In conversation with Korean musician One.

Class of 1994, how was growing up in Seoul, Korea and who introduced you to the industry?

Seoul is where I was born but the internet was where I grew up. The internet is where I was able to learn about music and culture and art from everywhere and anywhere in the world. I couldn’t say anyone in particular introduced me to the industry, just the people in my own generation who shared the same thirst for discovery as I did. 

Your style can best be described as a mix of rap and alternative rock. How do you relate with these genres and who are your favorite rap and alternative rock artists?

I don’t consider myself to be an artist of any genre. I relate to music as it relates to the world. I’ve actually recently been very much into jazz. Ornette Coleman’s ‘Change of the Century’ is the last song I listened to.

Why and how did you come up with starting your one-man agency, Private Only?

I didn’t want to be a part of another entity. I wanted to be able to be free and responsible and accountable only to myself.

Not only involved in music, but also active as an actor. In your recollection of memory, how did you experience these parts and what was the most fun and challenging aspect about these shows?

Simultaneously fun and painful. Acting is another outlet for expression but playing a role written by someone who is not yourself is limiting as well. So while it’s fun to experiment it was also difficult.

How do you approach songwriting and rapping? 

My approach to songwriting and rapping is pretty simple: wherever, whenever. I only write when I really want to regardless time or place. 

Who are your main references in terms of music? And what about acting?

Previously I worked a lot through referencing but recently I’ve deliberately tried to stay away from drawing too much from other artists whether it be in music or film. I’m always inspired when I listen to other artists or watch other actors but now it’s more of a pure appreciation that drawing from them as references. 

What is upcoming and new for you?

Honestly, I’m not sure, whatever fate has in store for me, I’ll take it.

What is freedom for you?

Freedom to me is the dismissal of the identities assigned to me or projected on to me by anyone else. 

Photographer/ Heejune Kim

Talent: One at MGMT PRJCT

Contributing editor/ Y W Lee 

Stylist/ Youngjin Kim

Hair/ Enoc Lee

Make up/ Sukkyung Lee

Casting: Timotej Letonja

Joiah Luminosa