K-Pop legend Kevin Woo joins CCTV: The Nonstop Pop Show to talk about his evolution as an artist! From his new indie era and latest single “Phoenix” to starring in Anderson .Paak’s film "K-Pops!", Kevin reflects on his journey from U-KISS to becoming a global solo star. He shares insights into his creative process, working with ADN Lewis and Vanessa Jefferson, and what’s next in his music and acting career. Plus, we dive into K-Pop’s second-gen era, Broadway, and his journey as an independent artist. Watch now for an in-depth conversation with Kevin Woo!
- "Phoenix" Lyric Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8oFBQH0hVE
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00:00:00 --> 00:00:16 Oh my gosh, we're talking to a ubiquitous Korean international idol superstar. Not only was he the main vocal lead dancer and visual of his boy group, You Kiss, he's also a Broadway performer, movie star, and this is just the beginning. Welcome, Kevin Woo, to CCTV.
00:00:19 --> 00:00:40 We're so honored to be speaking to a K-pop legend right here on CCTV. So to everyone listening, make sure to follow us. Click that subscriber follow button. Join us on Patreon at patreon.com slash cctvpops for some exclusive content. And you can hang out with us and our producers, Emily, George, Lily, Louie, Julianne, Janelle, Shaquille, Jonathan, Jasmine, Darius, and Ren.
00:00:41 --> 00:01:07 That was amazing. What a great intro guys. I'm so flattered. But hey everyone, it's Kevin Wu here. It's been a while but I'm so happy to be back with new music and kind of just spilling you guys in on what I've been up to the past few years. So ready to dive in. And first of all, I'm so happy to finally meet you guys. I saw Min's episode, I saw MJ Choi, which is our choreographer for K-pop on Broadway.
00:01:07 --> 00:01:33 And of course, we have so many mutuals, like our bestie, Vanessa, who connected us. So I just am so happy and thrilled to be here. Thank you for having me. Yes, it's an honor. I'm excited. You know, I already screamed. Oh, stop it. Now you have no clue it's bad. All right, so first off, getting back in my body. Kevin, how are you? How's 2025 been so far? Yeah.
00:01:34 --> 00:02:00 Yes, it's been a roller coaster of emotions. You know, I am based in L.A., and it's just been a really kind of rough start to the year. As all of you know, we've been hit by a very devastating fire out here. But luckily, you know, I'm okay, my family's okay, but it's just so much has been going on just around me. So, yeah.
00:02:00 --> 00:02:28 Definitely, it's been a heavy start to the year, but we're slowly rebuilding. We're overcoming these obstacles, especially the community is really coming together out here in LA and all across the world, honestly. And it's just been so heartwarming to see just all the support. And yeah, but all that aside, me personally, I've been very excited for this year because this feels like...
00:02:28 --> 00:02:43 a sense of like reborn. I want to like reintroduce myself as an artist to not only my audience and my fan club, the Clovers, but to new audiences who might discover me this year with my new music.
00:02:44 --> 00:03:13 Oh my gosh, so exciting. It has been a minute since we heard new music from you. So this is very exciting. But before we even get into it, I think we need to get just the fanboying, fangirling out of the way. Yeah, get it all out. I know it's like coming out of you. I mean, we're both huge second gen K-pop fans. I love Youkiss. I've seen you live twice, actually, in Macau. And also went to Hallyu Dream Festival in Seoul. And Stop Girl is my absolute favorite. I still remember that whole routine.
00:03:13 --> 00:03:42 Oh! So, yes. You probably know more than I do. I'm a major fan. It's been a minute since I danced to Stop Girl. Stop Girl in the name of the world. Yes. All the harmonies. All the harms. Yes, yes, yes. I love it. Thank you so much. Second Gen was truly the gem of K-pop. And I am so honored to be a part of that era. Because I was also a huge fan of Second Gen. Artists, you know, that I promoted with...
00:03:42 --> 00:03:55 And, you know, our iconic Min, of course, right? Min was on the show, and we were on K-pop Broadway together, as you guys mentioned. Thank you guys for supporting us in New York. It was such a...
00:03:56 --> 00:04:20 like refreshing moment for our community and just to like touch up on the Broadway show, because I don't think I've ever really got to talk about it in an interview like this, but like, it was an experience of a lifetime, honestly, to be the face of K-pop on such a huge platform like Broadway. It's just been such a, um,
00:04:21 --> 00:04:48 I don't know, it's been an amazing ride so far. And just to see how big K-pop has grown and expanded all across not only the US, but the globe. Yeah, just to be like the forefront and the pioneer for a stage like that was just so thrilling. And yeah, you guys saw it, right? We did multiple times, I think, both of us. Yeah, that's what I did. Yes, absolutely. So...
00:04:49 --> 00:05:05 It was really, really... Yeah, an awesome moment, especially to share that moment with other iconic second-gen idols like Min from Miss A and Luna from FX and Bo Young from Speaker. It was truly like this...
00:05:05 --> 00:05:23 proud moment for us to really experience the K-pop world and the vigorous training and just all the sacrifices we made. And just to see that journey from second gen to now being a global sensation has just been really exciting.
