fandoms?
On Witnessing Cha Eun-Woo’s Pain
After Moonbin’s death, ASTRO’s Cha Eun-Woo wrote an EP titled “Entity” to remember him. Can grief and darker emotions find a place in K-Pop?
“Escaper” Is The Electrifying Debut Sarah Kinsley Deserves
Her new album is a singular force that proves there are so few artists making music as audacious and bold as Sarah Kinsley.
Dru Chen Is Turning The Mirror On Himself
The singer-songwriter has been recording thoughtful, soulful music for over a decade. Now, at an artistic peak, Chen is looking back at a brilliant catalog with the first major, in-depth interview of his career.
How Orion Song Found His Voice Making “Time Machine”
Singer-songwriter Orion Song wanted to produce an EP that celebrated R&B’s history and sound. In the process, he found his artistic voice.
f(x) Influenced a New Generation of K-Pop. Why Are They Not Remembered?
The group debuted fifteen years ago today and quickly transformed K-Pop. But in an industry that prioritizes innovation, the group’s albums remain out of print and their music is rarely written about.
G. Nine Is Creating a New Future Classic
His last EP Closure was a surprise success. Now G. Nine is moving quickly to expand his audience — and cement his artistry with “Bad News”.
Roman Kayz Returns with an Electric “Fallout”
Roman Kayz has never sounded as charismatic or as bold as he does on “Fallout”. Here the new single now.
For brynne, a Viral Single Is Thanks to Friendship and Luck
“why do i still see u?” was never supposed to be brynne’s first viral single. But through a supportive group of friends and hard work, he’s reached 100k streams.