In the K-Pop industry, being self-produced is definitely a flex. Having a part in the entire production process - from songwriting to composition, production, arrangement, music video direction, and more, is definitely a strength for artists and allows them to have more creative freedom and control. Two such self-produced artists who are pioneering their own artistic message through self-production are from20 and HELLO GLOOM.

For those who might not know, from20 (a.k.a Kim RaeHwan, formerly of BIGSTAR) and HELLO GLOOM (a.k.a IMFACT’s UngJae) run their own creative collective called WAY BETTER that focuses on a diverse range of artistic fields such as music, fashion, video production and more and prioritizes self-expression without boundaries.

from20 and HELLO GLOOM take sole responsibility for the complete creative process that goes into their art, whether that be music video storyboarding, music production, styling, and so on and so forth.

The duo makes music together as well as individually as soloists and both have a reputation for their diverse range, versatility, and inclusivity.

As WAY BETTER continues to grow, from20 and HELLO GLOOM are going on their first European tour, called "Fast On The Highway".

WAY BETTER

The tour kicks off on April 9, 2024 and stops include Warsaw, Cologne, Amsterdam, Paris and London.

Fans who have been waiting for this tour for ages are finally going to be seeing from20 and HELLO GLOOM turning up the heat in their cities this summer and could not be more excited.

You can get your tickets to "Fast On The Highway" by from20 and HELLO GLOOM here.

Now, back to being self-producing artists!

While it is definitely a dazzling title to have, being self-produced is not as easy as artists like from20 and HELLO GLOOM make it appear. Still, there are surely more pros than cons in the game.

So, let's find out what the three biggest advantages of being a self-produced artist are, according to from20 and HELLO GLOOM!

1. Art On Your Own Terms

WAY BETTER

The ultimate goal of WAY BETTER is to make art on one's own terms. Oftentimes, being in an agency can restrict personal freedom of expression, and logistics can limit one's choice and potential. As a result, artists may not be able to share their true selves and artistic desires with the world as they'd like. This was the case for from20 and HELLO GLOOM during their time as idols.

Ultimately, being an idol is a team activity. It's a challenging environment where expressing 100% of one's own taste and desire is difficult. Right now, as an artist and director, I feel like I can express what I want to express a little more clearly. Each person has their own strengths and weaknesses, but I think I'm a little more satisfied with my current self.
from20

 However, with being self-produced, artists have the scope to take creative liberties, risks, and chances that would perhaps not be afforded to them otherwise. In other words, being self-produced lifts the burden of being "realistic" with projects and encourages reaching for one's dreams just how they envision it. Being independent artists, from20 and HELLO GLOOM do exactly that.

Yes, that means more work, more effort, and more sleepless nights, but it also means more fulfillment, more satisfaction, and more autonomy, which is priceless.

The two of us are artists, CEOs of a company, and also producers, who are able to produce on our own. These roles seem to balance each other out. It feels like a position where I can consider both my personal taste and the direction the company should take at the same time.
HELLO GLOOM

2. Art With People You Love

MAIN BASE on X

HELLO GLOOM shared in an exclusive interview with Kpopmap - "whenever I wanted to do something new, I wanted to do it with from20". With WAY BETTER, HELLO GLOOM works closely with from20 and vice versa on their music, with the former even writing songs for from20 while from20 makes all the videos! This creative collaboration comes from a place of love, and mutual respect and so naturally gives birth to something new and unique.

It doesn't feel like we make a big distinction between what's mine and what's his. In the end, HELLO GLOOM's album is my work, and my work is also his work. Because of that, we work with a lot of affection.
While working, we inevitably have to give and receive feedback, and what we often tell each other these days is "Let's both do well~".
These words might sound self-centered, but ultimately, they're for my own good. It's all about me doing well. When I realize that, I feel so thankful. Haha.
from20

 At the same time, when working with people you love, like from20 and HELLO GLOOM, who share the same vision, purpose becomes a key factor that leads to growth. For instance, one of the purposes of starting WAY BETTER, formerly known as THE FAKER CLUB, according to the artists, is to offer comfort, acceptance, and belonging to people.

Towards this end, from20 and HELLO GLOOM carried out a donation campaign on behalf of "TFC : HEART", which adds yet another layer of meaning to their art. Talk about being true to your message!

From the very beginning of our company's journey, our mission was to spread warmth and inspiration to people.
After running the company for about a year, we started the "HEART" project with the thought that we should now try to achieve this goal on a larger scale with other artists.
We started out wanting to share warmth, but ironically, through that work, a lot of good things happened to us, and it was a project that we were truly grateful for.
It is a memory that still warms my heart, thinking about doing good work with people who love and cherish each other.
HELLO GLOOM

3. Art With Authenticity

WAY BETTER

Point #2 smoothly brings us to our third point, which is authenticity. Being able to express your own emotions, vision and ideas yourself sans any restrictions undoubtedly translates to an authentic presentation of the same. When we find out that our favorite idol or group penned the lyrics to their song, drawing inspiration from their own experiences, it never fails to be impressive as we get a glimpse of their personal and artistic philosophy, an honest interpretation of their thoughts and feelings.

I think that, at least for from20, being authentic in your art lies in the gratitude that I feel towards our fans. As an artist working in mainstream art, artistic value isn't the sole focus, but I believe that sincerity, in terms of gratitude towards fans and the mindset that comes with it, is a crucial aspect of my work. I want to be an artist who sincerely appreciates the people who give me the strength to pursue my artistic endeavors.
from20, HELLO GLOOM

This authenticity gives rise to a genuine connection between artists and fans as the music resonates with listeners on a deeper level, evoking empathy and understanding. There is something so pure and deeply human about putting one's vulnerabilities out there through art that it inadvertently provides comfort to listeners who can see themselves and their own experiences in the same.