00:05:23 --> 00:05:40 Yeah, it's been... What a cool ride! And you guys have been along with us in this journey because you guys were second-gen fans too. But I just can't wait to dive in more about other K-pop fangirl moments. But we will come back to Kevin Woo. Okay!
00:05:40 --> 00:06:09 You know, I love that you're so open to talk about other people. Yeah, you're so open to talk about other people. It's so wonderful. And I saw you doing the Mama and Honey dance literally since then, maybe even before then I was a fan. And I loved watching After School Club because of you. You just have a very good personality. And then it's so different from when you performed right yourself. Like with God It, loved it. It was giving Ryan Gosling drive, realness, the noir, neo-noir. That was the insto actually. Oh my God. I picked up on it. I picked up on it.
00:06:09 --> 00:06:33 We peeped that. So that was my literal mood board. Oh, my God. Chantelle, you're on point. It worked. And you pay attention to the details. Yeah. Oh, man. So as you've mentioned, you are kind of in this new stage of your career now. You live here in the U.S. and it's kind of a new chapter. So what have been some of the biggest changes? What have been some of the biggest challenges for you starting this?
00:06:34 --> 00:06:49 Wow. So the biggest challenge was obviously coming from the world of K-pop and being in a boy band and kind of venturing out into this own individual identity and just kind of
00:06:50 --> 00:07:19 winging it, you know, without any label or big company pushing me, which I was used to my whole life. And just kind of, in a sense, like revamping my artistry, just kind of stripping away everything I've known and coming out here to L.A. with literally nothing. I have no experience in America and in the Hollywood industry or the American music industry. Like, yes, I have my background in K-pop, but...
00:07:19 --> 00:07:47 It's so different as an American because I'm a Korean-American and I grew up here. My roots are in the Bay Area. I grew up in a small town called Danville. And, you know, I lived my life throughout, you know, in the Bay, throughout my middle school, high school years. And then I moved to Korea to pursue K-pop. But I spent most of my adult life in Korea and traveling the world. And so it was really like this...
00:07:48 --> 00:08:07 reverse culture shock for me to come back to the States and kind of just re-identify myself as what it's like to be Asian American in the society and this generation. And like also social media had a big play in learning, you know, the nuances and the trends because everything shifted.
00:08:07 --> 00:08:35 after being away for 15 plus years. So growing as an individual, but also navigating what it's like to be an independent artist, those are two things that I had to juggle with moving back to LA. Ooh, ooh, speak on it. For the first time in LA, because I'd never lived in LA before. Yeah, speak on that. Oh, Meryl, your journey has been so expansive. Like from you, Kiss, to your solo career today, obviously a lot has changed, but how has your approach to music evolved over the years?
00:08:36 --> 00:08:54 Yeah, so I, you know, for me, music is my bread and butter. That's my number one passion in life. And I just find so much joy when I'm creating, when I'm performing, like that's truly where my heart lies. And I feel like I never really got to fully enjoy it.
00:08:54 --> 00:09:18 Sadly to say, in my K-pop years, I mean, obviously I love performing. I love the band. I just love that journey. But as an individual, as a creator, as a singer-songwriter, I never really got to fully understand what it was like to create on my own two feet. And coming out to LA, just kind of removing myself from...
00:09:18 --> 00:09:35 that K-pop world allowed me to rediscover what it's like to be an artist. I went to so many different concerts out here, festivals like Coachella, and just like really, really experiencing other artists and seeing them in their just like element.
00:09:35 --> 00:09:52 really expanded my mindset. I was so blown away when I went to my first Coachella in 2018. It was Baychella. Oh my God, I'm getting goosebumps as I speak. Lucky. It was truly like an inspirational, like a game-changing moment for me. I was like, so Baychella,
00:09:52 --> 00:10:11 This is what it's like to really perform your true art and your soul out there to audiences. And that really changed something in my heart. And I was like, I want to do music like this that could really connect, A, connect to me and also connect with the audience without any barriers.
00:10:11 --> 00:10:35 And I felt like in the K-pop world, yes, we had such a strong engagement with the fans, but I think in the musicality aspect of things, I feel like since we were performing songs from other producers and kind of creating this brand and product of the label's eye, I never really got to engage with my audience authentically.
00:10:35 --> 00:11:00 So that was the biggest leap of faith for me and kind of retapping into what it's like to be an artist. So I got to just mess around, like, thanks to my friend Vanessa, who connected us in the first place. She was like the EP of like, you know, kind of creating this new sound for me. And she really was able to connect me to one of my favorite, like,
00:11:00 --> 00:11:19 producers named Adian, who I love and adore. And I really got to kind of connect with people that I resonated with in terms of music. And yeah, for the past year or so, while I was in my acting era, but we'll get to that in a bit.
00:11:20 --> 00:11:44 Yes, because there's so much to catch up on my acting side. But no, yeah, even when I was busy with my acting productions, I really wanted to be in the studio because that's where I really felt like I could just like breathe. I could be myself. There were no barriers when I was like creating new music and sounds and lyrics. Like I didn't have to feel any shame. And...
