Photo Courtesy of YOUS
Welcome to this exclusive interview with YOUS—a genre-blending artist, composer, and songwriter. YOUS has channeled a lifetime of creativity into his 2025 debut single “PLOP!”, a smooth Korean R&B collaboration with rapper Ja Mezz. As a triple threat—performer, composer, and lyricist—YOUS merges R&B’s soulful depth, hip-hop’s raw energy, and K-pop’s vibrant storytelling to craft music that resonates universally. Driven by a mission to foster connection and peace through melody, he invites us into his world where every note carries intention. Let’s dive into the mind of this innovator.
“PLOP!” is such a bold debut title. What’s the story behind the name and the song’s concept?
I chose the title “PLOP!” to capture the feeling of falling in love, which I liken to suddenly plunging into water. The onomatopoeia felt both cute and a little kitschy, perfectly reflecting the playful yet emotional side of the experience.
The song draws from my own story—navigating that exciting but uncertain stage when you’re captivated by someone but still waiting for their reassurance. Just like splashes and swirling water, it portrays the mix of joy, vulnerability, and restless anticipation that comes with love.
As a composer, lyricist, and performer, how did you balance these roles while creating “PLOP!”? Were there moments where you had to compromise?
I have always believed that the melodies I write and express myself carry more authenticity and impact than songs created for me by others. With “PLOP!”, my goal was to capture melodies and lyrics that directly reflect the emotions I have personally experienced, so I focused on ensuring that genuine feelings were conveyed through the music.
While it wasn’t always easy to compromise during the process of gathering different opinions, I ultimately centered the work around my own vision—crafting the melodies I wanted to share, the messages I wished to express, and the sounds that resonated with me.
By consistently drawing inspiration from my own experiences and emotions, I found that the balance among my roles as composer, lyricist, and performer naturally began to take shape.
You blend R&B, hip-hop, and K-pop — genres with distinct vibes. How do you ensure these sounds coexist cohesively in your music?
What I pay the most attention to in order to keep these genres cohesive is the harmony among the sounds, lyrics, and melodies within a song. Since R&B, hip-hop, and K-pop are the genres I grew up listening to and drawing inspiration from, they naturally coexist in my music. Through this, I aim to create songs that are not confined to a single genre but instead can be comfortably enjoyed by listeners with diverse musical tastes.
Being born on February 29th (a leap day!), do you feel this rarity reflects in your artistic identity or creative process?
I used to dislike my unusual birthday, often feeling envious of people who could celebrate theirs every single year. But at some point, I began to see it as a unique trait that only I have. That realization made me think, perhaps this rarity could be a special quality that allows me to grow as an artist. It has greatly influenced the way I perceive myself, serving as a reminder of my own uniqueness and helping me build confidence in my artistic identity.
You wrote and composed “PLOP!” yourself. What emotions or experiences inspired the track?
“PLOP!” is a song drawn entirely from my own experiences. I’ve always felt that love is something difficult—almost miraculous, in the way two people from completely different backgrounds and with completely different experiences can come together and share the same feeling. That’s why I’ve always thought of liking someone, or approaching them, as more of an adventure. At one point, I had a crush on someone who never openly revealed their feelings to me, and it made me feel as though I were floundering in water, struggling to stay afloat.
That image naturally led me to the title “PLOP!” Since the song was so closely tied to my personal experience, it came together very quickly—I actually sketched out the entire track in just two days. LOL.
What was it like working with Ja Mezz? How did his rap style influence the final sound of the song?
Working with Ja Mezz was such an inspiring experience. I had always imagined him as a very raw rapper, someone whose music leans heavily into authentic hip-hop.
When I asked him to feature on this track, I worried that the song’s cute and love-filled vibe might feel a bit out of place for him. But contrary to my concerns, the verse he sent over was playful, quirky, and brought the track’s atmosphere to life in a way that amazed me.
