In our piece, “Eyes on: Aaron Young, from K-pop pioneer to TikTok king, is now ready to reclaim the stage,” we put the spotlight on his story: that of a veteran artist with a career that began in 2012, who forged a new path through perseverance. We left off with an anticipated question: What would his next move be? Today, that future is here. And he told the story to us.
Today, with the release of his new EP Ma Jia Xian, the story we began with you not only continues, but finally finds its beating heart. What follows, which we announced here, represents the next chapter in a story that deserved to be told—and above all, the moment where Aaron himself takes the floor to guide us through his evolution.
This is a fundamental point: this is not some mythical rebirth from the ashes, as so many music industry narratives love to paint, but the natural, mature progression of an artist who has skillfully gathered every fragment of his experience to transform it into new creative energy.
In this conversation, Aaron brings us inside the brotherly dynamic with his artistic partner, HWAN, where chaos becomes a ritual and mutual understanding allows them to merge two distinctly different styles into a single voice. He reveals the process behind the new songs—a process born from iconic influences as much as from crafty, DIY solutions, like a blanket thrown over a microphone to find the right sound. And above all, he shares his vision for the future, a vision that rests on the awareness of someone who has learned to distinguish the value of a viral moment from the work of building something that lasts forever.
It is a conversation that reveals the perspective and clarity of an artist who, today, is finally having his moment, on his own terms.
Here is what he told us.
This comeback marks the continuation of your collaboration with HWAN after the success of Ma Jia Xian (Oppa Ver.). How has your creative process evolved working together again?
Honestly, HWAN and I had been working together in the group for five years, so we already have a natural flow when it comes to practicing dance, performing on stage, and shooting. But this was different-we were in charge of every detail, from the initial idea to a fully polished piece. For Ma Jia Xian (Oppa Ver.), HWAN, I, and some amazing choreographers had to put the dance together in just one week. He’s in China, I’m in Korea, so we were flying back and forth constantly just to practice and refine the choreography. When it comes to writing songs, that’s my element-I’ve worked with so many talented musicians that creating comes naturally. Honestly, recording was almost like hanging out at my apartment having fun. We literally had to record vocals with a blanket over the mic stand to block noise, but hey it worked! And funny enough, HWAN’s ritual before I record him is that he just randomly screams out of nowhere. It’s chaotic, but it sets the mood. So the process felt both familiar and completely new, which was such a cool experience.
What does it feel like to return to the music scene not only as a soloist but with an artistic partner with whom you have already demonstrated such a strong synergy on social media?
It feels like a blessing. Like reuniting with your brother, someone who shares the same goal. Seeing our videos pop off on social media is surreal, and honestly, it motivates us to keep giving more. That energy is literally how this EP came together. And to our fans-We see every comment, the love and support along the way. I cannot wait to meet them all in person.
You have said that your music has a very American style. How does this blend with HWAN’s artistic identity in your new single?
Great question! I grew up listening to Michael Jackson and I come from a Chinese background, so my music style is really a mix of all those influences. HWAN has a strict Korean trainee background, debuted with me in a K-pop group, and spent time in China, which added another layer to his voice. When we put our styles together, it just clicks. It’s just so cool to see how each of us contribute to this project together.
The success of your covers, such as Magnetic, demonstrates your ability to connect with different fanbases. What role do these songs play in your artistic journey?
Man… those covers are daily affirmations. They make me believe in myself even more because people resonate with my style. They’ve been a gateway for me to break through and contribute my part in music. It just makes me so happy that people vibe with my R&B releases.
The music video always plays a crucial role. What can you tell us about the visual concept that accompanies the single?
We gave it our all! Shooting the Ma Jia Xian (Oppa Ver.) MV within a day was intense- if you know how much work goes into a music video, you know that’s no joke. Thankfully, friends and talented people we work with made it happen. For Starlit Confession, we picture a rooftop under the stars, and that vibe drove the visuals. Matching visuals to the song’s mood has always been the goal, and I hope it shows in the final piece.
Ma Jia Xian (Oppa Ver.) became a viral challenge. Was this the goal from the beginning, or was the virality a surprise?
Definitely a surprise! It went viral first on Douyin (the Chinese TikTok) and became a dance challenge trend. Seeing people loving our video, even the one we did at HWAN’s wedding, is just mind blowing.
If you had to describe your musical and personal evolution since you were part of Timez, what word would you use?
Freeing, fearless, happy, and nostalgic
In an industry that often requires conformity, how do you maintain your artistic authenticity while creating content for the digital world?
Sometimes you do need to think about what people want to watch, but my secret is this: I put myself first. I focus on what I genuinely want to create, even if it doesn’t perform well sometimes. But I believe once you’re true to yourself, the story you tell connects with others. Viral moments fade, but music that tells your story will always last.
Given your success on social media, how do you balance the production of viral content with the creation of deeper, more personal music?
Time management is key honestly, I need to get better at it! Haha. But creating viral content and making meaningful music aren’t conflicting. Being authentic comes first, then the virality follows. I believe anyone can succeed and get their viral moment if you just keep putting in the work, and get better at what you do each day.
What is your biggest hope for this comeback and for how it will be received by the public?
I hope it creates opportunities to meet fans around the world-our TimeZ fans and new fans. I want to build a direct connection, a moment and timeline just between us and them. We’ve already started sketching ideas for a physical EP drop and some exciting merch, hopefully soon after our digital EP. We believe his comeback is just the start of something much bigger.
With the promise of new music and an ever-closer bond with his fans, it’s clear that for Aaron Young, this is more than just a comeback. His ability to blend authenticity with a sharp instinct for the digital world makes him one of the most interesting figures to watch right now. The future is his, and we’ll be here to chronicle it.