00:11:44 --> 00:12:12 It was hard at first because I was like, these are emotions I do not want to tap into. I don't feel comfortable. But all my besties were in the room. They were really just telling me, Kevin, this is a stay space. You can tell us anything you want. You can share anything that's on your mind and we could create into art. And I'm like, I remember holding Vanessa's hand. I'm just like, okay, all right, I got this. And yeah, that was such a pivotal moment in my music career.
00:12:12 --> 00:12:39 And I can't wait to share it with you guys. It's really great because I think with the way music is trending now, authenticity really is the main thing. Like all these artists, like just, we were just watching the Grammys, like all those artists that are nominated for best new artists, they're pouring their heart out and they're so vulnerable. And so, yeah. You know, props to Chapel Rhone, you know, for just speaking up for the artists, for indie artists, like every artist who is struggling and just like,
00:12:40 --> 00:13:00 you know, wants to break free from the, you know, more conservative and more traditional way of the music industry, like the labels. And like, we never really had any role model or any person who had a platform like that to speak on our behalf. And what a refreshing moment to see that on a...
00:13:00 --> 00:13:27 on one of the biggest shows in music at the Gravians, which is crazy. Yeah, I mean, I would say that speech probably resonates more with the K-pop world. Even more so than the Western world. Where, you know, at least in the Western world... I mean, both equally. I mean, honestly, now that I've been more familiar with the Western world too, there are so many commonalities. I think it's just the music industry in general that needs to change a lot. And we could go on for days talking about this.
00:13:27 --> 00:13:50 But that's what I want to bring to the table, you know, because I don't have a label. This is all solely just with me and my team. And we're just starting from the ground up and just my stans, you know, they're the driving force for this. And they're really putting the word out there. And I feel like that's the way the music industry should shift anyways. But we'll get into this another time.
00:13:50 --> 00:14:06 Yes. So of course, as you mentioned, the main reason that we're here today is to discuss your brand new single, Phoenix, which is out now, available everywhere. And it's so exciting. We really haven't heard new music from you in so long. So why this track? What's the inspiration behind it?
00:14:06 --> 00:14:22 Yes, yes. So Phoenix, I wrote with Adian and Vanessa and a couple of other my friends, you know, Bright, Mitch, you know, shout out to them if they're watching, but and Conley. I just wanted to...
00:14:22 --> 00:14:48 Really start out with Phoenix because it felt like a good introductory to my new music and my new sound. And this new sound that I've kind of fused together was, you know, bringing in my K-pop elements. I don't want to completely remove myself from that because that's literally who I am. And it's been embedded in me. So I can't fully, you know...
00:14:48 --> 00:15:17 strip away from that but bringing in k-pop with with r&b and pop all that goodness you know and um i feel like phoenix is a great way because because it's been so long i didn't want to just come out with like you know a banger i just wanted to kind of slowly introduce my audience um just like that i'm back you know first and uh with the median tempo with like r&b track that kind of melts in your ears you know
00:15:17 --> 00:15:33 And it brings a warm embrace To anyone who is Rediscovering or even Discovering me as an artist who's never known me And also there's a really Really good and deep Meaning behind Phoenix as well So
00:15:34 --> 00:16:01 Phoenix is a song that I wanted to release now. It was a very timely release because I am raising funds for the relief funds that go to the wildfires in L.A. And I am also selling merch that are supporting those who are affected by the L.A. wildfires. And Phoenix, I feel like, has such an uplifting and positive impact
00:16:01 --> 00:16:20 Message um with like just really really good healing energy I feel like uh in the lyrics And that's why I wanted to release this now Um yeah and and a funny story was I really I wrote phoenix last year actually um
00:16:20 --> 00:16:44 early January of 2024 and it was originally written to be it was a lot shorter song it was like half the length of the song that we hear that we I have out right now and that was because I wanted it to be my intro for my album I wanted to open up the album be like an opener and if you like you know kind of imagine I was envisioning it even like the intro song to my concert like at the
00:16:44 --> 00:17:06 And yeah, yeah, yeah. And I wanted to write about my experience as an artist and an individual kind of rising from the ashes, kind of like reinventing myself, even though I've been through so much in my career. And, you know, I've been in the business for a while and I don't want to say how many years because I don't want to like...
00:17:06 --> 00:17:24 Drop my age But I have been around And I'm always finding ways to You know, stay inspired And when I came to LA I felt like it was truly A moment of rebirth for me And that's why That's what drove me to write Phoenix But
00:17:24 --> 00:17:48 You know, during that week of the wildfires, I pulled the song back and I got my team together and I was like, isn't this song like just what we need right now? Like people right now, you know, during these tragic, devastating times, I feel like need to hear this message. So that's why we got in the studio. We mixed it. We mastered it. We got it out and like.
00:17:48 --> 00:18:01 We perfected everything in like two or three weeks, which is crazy. It takes much longer to get a song out there. But the whole team really believed in the cause and the meaning behind this. So that's why we're able to put it out this week.
