Search Results

Eunhyuk , aka Hyukjae, from Super Junior has been in the K-pop industry for many years, taking on many projects like producing, performing as the main rapper in SuJu, and even choreographing with Shindong for the group. He has made a name for himself since his musical debut in 2011 with the show “Fame”, has been a fixed MC for Weekly Idol since April of 2020, and is also an MC for Back to the Idol. He has participated in many different subunits with his group members, but this time he has embarked on a solo journey with his music. ' Explorer ' as a whole has a very 90s, old-school kind of vibe with some hip hop beats to make it impossible to stay still while listening. “ A-yo ” serves as an introduction to this album as a hip-hop album with highlights to the funk genre that sets the stage for the throwback feeling of the album. The title, “ Up N Down ,” continues with the 90s vibe using an older style of instrumentals that is very nostalgic. The music video is aesthetically 90s coded and takes inspiration from other western videos from the time using neon lights, matching tracksuits and fisheye camera lenses. This song is a hype song to get the listener moving and dancing with many breakdowns and dance breaks to help separate the song and keep the listener on their toes. The music video features the Super Junior members as part of Eunhyuyk’s dance crew and they participate in the choreography. Eunhyuk’s voice shines as a rapper and as a vocalist with smooth transitions between the styles. The retro style continues throughout the album and “Trap” is no exception from this with a sound that is akin to Backstreet Boys. Less rap and more vocals that follow the melody of the instrumental, providing emphasis on the lyrics. This song describes meeting someone and being immediately enamoured with them, causing a trapped feeling when in that person’s presence. The trap is set and Eunhyuk is going for it despite knowing it is a trap. This song is mainly lyrical with a few rap sections to remind people that Eunhyuk is a rapper first, but also a great vocalist. “ You & I ” features Eunhyuk ’s SuJu member Kyuhyun and this song varies from the previous sound established in this album. The style of this song is more modern and on the pop side rather than hip hop and has a sound that is synonymous with Super Junior. The lyrics describe a spontaneous trip with a person they love, wanting to get away from day-to-day life and possibly start over in a new place. They don’t care as long as they are together and can travel the roadside by side. This song is a nice variant from the intensity of the first half of the album. Back to the original sound of the album, “ Step by Step ” presents a lighter retro vibe that isn’t as intense as previous songs. As the name suggests, Eunhyuk is encouraging the listener to move with him step by step and to get into the rhythm, letting the music move your body. The bridge has a funky breakdown where it can be imagined a dance break would be placed. Eunhyuk ’s vocals are enticing and encouraging enough to help influence the listener to get up and start dancing. In a slower pace like “ You & I ”, Eunhyuk describes his ability to get “ Second Chances ” in this next to last song. The beat is higher tempo than what would be considered a slow song, but it has a very mellow flow to it that is comforting in a way. He is going back and forth, begging for a second chance but also with being confident he will get those second chances. He laments about regretting some choices he has made, knowing in the moment he would regret them, but that he doesn’t care since he will get another chance. The pop sound this song offers is one that plays with duality when the lyrics are understood. “ Empty ” is the last song on this throwback album and is listed as a special track, with a sentimental feel from the start. Longing for an ended relationship and full of emotion, Eunhyuk asks if the person thinks about him or if they will be there when he wakes up. He expresses difficulty getting up in the morning and even cleaning up the little space he has because he is so tripped up over the end of the relationship. He mentions that it was his fault, and it was for the best, but he hesitantly expresses he still misses them. The balance of the melody and the rap lend to the internal battle he is having with acceptance of the situation, one hoping for them to return and the other pushing for acceptance. As a whole, this album introduces a sound that hasn’t been heard in a while, and it adds to Eunhyuk ’s repertoire of accomplishments in his career. Happy listening Sound Lovers!

“Hi, HOPE! We are EPITHYMiA!” Our team had was granted an opportunity to talk to the members of EPITHYMiA about their time in LA. EPYTHMiA  is a six-piece Japanese vocal and dance group -- consisting of Maito , K , R.D , Sirius  and Reiya  (Rei), new member AQUA  -- under Beau.T. Entertainment, who recently made their first appearance in the US at Rising Japan MusicFest on July 23, 2023. EPITHYMiA covered songs from their seniors, KISHIN and AMAZO NIGHT– including fan favorite New Wave. EPITHYMiA has since released their very own single, " FLY " on August 29, 2023. You can check out the full interview below. 1. Could you take a moment and introduce yourselves to the fans and tell us who is EPITHYMiA? Maito: We are Japanese group EPITHYMiA. We’re on social media like TikTok and YouTube. We post everyday to our livestream and we’re dancing and singing. I’m Maito. I’m main dancer. K: I’m EPITHYMiA’s main vocal. Hello, I’m K. Rei: I’m Rei, EPITHYMiA’s main vocal. Sirius: I’m Sirius. I’m EPITHYMiA’s vocalist. RD: Hello…sorry, my voice is so noisy (RD had a sore throat.) Hi, I’m RD. I’m EPITHYMiA’s rapper and sound creator. 