From the global career with the Now United to the new single “Addicted”, Heyoon reveals the most creative, vulnerable and visionary side of his music to Panorama.
The rarefied air of dreams, the one that envelops you when the real world vanishes and remains trapped in a loop of desire, is the place where Heyoon has decided to drag anyone who prizes play. With “Addicted”, the third chapter of his solo adventure, the former Stella Now United abandoned the Pop as a stadium to embrace a hypnotic, sensual and dangerous Deep House. It is not just a song: it is a journey between Rem and reality, with a mysterious entity that dance in your most beautiful nightmares until you leave you without breath.
But this time Heyoon does not just interpret: he writes, composes, produces, directs the creative rudder as if it were a luxury film set. He relies on the golden hands of Andrew Wueper and Dale Becker to chisel a sound that vibrates to the levels of Rihanna and Frank Ocean, but with an irreducibly irreducious DNA. And while international critics chases her, she plays on two fronts: the global Seoul power and the visionary freedom of Los Angeles.
Artist, storyteller, fashion icon and philanthropa, Heyoon is not just publishing a single. It is sculpting an identity. And he does it with the lucidity of those who know that the future, if you don’t take it alone, invents someone else.
Panorama spoke exclusively with her.
For those who still don’t know you, who is Heyoon in three lines?
An artist who loves people, conversations and the power of storytelling; who wants to build a safe community by having fun, traveling and exploring; And who is also madly obsessed with his dogs.
“Addicted” has just come out: what was the spark that turned on this track?
My imagination, together with the incredible creatives with whom I wrote it (Bhav, Taneisha).
That dream you made – the fantastic creature, the magic of the Rem – how did it turn into a song?
I like to write down all my random dreams and thoughts in the notes of the phone, and then turn them into songs.
When someone presses play on “addicted”, what do you want to hit first – your heart, head or feet?
All???? I wrote “addicted” to make people dance.
You worked with Grammy’s winners’ sound engineers: what have they brought that it changed the rules of the game for you?
Andrew and Dale have brought the sound to another level. I am so grateful to be able to work with such extraordinary creatives!
Five years, more than 30 countries, over 100 singles with the Now United … What is the thing that the solo path has finally allowed you to shout loudly?
If there is something, it is that the experience with the Now United has shaped me as an artist and as a person! I see my journey as a soloist as a continuation of my creativity – with more a more personal and vulnerable perspective in the music and stories I tell.
From “Pivot” to “Asap” to “Addicted”: what is the biggest jump that you feel you have done as an artist?
The gesture itself! I completely trust myself to take my musical path alone. I am facing new challenges every day, in the best possible way.
Seoul and Los Angeles on the passport, Daejeon in the heart: how do you meet these worlds in your music?
They are definitely a mix of many things and, fortunately, one of my biggest strength is to know how to understand who has lived a life experience completely different from mine. I try to make music in which many people can find themselves.
When you are not in the studio or on stage, what is your “perfect” day of rest?
A quiet day on the sofa, to crochet watching a movie with my dogs.
You made Paris Fashion Week turn your head: what is your style rule when you want to dominate a room?
It is not what you wear, but how do you bring it. And have fun making a declaration of style, while creating a welcoming atmosphere in space.
Would you like to participate in Milan Fashion Week? And is there an Italian designer who dreams of wearing on the catwalk?
Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, Marni.
Is there an accessory or a garment that you never leave at home, something without which you cannot go out?
The rings: I feel naked without. And as a favorite garment I would say platform heels – something that keeps me as far as possible from the ground.
If I had to choose one word – one – to define Heyoon, what would it be?
Creative.