00:18:02 --> 00:18:27 I love that because artists were like, obviously everyone's suffering, but it's just different when you're like an artist and you're like hoping that the next song is that big moment or gets you paid or whatever. Like there's so many conversations, like you guys were saying, about music, songwriters and just being a creative and not knowing where the next whatever is going to come from. So I think it's going to resonate with a lot of people as a whole. So sonically...
00:18:27 --> 00:18:57 Would you say Phoenix represents the direction of your upcoming music? Because like you said, it's a little bit more of a mid-tempo R&B track, but is that the full face of the album? Like what can you tease for fans about what you've been working on? Ooh, yes, I love teasing. So I have another single coming up right after Phoenix. And this year I plan to release back-to-back, hopefully leading up to an EP or an album this year. So that's the goal. But yeah, like you mentioned, the whole kind of like...
00:18:57 --> 00:19:14 vibe and mood of this new sound that I've been creating is R&B. It's pop. There's going to be dance elements to it. So I haven't forgotten my dance roots. So you'll definitely see me in my, you know, performance era.
00:19:14 --> 00:19:36 I've really sharpened my skills as a dancer. I had a lot of experience in the past two years on the Broadway show. And I know we'll talk about this later, but hint, hint, the Anderson .Paak K-Pops movie. Yeah, I was really, really in the studio. I was just kind of...
00:19:36 --> 00:20:04 rediscovering my passion for dance and I wanted to implement that into my new music so you'll definitely see more dance from me in this new era of Kevin Woo and what else it's going to be all in English it's going to be very catchy but also very soulful it'll show a lot of intimate vulnerable sides of me that I don't think my fan has ever seen before
00:20:04 --> 00:20:31 Ooh. Delicious. Wow. That's a good tease. Delicious. Delicious. We love that. Yeah. So you did kind of already mention it, the new movie with Anderson . Yes. So y'all, you didn't know, like I mentioned before, this guy, this guy right here, he's a star. He's a super star. I've been booked and busy. Yes. Come on, we're so busy. I've been booked and busy.
00:20:32 --> 00:20:58 So in addition to your music, you have all these awesome, exciting projects in the works. And as you mentioned, one of them is K-Pops, a film directed by Anderson .Paak, who, if you guys do not know, is known for his work with Bruno Mars' Silk Sonic. You know, Silk Sonic. Multi-Grammy award-winning artist, you know? Come on, Mariah Carey's new crew. And he just won another Grammy this year. Oh, true. Yes, yes. We'll talk about the Grammys, not the Mariah Carey boo thing. Okay, my bad. But yeah, you know...
00:20:59 --> 00:21:20 Grammys just left and right, you know? Yes. A Grammy winner dating a Grammy winner. We love that. Yeah. So how did the opportunity come about? Ooh, yes. So this movie has been, you know, in the industry loop for quite a bit. It's been...
00:21:20 --> 00:21:43 quite the talk of the town because it's Anderson's first ever directorial debut as a filmmaker, director, all the above. You know, he wore so many hats in this film. He was the writer, the producer, the director, and he stars in it with his actual son, Sol Rashid.
00:21:44 --> 00:22:14 And he just is a man of many talents. Like, I cannot praise this man enough. You know, obviously, I respect him and praise him as an artist. You know, Silk Sonic, even Anderson .Paak as a drummer. You know, I also have, like, mutual friends with him, like Dumpfounded. Dumpfounded is a good friend of mine. You know, he's really big in the K-Town, L.A. space for rap and music.
00:22:14 --> 00:22:34 So, yeah, I've just seen Anderson do his thing for such a long time. And, you know, I heard that he was doing this movie called K-Pops. And I was like, hmm, how could there be a movie about K-Pops without Kevin Woo? Oh, yeah. And it was...
00:22:34 --> 00:22:54 I have, you know, my acting team out here. I have my managers and, you know, I was very heavily involved with acting during those past two years. So like 2021, 2022, I was taking acting classes, which was the main reason why I moved to LA. So
00:22:54 --> 00:23:23 Yeah, just kind of like really getting into my actor zone. And then I was auditioning for a lot of different films and TV shows. But then this one came to me through my manager. And this was after K-pop on Broadway ended. So it was like the perfect time because I came back to LA. I was looking for material to work on. And then my manager calls me and like, you know, there's this movie called K-pop, directed by Anderson .Paak. Like, would you want to audition for it? And I was like,
00:23:23 --> 00:23:39 Are you kidding me? Like, I think it's calling my name. So, um... I think it was 2022 when I first auditioned for it. And I sent him my tapes. It was my acting tape. It was my singing tape, my dancing tape. And then, um...
00:23:39 --> 00:24:07 I think like a week or two later, they wanted to see me again. I had a callback. And a callback in this industry is like a very, very good sign. Even though you don't get the role, a callback means a lot. That means the casting director is very interested. But sadly, that was a time when the writer's strike and the actor's strike happened. So this whole project came to a halt.
00:24:07 --> 00:24:27 And it stopped for a good year. And then I kind of forgot about it. But in 2023, I got a call back from my manager saying, they want to see you again. And the movie is starting production soon. And I was like, I have a good feeling about this. Yeah.