2. Why was your first impression when meeting each other? Was there another member you clicked with (got along with) instantly? RD: Sirius. He’s clumsy and has a lot of accidents. At the stage… one minute… BAM RD impersonates Sirius falling down 3. Who are some of your role model artists / groups? K: BTS. I respect that they can dance well and perform well as a team. Maito: I respect BTS as well. Especially RM. He can speak English, dance, and perform. He’s a rapper and I’m also a rapper. I respect RM a lot and, of course, BTS as a whole. Other artists are SHINee, BIGBANG, and NCT. I really love K-Pop. 4. What is your favorite thing about America so far? Maito: It’s the first time we come to USA. Maito: I’m so surprised that everything is big. Like hamburgers or drinks. I went to coffee shops and each has a small size, medium size, large size. In that shop, there was only medium size, large size, and extra large size. USA’s medium size is larger than Japanese large size. Everything is very big and I was so surprised! 5. To K: do you have plans to cut your hair? K: Not for right now! Sorry~ 6. We see you all on TikTok Live and YouTube Live talking with HOPE almost every day. What have been some of your favorite moments during those lives? RD: When we got 100,000 followers or 500,000 followers, we do a real time livestream to share that moment with HOPE together. 7. During your lives, you also perform short cover dances. Is there a member who learns choreography the quickest and helps the other members learn it? All members point to Maito Maito: Yeah, it’s me. Me and K teach the dance. 8. What does a typical day look like for you? Maito: We wake up and maybe some members go running or do muscle training. Maybe they do training to wake up. We also do livestreaming on TikTok or YouTube. After that, we do training with singing or dancing. I’m so interested in studying English, so I watch English lesson videos on YouTube. Some members watch performance and lives. RD: I do sound making. Maito: RD is creative and makes the music.  9. What genres of music are you looking forward to trying in the future? Maito: Maybe Hip hop. We recently released our first original song. I think that song fits as a first song. We hope HOPE love our new music. 10. Is there anything you can tell us about your debut? (Date, Track List, Genre, Title Track, etc) Maito: We’re predebut, but we will release our first song next month. (Fly was released August 29th) 11. Did you guys plan to have a WORLD TOUR after your DEBUT? Maito: Last year, in June 2022, at that time, we didn’t think about any world tour. We saw we have so many overseas fans that support us, so of course now we want to possibly do a world tour. 12. Is there a message that you would like to leave for HOPE? Maito: Hi HOPE! Thank you for always supporting us. Every comment and every message from you guys makes me happy and makes me smile. Thank you for that always and we will keep doing our best, so please support us forever! We love you! K: Hello HOPE! Thank you for always supporting Thank you so much! Rei: Hello HOPE! Thank you always supporting!  Sirius: Hi HOPE!  RD: Hi, my energy is so BIG! Thank you so much! Thank you for the big support, HOPE. Let’s enjoy EPITHYMiA’s world, EPITHYMiA’s music, and EPITHYMiA’s entertainment. Let’s enjoy it! Thank you so much. Subscribe for full access to EPITHYMiA's Full Gallery  from Rising Japan MusicFest Our video interview with EPITHYMiA is now available on our YouTube  channel! Stay up to date with the members of EPITHYMiA on social media: INSTAGRAM  | YOUTUBE  | TIK TOK  | TWITTER  | Website Written by: Emma V. Edited by: K Fuse Video by: Natasha A.

Welcome Back, #SoundLovers🎶! Today, we want to introduce you to an artist who remains very passionate about his career and fans -- XXIN ! We had the opportunity to talk with XXIN ahead of his comeback about 'STILL ALIVE,' his return to the music scene, and his creative process. Check out our interview with XXIN below. South Korean rapper-songwriter and producer Shin Seunghoon (신승훈) made his official debut on July 28, 2014, as the rapper for Zenith Media Contents 5-member boy group ZEST -- who disbanded in 2016. Despite the group's disbandment, Shin Seunghoon continued to pursue his passion for music as he reappeared on the music scene on April 9. 2018, as the leader, vocalist, and main rapper in Luk Factory's 9-member boy group, NOIR . As a soloist, he goes by the stage name XXIN and made his solo debut on November 9, 2020, with digital single, " Don't Touch Me ." After a three-year hiatus, XXIN has finally returned to the music scene with his 1st Single Album, " STILL ALIVE ." XXIN continues to display his multifaceted talents in writing and composition. The first record we see of these talents is during NOIR's debut album 'Twenty's Noir ,' where he would partake in writing five of the six tracks -- including the group's debut track, " Gangsta ." He would then continue to write for the rest of NOIR's albums, ' Topgun, ' ' Abyss, ' and ' Up The Sky:  飛,' while also partaking in composing for, "Airplane Mode ," " Lucifer ," and more tracks. XXIN's experience in writing and composing has set the foundation for his solo career as he writes, composes, and arranges his own songs. K FUSE: First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to talk with us here at K Fuse, and sharing your story with our readers! Would you please take a moment to introduce yourself? XXIN : 안녕하세요~ 느와르에서 리더를 맡고있는 승훈입니다! 반갑습니다. Hello~ I’m Seunghoon, the leader of Noir! Nice to meet you. K FUSE: You're embarking on a new chapter after your solo debut in 2020! What motivates you to pursue this comeback? XXIN : 공백기간이 3년이 지나서 팬분들에게 얼른 새로운 음악을 들려드리고 싶어서 열심히 준비했습니다. After a 3-year hiatus, I wanted to quickly give fans new music, so I worked hard to prepare it. K FUSE: Is there anything specific you would like to share about 'STILL ALIVE'? XXIN : 뮤직비디오 속에 새롭게 시도해본 컨셉들이 많으니 재미있게 봐주셨으면 좋겠습니다 There are a lot of new concepts tried in the music video, so I hope you enjoy watching it. K FUSE: Is there a specific message you wish to communicate to your audience with 'STILL ALIVE'? XXIN : 이 곡은 제 이야기륵 담았는데 , 힘든 제게 팬분들의 응원이 많은 힘이 되었다는 내용을 담았습니다! This song contains my story, and the message that the fans’ support gave me a lot of strength during a difficult time! K FUSE: Can you elaborate on what inspired you to become a musician? XXIN : 처음에는 춤으로 시작을 하게되었는데 , 어릴적 힘들때 음악이 많은 힘이 되었고 , 저 또한 누군가에게 잠시나마 힘이 될수 있는 음악악가 되고싶다는 생각을 하게되었습니다. At first, I started with dancing, but music helped me a lot when I was going through difficult times as a child, and I also thought that I wanted to become a musician who could help someone, even if just for a little while. K FUSE: Could you describe the creative process you undergo as a member of NOIR and as a solo artist, specifically in regards to writing, composing, and arranging your songs? XXIN : 저는 곡에 있어서 멜로디를 가장 우선시 합니다. 