Ted Park, “I hope to bridge the gap between Korean and American Hiphop”

The Wisconsin-native started gaining popularity in 2016 following his song “Hello (Who is this),” which climbed to the top 10 on Billboard and Spotify’s Viral 50 Charts. Ted Park, garnering recognition both in the States and Korea. Park recently had a trip back to Korea, where he worked with a number of notable Korean artists. He recently made news with his signing to H1GHR MUSIC, the label started by another notable Korean-American artist, Jay Park.

We had the opportunity to chat with Ted Park about his experience as a Korean-American artist in the States, what he got up to on his trip to Korea, and what we can expect from him in the future.

The Interview

Hello! Can you introduce yourself for those who have only recently discovered you?
Wassup, my name is Ted Park from Madison, Wisconsin born and raised, NYC based. I’m an artist trying to do big things from a small city.

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How would you describe your own music style?
Vibrant, passionate, honest. And “litty” haha. A lot of melodies, and a lot of message.

 

Which is your favorite song of yours to perform live?
“Me Love” 100% haha. I love watching people in the crowd sing  “Me looooove” louder and better than me.

 

You’ve been working hard to make music since you were quite young. As your popularity has grown, have you changed your style of music?
My music has definitely changed overtime, but the popularity hasn’t changed my sound, or ever will. The sonic change has just been me developing as an artist, creative, and a young man. Trying new things every day and growing into the artist I dream to be.

 

As you’ve said in previous interviews, Kanye West is an artist who manages to make something new with every project he does and it is easy to fall into a comfort zone as an artist. What is one zone you really want to break out of?
Yeee, the thing you have to love and respect about him is having no musical boundaries and willing to take risks. If you play it safe your whole career, you’ll never know what you were fully capable of. I think I’ve been put in a zone recently as a “catchy, viral singer-rap artist” with “Me Love” and “Hello.” Which is understandable, I don’t have much music out. But with my debut project that’s coming this spring, I look forward to showing people I am capable of making timeless music.

 

Another thing I really liked that you said in a previous interview was “don’t be a hobbyist.” What do you think is the most important thing to do to turn that “hobby” or passion into your lifestyle?
As an artist you have to go all in. If you make music for the fun and love of it, I love that. But people tend to complain about the “industry” connections, not getting their [chance]… You have to create your own opportunities and your own lane. I used to get 100 views on YouTube, no coverage and had to go through failures and roadblocks time and time again before I finally started to break out. I dropped out of high school, moved to New York, used to live in a basement with random adults way older than me haha. My first show was for 15 people. Now I’m going on a major tour this spring with Dumbfoundead. This grind is time, dedication and perseverance. And understanding that whether it takes one month or 10 years, that you’re in it for the long haul.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgmKGcbHBWZ/?taken-by=tedparkboi

 

Were your family always supportive of you following a career in music? How have they had an impact on the person you are today?
At first my parents were more worried than sceptical. My Mom used to go crazy on me when I’d skip school and record in my closet hahaha. My Dad thought it was all fun and games until I called him telling him I was dropping out and pursuing it full time. He actually flew back to the States a couple days later to try and reason with me. He saw in my eyes how bad I wanted, and loved music, and he gave in. Through the ups and downs, and even before my music started popping, their love for me led them to support my dreams. And now with it actually blowing up, I’m blessed to have had them by my side even when this looked impossible.

 

Who are your biggest influencers (both musically and personally)?

• My Mom and Dad are the most loving parents, and best friends I could ever ask for.
• DJ Pain 1, who mentored me from when I was 14 and never stopped believing in me, musically and as a person.
• Mikey Fresh who’s been guiding me and helping me take things to the next level.
• My partner and my brother from another mother Saho aka Mr. Plugged In aha.
• All my friends and collaborators, they know who they are
• DJ Bonics, and more!