00:24:27 --> 00:24:53 So the next, the second callback was in the room with Anderson Peck, with Dumbfounded, with all the casting directors. So I was like, okay, I'm going to bring my A game. So I remember doing some scenes with Anderson. I had a really good connection. You know, I thought the room was like, had really good vibes. So yeah, after that last callback, I got a callback from the manager saying I got it. And I was just like in tears. Oh, yeah.
00:24:53 --> 00:25:15 I call my mom, I call my sister, I call my besties. This is my breakthrough moment. Yes. Yes. Yeah. It was, I couldn't believe it. And once we started production out here in LA, like it was just like my, my, one of my biggest dreams come true. Just being in a movie lot, you know.
00:25:15 --> 00:25:42 It was like a dream come true moment for me. And working with Anderson on a daily basis, he was just so much fun to work with. Like, you know, like you've seen him on TV. Like he's exactly the same off camera. And he just gave so many good like notes here and there as a director. And he also allowed the actors to kind of play with the characters. And he was very open to ad libs and kind of like,
00:25:43 --> 00:26:08 playing with some ideas on set. So the vibe of the shoot was just very, very laid back. And I felt like it was just kind of like a very family-oriented set energy. I felt very, very comfortable. I didn't feel nervous or anxious at all. Oh, wow. Despite being my first Hollywood feature film. Yeah.
00:26:08 --> 00:26:23 Can you tell us more about your character? How does he fit into the story? And how did it resonate with your own experience as well? Yes. So I don't think I could give away too much. But I can say I play the antagonist of this film. Ooh.
00:26:23 --> 00:26:45 Oh, Rachi playing the antagonist again. Okay. Oh, yeah. In the K-pop Broadway show, I was also the antagonist. Yes. I feel like I'm in my bad boy era these days. I'm here for it. Yes. Or like, I don't know. This is too cute. This is too cute. This is K-pop coded.
00:26:46 --> 00:27:06 But no, I was, I felt like I really enjoyed it. Like I was very mean. I was a very cocky, arrogant K-pop idol on this show. So I play like a K-pop sensation on this competition show. Kind of like...
00:27:06 --> 00:27:23 Produce 101, Boys Planet It's playing In that world And I don't want to spoil too much But Anderson does want to work With this character Named Kong Which I play and
00:27:23 --> 00:27:45 It's very fun to see that dynamic. It's like a Tom and Jerry type of chase, you know? And, you know, also working on this character and really playing authentically because I have this K-pop experience and this background, but also playing another character that's not Kevin Woo was really, really fun to find those nuances and textures. Yeah.
00:27:45 --> 00:27:56 And also you can expect a lot of really intense fire choreography, formations. And Anderson worked with Dem Joints.
00:27:57 --> 00:28:25 With the soundtrack. Love him. The soundtrack is, guys, you are not... The world is not ready for this soundtrack. Come on. Oh, amazing. You know, for people who don't know Dem Joints, he wrote... He's a multi-Grammy award-winning producer, and he worked with a lot of iconic K-pop artists, such as, like, EXO, SHINee, a lot of SM artists.
00:28:25 --> 00:28:40 And yeah He's kind of like the perfect producer To work with because he also paid the way For K-pop too Yeah And we also have A star-studded cameo in this film
00:28:40 --> 00:29:09 I could spoil that because that's kind of out there in the news media outlet. So we've got Jay Park. We've got Jesse. We've got Vernon of Seventeen. Nice. And also, it was like a great combination of Western artists and K-pop artists. And also, for the Western artists, we have artists like Jaden Smith, Saweetie, Earth, Wind & Fire, Diplo. Oh, wow.
00:29:09 --> 00:29:25 There's more. That's just the name of you. Just like across genres, across generations. That's amazing. Yeah. Amazing for you. I love that for you. Seriously. So much fun. Yeah. And there's going to be more on the soundtrack that aren't in the movie. So for music lovers, you guys are in for a treat.
00:29:25 --> 00:29:52 Oh my gosh. Do you ever have to talk about the album on our show, Chris? I know. Yes. Okay. So I know you can't say too, too, too, too much. We get it. You get it. But your personality is so amazing. We love it. I know there has to be like some type of fun or like unexpected behind the scene moment from this so that you can tell us like a little something about because like your personality, I know it was fire on set. So anything you can kind of give us like the behind the scenes on?
00:29:52 --> 00:30:07 Behind the scenes? Oh, my God. There's too many. I just loved it when Anderson would just kind of, like, hop in in our rehearsal moments, and he would, like...
00:30:08 --> 00:30:35 He would loosen up the vibe and the tension in the air by dancing with us and singing with us. He really made it fun to enjoy the whole process because he is so busy. He's directing. He's running around writing the music for this. He has to prepare for his lines. But he made sure that he was hands-on with the production of this. And...