그래서 제가 좋아하는 멜로디를 먼저 만들고 그위에 표현하고자 하는 가사를 입히는것 같습니다. I give melody the most priority in a song. So, I think I first create a melody I like and then add the lyrics I want to express on top of it. K FUSE: How would you say “STILL ALIVE” differs from your solo debut, “ Don't Touch Me ?” XXIN : "Don't Touch Me" 는 자유를 갈망하는 내용이라면 "STILL ALIVE" 는 팬분들의 사랑을 원하는 내용이랄까요 ^^. If "Don't Touch Me" is about longing for freedom, then "STILL ALIVE" is about wanting love from fans ^^ K FUSE: Was there a memorable moments when making of the M/V for “STILL ALIVE?”\ XXIN : M/V 중에 비를 맞으면서 춤을 추는 장면이 있는데. 물이 너무 차가워서 오들오들 떨었던 기억이 가장 크게 납니다. There is a scene in the M/V where they dance in the rain. My biggest memory is that the water was so cold that I shivered. K FUSE: What can fans expect from you after this comeback? XXIN : 앞으로도 이렇게 꾸준히 좋은 음악을 들려드리고 잠시라도 힘든 것들을 잊을 수 있게 해드리겠습니다! We will continue to deliver good music like this in the future. We will help you forget about difficult things even for a moment! K FUSE: Is there a message you would like to leave for your fans and our readers? XXIN : 긴 시간 기다려 주셔서 정망 감사합니다! 그동안 많은 일들이 있었고 음악을 그만할까라는 생각도 잠시 했던때가 있었습니다.  그런 저에게 큰힘이 되었던건 딱하나.  팬분들의 응원이었습니다! 저도 여러분들에게 그런 존재가 되고 싶습니다. 앞으로 좋은 음악 많이 들여드릴게요! I love you Thank you for waiting for such a long time! A lot has happened in the meantime, and there was a time when I thought about quitting music. There is only one thing that was of great help to me. It was the fans’ support! I also want to be that kind of person for you. We will bring you a lot of good music in the future! I love you. BE SURE TO FOLLOW XXIN ON SNS TO STAY UP-TO-DATE ON FUTURE ACTIVITIES | TIKTOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | K Fuse would like to give a huge thank you to XXIN and Luk Factory for allowing the opportunity to provide coverage for XXIN's 1st Single Album"STILL ALIVE."

Welcome back #SoundLovers! We had the pleasure of catching up with the members of Catch The Young as they talked about their latest comeback, Voyager, and the progress of their previously mentioned goals! When we first met the members, they had just freshly debuted, and were holding their first concert since debut -- Santa The Young . We were able to talk about their passion for creating a sound that they felt embodies the group and their debut song, " YOUTH!!! " Now with their latest comeback, " Voyager ," the group is continuing their trend of fusing different sounds to create their version of youth in each unique message they want to portray to fans. With " FRAGEMENTS OF YOUTH, " Sani said it best, "By incorporating the theme of "youth" in our music, we aim to connect with people of all ages, providing a source of empathy and strength through shared memories and experiences of the past and present." "FRAGMENTS OF ODYSSEY " is no different. Catch the Young continues to "...encompass various elements of the youth pop-rock genre and showcase the colors and strengths of Catch The Young compared to the debut album." Catch The Young's showcased their growth as they take us on a youthful and emotion-filled journey where "Sentimental Journey ," portrays the youthful spirit felt when starting something without fear, "Voyager " and "Always Forever ," captures their light-hearted 'pop' element as they express their desire to interact with fans, "About Us ," portrays hope, " Light on Me (1101) ," offers comfort and courage while encompassing the desire to understand and be understood, and " The Legend ," embodies the essence of 'rock' with the portrayal of a fiery spirit that burns brightly and then fading away. The members also took a moment to talk about the progress of the goals they set before themselves at the end of 2023. Kihoon mentioned that he wanted to try dance and acting. Kihoon: For dancing, I occasionally learn from Junyong whenever we have the opportunity. Regarding acting, I might give it a try once we finish promoting this album. Things don't always go as planned, but I'm committed to working hard on these endeavors. Sani wanted to delve into learning wind instruments Sani : For me, there hasn't been any progress. I've been wanting to learn how to play the trumpet, but I haven't even had the chance to see one. If I were to have the money, I'd like to buy one. However, trumpets are quite loud and can't be played just anywhere, especially in regular practice rooms. To practice, I'd need to find a space with drummers or other wind instruments, but that can be challenging. So, I feel like my dream of learning the trumpet is still quite far away. Junyong wanted to polish his piano skills Junyong : I've received help from other members in improving my piano skills. There's a noticeable difference between my piano skills back then and my current level. Namhyun and Jungmo, are there any skills that you would like to learn, or master, in the future? Namhyun: I would like to learn how to play various instruments like the guitar, bass, and drums. Like Kihoon, I'm also interested in trying out acting and enhancing my songwriting skills. Jungmo : For me a specific instrument doesn't matter -- whether it's a guitar, keyboard, or bass. Since I play percussion, my knowledge of harmony and melody is limited. I believe that by gaining a better understanding of melody and the vibes created by different chords, I can contribute more effectively to our sound as a team. I aim to learn an instrument and delve into harmonics.  SO DON'T HESITATE! JOIN US IN EMBRACING THE ENERGY THAT CATCH THE YOUNG  CONVEYS THROUGH THEIR MUSIC!   X (Twitter)  |   Instagram  |  TikTok  |  YouTube K Fuse would like to thank the Helix Team, Evermore Entertainment, and the members of Catch The Young for allowing us the opportunity to speak with the members and share more about their latest release.