Such is the art of from20 and HELLO GLOOM.

To witness the brilliance of from20 and HELLO GLOOM live, get your tickets to their first European tour, called "Fast On The Highway" now!

Meanwhile, check out from20's latest single 'Demon'!

The dynamic duo, from20 and HELLO GLOOM, formerly K-Pop idols turned solo artists and label owners, are gearing up for an exciting milestone - their first European tour, "Fast On The Highway." This tour marks their independent journey into the European music scene, where they'll captivate audiences across the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland.

Hey!!, show of hands on who is coming? 👀🙋🏻‍♂
from20 X HELLO GLOOM 1st EUROPE TOUR 2024 ‘Fast On The Highway’

📌General Onsale & More Info
🔗https://t.co/4fuwo87LtT#from20 #프롬트웬티 #HELLOGLOOM #헬로글룸#FastOnTheHighway #EUROPETOUR#WAYBETTER #KPOP pic.twitter.com/yB5VUuY5mh

— HELLO GLOOM (@helloglxxm) January 5, 2024

from20, also recognized as Kim RaeHwan (김래환), once a pivotal member and main vocalist of K-Pop sensation BIGSTAR, has seamlessly transitioned into a multifaceted artist. Beyond his roles as a songwriter and producer, he showcases his talent in video direction and editing. His solo career has been a nod to a modern-retro fusion, dishing out tracks heavily influenced by the vibrant sounds of the 80s and synth-pop.

On the other hand, HELLO GLOOM, or Na UngJae (나웅재), a former member of K-Pop group IMFACT, has embarked on a journey as an independent singer-songwriter. His music offers a genuine and heartfelt narrative, oscillating between introspective pop melodies and entrancing dance beats, complemented by a gender-neutral visual aesthetic.

Their collaborative venture, WAY BETTER, previously known as THE FAKER CLUB, stands as a testament to their autonomy. Through this company, they've been able to venture into music, fashion, and video production, breaking conventional boundaries in the K-Pop sphere and aiming to redefine the cultural industry with their fresh perspective.

Fans will be able to purchase their tickets from January 16 here.

Together, from20 and HELLO GLOOM are not just setting foot on European stages but reshaping the landscape of K-Pop with their unique blend of music, artistic expression, and creative independence.

We all have that one song that sells us on an artist, their talent, and message, and for from20, from this writer's perspective, it was 'Bad Revenge'. After listening to the song for the first time, we found ourselves going to listen to more songs from his discography. Not only were we impressed by his artistry and sound but also intrigued and curious, begging ourselves the question "How come we are just finding out about him". There and then, we made a silent and impactful vow to keep up with all things from20 them and stay alert whenever he releases new music as it is not just clearly going to be a guaranteed bop but one that would become the tune of our lives and have us excited about the art form again.

And with his latest release 'Beat It', we are not just super delighted that we get to listen to this on repeat but somehow feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards him for sharing such a credible work of art with the world. A work that many fans are already tagging as a masterpiece and without thinking about it for a millisecond, we find ourselves nodding in agreement as we mouth the words "Yep, that is absolutely correct."

Having watched the music video for the umpteenth time, we can aptly describe it as a cinematic experience. It almost feels like the fight sequence of an action-hero flick. While your eyes and minds are vividly captivated by the brilliant cinematography and timing of the camera, from20 also teases your senses with his melodic vocals and catchy lyrics. It's a song that you'd definitely find yourself humming to its rhythm even while it is not playing as it easily gets stuck in your mind. And with its instrumentals, it almost creates this reinvigorating feeling, a boast of confidence which along with its lyrics, gives his listener that jolt of energy and reassurance that you are strong, capable, and ready to conquer.

Here are some of the fan comments we have curated for this article.

did you know that when I search Beat It on Spotify, it’s his song that comes first, before the MJ song. That’s how obsessed with From20 I am. https://t.co/pFKlBvUSv6

— Zyo killing HELENE good 🧡 (@mayleavestars) July 22, 2023

this was insane!!😫 thank you for releasing another bop I knew you would never disappoint🤭

— anni🐻 NINE.i & MIRAE CB!!! n.SSign DEBUT!!! (@wnniebear) July 21, 2023

No cause I'm obsessed 😤🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/tdyUOudi9n

— 🌶️🏴‍☠️🌶️ elie / ella / ᜁᜎ🌶️ (@misty_aur0ra) July 23, 2023

from20 beat it is INTOXICATING

— crystal beth 🌺🏳️‍🌈 (@bethterday) July 22, 2023

Screenshot from THE FAKER CLUB's official YouTube channel

Screenshot from THE FAKER CLUB's official YouTube channel

Screenshot from THE FAKER CLUB's official YouTube channel

Screenshot from THE FAKER CLUB's official YouTube channel

So it is a masterpiece? Definitely! Great beat, easy-to-remember lyrics, catchy hook, and chorus, beautiful melodies that readily register in your brain? By our definition, this is such a tone that every time you listen to it, not only will get chills at various moments, but you may also find yourself groovy to it or generally feeling happy and excited as you listen on.

New to from20? Be sure to check out some of his songs below.

Have you listened to the song? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.