SHAUN

Kim Yun-Ho or professionally recognized as SHAUN, is a prominent figure in the Korean music industry as a singer-songwriter, music producer, and DJ. He initially made his debut as the keyboardist and backup singer of The Knoxx, an indie rock band, in 2009. Since then, he has significantly impacted the K-Pop scene by producing for legendary artists such as EXO, SHINee, and f(x). In 2015, he debuted as a solo artist with the single, “Falling Into,” and established himself in Korean EDM space, with his remix of EXO’s 2017 hit song, “Power.” In 2018, “Way Back Home,” his lead single from the solo debut EP Take, became a viral sensation, and has currently amassed over 3 billion streams. He is one of the most streamed solo K-Pop artists and is known for his emotionally charged lyrics and catchy hooks. This year, SHAUN is embarking on his first North American tour, “On The Road,” an incredible achievement for a Korean solo artist. I had the utmost privilege of interviewing him on 17 March 2023 in a prerecorded video sent via email by Unbound Entertainment Group & Records. In this interview, SHAUN shares his musical influences, what it takes to be a successful artist, how he is preparing for his North American Tour, and advice for aspiring artists. 

What are your musical influences?

I tend to be inspired by everything in my life. I am influenced by new environments, music, seasons, weather, and people. When I feel stuck, I always explore a new environment. One day [for example], I suddenly became a homebody, so to experience a change of environment, I took a walk. I want to go on a road that I haven't been to, and all of this is a good stimulus to make music.

What is your day-to-day life like as a singer-songwriter, music producer, and DJ?

Monday through Friday, I plan with my team and write and produce songs. On Friday and the weekends, I go out to the clubs and DJ. I think I DJ for crowds ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 people. It’s really popular on Fridays and Saturdays. That's how I live. There is no day off.

How do you maintain the balance between working on your music while contributing to some of the K-Pop industry’s biggest hits?

I don't think I have a  balance between the two [laughs]. I make songs thinking that people in all countries will listen to them.

What are some of the obstacles you faced in your career and how did you overcome them?

I was criticized because of their [netizens] hasty judgment and misunderstandings. I didn't know how to deal with it when I first experienced it [2018], so I was a bit flustered. I think it's a great learning experience because I know how to deal with it now. Now, I’m making music to repay everyone who believes in me and loves my music. I'm always trying to repay them with good works and performances.

Poster of  SHAUN’s First North American Tour.

2023 is a remarkable year for you as you are on your first North American Tour! What’s the significance of being “On The Road?”

I've been going back and forth overseas since January 2023. I'm meeting a lot of people right now. I’m meeting many new people but also people I’ve already met before. So I’m used to walking around rather than staying at home. For this tour, I named it “On The Road” because it’s derived from my previous song, “Road” from my EP Omnibus Part 1. After the journey ends, as I go back home, I’ll listen to “Way Back Home.” 

How are you preparing yourself to be “On The Road?”

Since it’s my first tour [in North America], it’s a bit difficult to incorporate flashy productions. I’m focusing on the musical aspects of the tour to give a good show to as many people as possible.

What do you hope to accomplish during the “On The Road” tour?  

I am not hoping or expecting anything. It’s my first North American tour, and I’m thinking about how to grab onto the next opportunity through this tour. I believe there are more good opportunities coming and there are going to be good stages [to perform]. The important thing is that I have to keep making good music so that I can take the opportunity when it arrives.

If someone wants to check out your music, what would be the 3 songs you recommend?

“Way back home,” “Closed Ending,” and “Nocturnal.”

SHAUN performing at a music event.

You are constantly pushing boundaries by collaborating with unique artists. What do you look for when you work with other artists?

I think it's really meaningless for me to do a collaboration just because I have to do one. I consider that person [the artist] and my valuable time to make sure none of it goes to waste. It’s essential for good work to come out. I also look at how that artist’s identity and my identity will blend well together. It’s an obvious thing to consider but many potential collaborations fizzle out because our identities do not match. When I collaborated with Yuna and Jeff [Satur], their unique colors matched well with mine. It’s not easy to do a good collaboration. But the first and most important aspect of a collaboration is if the person [artist] likes the song and can sing it in a good mood.

Recently, you collaborated with Jeff Sattur — Thai singer-songwriter and actor — on your latest release “Steal The Show!” As a K-Pop fan, you shape a lot of the music I listen to and Jeff Satur is one of my favorite artists. So this was a collaboration that was both unexpected and absolutely necessary! What was your experience collaborating with him?

I’m happy to hear you liked this collaboration! After my collaboration with Jeff came out, I received a lot of praise from people like, “two of my favorite artists met and worked together,” and “this is the collaboration of the year!” Hearing this alone is enough to make me happy. Working with Jeff was fun and fresh and I got to become good friends with him. I hope in the future we can interact more, create music, and perform together. Jeff, you’re doing well right [laughs]?

If you were to start your musical journey again, what would you do differently?

I don’t want to re-do it again [laughs]. Wow, I’ve come this far and it’s been quite rough. It’s best not to re-do it but if I were to go back, I would do a less variety of music [activities]. I’m jealous of people who can only do this, or can only do that, or can’t do anything besides certain things. It’s much better for an artist, because their identity is more concrete and people can remember what they do. I’m too greedy, I want to do this and that. Sometimes, I’m a DJ, sometimes I’m a singer-songwriter, and people tend to think, “What exactly is this person?” That’s something I’m a little disappointed about. So if I start my music career from scratch, I want to have a (more) distinct identity. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists who look up to you?

There are so many opportunities that come to you when you don't even think about it! You need to hone your skills, so you can seize those opportunities in those moments. If you want to make good music, you need to know what to do for that goal. I sound like a self-improvement book [laughs]! What do you need to do to make good music? You have to write a good melody, you have to get a good sound, and to do that, you have to have a lot of knowledge [in music]. A lot of people have the will but aren't doing what they can right now. But the people who change the game [of the industry] or the world, do what they can right now. If you want to do something, do it right now.

Do you have any concluding remarks for the readers?

I hope you can hear my music as soon as possible and I will greet you in-person at [different] venues. Thank you for your love and interest in my music and I will continue to make good work!

Permission to use the pictures above is granted by Unbound Entertainment Group & Records.

Works Cited

Ghosh, Ishani, and SHAUN. “Interview With SHAUN.” 17 March 2023.

Jamaludin, Adlynn. “SHAUN: South Korea’s Wunderkind To Embark On His First North America Tour.” Received by Ishani Ghosh. 21 February 2023.