Written by Nina B. | Interview: BR Welcome back #SoundLovers! We had an opportunity to catch up with MCND about their latest comeback, 'X10.' After 4 long years of captivating new fans and old fans with their versatile discography, MCND (shorthand for M usic C reates N ew D reams) has returned with their new album ‘X10’ featuring 5 new songs. MCND debuted on February 27th, 2020, under the company TOP MEDIA -- consisting of members Castle J, Bic, Minjae, Huijun, and Win -- with their debut album “Into the ICE AGE,” and have been putting out hits ever since. After their last album was released on November 22, 2023 and their successful tour took place in 6 US cities with Studio Pav their fandom GEMS patiently waited for the group's return. With all the members taking part in assisting with the writing and creation of the album, the big day finally arrived that their newest album would soon be up for fans to enjoy from the comfort of their homes. On May 21st, 2024, ‘X10’ made its way into the streaming platforms for all to hear and appreciate.  The ‘X10’ album opens up with the title track “ X10 ” following along with the same name as the album. We are greeted with a western-esque vibe like a scene straight out of an old Wild Wild West black and white film from start to finish. As a fellow Southerner, it felt like a perfect mix of a western-sounding backtrack to also adding their own flare of their hip-hop that they are familiar with experimenting in. This song has the perfect vibe to it to be the perfect fit for an opening song to be played as they make their grand entrance when they go back on tour again in the future.  “ Tuning ”  taps into the more familiar hip-hop style they’ve done in their past albums that fans are familiar with hearing. The catchy background beat is followed along by the catchy chorus of  “Ayy-yi-ayy-yi-ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy (Tuning)” With the utilization of a repetitive chorus, we have Huijin doing the continuous chorus lines followed by Win's deeper tone doing the ad-libs, it created an enjoyable experience making this song a very playful hype song to turn on and catch yourself dancing along with. The third track on the album “ Out Louder ”  matches its title perfectly with an electronic bubbly backtrack that makes you want to follow along and sing louder. The members' rapping and singing talents are highlighted throughout this song, allowing each member the opportunity to shine brightly for new fans and old GEMS to appreciate just how skilled they are. Stunning fans with an all-English track “ Girl Friend , ” has the essence of a summer love story. Using the electronic beat in the background again, this cute love song is a song you can’t help but smile at when streaming it. To close off their highly anticipated album, MCND surprises fans with part two of their pre-release track “ TOP GANG '' with the same title as “ TOP GANG Vol.2. ” With an opening suspenseful intro with various sound effects, you immediately find yourself hooked to knowing what is going to take place in the song. Following the viral hip-dance vibe songs that are trending at the moment the chorus has the last effect that those trending audios have on TikTok that you randomly find yourself humming to throughout the day and do the hip-dance along with it. This track is extremely memorable and you just can’t erase hearing it because of how fresh it is being done in the K-Pop scene. Now that we have taken a moment to learn about 'X10,' here's what the members had to say about their latest album: K Fuse : Some of our readers may be meeting you for the first time. Could you take a moment to introduce yourself? Castle J: Hello! I'm MCND leader, Castle J! I'll hit your hearts with great teamwork! BIC: Hello, I'm BIC, the main dancer of MCND! I'll hit our group, MCND, in your hearts! Minjae: Hello, I'm MCND's vocalist and dancer, Min-jae! I'm practicing guitar these days. I really want to practice hard and show it to GEM. Huijun: Hello, I'm HUIJUN, who is in charge of MCND's voice! I've tried many different things in this album. Please listen to it a lot. WIN: Hello, I'm MCND's youngest, Win. I'll do X10! I'll do my best. Please show a lot of interest. K Fuse : You just released your 6th Mini album, [X10] – CONGRATULATIONS! Could you tell us a little bit about the inspirations behind the album? MCND : I was most inspired by teamwork. Is there a word that expresses our MCND the most? I thought, but the word teamwork, which is a strength, can express us well, so I was most inspired by teamwork K Fuse: A ll of your albums carry a message of encouragement and empowerment. What message do you hope [X10] gives to listeners? MCND : We wanted to express various stories with our music. For " X10 ," we included teamwork, passion and perseverance. For " Tuning ," and for " Out Louder ," we expressed our commitment to explore the wider world. " Girl Friend " is a serenade unique to MCND, and the last song, " Top Gang Vol. 2 ," is the song that contains our story the most. K Fuse: How does [X10] convey MCND's growth since pre-debut? MCND : Since it's our 5th year since our debut, I think it's the album that contains the most stories. Each track has a different message, so I think that's why 'X10' conveys various messages. K Fuse: You are always actively involved in the creative process of the album. Did you have any memorable moments while making the album? MCND: For " Top Gang Vol. 2 ," we tried really hard to contain our own stories. So the members worked hard to write a lot of stories about themselves for this track. K Fuse: What are your goals for the remainder of 2024 ? MCND : Our goal is to meet GEM all over the world, and express our various stories in songs to GEM. K Fuse : GEM asked, " Did you develop any pre-show rituals? " MCND: Before the concert starts, we always shout, " FIGHTING " among the members and go to the concert. That way, I think it makes the concert more energetic. K Fuse: Lastly, is there a message that you would like to leave a message for GEM? MCND : GEM! Please listen to this X10 album a lot, and you know that health is the top priority, right? And we'll be there to meet everyone when we have a chance this year, so please wait a little bit until then. Each song in the album flows perfectly together like a puzzle piece with the other songs before it, making the completed puzzle. While this is only MCND ’s first album in 2024, GEM are anxious to support MCND through any and every endeavor they wish to engage in this year! Be Sure To Follow MCND As They Continue To Share Their Stories With Listeners Worldwide Through Their Music! K Fuse would like to thank TOP Media's Marketing and PR Team, as well as the members of MCND for taking the time to talk with us about [X10], and allowing us the opportunity to share the member's stories, with our #SoundLovers and fellow #GEM.