 

What do you think differentiates you from other artists?
My story and my energy. I have a lot of influence from amazing artists, but we all have our unique story to tell and our own energy and vibe we bring. Ted Park is a one of a kind personality and vision.

 

Growing up in different countries may challenge one to battle with identity issues, what advice would you give to someone who may experience this?
When I first moved to Korea in Middle School, I was lost, scared, angry and afraid. I was isolated and felt like no one cared about me or supported me. I didn’t know what to do, couldn’t speak the language, and had very few friends due to lack of communication. BUT in this time period I found my passion and love of hip-hop music, and started dreaming of it, which lead to me starting to write and record. When you look deep inside yourself, especially in the most difficult of times, you never know what you’ll find. Never put your head down, cause what you feel is a curse could end up being your biggest blessing.

 

How do you think the Korean and American music scenes compare to each other?
The energy, the passion, the hype. Hip-hop is going global. To see the energy and passion about it is amazing. Most of all, seeing it embraced by the YOUTH.

 

As hip-hop becomes more mainstream in South Korea, there is a prevalence of culture appropriation. What steps do you think Korean rappers could take to make themselves more aware?
I’ve been hit with the cultural appropriation tag as well, which I understand. We are guests in hip-hop culture, and we all need to understand that. There’s a difference between cultural appropriation and appreciation; it is our duty to study, understand, commit, and love what has been built if we want to participate and contribute.

 

Can you tell us who you’ve been working with whilst you’ve been over here in Korea?
Haha, secret for now but you’ll see on my debut project this spring

https://www.instagram.com/p/Be8eLH7nNlq/?taken-by=tedparkboi

 

Do you think you would ever move back to Korea again and try to get more into the music scene here?
I love Korea, but my heart is here in the States. I hope to bridge the gap between Korean and American hip-hop, and I know the best way for me is to become the greatest I can be here in the States. Korea, and the rest of the world will follow.

 

Did the reality of this trip meet your expectations?
It surpassed what I expected. I never try to put expectations on a trip, but 10 + major collaborations, 3 major visuals, and 5 packed out shows in 2 and a half weeks plus Mom and Dad time. I couldn’t ask for more. I couldn’t thank Cut Studio enough for bringing me out and seeing and believing in my vision. I can’t wait to share with you all.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfHaLrvn8Dc/?taken-by=tedparkboi

 

What are the things you most look forward to when you visit Korea?
The experience. Family. Music, Food, Partying haha. Wild thoughts. Learning more and more. And embracing and loving my people.

 

Can you give us details on any upcoming projects?
We’re wrapping up my debut project right now, it’s crazy. Some major features are on there, and crazy visuals. I’m blessed to have it all come together finally, I wanted my first effort to be a great one. I decided to release it independently because of all the hard work of Saho, my peers, and I put in on our OWN. The Cut will be helping move it in Korea, as they did all the visuals and helped put it together on the Korean side.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf1eiQ2nCvs/?taken-by=tedparkboi

 

Besides music, what are other things you enjoy doing? What do you do in your chill time?
Basketball, movies, partying, friends and family, meeting beautiful women hahaha. A bit of everything and experiencing new things. Also love rest and sleep when I can get it.

 

Favorite Korean snack?
Jajangmyeon. Jajang papi is in the building! I ate it 28 days straight!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgCQbn6HRAd/?taken-by=tedparkboi

 

Can you describe your personality in 3 words.
Entertaining. Passionate. Ambitious

 

One last thing, say anything. Express yourself to your fans and the world!
I would like to thank everything who’s been on this journey with me from my first song, and all the recent love and attention from new fans and followers. This goes deeper than music, this is about accomplishing your dreams step by step, even when the odds are against you and everyone is saying no. I hope I can continue to inspire and give you my 100% and the music you deserve. I can’t promise to be the next big thing, but I promise I will always be the best Ted Park I can be.

 

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Interview and article written by guest writer Amy Benham
Article edited by Cy
Article formatted by Andrew