IN CONVERSATION WITH HEYOON
interview by JANA LETONJA
Global Korean pop star Heyoon just dropped her second solo single ‘ASAP’, featuring New Jersey rapper Chris Patrick. Heyoon’s transition to solo artistry comes as a natural progression after five years with global pop group Now United, where she earned a reputation for sold-out stadium tours across 30+ countries and released over 100 singles and music videos. In addition to her music career, she is deeply committed to philanthropy, supporting the Art of Elysium and aspiring to establish a foundation for children worldwide.
‘ASAP’ marks your second solo single after ‘Pivot’. How has your musical style evolved since your debut?
Right now, I’m having so much fun being in the middle of the process of bringing all of my influences like my dance background, traveling the world with such a diverse group as an artist, and my roots growing up in Korea into my music . Can’t wait to share more with the world.
What inspired you to collaborate with Chris Patrick on this track, and how did the creative process unfold?
I’ve been a fan of his music. Chris is such a talented and humble artist. He’s been so collaborative and open to everything, it’s been such a smooth process. We had so much fun filming the music video and performance video here in Seoul together.
The song explores themes of passion and surrendering to love. Can you share more about the emotions and story behind the lyrics?
To me, ‘ASAP’ is about desire. I think it’s actually very freeing to be so vulnerable and express exactly how you feel when you have this reckless love for someone. Especially these days when everyone is trying to play games.
The music video is a celebration of diversity, featuring dancers of different nationalities and sexualities. Why was this representation important to you?
I think we all had a moment in our lives where we felt like an outsider. I feel this responsibility to show people that there’s always space for everyone to feel understood. I genuinely feel so lucky to have been able to see the world the way I did. As much as it is for people to feel understood through my art, it’s also healing the little Heyoon in me that felt misunderstood at times.
You’ve been part of the global pop group Now United for years. How has transitioning into a solo career been for you?
It’s been the most challenging yet exciting time for me. I’ve dedicated my early to mid-20s to this experience so there was a lot of letting go and rediscovering what I needed to do. I’m so glad I took a year fully off, just focusing on me and my music.
Having toured across 30+ countries, how has your international background influenced your music and artistic choices?
I was constantly in a different environment, and it actually made me see things more clearly and build strong taste. What feels like me naturally and what doesn’t. I can’t wait to share more music and art.
You’re deeply involved in philanthropy, supporting the Art of Elysium and aspiring to start your own foundation. What causes are closest to your heart?
I want to help the next generation build a healthier community. I got to travel a lot in my 20s and saw how many children in the world need support with medical care and education. Building art schools and medical centers for children around the world is definitely one of my goals.
You’ve been turning heads at Paris Fashion Week. How does fashion play a role in your artistic identity?
Music and fashion go hand in hand. It’s such a big part of self-expression and creative outlet for me. I love making my own looks as well. I love to DIY and crochet things.
What can we expect next from you? Maybe an EP or full album in the near future? Any upcoming collaborations or surprises for your fans?
More music and definitely an album on the way as well. I’m locked in and want to focus on releasing a lot of music this year so I can be back on tour one day and meet my global fans in person.