Welcome back, #SoundLovers!  We are excited to introduce you to female Korean R&B artist, SAAY and her latest release, “ DOMINO! ”   “Hello, I’m SAAY, a singer-songwriter, performer, and musician, who is based in Korea and works all over the world.” Korean female R&B soloist, SAAY, has released her brand-new digital single “ DOMINO ,” on June 12.  “ DOMINO ,” an all-English track, showcases SAAY’s unique position as an artist who can cross between two languages and cultural markets within the Korean R&B scene. A seasoned singer-songwriter with a career stretching over a decade, SAAY is a multi-player who is deeply involved in the entire process from songwriting, and producing to choreographing and directing performances. We had the opportunity to talk with SAAY about her start in music, creative process, and " DOMINO ." K Fuse: What inspired you to pursue a career in music? SAAY: The first concert I saw in my life was the Wembley performance by Michael Jackson. My parents were huge fans of Michael, so whenever Michael Jackson appeared on MTV, my parents would sit next to me and watch it together, and when I saw the concert, I thought, "Oh, I want to be like him." In a way, I sometimes think that I am who I am now because I saw the concert then. Written and co-composed by SAAY, “DOMINO” is her first release in 7 months since her last single “RollerCoaster.” For the official music video, SAAY collaborated with the renown male dance crew WE DEM BOYZ, as well as dancer IBAN, all who have shown stellar performances in the popular Korean dance competition series Street Man Fighter and Street Woman Fighter. K Fuse: Let's talk about "DOMINO" for just a moment. How would you introduce this track to listeners? SAAY: “DOMINO” represents the complicated feelings that have accumulated over the span of my life and career: anyone who yearns for success can experience conflicting emotions in the form of anticipation and anxiety. Working step by step towards perfection increases the excitement but the fact a single mistake can make everything crumble also increases apprehension, just like a domino. I felt I needed to express these emotions, for us; for me. and It's a medium tempo R&B hip-hop song that combines classical and hip-hop. Starting with the a cappella from the intro, it's an interesting song that opens up all possibilities for the development of the second half of the song! It's not limited to a specific genre, but it's a song that embodies my unique musical position. K Fuse: What was your creative process when writing "DOMINO?" SAAY: When I write a song or create art, I don't like to tell back the feelings I have or express them prettily. I am a musician who is faithful to all my emotions, stories, and experiences, and expresses them directly. This was also the case with this song. Every single verse, every little story of me and my inner little stories, which were hurt and painful, gathered together to complete the song as a story. Sometimes it is difficult to forcefully take out these traumas and melt them into music, but on the contrary, it is an advantage as an artist that I can be a better me by releasing my inner dark emotions into music.  K Fuse: Is there a message you would like to leave for your fans, and our readers?  SAAY: I'm planning to have my solo tour and meet global fans in person again. I just announced a performance in both LA and NYC! Starting with this single DOMINO, I'm planning to do a lot of musical activities. I haven't had the chance to meet global fans since I've been focusing on promoting in Korea for a while. But starting with this single DOMINO, I'm excited to meet global fans in person again! Until we meet in person, always be healthy and happy. Please show a lot of interest and love for this single DOMINO! Thank you! See you soon! I love you! BE SURE TO FOLLOW SAAY ON SNS FOR MORE DETAILS ON HER UPCOMING SHOWS IN LA AND NYC ! Instagram | Spotify | YouTube | X (Twitter) | TikTok

Photo Credit: Deb R. (@_fendiman) Houston’s intimate music scene was electrified as Zior Park took the stage for the second stop of the highly anticipated 082Drop Tour. The evening was filled with an air of expectation, as fans gathered to experience a rare opportunity to connect with the enigmatic South Korean singer, songwriter, and producer.  Known for his unique sound that blends dramatic pop with captivating storytelling, Zior Park’s performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. KFuse had the chance to chat with Zior Park the evening before his performance about his artistry and future projects.  Disclaimer: Responses have been edited for clarity.  Hi Zior Park! Welcome to Texas and thank you so much for interviewing with us today for KFuse. Can you please introduce yourself to our KFuse readers? Hello KFuse! My name is Zior Park. I'm from South Korea and it's my first time in Texas, so I'm so excited right now. Thank you for having me! Photo Credit: Deb (@_fendiman) Congratulations on your first US tour! Can you tell us about how the tour is treating you so far?  I’m having fun! Actually today has been quite nice. Great weather and very nice people. It looks so bright and colorful everywhere I look. I think I love Houston.  