By Honorary Reporter Audrey Boois from South Africa

Zior Park (Park Ji-won) is a Seoul-based rapper, singer and music video director with a unique blend of R&B, alternative pop and cinematic style. 

Winner of the 2021 Awards for Beatmaker Award, he saw his popularity peak in 2023 with his single "Christian," an alternative rock track that satirizes how people live in a contradictory manner. The song reached No. 7 on the Circuit (formerly Gaon) Digital Chart of Korea.

The website of the U.S. Grammy Awards wrote about him in its article "9 Korean Alternative Artists to Know: Jiwoo, Zior Park, Huh & More," "As arresting as his music videos are (which are often inspired by Alice in Wonderland or Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory), Park wins with his acute and empathetic observations of the human psyche. Through music, Park demonstrates the need to just be oneself and be understood openly." 

Zior Park is known for using striking visuals and distinctive music. (Sean.d.no)

The following are excerpts from an email interview with Park from July 3-14.

Briefly introduce yourself and how you got into music.
I am a rock artist. When I was 20, I went to Silicon Valley to start a business, but things didn't work out so well. Music was the only way to relieve stress, and that's why I returned to Korea and started my journey of becoming an artist.

How would you describe your music?
Many people say my music sounds like a musical. I agree. Unlike most artists nowadays, my albums have a narrative. The musical development of my songs is also quite similar to a musical so I call my style "drama pop."

How did you get your name?
Zior is a name that briefly appears in the Bible; it refers to a small castle that a prophet just passes through. I chose it to reflect my desire for quiet glory, even if my role in life is as small and fleeting as that town.

What performances or projects do you have planned?
I think my next performance will be in Mexico in November. It's been a year since I last performed there, so I'm really looking forward to it.

 
msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.