S.L.R. Magazine

Being a music lover of all types of different genres from American and Western Rock/Metal/Pop/Alternative/Grunge/Shoegaze Music to J-Rock to J-POP and to K-POP, never have I thought that in my years of being in the Music Photography Industry and Photography in general that I would be introduced to the world of C-POP, particularly to an artist named KUN aka Cai Xukun 蔡徐坤

Written by Don Marcelo

Title image by Don Marcelo

KUN is a Chinese singer-songwriter, actor, producer, fashion icon and global pop star sensation who is best known as the former leading front man of China’s Boy Idol Group called Nine Percent.

I was introduced to KUN when his TEAM sent us here at S.L.R. MAGAZINE the music video of Deadman that was released a few months ago. After listening and watching his music video of Deadman several times, I was drawn by his mystique and his unique style of singing that I needed to cover his first ever headline show in The U.S. at the historic music venue The Henry Fonda Theatre. See my review and coverage of KUN’s SOLD OUT SHOW here:

KUN PERFORMING LIVE FOR HIS FIRST HEADLINE SHOW IN THE U.S. WITH AN INTIMATE SOLD OUT SHOWCASE AND A CELEBRATION OF LOVE AND LIFE AT THE RENOWNED VENUE, THE HENRY FONDA THEATER

Also check out KUN’s official music video of Deadman and the OFFICIAL LIVE CONCERT VIDEO of Deadman provided to us courtesy of KUN’s TEAM and MANAGEMENT:

So this report/article is more of just a follow up about how truly impressed I am of this extraordinary artist named KUN who left an indelible mark on me with his great showmanship and musicianship after seeing his SOLD OUT LIVE PERFORMANCE concert at The Henry Fonda Theatre on August 2, 2025. I, and I’m sure his fanbase called IKUN, want the entire world to know about KUN. So, we are here to spread the word about this extraordinary artist in the hopes for more people get to listen to his songs; that more people would go and check out his music videos; and that hopefully more people would get captivated by this artist that they become fans of his music and artistry and support KUN’s musical journey and see him perform on stage in the future.

I have never done a follow up report of an artist. KUN’s style is so out of the norm from my usual forms of music genres that I love, which are hard rock and metal and J-ROCK. But because I was so impressed by KUN’s musicianship and concert that I just had to take the extra time from my busy schedule to write a little bit more about him and share my thoughts and my experience. KUN’s great stage performance on August 2 at The Fonda Theatre, along with his enigmatic charm and powerful and emotional singing, left me wanting for more. His artistry and musicianship gave me so much joy and wonder on this night that I had no choice but to watch more music videos of KUN and do more research and find out more about him and do this follow up report.

I love music and musicians of all kinds as I have said before. At one point growing up as a kid, I even tried music in my life by playing the piano, the organ, the guitar, and singing. But I never honed any of those music skills because I was never good at them and I never had the patience to practice and it was never my calling. But as a lover of all kinds of music and as a music photographer (my calling), I’m particularly fond of vocalists and drummers. But I digress since this is not about me. This is about KUN.

KUN’s voice type is classified as a tenor. His voice can be described as bright, sweet, and warm, but also bold and powerful equally, especially when he hits the high notes which he often does when he sings. What solidifies his vocal prowess is his ability to transition smoothly and effortlessly from his normal tenor voice and quickly hit the high falsettos without cracking a single note or getting pitchy. You can see all of these in all his music videos and LIVE shows on YouTube. It’s true that a lot of musicians in the tenor range can hit high notes, but to hit the highest falsettos and to do it constantly, on point without missing a beat and cracking on stage, and doing it smoothly and effortlessly, especially LIVE, is a feat of nature in itself. This is strictly talent. KUN was gifted with this pure and raw talent by the music gods and goddesses. One must really see his performance on stage to really feel and hear and see what I am talking about. And if you can’t, there is always YouTube.

Which then brings me to this. On August 8, 2025, KUN released his latest Music Video called Jasmine.

I had several conversations with some IKUN on Instagram when the music video was released and asked them their interpretation or whatever thoughts they would like to share of KUN’s latest music video Jasmine or anything of KUN in general. Remember, ART is SUBJECTIVE. Interpretations and opinions are based on the viewer’s eyes and personal views; therefore, there are no right or wrong answers here. Just honest and authentic thoughts and opinions. 

Here are some thoughts and interpretations from a few of them:

IKUN #1: “This new chapter isn’t about reinvention so much as a revelation—stripping back the polish to show something more instinctive, more human. ‘I just wanted to do something that felt more honest,’ he exclusively shares with us. ‘Not too polished—just something that really reflects where I’m at.’ [Furthermore] I think Jasmine can be seen as representing some fans, some friends, or certain experiences. We meet and then part ways, and the process of gaining and losing keeps happening. But after going through so much, he still returns to himself and stays true to his original intention—MUSIC.”

IKUN #2: “I think Jasmine once existed in KUN’s life, but eventually she left him. Because in my eyes, KUN is a person who lacks a sense of security. He is vulnerable and sensitive when it comes to interpersonal relationships. When the thick fog clears and the music fades away, there is only himself in the end. There is a sense of loneliness.”

IKUN #3: “It really makes sense that Jasmine might represent an imagined connection or “what could have been,” especially with her appearing and disappearing…everything in it feels like his imagination—a dream fantasy—and in the end, he’s still alone, which makes it seem like all those beautiful moments were just the fantasies of a lonely soul.”

IKUN #4: “At first, he walked alone on the deserted street, giving me a sense of loneliness…KUN has said that the heroine in Jasmine is an imaginary character he created. Compared to romance, I felt that she was more like a symbol of companionship, a confidant, and music—the things he yearns for or cherishes…I feel that the male lead longed for companionship and being loved, but it seemed that the person who could resonate with him could only be generated through imagination. Though the Music Video carries a tone of solitude, the ending—with that gesture and the smoke scene—moved me, revealing his freedom and his commitment to the things he loves.

I said it before from my previous article on KUN and I will say it again, IKUN are special people who truly love and support KUN. They are his “Ride or Die.” Thank you to all the IKUN for sharing their thoughts and interpretations with me. YOU TRULY ARE THE BEST. 

In conclusion, KUN and his artistry and musicianship are something and someone special as well in which the world needs more of. KUN is LOVE and KUN is ART at its purest form. Thank you for the music, KUN and thank you for all your hard work. Continue shining like the star that you are.

– Don Marcelo aka @marcdphotos of Instagram