You had an incredible festival performance at Head In The Clouds in 2023 and you also performed in Mexico. How were those experiences for you? Actually, you know everything was unexpected for me. Especially in Mexico, the crowd was huge for me. I did not know that I was that popular there. Head In The Clouds was also a huge experience, so I guess you could say it was a challenge for me. However, these experiences made me very mindful for the preparations of  this tour.  Many people reading this interview may  be hearing the name Zior Park for the first time. How would you describe your music style and your concept? I would describe it as drama pop. A lot of people may misunderstand me as a K-Pop artist but my lyrics are not even in Korean haha. So, definitely drama pop. I am producing more of a musical and theatrical style of music.  Which of your songs represents your style the best? Right now, none. Haha, I’ve tried quite a few genres up until now but none of them completely represent Zior Park yet. I am working on a new album though, and I think that’s the one that resonates with me the most.  That’s super exciting! If it’s Christian, did you expect that song to have such a big impact on people? I didn't expect it at all, so it was very fun. You know, that song brought me a lot of things like fame and money, but my next challenge is to make a global hit. That song was only popular in Korea and I think I am capable of releasing a global hit.  Photo Credit: Deb (@_fendiman) You mentioned that you are releasing a new album soon. Can you give us any spoilers? Yes, so I am dropping my new album soon and it is a vampire concept. It contains a total of 12 songs within the drama pop and alternative genre. This will be my veru first full length album so please look forward to it.  KFuse: Will you dye your hair? Zior Park: Haha no actually this is the hair color I wear in the music video.  Is there anything that we’ve left out before we wrap up this interview? KFuse, thank you so much for having me. This is my first time in Texas, so I am very excited to show you my performances. As I said, this tour is challenging me as an artist and I’m working very hard. Please keep an eye out for my upcoming album. I can’t wait for you all to hear it. Thank you again for having me! From the very first note, it was clear that Zior Park wasn’t just performing songs; he was sharing pieces of his soul. His music is described by the artist as "drama pop," a genre that fuses emotional storytelling with dynamic beats and powerful vocals. His setlist featured a range of tracks, showcasing not just his production skills, but his ability to transport listeners into his world—one where his personal journey as an artist and his experiences come to life through every melody. The crowd, though intimate, was fully immersed in the atmosphere. Zior Park's vulnerability on stage was palpable as he shared the stories behind his songs. This was especially evident when he performed “ Christian ,” a track that became a cultural phenomenon in South Korea. With its deeply introspective lyrics, “ Christian ” offers a powerful message about the diversity of belief systems, encouraging listeners to embrace the idea that Christianity, like any religion, is deeply personal and unique to each individual. The emotional weight of the song reverberated through the venue, and it was clear that Zior Park’s words resonated with the Houston audience in a way that felt intimate and real. Photo Credit: Deb (@_fendiman) As the night progressed, Zior Park 's musical repertoire unfolded, revealing the full scope of his talent. The hit song “ Active Volcano ,” a collaboration with Tabber, had the crowd moving with its rock sound. And, it was tracks like “ Magic ,” “ Space Z ,” and “ Feel So Strange ” that truly showcased that Zior Park wasn’t just a one-dimensional performer, but a multi-faceted artist who could seamlessly shift from genre to genre. Accompanied by the incredibly talented guitarist Hanbin Kim, Zior Park took control of the stage with dramatic moves and an impeccable vocal ability that left the audience in awe. His stage presence was larger than life, yet deeply personal. He didn’t just perform—he became the music, embodying every note with an intensity that was impossible to ignore.  What made the performance even more captivating was the way Zior Park engaged with his fans. There was no barrier between him and the audience. For his performance of “ Christian ” he actually surprised fans by joining them in the pit forming a circle around him as he performed in the middle of them while greeting and taking photos with the fans at the same time. Shortly after, he gifted one lucky fan in the crowd a signed copy of his latest album. In many ways, Zior Park’s style and sound evoke comparisons to iconic artists like Twenty One Pilots and Lady Gaga. Much like the former, his music often explores themes of self-discovery, while his dramatic stage presence and bold persona draw parallels to the latter. Zior Park’s ability to seamlessly blend these influences into a sound that is uniquely his own makes him a standout figure in the global music scene. As the night came to a close, it was clear that Zior Park had not left a lasting impression on his Houston audience. For those fortunate enough to witness the 082Drop Tour, the performance was a reminder of the power of music to transcend borders, touch hearts, and create unforgettable memories. Zior Park’s journey as an artist is just beginning, and the world will no doubt be watching as he continues to make his mark in the global music scene.

