IN CONVERSATION WITH KEVIN WOO

interview by JANA LETONJA

Kevin Woo is in the midst of a powerful creative evolution, one that seamlessly bridges K-pop stardom, animation, Broadway, and independent cinema. Known to millions as the main vocalist of legendary K-pop group U-KISS, he recently captivated a new generation of fans as the singing voice of Mystery Saja in Netflix’s Billboard-chart-topping phenomenon ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’. Now, he takes another major leap forward starring as one of the leads in ‘K-POPS!’, the highly anticipated directorial debut from Anderson .Paak, set for a limited theatrical release in January. With new music on the horizon and his influence expanding across mediums, Kevin continues to redefine what a global pop artist can be.

full look YVES SAINT LAURENT

You’re juggling music, animation, film, and live performance. How does this chapter of your career feel different from previous ones?

This chapter feels expansive. I feel deeply inspired as I move through different creative worlds, and each new challenge pushes me to grow into the artist I’ve always aspired to be. There’s a sense of freedom now that I didn’t always have before. I’m no longer focused on fitting into a defined space, I’m focused on expression. Collaborating with artists I’ve admired for years has been both grounding and affirming. For the first time, I feel limitless.

full look LOUIS VUITTON

Looking back, did you ever imagine your journey would span K-pop idol, Broadway performer, voice actor, and film lead?

Not in a linear way. I was always drawn to storytelling in all its forms — music, film, theater — but I didn’t map it out. I followed curiosity more than expectation. Over time, I believe my persistence and dedication to the arts opened doors and ultimately shaped a path that feels uniquely mine.

‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ became a massive cultural moment. What was your reaction to seeing the Saja Boys top the Billboard charts?

Surreal is the only word that comes close. While the story is fictional, the emotional core felt incredibly real to me. It reflected experiences I’ve lived through — identity, pressure, transformation. I sensed early on that the project carried something special, but seeing how deeply it resonated globally was overwhelming in the best way. It reminded me how powerful storytelling can be when it’s honest.

How did you approach giving Mystery Saja a distinct vocal identity while still fitting into a fictional group dynamic?

I approached Mystery Saja as an extension of emotion rather than technique. Working with Ian Eisendrath and EJAE, there was an immediate trust in my natural vocal tone. They encouraged me to preserve the essence of my voice while experimenting with different stylistic elements. Since Mystery was meant to sound ethereal and dreamy, I leaned into techniques from my earlier K-pop days, where I had experience with that vocal style. It was a really rewarding process to bring Mystery Saja to life purely through my voice and to have creative input in shaping his identity.

Next up, we’ll be seeing you in ‘K-POPS!’. What drew you to this project, with Anderson .Paak as a first-time director?

What drew me in was its honesty. The film explores K-pop through an American lens while remaining deeply respectful of Korean culture. I had always dreamed of playing a role that reflected my own life experiences, not only as a Korean American, but also as a K-pop idol, and this project captured both so seamlessly. Anderson approached the story with immense heart. It was clearly a labor of love. Collaborating with him was inspiring. Watching him navigate multiple roles with such intention made the experience incredibly meaningful.

jacket HIGH SOCIETY
trousers KING & TUCKFEILD
shoes LOUIS VUITTON

What was it like premiering the film at TIFF and Tribeca and hearing early audience reactions?

It was an incredible honor to premiere ‘K-POPS!’ at such prestigious festivals. Both screenings sold out and ended with standing ovations, which was deeply moving. Seeing audiences emotionally connect with the film in real time reminded me why I love storytelling. Many people described it as a feel-good film that resonated across generations, which meant a lot to all of us who worked so hard on it.

You’ve long existed at the intersection of Asian and Western pop culture. How conscious are you of that role?

At the time, I wasn’t fully conscious of it. I was simply following what felt authentic to me and carving out my own path as an artist. Looking back now, I feel proud of the choices I made and the projects I’ve been part of. Moving forward, I want to continue paving the way and creating space for other artists like me to pursue their passions freely.

What does it mean to you to be part of projects that normalize Asian-led narratives in mainstream entertainment?

It means everything to me. For a long time, I struggled to find my own voice and felt pressure to dilute parts of myself to belong. Seeing more Asian-led narratives exist without explanation or compromise feels essential, now more than ever. Audiences around the world are craving authenticity, and it’s important that we continue to uplift and celebrate our stories and perspectives.

You’re currently working on new music. How has your sound evolved since your early U-KISS days?

My sound has become much more mature and personal. During my early K-pop years, I didn’t have much creative freedom, but now I’m fully in control of what I want to express, both lyrically and sonically. As I continue to grow as a person and an artist, my new music offers a deeper and more honest reflection of my journey.

shirt, blazer and tie HIGH SOCIETY
trousers INTODUSK
shoes and gloves SAINT LAURENT

What themes or emotions are guiding your next musical chapter?

Clarity and emotional presence. I’m drawn to themes of positivity and mental well-being, not in a superficial way, but as something earned. I want my music to feel spiritually uplifting and grounding, something that listeners can relate to and find comfort in during their own journeys.

As you look toward 2026 and beyond, what kinds of projects are you most excited to explore next?

I’m excited that my music and acting careers are evolving simultaneously. What excites me most is the opportunity to collaborate with artists, producers, and creatives across cultures and languages. I want to evolve without limitation and continue showing the world what I’m capable of as an artist and storyteller.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent KEVIN WOO
photography RETO STERCHI
styling JAY HINES
styling assistants AMIAH JOYNER and CHRISTOPHER CRAWFORD
hair and makeup SUZIE K
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA
location CONRAD LOS ANGELES