A person with short blond hair wearing a blue hoodie and white earphones looks directly at the camera against an orange background.

from20 is building a new kind of K-pop stardom

From sexual liberation to queer inclusion, from20 is using his independence to challenge the rules of traditional K-pop stardom

from20

WAY BETTER

Words by David Opie

K-pop is evolving. From Spanish lyrics in ATEEZ's "Bad" (2026), to the Europop stylings of LE SSERAFIM's "Celebration" (2026), new sounds continue to push the boundaries of what Korean music can be. And beyond these label-driven groups, recent years have seen a rise in artists actively deviating from the formula with agency of their own, shaping their identity in a space usually reserved for manufactured idol acts.

Key among these artists is from20 (Kim Rae-hwan), a South Korean singer-songwriter who just released his album, Rated R, through his label WAY BETTER, which he co-founded alongside fellow artist HELLO GLOOM. 

A former member of BIGSTAR, from20 made his solo debut as an independent artist in 2021, two years after the group disbanded. Since then, he's proved himself to be one of K-pop's most provocative stars, finding global success with songs like "Bad Revenge" (2023) and last year's "Eye Candy," which fans lovingly describe as a "bisexual anthem."

The self-directed video for "Eye Candy" (currently with 1.9 million views on YouTube) sees from20 surrounded by men and women alike as he declares, "Hype girls and boys love the candy/Suck it, lick it, taste it, baby." Pushing through the bad boy/boy next door dichotomy that most K-pop stars embody, from20 finds freedom in playfully objectifying himself across his music as well as social media. 

In "BIG BOY," the lead single off his new album, the idol describes himself as "a big boy," cheekily saying he knows he's hot. Each body roll and muscle flex that ensues is a knowing wink to fans who are going to objectify him regardless, because unlike other idols, from20 is in on it, enjoying artistic autonomy through humor and his sexually liberated persona. 

It's not just one kind of fan who this speaks to either. The video for "BIG BOY," also directed by from20, goes out of its way to celebrate "big girls" and "my gay boys," carving out an inclusive space for fans from all walks of life. As from20 defines it, a big boy is a "person who moves through life with confidence, self-expression, and an unreasonable belief that things will somehow work out. Not restricted by gender."

Such support for underrepresented fans like this is practically unheard of in K-pop—not to mention in music beyond South Korea, as well. What's even more impressive is that this inclusivity extends beyond the music to promos, videos and even touring, embedded throughout every aspect of from20's artistry. Through such big boy behavior, from20 redefines how male K-pop idols can carry themselves, pushing back against an industry that wants to evolve at its own pace, often at the expense of individual creativity and wider acceptance.

To celebrate the release of his new album, I spoke with from20 about the music and how he strives to innovate on his own terms, regardless of what anyone else might say or think.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

David Opie: Where did the idea for big boy behavior come from? Talk me through your inspiration behind the "BIG BOY" song and directing the video.
from20: It all started with the wish to tell everyone that you are enough the way you are right now. I wanted to say that anyone with a big heart and a big attitude is truly hot and beautiful. And I also wanted to include this message in the music video. I believe that in this social media day and age, such fun imagery gets the message across more accurately.

DO: The "BIG BOY" music video is very inclusive, featuring people of all different sizes, sexual orientations. Why is that important? How have your fans responded to this?
f20: It feels like, following the release of “Eye Candy,” fans have come to expect a certain message from from20, and I believe that message is inclusivity. I love my fans exactly as they are, and I have no reason to judge anyone based on their appearance, skin color, or sexual orientation. More than anything, I hope they feel safe, accepted, and free to be themselves while listening to my music or attending my concerts.

DO: Listening to the album, there are strong 90s/Noughties R&B/hip-hop influences throughout. How does your nostalgia for that era of music inspire you and the new album?
f20: With this album, I wanted to express the music I grew up listening to during my school days. I was confident I could do it in a way that felt true to me because this is the genre and style I listened to the most and spent so much time practicing. What I love about these influences is that they'll evoke a sense of nostalgia for people around my age, while still feeling fresh and exciting to younger listeners.

DO: What's your personal favorite song on the album and why? Could it be the next single? (My fave is "Scandal.")
f20: I think my favorites would be “F-Boy” and “Naked.” In particular, with "F-Boy," I wanted to tell the story of the misunderstandings and the truth I've personally experienced through a song that contrasts its bold title with a soft, melodic sound. I think a lot of people will be surprised by how melodic and easy to listen to it is. We’re also planning to continue promoting other tracks from the album as follow-up singles.

