ALL’N: Meet The Violinist Defying K-Pop Conventions

ALL’N: Meet The Violinist Defying K-Pop Conventions

From competing on one of China's largest survival programs to launching his own entertainment company and debuting as a violin-driven K-pop soloist, ALL'N is charting a path entirely his own. In this exclusive interview with K Fuse, the artist and CEO opens up about his journey, the inspiration behind "WE UP", balancing creativity with business, and why his next chapter is all about dreaming higher. 

When speaking with ALL'N, one thing becomes immediately apparent: his story is not simply about music. It's about persistence. Whether discussing the violin that first entered his life through a challenge from his older brother, the lessons learned on Youth With You, or the realities of running an entertainment company while promoting as an artist, every answer circles back to one idea—betting on yourself even when the outcome is uncertain.

With new music on the horizon and an expanding vision for SKS Entertainment, ALL'N sat down with K Fuse to discuss the journey that brought him here and where he's hoping to go next.

---

K Fuse:  We first want to thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to share your story with our readers. Before we begin, could you please take a moment to introduce yourself to readers that may be discovering you for the first time?

ALL’N:  My name is ALL’N, or 올린 in Korean. I am a violin-driven K-pop soloist signed under my own label, SKS Entertainment, where I also serve as CEO.

What that means is I have full creative direction over not just the music, but also the message behind who I am as an artist and what I want this company to represent. I chose the name ALL’N because that is really my mindset with everything I decide to do. I am all in. The Korean name 올린 also comes from the last two characters of the Korean word for violin, 바이올린, which makes it very personal to my identity.

As an artist, what people can expect from me is a fusion of violin and everything people love about K-pop. The violin will be part of every song in some way. Sometimes it may be a big solo, sometimes it may be more subtle, but it will always be part of the ALL’N sound.  In the future, after I prove that I can grow a label while also being the artist, I want SKS Entertainment to nurture future artists who have unique niche talents within K-pop and stories that are different from the typical trainee path. I want to help build a space for artists who are not just talented, but also have something real and personal to say.

K Fuse:  You have a background as a classically trained violinist and in a previous interview you said you began playing at about nine. Who or what inspired you to choose to study violin or did you experiment with a variety of instruments before choosing it?

ALL’N:  I started playing violin when I was nine. My older brother is 18 months older than me, and he started playing the violin about a year before I did. During that year, my mom would take me to his private lessons, so I would sit there and watch everything.

One day, his teacher kept telling him to straighten his wrist, not bend it, and make sure his bow was straight. I remember getting frustrated watching because I had heard the teacher repeat the same thing for weeks. So I said something like, “The teacher has been telling you this already.”

Then my brother looked at me and said, “If it’s so easy, why don’t you try?”

I think the beautiful thing about having an older brother is that you are always competing with each other. You always want to be better at something. So I looked at my mom and told her I wanted to start learning violin. The following week, I began playing.

At first, it may have started from sibling competition, but over time, the violin became one of the biggest parts of my life.

K Fuse:  What inspired you to choose the violin as a central part of your debut single “WE UP”?

ALL’N: The violin is not just a central part of “WE UP.” It is going to be a central part of everything I do as ALL’N.

For “WE UP,” I wanted to make a statement because it was my debut. I wanted people to understand right away that the violin is not a prop for me. It is not something I randomly added to look different. It is part of who I am. Throughout my life, a lot of people told me that the violin is too classical and that it does not really mix well with K-pop. If I had signed to another label, I honestly do not know if I would have been able to convince the creative directors or executives to let me build my entire identity around violin in this way. That is one of the reasons I took matters into my own hands and built this through SKS Entertainment. With “WE UP,” I wanted to show the full picture: violin, singing, rap, choreography, performance, and K-pop energy. Future songs will not always be structured the same way. Some will be more violin-heavy, some will use violin more as an embellishment, but people can definitely expect violin in every song.

K Fuse:  Your training includes classical roots. How do you integrate that style into the rap and vocal elements of your music?

ALL’N: I think when people hear the word “violinist,” they often imagine something very classical, very formal, or very traditional. But that is not the only side of me.

I also love working out, breakdancing, rock music, hip-hop energy, and powerful performances. So with my music, I want to show that the violin can also have a more masculine, aggressive, and cool side. Classical training gave me discipline and musical sensitivity. It taught me phrasing, emotion, dynamics, and how to build tension. But I do not want to be limited by the image of what a violinist is supposed to be. I want to bring that classical foundation into modern K-pop, rap, vocals, and performance in a way that feels fresh. For me, it is not about forcing classical music into K-pop. It is about taking everything I have learned and making it part of my own sound.

K Fuse:  Can you walk us through your creative process when creating a new song? Where do you start, what do you do when you feel stuck, and how do you know it is complete?