00:30:35 --> 00:31:02 Yeah, we were able to freestyle dance with him. It was just a lot of fun. And I remember... Actually, no, I can't say it too much. It's okay. It's okay. Don't say it anymore. That was beautiful because literally it means so much to hear that you've come from such a controlled machine to now how many years later being able to actually enjoy all that that you've gone through the labor and actually work with someone who respects you as an artist, as a person, as a human being. That's huge. Absolutely huge.
00:31:02 --> 00:31:32 It's fine. I'm just now an even bigger fan of Anderson. Respect. Respect. Oh, man. Now I really cannot wait to see this for sure. Yes. It did get its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. It did. Yes. How was that experience for you? What was it like kind of seeing the audience's reaction on such a huge stage? Oh, my God. I was like so, so nervous and anxious before the screening of the premiere. It was a sold out theater of 2 people.
00:31:32 --> 00:32:02 and it was like the talk of that festival. Like literally everyone was raving about it. And it grabbed a lot of attention because obviously everyone was curious to see, you know, Anderson in his director mode and just kind of seeing his directorial debut in this film. And because it's rare to see, I mean, there are a lot of, you know, artists who do pivot into directing and acting, but there's more...
00:32:02 --> 00:32:28 They take it more to the acting world, not everything, like acting and directing and producing. So people are very, very curious. And it was very well received. We had a standing ovation for about like five minutes after the screening ended. And just like the energy in the room, I just it's it was indescribable. I've never felt energy like that ever in my life.
00:32:28 --> 00:32:49 There were a lot of K-pop fans there There were obviously a lot of fans of Anderson And there were a lot of film Goer fans who just like didn't know About the world of K-pop Who were just so intrigued by this world And yeah I just can't I can never forget like that energy And just like the amount of support we got In that room
00:32:49 --> 00:33:18 But yeah, it was a very proud moment for me And as an artist who never got to have my moment on screen Having Tiff to be my debut film festival, that's just insane I still can't wrap my head around that You're part of all these firsts, it was like the K-pop Broadway Now it's like this huge kind of K-pop film The first K-pop movie in Hollywood Yeah, wow
00:33:18 --> 00:33:43 Oh, you deserve it. I'm just saying. Mr. K-pop, I guess. Yes. Oh, Kevin Pop. Come on. That's right. Okay. You claimed it's yours. It's mine now. It's yours. Okay. And now a word from our sponsor. Bring home Better Man. Buy on digital now. Experience the recovery and redemption of pop star Robbie Williams and the most original musical ever made.
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00:34:05 --> 00:34:31 So, Kevin Pop, we have to, of course, mention Soul Switch, a 12-minute comedy directed by Lian Cain, which has its public release at the end of February, which is really exciting. Yes. You portray both DJ, a Korean-American from Ohio, and Moon, a fictional K-pop idol in Korea. How was your experience working on this project and then playing both of those roles? Yeah.
00:34:31 --> 00:34:45 oof, wow. It was like, am I f***ing? I was like, who am I? There were some moments during the shoot where I was like, who am I? So...
00:34:45 --> 00:35:08 That story with this film, it was right after K-pop on Broadway closed. And yes, it was unfortunate because it ended much sooner than we expected. But I feel like it was a blessing in disguise because the director of Soul Switch and also the writer came to see one of my...
00:35:08 --> 00:35:28 Like closing shows. And if she hadn't seen this Broadway show, she wouldn't have discovered me. But she already had this film written. And it was like a whole screenplay of a feature film. But when she saw me, she knew that I was the only one who could play this. Because Soul Switch is about...
00:35:28 --> 00:35:52 This small town boy from Ohio named DJ, who is very insecure, doesn't see anyone like him in, you know, the media and doesn't have any representation, just like how I grew up in a little town called Danville. So basically, this kid goes to Korea and he gets mobbed at this club and gets thrown into.
00:35:52 --> 00:36:05 into this dormitory because security guards catch him. And once he's thrown into this dormitory, he discovers that there's a boy that's identical to him, but is a K-pop sensation. And his name is Moon.
00:36:06 --> 00:36:27 So, yeah, it's a very, very fun, like, whimsical, comedic story about this K-pop star and this just regular, degular, small town boy who switch lives and identities and kind of discover who they are in a different world. And...
00:36:27 --> 00:36:47 It was so much fun to create this world with Leigh-Anne because Leigh-Anne is a huge fan of NCT 127 and that's how she got into the world of K-pop and to be honest, she didn't really know much about the Korean culture She was just a fan of K-pop and all that
00:36:47 --> 00:37:04 I was able to really bring in the authenticity to the story. And I was able to build this character with her. And that's why I became the associate producer on this film. So I as well played multiple hats in this production. Wow.
00:37:04 --> 00:37:21 Maybe I'll have my directorial debut. Oh, yeah, it's coming. It's coming. It's coming, no, for real. Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's coming. I'm stirring some things up, yeah. But it was so much fun to, you know...
00:37:21 --> 00:37:42 kind of input my experiences as a real K-pop idol into this story. And I resonated with both characters because DJ, the kid who is from Ohio, really just kind of like neared my life as an insecure Korean-American boy growing up with no representation in America.
