Meet South Korean music artist, Boyeong Kim of the electronic duo HEO.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hello, my name is Boyeong Kim. I sing and play the keyboard in HEO. HEO is a dream-pop / post-rock / electronic duo from South Korea. I spent my school days in a city called Ansan which is near Seoul, but now I live in Seoul.

 

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Seoul is the capital of Korea and an energetic city. South Korea is a population of 50 million, and 20 percent of them live in Seoul. There are so many people that I sometimes feel like I’m one out of the myriad of things about this city.

 

I sing and play the keyboard in HEO. HEO is a dream-pop / post-rock / electronic duo from South Korea.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

Seoul has many scenes in culture/art, so it’s easy to get things done and you can do anything. Everything goes fast in this city and it has a good transportation and transfer system so it’s convenient to move around. It’s also a city that doesn’t sleep, so there’s no shortage of play.

But most of all, the air is bad, I have a feeling that most people are busy and have no time to spare.

 

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Poor (haha), Alcohol, Flow

 

How did you start your career in art?

I learned to play the piano from a young age and I also loved singing, so I joined the city choir. Then, I started to enjoy music more while singing in a school band in high school. Since then, I’ve played the keyboard in an acoustic band and I did another acoustic duo for a while. I’m currently working for HEO with Heo Jun Hyeok, who I got to know in a university rock music circle. It’s been about 6 years.

 

I’m currently working for HEO with Heo Jun Hyeok, who I got to know in a university rock music circle. It’s been about 6 years.

 

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

They are divided into those who have unconditionally supported my dreams and those who support them but have some concerns. The unconditional support comes mostly from my friends who encourage me and cheer me up no matter what I do, while the concern is mostly from my family who wants me to live a prosperous and stable life. They worry about the financial aspects of my music and the uncertainty of the future. But it’s not an obstacle to my music.

 

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I’m not a very ambitious person but every time I’m asked if I have a dream, the answer is to perform at the Coachella Festival!! Maybe it’s like winning the lotto. Haha~ Another hope I have is to earn a regular small income from music. I know it’s going to be difficult but I’m going to try and I’m happy with my current reality.

 

I’m not a very ambitious person but every time I’m asked if I have a dream, the answer is to perform at the Coachella Festival!!

 

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

“M83” and “Washed Out”!! They’re my favorite musicians. I am emotionally comforted by their music, and also influenced by them when I work on my own music. I went to their live concert in Korea.  After taking a picture with them I gave them our CD, but I’m not so sure they’ve listened to it. Haha~

 

How would you describe the women around you?

I usually don’t like to split people into men and women. Some of my friends have traditional ideas about gender roles, while others incorporate aspects of homosexuality and feminism into their theatrical and musical works. I hear the stories and ideas of my friends, and it helps me to formulate my own thoughts and ideas.

I recently spoke to a friend who has been married for nine years who is trying to rebuild her career that has been on hold as a result of caring for her family and children. After getting married it can be bittersweet having to work so hard to keep your career going with the added burden of a family. But I admire people that embark on that arduous journey.

 

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

As a child, it was the Principal of the piano academy I went to for a long time. She loved to sing and play the piano and she encouraged me by cheering me on as well as helping me to submit applications for various competitions including for the Boys and Girls’ Choir in Ansan City. She remains a very positive and strong image in my mind. Her face was full of life and passion. Someday, I also want to be able to support and encourage someone else’s dreams.

 

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

I don’t think so. There are many great female musicians in the electronic music scene these days, so it doesn’t feel like a challenge. Oh, of course, if you are a soloist and use a lot of equipment during a performance, it can sometimes be overwhelming regardless of gender. Haha~

 

Start if you want to do music. And enjoy it!

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

You don’t have to be good at everything. I don’t mind if you do it in moderation.

Start if you want to do music. And enjoy it!

 

 

Photos courtesy of Boyeong Kim and HEO Music.