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”.
Growing up, the Korean musician was taught to never express their emotions. For their forthcoming album, hevel does the exact opposite.
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.
the reissues project
A new series offering a second look at overlooked music released by Asian artists.
the rookies
In-depth profiles about leading independent Asian musicians.
The singer-songwriter grapples with how to love and be loved on his debut EP “Yellow”. He hopes you see yourself in his stories.
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.

The multi-faceted artist’s journey from filmmaker to musician was a winding path. For his forthcoming EP, AVENU has found his vision.
critically speaking
Essays from the frontlines of K-Pop and beyond.
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.
The Simmering Politics of (G)-IDLE’s “Wife”
The group’s provocative new single is a sharp missile wrapped inside a bubble gum package.
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

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.

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.