Ten years ago, Kevin Moon decided to halt his short-lived plans studying psychology at UBC for one last chance to become a music artist. Four days into his first semester at UBC, Moon took a trip down to Seattle to audition for the sixth season of K-pop Star, a South Korean singing competition where contestants showcase their talents in front of the founders of K-pop’s largest entertainment companies. Though he was eliminated from the show, this opportunity got him noticed and eventually lead to his debut in the K-pop group THE BOYZ in December 2017.
The group has released 10 EPs in South Korea and has found success globally. However, in March 2026, THE BOYZ took legal action against their previous label, One Hundred, which allegedly failed to pay the members for “all activities since July 2025”. A mass exodus of the label’s roster followed, and its CEO was arrested on allegation of fraud involving 30 billion won (CDN$33.36 million) in August.
This situation left Moon and other individuals without proper financial and promotional backing as they continued working. In the middle of this legal battle, Moon began putting together his self-funded solo EP, “FREECHILD”, which came out on September 2. The EP’s four tracks signify his unfiltered creative freedom that was previously repressed under the current K-pop industry. “I believe that artists should be the last people on earth to walk on eggshells”, he wrote on X.
As of this week, THE BOYZ signed to a new label backed by long-time collaborators and this era signals new growth for the members collectively and individually. Before this development, Moon spoke to Pancouver about his B.C. upbringing and where his music will take him in the future.
Jacob Aron Leung: How did your passion for music begin to take shape?
Kevin Moon: My parents were music fans so my love for music was something very natural. They provided a wide array of opportunities to be immersed in art. From musical theatre, piano lessons, tap dance, and more, my childhood was very much already living the life of an artist.
JAL: What inspired you to audition for K-pop Star 6 while you were newly enrolled at UBC?
Kevin Moon: I was so sure I’d just live a quiet life, get my masters in psych [and] then major in education. Since music was always second nature, I thought why not make the trip to Seattle to audition! It was kind of my last big attempt to “make it” but I really did it without much thinking.
JAL: You made your debut in THE BOYZ about a year after you arrived in South Korea. How was it like adjusting to that relatively sudden change in environment and career?
Kevin Moon: It was a very sudden change, but it was spent crazy busy, so I don’t think I ever got a chance to let myself breathe. I never realized just how big of a change I went through. Thankfully, I was surrounded by very thoughtful people.
As part of THE BOYZ, Kevin Moon made his K-pop debut with the EP “[THE FIRST]”, which includes the single, “BOY”.
JAL: You’ve now spent a decade working in South Korea and travelling across the world for various tours. What do you miss most about the Metro Vancouver area?
Kevin Moon: I miss the nature! Literally where else in the world can you tan on a beach and go skiing on a mountain? I was just spending the day thinking about how much I missed Deep Cove and Burnaby Mountain!
JAL: How have your Canadian roots influenced your artistry?
Kevin Moon: It was very interesting growing up Korean Canadian. I was able to hear the music that shaped my parents’ lives with the open-mindedness of Western music. I was fortunate enough to be around passionate educators too. They pushed me to sharpen my craft and introduced new universes to me. District 41 was a different breed of teachers for sure!
JAL: Now that you are releasing music independently, as opposed to under a company, how has it been like handling many aspects of development and promotion?
Kevin Moon: It was definitely gruelling work but honestly felt so right. Having full creative control felt like a breath of fresh air!
JAL: Your “FREECHILD” EP unleashes years of suppressed thoughts about self-expression, rebelling against the status quo. What sort of catharsis have you felt through this project?
Kevin Moon: My mantra in life is that whatever hardships I face, I will turn it into a testimony of empowerment in the near future. In that sense everything in this album has been a testament in the making. I’m hoping all those who hear it can be reminded of the inner child that may have been neglected and be encouraged to start nourishing it. Because that’s exactly what I’m doing now.
JAL: How have your family and friends reacted to your new music?
Kevin Moon: I’ve never seen my family more excited in my life after showing them the rough edit of the music video. So many people around me that I’ve spent a good decade with were surprised but also felt that it was such a correct thing for me. I’m so grateful for their support!
JAL: “FREECHILD” acts as a precursor to a full album you are developing. What sort of vision do you have for the complete project?
Kevin Moon: It will be full of bells and whistles, unapologetic, loud, fun and encouraging. I want to have lots of nostalgic sounds paired with my ten-year experience in the K-pop industry.
JAL: Do you have anything else you would like to share with our audience in Vancouver?
Kevin Moon: Vancouver is truly a magical place, and I hope y’all don’t take it for granted! I hope to one day perform at BC Place! Ha!
Learn more about Kevin Moon from his official website and follow him on X @kebeanmoon and Instagram @kev.in.orbit.
Jacob Aron Leung is a Vancouver-based journalist who loves exploring how people find community through shared identity. Follow him on X @jacobaronleung, Instagram @jacobaronleung, and Bluesky @jacobaronleung.bsky.social.
Follow Pancouver on X @PancouverMedia, Bluesky @pancouver.bsky.social, and Instagram @PancouverMedia.