DO: In the "Gossip" skit and "Scandal" track, you address critiques and gossip about you, playing with that public perception. Talk me through your decision to face all that head-on in your music.
f20: I strive to become a person who speaks and behaves with bravery. I want to be someone who speaks up for others, and fearlessly protects the values I believe in. That's why, whenever people talk about rumors surrounding me, I want to confront them directly rather than avoid them. Whatever you say about me has no impact on me. My values remain unchanged and your petty talk will not alter them. That’s the message I wanted to convey.

DO: Rated R is sexually liberated—a lot more than most music in K-pop. Do you feel a freedom to push things further being independent? Or do you still feel the pressures that are often associated with the K-pop industry?
f20: Since I run my own company, I think I have a great deal of creative freedom in that regard. However, with this album, I wanted to promote it through television and mainstream media, and I realized that there are still certain limitations. I hope this album can become another step toward breaking down those barriers. 

DO: KBS refused to play some songs from your new album because they were considered too adult. How did you feel about that decision and why do you think they went in that direction?
f20: Personally, although it is quite disappointing, I completely understand the decision. As people of all ages watch television, I do believe there must be some guidelines in place. Honestly, I found it kind of amusing that several of the songs were deemed unfit for broadcast. To me, it was almost a confirmation that the album really is bold and refreshing. I chose to take it as a positive sign. 

DO: Your "Eye Candy" dance routine was a big hit online. I saw clips of you performing it all around the world. You're now collaborating with lots of big names for the "BIG BOY" dance on social media. Do you create each dance routine with this in mind?
f20: I think of 2026 as the age of social media. Although the music we listen to is the most important thing, I think that taking it further through social media, and how people will digest it is the homework of the artist and the company. Of course, I take into consideration the choreography, lyrics, as well as other elements. I think "BIG BOY" is packed with viral ingredients. From the title and lyrics to the visuals, music video, and choreography, every aspect of the song was designed with virality in mind.

DO: It's rare to see someone with a K-pop background exert so much creative control over their artistry and I think a lot of your fans really respond to that in your music. It feels like WAY BETTER and groups like CORTIS are kickstarting a new creator-led era for K-pop. What are your thoughts on that?
f20: It's a real honor to be mentioned in the same conversation as such a talented group like CORTIS. They're young, incredibly gifted, and full of energy. I'm a big fan of what they do. At the same time, WAY BETTER and from20 represent a different kind of creativity and artistic initiative. We're trying to show another side of what independent artists can achieve and the unique appeal that comes with being independent. I hope we can set a positive example so that more companies and artists choose to follow a similar path in the future.

DO: You've said that big boy behavior is not "restricted by gender." You've featured drag queens in your performances, openly gay TV personality Hong Seok-Cheon in your latest video, and "BIG BOY" directly mentions the "gay boys" who love you. It's so refreshing to see an idol think about their queer fanbase and make music with them in mind. Can you talk about why that's important for you?
f20: Rather than it being important, I think of it as something obvious. I don’t believe in discrimination, and I hope that everyone can live a confident life. There is no reason for me not to mention my drag queen or gay fans.

DO: Who would be your dream music collab in K-pop or beyond K-pop? Why?
f20: Jay Park. I think we're similar in the sense that we're both adults who run our own companies while also pursuing our careers as artists. Even if we never end up collaborating, I'd love the chance to sit down and have a conversation with him someday.

DO: Do you have a message for the fans supporting you?
f20: Because of you I was able to release an amazing studio album. Thank you for always supporting me. I will make sure to come see you with great music wherever in the world you are. I’ll see you soon!

DO: What's next for from20 after the tour in Europe?
f20: As this is a full album, its promotions will continue after the tour. Moreover, after the European tour, I am getting ready to perform at KCON LA. By the end of the year, I hope to share the message of love that I wanted to express through this full-length album with people all around the world. I love you all.

Published on August 12, 2026

Words by David Opie

David Opie is an entertainment journalist from the United Kingdom who writes about gay and geeky stuff across a range of publications including IndieWire, Empire, Yahoo! and more. Specialties include horror, superheroes, and LGBTQ+ storytelling, which is why he longs to see a Buffy-themed Rusical on RuPaul's Drag Race. Find him at @DavidOpie on X.