In an interview done in collaboration with KOHAI, HOHYUN considers why he’s drawn to superheroes and how a determination to succeed has fueled him since he was a teenager.
Profiles in Music
CSR Is Still Worth Believing In
After two years, the beloved girl group returns with a new digital single. The members admit they’re nervous but, as their leader DUNA explains, “More than anything, I really want to hear MAEUM’s fan chants again after so long.”
Profiles in Music
From Seattle, an inside look at the making of keanu.’s third album blush., and why it was almost never released at all.
Profiles in Music
Following the release of his debut EP Love before Me, A.C.E’s LEE JI HAM explains why he decided to challenge himself to reveal “the emotions I buried deep inside” through music.
Listening Booth
On ‘TYPHOON,’ Luke Chiang Knows Good Things Take Time
The singer’s debut album comes nearly six years after a health issue nearly torpedoed his career. It’s worth the wait.
Profiles in Music
IN THE HUTAZONE
In his first major profile interview, BTOB’s LEE MINHYUK considers what makes him such a dynamic idol. “HUTA reflects the kind of artist I admire and aspire to be. My performances are filled with explosive energy,” he says in this new interview.
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.
Profiles in Music
KANG YUCHAN and from20 Enter a New Era With WAY BETTER
When KANG YUCHAN joined HELLO GLOOM and from20’s company WAY BETTER, the friends saw a possibility to chart a new path for idols. “Maybe,” from20 theorizes, “we could flip the whole culture.”
Hikaru Utada’s Science Fiction retrospective,
reviewed.
Profiles in Music
After more than 25 years in the industry, Crystal Kay is regarded as a pioneer of J-R&B and J-Pop. Now, about to embark on her first North American tour, she is just beginning to grapple with the meaning of her legacy.
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.
A Bittersweet Farewell to ZEROBASEONE
From Seoul, the popular boy group hold a final encore concert and say goodbye as the group splits in half.
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….
GOT7 Return For Their Encore
When GOT7 left JYPE in 2020, many fans believed they would disband. But then something extraordinary happened: GOT7 not only stayed together, but released a new album that assures us they are here to stay.
EXO’S Suho is on a Quest to Reclaim Time
The leader of EXO returns with an album that looks back at the year and nine months lost during a military service.
Lee Know Holds the Drill: The Viral Moment of Stray Kids
Stray Kids debuted at number 1 on Billboard this week, but member Lee Know is also having one of his most successful eras. It all comes down to a drill.