Kevin Woo has redefined what it means to be a performer. From KPop Demon Hunters to the release of his latest single, “Ain’t No Party,” Woo reflects on the evolution of his career, the lessons he’s learned across music and film, and why staying true to himself has remained the foundation of everything he creates.
TALENT: Kevin Woo @kevinwoo_official
PHOTOGRAPHY: Steve Limones @stevelimonesphotography
STYLING: Vincent Weathersby @styledbyweathersby
GROOMING: Suzie Kim @suziekbeauty
STYLING ASSISTANT: Jillian Helm @jilllianhelm
FASHION DIRECTOR: Benjamin Holtrop @benjaminholtrop
PUBLICIST: Angela Mach at Platform PR @platformprteam
PRODUCTION + LOCATION @MaisonPriveePR_la @bellomediagroup Aleksandar Tomovic @alekandsteph
CHARACTER: You’ve experienced the K-pop industry from multiple perspectives—as an idol, a solo artist, a Broadway performer, and now an actor. Looking back, what version of Kevin Woo do you feel is the closest to who you truly are today?
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Kevin Woo: I think every experience I’ve had has shaped me into the artist and person I am today. At my core, I’ve always been a performer—whether that’s through singing, dancing, acting, or any form of creative expression. I feel the most fulfilled when I’m able to share something authentic and connect with people through that energy. Each art form has its own unique language and has taught me something different about myself. Instead of seeing these experiences as separate chapters, I see them as tools that continue to expand my artistry. Every opportunity has allowed me to discover new sides of myself, and I think the Kevin Woo today is a reflection of all those experiences coming together.
C: Your latest music feels like another step in your artistic evolution. What inspired this chapter creatively, and what emotions or experiences were you most determined to capture in these new songs?
K: It’s been such a transformative year, especially after the release of KPop Demon Hunters, and I feel incredibly grateful to have been able to explore so many different areas of my career. During this time, I felt more inspired than ever to express myself through music. A lot of the songs I’ve been creating reflect a brighter, more positive energy because they represent where I am emotionally right now. I wanted to create music that felt honest and aligned with who I am—not just as an artist, but as a person. I truly believe that when I genuinely connect with my own music, that feeling can reach the audience as well. I’ve always admired artists like Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran for their ability to create music that feels timeless and universally relatable, and I wanted to blend that influence with my roots as a K-pop artist. My latest single, “Ain’t No Party,” is the perfect representation of that combination—a celebration of joy, confidence, and the energy I want to share with the world.
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C: Having spent years performing in Korea, Japan, and the United States, you’ve connected with audiences across very different cultures. Has your understanding of what makes music universal changed as your career has become increasingly global?
K: Absolutely. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that music has the incredible ability to transcend language, culture, and background. I’ve experienced that firsthand through my journey with U-KISS, where I had the privilege of performing for fans around the world. I’ve also
had the unique perspective of witnessing the growth of K-pop from the early generations to becoming a global phenomenon. Being part of that journey has shown me that what truly connects people isn’t just the music itself, but the emotions, stories, and authenticity behind it. As my career has continued to evolve, I’ve realized the importance of constantly growing as an artist while staying true to the experiences and perspectives that make me unique.
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C: Whether you’re recording in the studio, performing live, or stepping in front of the camera, storytelling remains at the heart of what you do. How does your approach change depending on the medium, and what have acting and musical theatre taught you about becoming a better musician?
K: Regardless of the medium, my approach always starts with understanding the story and the emotion I want to communicate. Whether I’m performing a song or portraying a character on screen, authenticity is the most important element for me. I try to fully immerse myself in the moment and allow myself to genuinely experience the emotion rather than simply perform it. My experiences in acting and musical theatre have taught me so much about vulnerability, expression, and the importance of connecting with an audience. They’ve also helped me become a stronger vocalist by expanding my understanding of storytelling through different tones, textures, and layers of performance.
