This hip-hop infused contender sits firmly on a high pedestal in an already fantastic industry. After living in South Korea for two years and independently releasing two albums, Kristian is now based in Mexico City, ready to further his music career in Latin America, while constantly honing his personal brand: sexy, smooth, camp, queer.
Speaking about the personal new EP, Kristian J shares, “양아치 (yang-a-chi) is a Korean word meaning a punk, a troublemaker. One of those class bullies you always see on TV. On the one hand, I’m not really that kind of person at all, yet it became sort of a nickname for me while I was living in Korea the past few years. While it was all for fun, I think it’s because I chose to live my life differently from other people. I wasn’t afraid to take risks and get into a little trouble. I wasn’t 정상 (“normal”) like everyone else. In the Korean gay community, 양아치 is even seen as a compliment.
You’re like a bad boy. On the other hand, I guess I am a 양아치 in a way. I decided to name this EP after this peculiar, newfound identity. A lot of these songs are about living life differently from those around you. The lyrics talk about love, sex, identity, and the masochistic torture of chasing after your dreams as an artist. Grappling with these things and coming to terms with your authentic self isn’t an easy thing to do. Unless you’re a 양아치.”