00:37:42 --> 00:38:00 And that's why I was able to really tap into both characters. And yeah, it was really fun to play both because this whole film is kind of like this, I guess, message to my inner child and really saying that...
00:38:00 --> 00:38:18 you know, things are going to be okay. You know, everything that you're insecure about, if you believe in yourself, if you have the confidence and define your own masculinity, because we touch upon a lot of like male masculinity in this film, because, you know, it's kind of like,
00:38:19 --> 00:38:39 as an Asian American, we don't really have any of those definitions in our mind. We're kind of in this limbo between not being too Asian enough or not being American enough. And that's where I felt like as me, as Kevin Wu, but I wanted to bring that message to life with these characters.
00:38:40 --> 00:39:08 Oh, wow. Very excited to watch this, too. It also feels like it should also just be a longer film as well. Yeah, so that's the goal with this. So in 2024, last year, we brought this short film, which is a proof of concept, to all the various film festivals we got selected for. Not even in the U.S., but internationally, like Cannes and Tokyo and Korea. So we brought this all over the world. Oh, wow.
00:39:08 --> 00:39:35 And we won a lot of awards, such as like the best short film and best narrative, best actor. So a lot of, you know, accolades and achievements we, you know, were received with this film. So I was very, very honored. And the goal this year is to make this into a feature film so that it can get picked up by a streamer or hopefully in theaters. Who knows? Yeah.
00:39:35 --> 00:39:53 Manifesting it Yes Yeah that's what we're doing right now That's the goal Oh that's so cool I mean yeah I mean you Just you explaining that whole experience I definitely had that too Like I grew up in Minnesota Right Where I was like the only Asian kid At school You know I went through all that And then I moved to Hong Kong And then I saw these Asian pop stars And I was like Oh wow
00:39:54 --> 00:40:21 I could be a pop star? Yeah. You can be a pop star, Chris. We're all our own pop stars in our own lives. This is true. Main character energy. This is true. We are not NPCs. No. Come on now. This is true now. You know, speaking of being a pop star. Now, a lot of people may not realize who you are. But it's okay. We're going to take it back. We're going to remind them. We're going to take it back. Yes.
00:40:21 --> 00:40:27 We're going to remind them. So, like I said, we're taking it back. You kiss. The ubiquitous...
00:40:28 --> 00:40:52 Korean international superstar superstar yes you just debuted in 2008 during such like we said this legendary time in k-pop it's like people are like what is that youtube is popping you're popping up on my screen chris's screen so the industry has it's changed so much right so is there anything you miss about that era
00:40:53 --> 00:41:13 Ooh, that era. I do miss the music, first and foremost. I feel like, you know, like I said, I am a fan of even K-pop these days. But I have to admit that second gen had a lot of iconic gems that...
00:41:13 --> 00:41:34 Because it was so true to the Korean element and the culture and the sound. Whereas these days, I feel like it is a bit more geared towards the international market, especially the U.S. market. So a lot of it's in English. And it's just it's more like nowadays, I feel like it's more pop.
00:41:34 --> 00:41:51 rather than the K-pop, which I really miss. But yeah, I feel like maybe it'll have its comeback moment. But that's one thing I miss. And also the second thing I miss is...
00:41:51 --> 00:42:18 God, I feel like nowadays, because of social media, if I'm being real here, I missed the era without social media. Yeah. Because even at concerts, we were really able to engage with the fans without having phones in our faces. Yeah. But a lot of the recent events and concerts that I've performed at, we're lacking that engagement in person. And yeah.
00:42:18 --> 00:42:43 I feel like with a phone that's kind of being a barrier between me and the audience, it distracts a lot of the, yes, personal and up-close intimate moments. Yeah. Even like when I went to Korea and I went to Enhypen's concert. And, you know, I am a huge fan of Enhypen. And so is my friend Vanessa. We went together together.
00:42:43 --> 00:43:06 And one thing we noticed is that everyone was having their phone out and they weren't even really engaging or shouting when the boys needed their support. They were more focused on if they were getting the right angle or just a steady shot of them. So I kind of missed that in the second gen. The audience is definitely a bit more eccentric and vibrant. Yeah.
00:43:06 --> 00:43:30 we talk about that a lot on the show really? glad I wasn't the only one I'm just spinning sacks whether you like it or not it's not even a K-pop thing it's just a nowadays our day and age issue yeah for sure shout out to Enhypen and Vanessa I actually met Vanessa at Enhypen here in New York
00:43:30 --> 00:43:56 so in high band bringing us all together oh yes yes i am a true engine yes yes but one thing at that concert though because they did those like they did like the high five or whatever afterwards people left like 30 minutes before the show was even ending just so they could go to that so they missed like so much of the show which i was like oh what and sometimes and also always the best moments at the end like the encore when they do their best songs
00:43:56 --> 00:44:21 right yeah anyway oh no anyway that grant is also for another day yes yes uh so yes so so seeing this new generation of k-pop groups now if you could give any advice to these newer idols what would it be oh wisdom i love this um oh wow you know i feel like they don't mean my advice i'm
00:44:21 --> 00:44:41 No, because they're doing so well. They're just perfected by the K-pop system. It's almost like looking at AI because they're almost too perfect, if that makes sense. But I have so much respect to that because that just...