#Villains! Are you ready to rock out with Xdinary Heroes?!? Less than two years have passed since Korean band rookies, Xdinary Heroes, embarked on their first world tour and enchanted Villains -- the group's official fandom name -- across the globe. On March 24, Jooyeon, Gaon, Jun Han, Jungsu, Gun-il, and O.de announced they are ready to once again embark on another adventure with Villains! Making their debut on December 6, 2021, under STUDIO-J, a sub-label of JYP Entertainment, Xdinary Heroes captivated K-Pop and K-Rock enthusiasts alike with their single, " Happy Death Day ." Showcasing their own unique skills and proving to K-Pop and K-Rock enthusiasts that they are capable of keeping listeners captivated without the fancy dance moves and theatrics, the song debuted at number 12 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales! Their sound is heavily influenced by rock and alternative genres, though their range as a band borrows sounds from bands like Queen and My Chemical Romance. Their music has always had lyrics that inspire their listeners to express themselves as they wish and encourages everyone to stand up for themselves. The band’s emphasis on personal expression has been a comfort to the group's fans and makes the tour that much more exciting. The band has successfully released 5 additional singles, one (1) collaboration track with YB titled " Rebellion ," and one (1) full album, and six (6) mini albums -- with the latest being 'Beautiful Mind' on March 24. Shortly following the release of 'Beautiful Mind,' the six member ensemble announced they would be touring summer with multiple shows in Seoul, southeast Asia and then the United States. So be sure to charge your flatbong, grab your ticket , and get ready to rock those air guitars alongside Xdinary Heroes in one of the following cities: 05/05 - Seoul, Olympic Hall 05/17 - Bangkok, Samyan Miltrtown Hall 05/31 - Kuala Lumpur, Zepp KL 06/14 - Busan, BEXCO Auditorium 06/21 - Jakarta, Tennis Indoor Senayan 06/25 - Surabaya, Grand City Surabaya 07/11 - Taipei, Zapp Ne taipei 07/20 - Daegu, EXCO, East Wing, Hall 4 07/26 - Singapore, The Star Theatre 08/02 - Brooklyn, Brooklyn Paramount 08/05 - Washington, D.C., Warner Theatre 08/08 - Atlanta, Coca-Cola Roxy 08/10 - Irving, The Paviillion at Toyota Music Factory 08/14 - LA, Hollywood Paladium 08/16 - San Jose, San Jose Civic

MONSTIEZ! The news you’ve been waiting for – BABYMONSTER is making their first US appearance this month as part of their 1st World Tour: . Source: @YGBABYMONSTER_ on X Powerhouse rookie group BABYMONSTER  debuted on April 1, 2024 under YG Entertainment with members Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Ahyeon, Rami, Rora, and Chiquita. The group has been active since pre-debut, with their wildly successful singles “ DREAM ” and “ BATTER UP ” released in 2023 and “ Stuck In The Middle ” released in February 2024.  Though the group has been active for less than a year, they’ve already seen major accomplishments. Even before debut, they were the first K-pop girl group to reach two million subscribers on YouTube in just 129 days, and their pre-debut single “ BATTER UP ” became the most-viewed K-Pop debut music video within 24 hours with over 22 million views by the end of its first day. As of the writing of this article, it now has over 300 million views.  BABYMONSTER so far has been known for their pop-rock and EDM sound, bringing a modern twist on the classic girl pop produced by other YG Entertainment groups such as 2NE1 and BLACKPINK. Their latest album, Drip , was released in November 2024 with their high-energy title tracks “ CLIK CLAK ” and “ DRIP .”  After their stops in Newark and LA, the group will make stops to perform for MONSTIEZ in Japan, Singapore, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Taiwan.  Don’t miss your chance to see BABYMONSTER while they’re here! Get tickets at Ticketmaster  for their US stops: February 28, 2025: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ March 2, 2025: Kia Forum, Los Angeles, CA

BIBI is embarking on her first-ever world tour! Exciting news for fans as BIBI announces her first-ever World Tour for 2025. The talented Korean solo R&B artist, BIBI made her debut on May 15, 2019, with the song “ BINU ”. BIBI is a solo artist under Feel Ghood Music and is one of the youngest artists on the music label. Her fandom names are “ BIBI Bullet ” and “ BIBITANS ”. Originating from South Korea, BIBI started her musical journey as a contestant on the music competition TV show called “The Fan”, which focused on finding the next future pop star. BIBI was also recommended to participate in the show by the legendary artists, Yoon Mirae and Tiger JK. BIBI has shown her talent, hard work, and ability to work alongside other talented artists through the many collaborations she has done throughout the years. For instance, BIBI has worked with other talented artists such as Dean, Yoon Mirae, 88rising, Rich Brian, Jackson Wang, and Warren Hue to name a few. All her collaborations have helped to showcase her growing music career and unique and creative style as a rising R&B solo artist and talented performer. BIBI has also been featured on the soundtrack of the popular Marvel movie “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings”. In addition, BIBI has demonstrated her growth as a rising star in the South Korean R&B scene with performances at large events such as COACHELLA and Head in The Clouds music festival. BIBI is also well known for her hit solo singles such as “ Best Lover ” and “ The Weekend ”. BIBI&'s fun and cheeky personality on stage and her powerful vocal skills have helped captivate fans and other peers in the music industry. Overall, BIBI’s growing success as a rising artist is something fans will want to keep an eye out for in the years to come as she continues to grow in her music career. Her tour will start in Seoul, South Korea before heading to the USA, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore. The tour will continue into the fall of 2025 with tour stops in Japan, Taipei, Auckland, and Australia and will have more information on venue locations and ticket dates to be announced at a later date. Keep a lookout for these upcoming Tour Dates and Venue: 5/16 Seoul, Olympic Park Olympic Hall 5/17- Seoul, Olympic Park Olympic Hall 5/18- Seoul, Olympic Park Olympic Hall 6/3- Chicago, IL, The Auditorium 6/5- Toronto, ON, The Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto 6/7- Boston, MA, MGM Music Hall at Fenway 6/10- New York, NY, Radio City Music Hall 6/12- Washington, DC, The Theater at MGM National Harbor 6/15- Atlanta, GA, Coca-Cola Roxy 6/17- Austin, TX, Bass Concert Hall 6/19- Irving, TX, The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory 6/22- Los Angeles, CA, YouTube Theater 6/24- Oakland, CA, Paramount Theatre Oakland 6/26- Seattle, WA, Paramount Theatre 8/3- Hong Kong, China 8/9- Bangkok, Thailand 8/23- Singapore 9/16- Osaka, Japan 9/18- Tokyo, Japan 9/19- Tokyo, Japan 9/21- Fukuoka, Japan 10/4- Taipei, Taiwan 10/15- Auckland, New Zealand 10/18- Melbourne, Australia 10/21- Sydney, Australia 10/23- Brisbane, Australia Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to see BIBI on stage at a concert near you. Tickets go on sale for the South Korea Tour Dates on March 19th for the Presale from 8 pm to 11:59 pm (KST). The Pre-verification period for presale tickets is from March 18th at 2 pm to 11:59 pm March 19th (KST). The general sale for tickets starts at 8 pm on March 20th (KST). For ticket information please check out 2025 BIBI 1st WORLD TOUR ［EVE］ IN SEOUL - Interpark Global For presale and Fanclub membership information please check out Global Fandom Platform - Weverse For the US Tour Dates, tickets go on sale on March 19th at 3 pm local time. Seoul Tickets can be purchased here , while details for the U.S. leg of the tour can be found here .

