Photo Courtesy of ZIMIN
Welcome! Today we’re interviewing ZIMIN, a multi-talented artist who debuted in 2025 with “PROJECT.” A composer, songwriter, and arranger, ZIMIN spent ten years honing his skills as a trainee at Human Entertainment and as the main vocalist of KNOCK6. Now, having directed his debut project, he’s ready to share his music with the world. Let’s begin!
What sparked your initial interest in music, and what were some of your earliest musical influences?
From a young age, I enjoyed listening to music with my dad, playing the guitar, and singing. At 10, I discovered my talent for singing while spending time with a friend I met at school. The joy of being good at something made me nurture my dream of pursuing music.
You started your musical journey relatively late (age 22). What led you to pursue music at that point in your life, and what were some of the challenges you faced starting later than many other musicians?
Actually, I started singing at the age of 10, and from then on, I nurtured my dream of music. I received training at an academy starting in middle school. Later, I entered a practical music college, and after graduating, I signed with Human Entertainment at the age of 22. Therefore, I didn’t start later than other musicians, and I didn’t face any significant difficulties.
Can you describe your experience as a trainee at Human Entertainment? What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned during your 10 years as a trainee?
From 2015 to 2019, I developed my skills in singing, composing, writing lyrics, and arranging music as a trainee, while performing countless shows. In 2019, I paused my activities due to military enlistment, but thanks to the experience I had built up, I was assigned to the military band, where I learned new music. One thing the CEO of Human Entertainment always said that stuck with me is, “It’s not the strong who survive, but the ones who survive who become strong.”
Your time with KNOCK6 provided valuable stage experience. How did your role as the main vocalist in KNOCK6 shape your musical style and approach?
Before my time with KNOCK6, I believed that because we liked our music, people would automatically like it too. However, I learned that music that cannot connect with the audience struggles to survive in reality. I realized that the most important thing is connecting with the audience. I learned a lot about performing mainstream music that resonates with the crowd.
You developed skills in composition, songwriting, and arrangement. Which of these skills came most naturally to you, and which presented the greatest challenges? Can you describe your process for each?
The most natural skill for me was writing lyrics. Since I was young, I was very interested in composing and writing lyrics, but the barrier to composing felt high, so it was difficult. When I was 18, I made my first song and wrote the lyrics, but I was still very inexperienced. I’ve always had the desire to write the lyrics for my own songs and play the instruments to complete the final product, so I kept practicing consistently. The biggest challenge was definitely my debut song, ‘PROJECT‘ because I handled all the planning myself.
What were some of the most memorable performances with KNOCK6, and what did you learn from those experiences?
I remember the busking we did the day before my military enlistment. It was meaningful as it was our last performance before enlisting, and the fact that 200-300 people gathered on the street to watch our performance felt like a reward for all the time and effort we had put in.
Your debut with ‘PROJECT’ marks a significant milestone in your career. What inspired the concept behind ‘PROJECT’?
Throughout my life, from childhood to the present, there have been many joyful moments, but also many challenges. This song expresses my determination to stay true to my own path, undistracted by the opinions of others or the realities around me. It carries encouragement for those who are living hard while chasing their dreams, and it was inspired more by myself than by anyone else.
You took on all the directing responsibilities for ‘PROJECT.’ What were some of the biggest challenges and rewards of having such a hands-on role in your debut?
Having worked in a team until now, doing everything on my own was definitely lonely at times, and there were difficulties, especially when I was monitoring the song and my judgment would get clouded. However, the greatest reward was being able to recognize my ability to stand on my own and being proud of the results I created.
What is your creative process like when composing, writing lyrics, and arranging your music? Do you typically start with one element (e.g., melody, lyrics) and build from there, or do you approach it differently?
Each song is different. For ‘PROJECT,’ the guitar riff came first, and then I worked on the arrangement. After that, I wrote the melody and worked on the lyrics, making several revisions until it was complete. The next song I plan to release will follow a different approach, and I believe I’ll be able to present a new style of music.
What are your long-term goals as a musician? What kind of impact do you hope to make on the music industry?
My ultimate goal is to make music happily. I want to share that happiness with others and provide comfort to those who need it. I want to show people my music with my own unique style and inspire them by showing that, if you work hard like I did, anyone can achieve their dreams.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey?
-If you work hard on your music, good opportunities will come, but I believe that seizing those opportunities also depends on your skill. To share your music with others, make sure to clearly understand what you do best and what you must do, and put in the effort. I believe that one day, your music will shine even more beautifully.
Are there any collaborations you’re particularly excited about in the future? Are there any artists you’d love to work with?
As the times continue to change, there are many incredible artists. If I had to choose, I would love to work with my role model, ‘G-Dragon’ and also with ‘One Ok Rock’
How do you hope your music will resonate with your audience? What message or feeling do you want to convey through your work?
I want to make music with a genuine heart. I hope that many people listen to my music and that some of them are inspired to dream. I also hope they can connect with the emotions I want to express. One day, I hope the artist “ZIMIN” will grow into a brand, and more people will listen to my music, creating a world full of dreams together.
Discover the unique sounds/vision of Zimin, a captivating solo artist. His music will leave you breathless! Check out their page by clicking the link 👇
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