00:44:41 --> 00:44:59 proves to show how much dedication and hours the artists put into their craft and also the labels at K-pop, you know, they really know how to perfect the image and the branding and the choreo, the visuals, just every little aspect, you know, the list goes on.
00:45:00 --> 00:45:19 But I want to give advice to the kids these days to really just kind of look at this as a marathon and really be able to find your true color and your artistry, even a missed experience.
00:45:19 --> 00:45:40 the peak of your career as an idol like i know that's super crucial and in the moment that's like that's what they're occupied with but that's something that i regret being in a k-pop idol group was because like i didn't really spend enough time for myself and that's why when i kind of
00:45:40 --> 00:45:53 graduated from this boy band era and kind of ventured into my own solo artistry, it took me a while to tap into it because it was like starting fresh. But if I had the resources, if I had
00:45:54 --> 00:46:12 more of the capacity to, I would have focused more on like what I wanted as an individual, not following suit to what the label wants or what the branding is. Cause the branding of the group and who you are as an individual could, is not always aligned.
00:46:13 --> 00:46:25 So if you Yeah, to the idols out there Think of the future You're going to do this For your whole life So yeah
00:46:25 --> 00:46:55 And save your joints, too. I feel old. Because they are breaking backs out there for these fans. But, you know, for me, I dance my whole life, too. And I'm kind of like, ugh. It's like some places aren't as, you know, smooth and, how do you say? Flexible and limber. Flexible. All the words. Yes, yes, yes. All the words. So take good care of your body, you know. Mm-hmm.
00:46:55 --> 00:47:22 No, it's true because I was watching the Cat's Eye live performance for Mamba, which Anderson was actually at, which is so funny that you mentioned in the movie. Yeah. A couple of the girls have to do like a back layout. Two of them like threw their backs out. They did, yes. And they're like, what, 19? So it's like one of those things where it's like, it's true. So you did have good advice. Thank you. Thank you. Yes, yes, yes. And oh, one other big one that I did not tap into in my idle days, mental health.
00:47:22 --> 00:47:48 yes yeah um yeah i grew up in an era where mental health didn't exist in k-pop so i didn't get i didn't have the chance to vocalize anything that was kind of surfacing or kind of like this inner turmoil turmoil that i've experienced i'd never let it out so that's another huge thing that i
00:47:48 --> 00:48:05 But I feel like nowadays K-pop labels are more lenient to the idols who need time to kind of be on a hiatus or have a mental or, you know, break from their activities. So I feel like we're really good going in a good direction.
00:48:05 --> 00:48:34 Yes, the shift is happening. And, you know, just speaking about shifts and such, we're at the end a little bit. Sorry, y'all. I know. So much. But listen, we have more for you, of course. Of course. And I'll have to come back. Yeah. We've got to save some talk for the next one, you know? Definitely. Exactly, y'all. Can't give you all of it, okay? But as you are now shifting and embarking on this exciting new chapter of your career, do you have any message to your Clovers, your fans? Yes.
00:48:34 --> 00:48:58 Of course, of course. I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you for being so patient. I know it's been a couple of years since you guys heard new music from me, but a lot of exciting projects and films and music coming your way this year. So the wait is over, I'd have to say.
00:48:58 --> 00:49:14 And yeah, I just truly just appreciate our relationship because you guys have been there with me since day one. And it's I find it so fascinating to have.
00:49:14 --> 00:49:38 you know lovers of kevin lovers clovers um yeah my clovers to have been there for me throughout all my ups and downs in my careers and just have been so loyal and i can't thank you guys enough for being that rock for me and being my motivation my inspiration so this new music is all for you guys so i hope you guys enjoy it
00:49:38 --> 00:49:58 Yes, so exciting. Okay, before we let you go, though, we have to do a little rapid-fire round with you, exclusive to our Patreon. So everyone, go head over to Patreon. Check it out. Okay. Oh, man, thank you so much for having me. What a pleasure to have met you guys today. And thank you for just kind of
00:50:00 --> 00:50:19 hyping me up as an artist because I haven't felt this in a while so thank you for you know um boosting my confidence again and I really feel good about this new era of music and this is one of the first podcasts actually since releasing new music so this is an exclusive hello
00:50:19 --> 00:50:46 Thank you so much. We're so glad and excited that you're back. And there's so many fun things coming out, and we will definitely be tuning in. So everyone, go follow Kevin on all the socials. And of course, Phoenix is available on all platforms now. Go listen. Yes. And CCTV, of course, is available on all podcast platforms. So make sure to comment, hit those follow subscribe buttons. We have some really fun episodes coming out. Kevin will be back soon.
00:50:46 --> 00:51:05 So stay tuned. Lots more guests coming to the show. Follow us at CCTV Pops on socials. Join us on Patreon for exclusive content. So until next time, that's Chantel. That's Chris and Kevin. And we're signing off from CCTV, the nonstop pop show. Bye, guys.