Having always respected him as a rapper and artist, this collaboration made me appreciate his talent even more and was a huge source of inspiration. I’m truly grateful that he chose to feature on a song of mine. I respect him so much!
As a songwriter for other K-pop artists, how does writing for yourself differ? Is it more freeing or challenging?
There are both similarities and differences between writing for myself and writing for other artists. I always try to create songs based on my own experiences and the inspiration I’ve received, but when working for another artist, I make a conscious effort to keep them in mind throughout the process.
Whether I’m working on my own music or writing for someone else, there’s always a sense of freedom as well as challenges—after all, life itself is an adventure! Regardless of the task, if it involves music, I always feel a sense of joy and fulfillment in doing it.
Many artists have a “studio ritual.” Do you have any habits or routines that help you tap into your creativity?
My studio routine is actually pretty simple. The moment I sit down at my desk, I start by organizing what I need to do. Then, I usually put on a streaming app and listen to various songs. Sometimes I jot down little notes or ideas as they come to me. I’ve noticed that once I start working, inspiration tends to flow more naturally. Since I’m still relatively new in my career, I imagine I’ll develop more routines and habits as I gain experience. (laughs)
Your music aims to bring “peace and connection.” How do you translate such abstract themes into lyrics and melodies?
When it comes to the themes of “peace and connection” that I strive to convey, I try to reflect my own values as much as possible. Whenever I feel emotionally low, I find a lot of comfort in hearing from people who have gone through similar experiences, and that’s often how I find a sense of peace. For that reason, I aim to write songs that tell my honest stories, allowing listeners to empathize and feel connected. I don’t want to fill a song with empty words or insincere lyrics that carry no real meaning.
How do you want your music to impact listeners?
It’s similar to what I mentioned in earlier answers. I believe that music has the power to touch people’s hearts. Through my music, I hope to become an artist and songwriter who can bring healing and empathy across a range of emotions. I have a big ambition to make the world a warmer, more compassionate place through my work.
What’s your favorite thing about being an artist?
The thing I enjoy most about being an artist is having the freedom to express whatever I want to the world. It feels like many of the longings inside me are being fulfilled. I want to paint my own world on the staff lines, and I hope that through this, I can have a positive impact on others as well.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who want to break into the music industry?
I don’t think I’m at a stage where I can give advice to others, but I would like to encourage aspiring artists to pursue their dreams with confidence. By the standards of the Korean music industry, I started relatively late. I began with nothing but my dream, and I often felt anxious about starting later than others. Yet, the fact that I am pursuing this dream now fills my life with hope. Music has always been the only thing I’ve dreamed about, so I believe that if someone has that same burning passion, the best thing they can do is boldly chase it and face every challenge head-on.
With your debut out, what’s next? Can fans expect an album, collaborations, or even producing for other artists?
I’m currently busy preparing my next releases and carefully planning so that I can release a full-length album as soon as possible. Along the way, I’m also looking forward to collaborating with various artists and working on songs for others. I’m striving to become someone influential in the music industry, and I’ll always do my best to be an artist who never disappoints the people who support and love my music.
How do you want listeners to feel when they hear your music? What’s your ultimate goal as an artist?
I want listeners to feel warmth when they hear my music. Sometimes I hope to be like a friend who creates a sense of empathy, other times like a senior offering deep advice, and at other times, like a shade that provides comfort and rest.
My ultimate goal as an artist is to be loved not just in Korea, but all around the world. I am determined to achieve this, because there’s no greater impact than music that comes from a sincere heart.
Any message for fans who discovered you through “PLOP!”?
My debut single, “PLOP!”, is a playful and cute song on the surface, but I actually wrote it hoping to create a sense of empathy for those who struggle and face challenges in love. Through lyrics like, “Why do you come close and then leave me all confused? You’re really too much!”, it also serves as a playful warning to the flirtatious people who toy with others’ hearts.
Click the link below to stream and let your heart feel every beat!
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