ALL’N: For me, a song usually starts with a message and a feeling. I ask myself what kind of world I want to place myself in, and what kind of emotion I want people to feel when they hear the song.

With “WE UP,” I wanted the song to feel like rising together. The story was about nobody seeing me coming, but still moving forward and going up with the people who believe in me. Since it was my debut, I also wanted the music and visuals to show different sides of me: the classical side, the K-pop side, the performance side, and even small glimpses of my physical and athletic side. Musically, I usually start with chords and build from there. I may loop a chord progression first, then later replace or layer it with synths, guitar, piano, strings, or other sounds to make it feel more K-pop. After that, I start adding drums, kicks, snares, layers, and textures. The violin and topline usually come later, once the world of the song starts to feel clear.

After the writing and production process, I record, mix, and master with someone I work closely with named Benny. Together, we make sure the song feels professional and ready to release. When I feel stuck, I try not to force it too much. I like to go for a walk, watch other creatives on YouTube, scroll through Pinterest, or look through my iPhone gallery to revisit memories and emotions from certain periods of my life. Sometimes an image or memory can bring back the feeling I was trying to express. To be honest, even when a song is complete, I often still feel like there is something more I could add. But I remember hearing a producer once say that sometimes less is more in music. I am still learning how to find that balance, but ultimately, I know a song is ready when it conveys the meaning and feeling I wanted it to carry.

K Fuse:  Some fans may not know this, but you participated in Season 1 of Youth With You. What aspects of that experience did you find most relevant when you began working on your own solo projects?

ALL’N: Youth With You was definitely one of the biggest experiences that helped prepare me for this journey.

On that show, I competed against around 100 of the best trainees in China. They had global and nationwide auditions for close to a year before the show aired, so the level of competition was very high. I was fortunate enough to be promoted to A-class and trend number one on Weibo after Lay from EXO recognized my hard work and talent. That experience taught me a lot. I learned how hard you have to practice, how cameras work, how important interviews are, how important communication is with the production team and other trainees, and how every small detail matters in K-pop.

I also experienced paparazzi, fans, pressure, and the behind-the-scenes reality of a large-scale idol show. Even though I had always been producing my own music, Youth With You helped me understand how all the pieces of K-pop come together, from training to performance to production. That experience really set the stage for my eventual K-pop debut in Korea on shows like M Countdown and Music Bank.

K Fuse:  You serve as the CEO of SKS Entertainment. How do you manage your responsibilities as a company head alongside your work as a recording artist?

ALL’N: Running an entertainment label while also working as an artist and producing my own music is probably the most difficult thing I have ever done.

On one hand, I am dealing with legal, financial, and operational work every day. On the other hand, I have to stay creative, make music, practice, train, work out, film content, do interviews, and continue improving as a performer. Because of that, time has become my most valuable asset. One of the most important things I learned from my previous company experience was how to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently. Without that experience, I honestly think this would be impossible. At the same time, having experience as both a K-pop trainee and an artist gives me a strong foundation to understand what needs to happen on the creative side as well. It is definitely tough, but I cannot really see myself doing anything else right now. I have sacrificed a lot of free time, but I am genuinely enjoying the journey, both the highs and the lows.

K Fuse:  In what ways does your role as an agency CEO influence the way you approach the creative process in the studio?

ALL’N: I think being both the CEO and the artist is powerful because the incentives are aligned.

In a bigger label, the investors, executives, creative directors, staff, and artists may all want different things. Sometimes personal goals, money, and business interests can get mixed into the creative process. K-pop is also a very communication-heavy business, so having clarity in direction is very important. Because I am both the artist and CEO, I have full control over the direction I want to go. That does not mean I do everything alone, but it does mean I can protect the core vision. For me, the creative process is not only about violin or performance. It is also about the message. I want my music and story to inspire people, give people hope, and encourage them to dream higher.

If my story can become an example for someone else to go for their dream, then that means a lot to me. I want people to feel like, “If he can do it, maybe I can too.”

K Fuse:  You debuted as a soloist on April 15, 2026. What was the most significant challenge you faced while preparing for that debut?

ALL’N: The most significant challenge was the sheer volume of work.

A normal K-pop trainee already has to go through intense training to debut. You have to practice, rehearse, perform, prepare your body, and mentally handle the pressure. But in my case, I also had to handle everything that comes with building a label at the same time. Usually, a label pre-funds the artist, manages the team, handles the legal and financial side, and takes care of the structure around the debut. But because I am building SKS Entertainment while debuting as the artist, I had to think about all of that too. So I was not only training like an artist. I was also managing the label, making sure people were doing their jobs, handling business matters, and trying to make sure the whole project moved forward. It was overwhelming, and honestly, a lot of things I wanted to do did not get done perfectly. But I learned so much from the debut experience. I think it made me stronger, more efficient, and more aware of how to handle situations moving forward.