After a successful kick-off event, The Shops at Skyview are already gearing up for the second event of their 2024 "K-Fun Summer School" Korean culture classes with K-Art! On Thursday, June 27, 2024 -- from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM -- The Shops at Skyview will hold a celebration of Korean artistic talent on Level 4. During this event, four Korean artists -- including Choi Jin Yon, Jason H. Lee, Jimin Yi Baek, and Park Mi Jeong -- will create a live art installation titled, "Ten Symbols Of Longevity," that features the sun, clouds, mountains, water, pine trees, rocks, reishi mushrooms, cranes, turtles, and deer. Each symbol depicted in the artists' work represents the desire for a long and happy life, a core value that stems from ancient cultures. Guests in attendance are invited to participate in a mosaic paper coloring activity to help complete the masterpieces on site. Additionally, emerging graphic design artists, including Noh Heewon and Dahui, will also be on hand to create personalized designs on sneakers and t-shirts purchased from the Shops at Skyview retailers. Take a moment to learn about some of the featured artists for this event below: Jason H. Lee Jason H. Lee is a New-York based mixed-media artists. Born in South Korea, he spend his childhood roaming the mountains and fields. Earning his BFA from Hongik University in Printmaking, the young artist gravitated towards a more approachable and accessible style of art. His goal is to present various perspectives within a simple narrative as he uses uncharacteristic materials in the creatin of his works such as water, fire, matches, trach, recycled goods and hair. Noh Heewon Noh Heewon is an illustrator and animator from South Korea. Exploring deep emotions and subconscious, she unravels those ideas through vintage style art in her own unique way. She was part of a Pinup exhibition at _iidrr gallery in New York in 2023 for their 3rd anniversary. She was also part of a group animation exhibition "Exploded Views" at Sva Flatiron gallery in New York in 2023. Remember! Join The Shops at Skyview between June 16 and August 8 for at least four (4) classes to receive a "graduation gift" that includes a signed postcard from Jung Daehyun! The remaining "K-Fun" cultural classes are: 06/27 K-Art Day 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM 07/07 K-Fashion Day 2:00PM - 5:00 PM 07/18 K-Wellness Day 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM 07/28 K-Food Day 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 08/08 K-Culture Day 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM DON'T FORGET! REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND!

Bangkok-based R&B, Hip-hop and Pop sensation, Daynim is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, ' Glossy Lips ,' taken from their highly anticipated second album, 'PSSST!' 'PSSST!' puts an emphasize on creativity in focusing on self-identity. You can see Daynim self-identifying with the 14-track album as they incorporate an interlude track that "serves as a transition into full storytelling in the next track" -- which is quite an uncommon element for Thai albums. The name 'Daynim' was inspired by "Denim" in Daniel Caesar's ' Japanese Denim .' Consisting of members Pleng, Soe, Get and Kan met in music club during their time in University where they discovered that they were interested in various types of R&B and set out to making alternative R&B music that expressed various moods. Daynim officially made their debut on August 5, 2019 with digital single "Would You." Known for their genre-blending approach, the band seamlessly blends R&B, Hip-hop, and Pop influences, continuing to create a sound that is uniquely their own. 'Glossy Lips' serves as a testament to their evolving artistry and their ability to captivate listeners with their storytelling abilities and uplifting and empowering energy. ' Glossy Lips ' aims to transport listeners into an iconic scene from a classic rom-com high-school movie -- the unforgettable dressing-for-a-party moment. By encouraging self-expression and confidence, Daynim weaves a tale that resonates with audiences while incorporating unisex fashion trends. Drawing inspiration from 2020's hip-hop style, 'Glossy Lips' features a dynamic composition characterized by strong beats and a mesmerizing synth bass line. the Thai band skillfully combines these elements with their versatile vocal styles, resulting in a track that is both infectious and unforgettable. In conjunction with the release of the single, Daynim is set to unveil an eye-catching music video that compliments the track's narrative. The music video promises to transport viewers into a vibrant world of fashion-forward visuals, highlighting the band's creativity and attention to detail. Check it out below. For all of our R&B #SoundLovers out there, this is one band you don't want to miss out on. They truly have defined their own unique style of R&B by finding their way of incorporating the blend of Hip-Hop and Pop sounds with Kan and Soe's raps, Pleng's soulfully smooth vocals and Get's rhythm setting bass line. Keep up with Daynim on: INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER Special thanks to Laury ! #SoundLovers, let us know what you think.