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C: Your journey hasn’t followed a conventional path, and you’ve never been afraid to reinvent yourself. Was there ever a moment where taking a creative risk felt genuinely intimidating, but ultimately became one of the best decisions you’ve made?
K: My career began in South Korea as a member of a boy band, and choosing to step away from what was familiar and rebuild myself in a new environment was one of the most intimidating decisions I’ve ever made. There were many unknowns, and I didn’t know exactly where that path would lead me. One of the biggest risks I took was accepting the opportunity to perform on Broadway and moving to New York in 2022. Performing eight shows a week was both mentally and physically demanding, but it pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me grow tremendously as an artist. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful that I embraced that challenge because it opened doors to opportunities I never imagined, including projects like KPop Demon Hunters and the feature film K-POPS! directed by Anderson .Paak.
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C: Fans have grown up alongside you, watching each new chapter unfold. How has your relationship with your audience evolved over the years, and what have they taught you about yourself as an artist?
K: My fans have been one of the greatest blessings throughout my career. They’ve witnessed every chapter of my journey and have been my biggest source of motivation, especially during the moments when things weren’t easy. A career journey is rarely as simple or perfect as it may appear from the outside. There have been challenges, unexpected turns, and moments of uncertainty, but being able to share those vulnerable parts of my journey with my fans has created a much deeper connection between us. They’ve taught me the importance of believing
in myself, trusting the process, and staying true to who I am. Knowing that there are people who continue to support me through every chapter gives me so much gratitude and motivation to keep becoming a better artist.
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C: You’ve recently expanded your work into voice acting and film while continuing to release music. Do these experiences influence one another creatively, and have they changed the way you approach performance as a whole?
K: Yes, I strongly believe so. Each medium has taught me something new that I can carry into my next creative chapter. Acting has challenged me to explore different perspectives, emotions, and parts of myself that I may not have discovered otherwise. Through playing different characters and immersing myself in different stories, I’ve learned to approach performance with more depth and vulnerability. Those experiences have influenced the way I express myself through music as well, because at the heart of every performance is the same goal: creating an emotional connection.
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C: The music industry moves incredibly fast, yet you’ve built a career that has remained relevant across different generations of K-pop. What do you think has been the key to staying authentic while continuing to evolve?
K: Finding my purpose has been the biggest factor in staying grounded and authentic. As an Asian American artist, I’ve always wanted to share my perspective through my own unique lens and tell stories that feel genuine to who I am. For a long time, I saw being Korean and American as two separate identities, but I eventually realized that combination was actually my greatest strength. It allowed me to bridge different cultures and bring a perspective that is uniquely my own. I’ve learned that evolution doesn’t mean losing yourself—it means continuing to discover new parts of yourself. Every chapter of my career has allowed me to reinvent myself while staying connected to the values and purpose that started it all.
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C: If someone who had never heard your music before pressed play today, which song would you want to introduce them to first—and why do you think it represents who Kevin Woo is at this moment in time?
K: I would introduce them to my latest release, “Ain’t No Party,” because I feel like it captures who I am at this exact moment in my life. The song represents my personality—the fun, positive, and energetic side of me—but it also reflects my journey of embracing who I am as an artist. It combines my experiences, my influences, and my desire to create music that brings people joy. More than anything, I hope people feel the genuine happiness and freedom behind the song.
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C: When people look back on your career years from now, what do you hope they’ll remember most—not about your achievements, but about the impact your music and your artistry had on their lives?
K: I hope people remember my journey and the growth behind it—not just the achievements, but the perseverance, passion, and lessons that came along the way. Often, we only see the success stories of artists we admire, but the reality is that every journey includes uncertainty, setbacks, and moments of doubt. I want people to understand that creating your own path is not always a straight line. It requires patience, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward. If my story inspires someone to pursue their own dreams, embrace who they are, and find their own joy and purpose, then that would mean more to me than any achievement.
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