At just 27, Chinese singer-songwriter Cai Xukun, better known as KUN, has spent more than half his life in the public eye. His appearance on a variety show in his early teens paved the way to acting roles and more television opportunities, leading KUN to idol training and survival productions across China and South Korea, and eventually, to project boybands SWIN and NINE PERCENT.

By his early twenties, KUN had gone solo, breaking pre-order records with his 2021 full-length debut album Lost (迷), embarking on world tours and clinching coveted fashion brand deals and ambassadorships over the last few years. In 2025, the singer kicked off his partnership with American label 88rising with the release of his single “Deadman”, setting his sophomore album, KUN, into motion.

Released on February 6, the self-titled record also marks KUN’s first full-length project in English, and has already spawned successful singles like “Jasmine” and “What A Day”. Arriving alongside the album was the cinematic music video for the emotional pop number “Colder”, marking the fourth single off the record.

Below, KUN tells ELLE Singapore all about his new self-titled album and the inspiration behind it.

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Your international debut with “Deadman” marked a major new chapter, especially as your first release under 88rising. What did that moment represent for you?

I’ve always wanted to make a song like “Deadman”. There are so many sides of me that people haven’t seen before, and I wanted to start revealing those through my music. This song felt like the right beginning, the first step in showing everything I want to express through this album and beyond. In a lot of ways, “Deadman” was the start of that journey.

How did stepping onto a global stage change the way you think about storytelling through music?

I want to make music that’s timeless. I truly believe music is a universal language that can connect people no matter where they’re from. One day, when I’m gone, I hope my music can still exist in the world and mean something to someone, somewhere.

Tell us more about your new album, KUN?

I named the album KUN because I wanted it to truly represent who I am. It’s about delivering the sounds that have been living in my heart for a long time in the most honest and authentic way possible. I’m really excited for people to finally hear it. I’ll be touring this year, and I hope I’ll be coming to Singapore to perform. I spent more than two years working on it non-stop, and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.

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Singles like “Jasmine” and “What a Day” are worlds apart in their sound and energy. How do you decide on what sonic world you want to showcase in each song?

I don’t really limit myself to one genre. I just follow my instincts and how I’m feeling at that moment. It’s almost like a quiet voice in the back of my head guiding me through the process, and my job is to bring those ideas to life.

The music video for “What a Day” evokes the behind-the-scenes glamour of Old Hollywood musicals, and was filmed in London as a one-shot performance. What inspired that visual direction?

We recorded the song in one take in the studio, so I wanted to carry that same feeling into the music video. It reflects my own personal journey, with many small details and ideas inspired by moments from my life and career. The message to stay positive, no matter how hard things get. Tomorrow is always a brand-new day.

How involved are you in shaping the visual language of your projects, from choreography to set design?

One hundred percent. I’m involved in every step of the process. Visuals are such an important part of how I present my music, they really go hand in hand with the sound.

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Does the way you perform shift depending on the city you’re in?

Definitely. Every city gives me new inspiration. I actually buy a new jacket every time I go to a new city. It’s kind of my thing now.

Alongside music, you’ve been expanding your presence in fashion. How do you personally approach style—as self-expression, storytelling, or something else?

It’s all of that. Everything is connected. Fashion is a big part of my identity and my life. When I was recording “Deadman”, I wore a cowboy hat almost every day, and that energy naturally carried onto the stage. I get inspired visually, and that inspiration feeds directly into the music I create.

Singapore has emerged as one of your key markets in Asia. What do you think resonates most  strongly with audiences here?

Every time I’m in Singapore, I just want to bring great energy to the audience. I performed here three years ago, and I can’t wait to come back this year. I’m really looking forward to seeing my Singapore fans again.