K Fuse:  How involved were you in the creative direction of the music video for “WE UP”?

ALL’N: I was very involved in the creative direction for the “WE UP” music video.

Before working with Brick Studios, I had already drafted the overall vision for “WE UP,” as well as my upcoming song “Dream Higher.” One of the main reasons I came back to K-pop after running a business was because I wanted to put something out that felt 100 percent mine. That does not mean I think I can do everything better than everyone else. There are a lot of talented directors, producers, choreographers, and creatives who can make amazing work. But as an artist, there is something very personal about wanting to create something that truly represents your own vision. For “WE UP,” I was heavily involved in the concept and direction, but the team made it possible. The music video directors knew how to capture the right angles and bring the visuals to life. My choreographer, Kim Taegeun, created the choreography with his wife, Lee Eunji. Without everyone working together, the final result would not have been possible.

So yes, I was very involved, but I also really value the team that helped turn the idea into reality.

K Fuse:  You have lived on three continents and speak three languages. How has this impacted the way you approach your career as an artist?

ALL’N: Being multilingual and having lived across different cultures has definitely shaped the way I approach my career.

K-pop is so global now, especially in English-speaking countries, so I feel very blessed that English, which is one of my native languages, has become so heavily adopted in the global K-pop space. I think living on different continents also helped me understand different audiences and different ways of thinking. It made me more open-minded, and it gave me a wider perspective on what music can be. I am still figuring out how all of these languages and experiences will come into play, but I know they are part of my identity. I want ALL’N to be a global artist, not just in language, but in mindset.

K Fuse:  What specific goals did you set for yourself when you decided to establish SKS Entertainment?

ALL’N: With SKS Entertainment, my goal is to build a label that focuses on artists with strong niche talents within K-pop.

For example, I am a violin-driven K-pop soloist. In the future, I want to find artists who also have something very specific and unique about them. That could be a special talent, a different background, or a personal story that separates them from the typical trainee path. Of course, singing, dancing, discipline, and fundamentals are important. But beyond that, I care about life experience and individuality. I want to work with artists who have a real story. Long term, I want SKS Entertainment to become a major label within the next five years. I believe one of the reasons many successful entertainment companies in Korea were able to grow is because their founders understood both the artist side and the CEO side. To truly understand both sides, I think you have to live it.

K Fuse:  Since your debut on M Countdown, how has your perspective on your performances changed?

ALL’N: Because I had performed on Youth With You before, some parts of the broadcast experience felt familiar. But in Korea, everything feels very precise. Everyone knows exactly where to go, what to do, and how the system works. When it is your first time, if there is something you do not know, you can feel very out of place.

There was actually a funny moment where I accidentally ended up in an elevator with TXT. It was my first time debuting on a Korean music show, and I did not know that you are supposed to let the senior idols ride the elevator back up first. The elevator doors opened, no one was getting in, and I thought everyone was just being shy or nervous, so I walked in. I later shared that story on TikTok, and it went viral. It was a small moment, but it reminded me that even when you have experience, every new stage teaches you something.  Since debuting, I have become more aware of the details. I am more focused on improving not just the performance itself, but also my professionalism, awareness, and confidence in those environments.

K Fuse:  Your fans are known as N’CORE. What inspired this chosen name for your fandom?

ALL’N: I chose the name N’CORE together with the fans.

In classical music or live performances, when the audience really enjoys a performance, they clap, give a standing ovation, and ask for an encore. I loved that meaning because it connects to performance and the idea of continuing beyond the first stage. At the same time, my fans are the core group of people that make me who I am as an artist. Since my artist name is ALL’N, I wanted the fandom name to continue that style, so we chose N’CORE. It sounds like “encore,” but it also means they are my core. I also had votes and conversations with fans on Instagram Stories, so it feels even more special because they were part of the process.

K Fuse:  You are very transparent with N’CORE and we are here for it. What have you enjoyed the most about interacting with N’CORE, whether live or online?

ALL’N:  N’CORE keeps me going every single day.

At the end of the day, I am still human. I have a wide range of emotions in the morning and at night, depending on what is happening in my life and career. There are days where I feel confident, and there are days where I feel overwhelmed.  N’CORE has honestly been emotional support for me. They leave words of encouragement, but they also share their own personal journeys and stories. That helps me keep everything in perspective and reminds me why I am doing this. I really love N’CORE. It is because of them that I have not given up and continue moving forward.

K Fuse:  Looking at your debut single, what message did you intend to convey to listeners through the lyrics of “WE UP”?

ALL’N:  The message of “WE UP” is about rising together.

It is about the feeling of nobody seeing you coming, but continuing to work, continuing to believe, and eventually moving upward with the people who stood beside you. It is confident, but it is not just empty confidence. It comes from struggle. For me, “WE UP” was not just saying, “I am going up.” It was saying, “We are going up.” That includes my fans, my team, and everyone who believed in the journey before it looked obvious. Since it was my debut, I wanted the song to feel like an introduction, a celebration, and a statement all at once. It was my way of saying that this is only the beginning.

