Apple Music brings 6 K-pop acts to LA studio: ALPHA DRIVE ONE, KickFlip, NEXZ, KiiiKiii, NCT 127, YEONJUN
Apple Music recorded K-pop radio content with six acts at its LA studio for KCON LA 2026, split across two formats.
Apple Music recorded K-pop radio content with six acts at its Los Angeles studio, tied to KCON LA 2026 and broader North American activities. ALPHA DRIVE ONE, KickFlip, and NEXZ sat for individual interviews on The Global Chart Show with Brooke Reese K-pop Special. KiiiKiii, NCT 127, and YEONJUN hosted their own sets on Radio Takeover, where artists select and introduce songs themselves.
ALPHA DRIVE ONE used the session to introduce mini album 2 UNBREAKABLE : 少年BEAST and title track BORN DIRE. "BORN DIRE has much rawer energy and a more wild feeling than the songs we've shown so far," the group said. They added that the track expresses "the fragility that exists within" beneath its intense exterior.
KickFlip member Donghyun walked through his collaboration with Etham on single Breathe and confirmed the group is preparing a new album. "Like the team name, we want to break the frame and continue challenging new things," the group said. NEXZ spotlighted mini album 4 SAUCIN' and named Beat-Boxer as their pick for new listeners. "NEXZ each has different dance styles and music preferences," the group said. "These differences make our music and performance more diverse and intense."
On Radio Takeover, KiiiKiii introduced tracks from new EP WhyKiiiKiii and called Pop Off Pop Off their song of the summer. "The lyrics don't leave my head, and I really love practicing the choreography whenever I get the chance," they said. NCT 127 ran through all of regular album 7 BLINGY and described Getaway as a track for anyone worn down by a relentless daily routine. It's about "allowing yourself to rest for just one day and leaving without a set destination to enjoy freedom."
YEONJUN, promoting second solo album NO LABELS: PART 02, leaned into the LA setting. "I've come to LA frequently for performances, and each time I visit, I search for hidden gems throughout the city," he said. He framed his takeover as a journey through his favorite songs.
All three content formats — the Global Chart Show K-pop Special, individual interviews, and Radio Takeover episodes — are available on demand on Apple Music Radio.
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