K Fuse:  You mentioned that you have been speaking with some distributors and that it will set the trajectory for the next year. Have you made a decision on what distributor you want to partner with?

ALL’N: I am very close to finalizing a deal, and hopefully there will be more news very soon. I do not want to speak too early or accidentally affect anything before it is fully confirmed, but what I can say is that I am very excited about the direction. This partnership is important because it can really help set the trajectory for the next year of ALL’N and SKS Entertainment. For me, it is not just about choosing a distributor. It is about finding the right partner that understands the bigger vision and can support where I want to take this project globally. Hopefully, I will be able to share more details soon.

K Fuse:  You have often expressed feeling overwhelmed through your transparency. What is something that helps you feel more at ease and what advice would you give others who are feeling overwhelmed?

ALL’N:  Some days, I wake up and immediately check my phone out of panic. I probably should not do that, but sometimes I worry that something happened on the U.S. side while I was asleep. Then I start reading emails and messages, and before the day even begins, I already feel overwhelmed by everything I have to do.

Something I always remind myself is that momentum is created not just through thoughts, but through action. You have to do something. For me, that thing is usually the gym. When I work out in the morning, get my blood flowing, bench press, do muscle-ups, and push myself physically and mentally, it makes the rest of the day feel more manageable. After pushing through something physically difficult, answering emails, taking calls, and dealing with legal or financial matters feels less painful in comparison.

The gym helps me feel like I have momentum. It reminds me that progress comes one rep, one task, and one step at a time. My advice to others who feel overwhelmed is to stop trying to solve everything in your head all at once. That can lead to paralysis by overanalysis. Start with one action. Build momentum from there.

K Fuse:  You just recently shared on SNS that there is a new song ready. Can we get any hints or sneak peeks of this new song?

ALL’N:  The next song is called “Dream Higher.”

It is going to be a K-pop and pop rock-inspired song, and it feels different from “WE UP.” It is not as hip-hop-driven. It has more of a late-night, inspirational feeling, some EDM synths in it as well. The title says a lot about the message. I want the song to encourage people to dream higher, but in a personal way. There is more of my own story in this one, so I think listeners will get to hear a different side of me. Of course, the violin is still part of the sound, but emotionally, this song feels like a new chapter.

K Fuse:  Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, what are you hoping to accomplish?

ALL’N:  For the rest of 2026, I want to release at least two or three more songs  I also want to finalize the deal with the team I have been speaking with, and I am currently in talks for some potential collaborations with artists I really like. Fingers crossed that those go through.

Beyond the music, I want to make all of my channels feel more official, grow my fan base, connect more deeply with N’CORE, and prepare properly for 2027.

This year is about building the foundation. I want to keep releasing better music, improving as a performer, and making sure ALL’N and SKS Entertainment are moving in the right direction.

K Fuse:  What has been the most unexpected part of your career?

ALL’N: The most unexpected part has been how much positive support I have received. On my music video, on social media, and from people discovering my work, I have been extremely blessed to receive so many encouraging comments and almost no negativity so far. I do not take that for granted at all. I know that as I grow, things may become more difficult, and not everyone will support me. That is just part of putting yourself out there. But for now, I am very grateful for the support and the trajectory. I hope more people continue to resonate with my music, my story, and what I am trying to accomplish.

K Fuse:  Unfortunately, it is time to wrap up our interview :( Thank you again for sharing your story with K Fuse, our readers, and N’CORE alike.  Before we say goodbye, is there a message that you would like to leave for readers?

ALL’N:  I want to say this to anyone reading.

I have been in places in my life where I felt like I lost everything. I have gone from feeling like I was on top of the world to having to start over again, more than once. Those experiences taught me that fear is not always real. A lot of the time, fear is something we create in our own minds before anything has even happened. If you have a dream that you have been putting aside because you are scared of failing, I want to encourage you to go for it. Failure is not the end. Sometimes it is the thing that teaches you who you really are. You can do more than you think. You can rebuild. You can start again. You can dream higher.

Go for it.

---

ALL'N is proving that the rise to the top is about the purpose you bring to every note. By merging the discipline of his classical violin training with the raw, boundary-breaking energy of modern music, he is forging a path that is entirely his own.  For ALL’N “Dream Higher” is a philosophy that has guided every chapter of his career so far.  As ALL’N continues building both his career and SKS Entertainment, one thing remains clear:  he’s not waiting for permission to pursue the future he envisions.  Instead, he is creating it himself.

We want to thank ALL'N for sharing his story with us, and we encourage the SoundLovers community to keep supporting him and the N’CORE fandom as they continue to rise higher, together.