[Exclusive Interview] from20 Takes Us Inside the Creative Genius Behind “Eye Candy“

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In this exclusive interview, from20 shares how the daring sound and visuals of ‘Eye Candy’ were designed to spark a reaction—and why every moment was fully intentional.

from20 is a multifaceted artist whose work transcends traditional K-pop boundaries, blending music, fashion, and visual storytelling into a cohesive and mature artistic vision. As a co-CEO of WAY BETTER, he not only leads a creative collective but also shapes the direction of his own solo career. His musical journey began with the release of his debut single on March 28, 2021, marking the start of a new chapter that emphasized introspection and sophistication. Building on this foundation, from20 expanded his reach with the “Fast On The Highway” European tour in 2024, collaborating with HELLO GLOOM to deliver performances that resonated with audiences across the continent.

In his latest release, “Eye Candy,” dropped on April 11, 2025, from20 continues to evolve, offering a track that combines provocative aesthetics with an infectious groove. The song’s promotional materials, including its album cover and teaser images, have sparked widespread attention, with fans drawing comparisons to high-fashion campaigns and engaging in discussions about its bold visuals to name a few. The music video, featuring a meticulously crafted set, showcases from20’s commitment to creating immersive and cinematic experiences for his audience. This attention to detail not only enhances the song’s narrative but also reinforces his reputation as an artist unafraid to challenge conventions.

In this exclusive interview, from20 delves into the creative process behind “Eye Candy,” sharing insights into how every visual and thematic element was carefully conceptualized. He reflects on his dual role as both creator (artist, video director, songwriter) and Co-CEO, and how that freedom empowers him to be daring and experimental in ways few others can. Throughout the conversation, from20 reveals the depth of his artistic vision—one that not only shapes his own evolving story but also leaves a lasting mark on the future of music and visual culture.

Hellokpop: Hi from20! Thanks so much for chatting with us—it’s always a pleasure to connect with artists who are doing things their own way. You recently released your second digital single, “Eye Candy,” and the buzz surrounding it has been intense, from the music to the visuals. Before we dive in, how have you been feeling since the release?

from20: Hello, this is from20, and I recently made a comeback with “Eye Candy.” I wanted to create a provocative song that would generate buzz, but the reaction this release has received was bigger than I anticipated, so every day has been very exciting. It’s been a long time since my last single, so I’m very thankful and happy that many people are enjoying “Eye Candy.”

HKP:How did the concept for this track come together, both sonically and lyrically?

from20: As I mentioned, I wanted this single to be one that creates conversation. These days, with social media being so developed, a big portion of music is consumed by the generation that is used to expressing themselves and putting themselves out there through social media. So I thought, if I wrote a song about making myself the product, with the motive of “use me as much as you like,” wouldn’t that resonate with the contemporary world?

Musically, I wanted to echo the hip-hop sound of the late 1990s and early 2000s, which I love. I strived to show an image of a boy who’s in love with 90s/00s hip-hop music but who is now a grown man, ready to express himself in his own way.

HKP: The production has this slick, seductive feel. What was the studio process like—did you know what sound you wanted right away? Did you experiment with any new production techniques or vocal styles on this single?

from20: Up until this point in my career, I have sung a lot of songs with R&B vocals. But this time, it leans so heavily into rap that you could almost call it a rap song rather than a vocal track. The vocals on this song are also mixed with some distortion. I think the production for this single was somewhat experimental, but I believe that it was a bold yet sophisticated move! I started this project with a bold motive, so the production had to be the next daring move. Not only was this track sonically experimental, but the photos, concept, and other elements were also a challenge that I wanted to take on for this project.

HKP: Is there a particular lyric in “Eye Candy” that you feel sums up the entire track’s attitude or message?

from20: I think it’s the “Hype Girls & Boys Love The Candy, It’s Free But Can You Handle Me?” part. I believe that cool people would love my music!

HKP: Your music often leans into a more mature, sensual sound. What draws you to that style? How does “Eye Candy” reflect that side of you?

from20: I think that my position allows me to take on more bold and experimental challenges in comparison to my idol experience. I am not only a songwriter, music video director, but also the co-CEO of our company, WAY BETTER. Being in this position is definitely one of my strong points, and I think that only a fool would not take advantage of it.

I can take on bold and exciting challenges that most idols might shy away from, or simply cannot undertake. This is definitely an advantage that differentiates my music, and I strive to always keep it in mind while working on new music. I’d like to leverage my advantageous position.

HKP: The promos for “Eye Candy” had fans doing double-takes—and even calling them NSFW. Did you expect that kind of reaction, or did it catch you off guard?

from20: From the very beginning of planning this single, I wanted to create something talk-worthy. Simply put, I wanted it to be a light, easily digestible single that people could pick apart and talk about. That’s exactly why this release feels so meaningful to me. The public’s reactions were completely expected, and I would even say that all of this, including the buzz, was part of my company’s and my plan. It’s been really fun to see it unfold even better than we had hoped.

HKP: The concept teaser images felt like a fashion editorial. What was the inspiration? Did any brands or photographers inspire your vision?

from20: I am in charge of the visual direction at WAY BETTER, so I am making an effort to explore and stay connected to various types of visual art. If I weren’t art-savvy, it would be evident in our creative output.

In particular, for “Eye Candy,” I started with the keyword “candy” and focused on curating seductive and alluring visuals that would encapsulate the motive.

HKP: How involved were you in the creative direction for the visuals and concept styling?

from20: I participate in all processes involving visuals, concepts, and styling — especially my own releases, since they are my projects, they heavily reflect my opinions and perspectives. Concept photos, styling direction, and even the order in which the photos are released – I participate in making decisions for all of these processes, including the minor ones.

HKP: Do you ever write music with specific visuals in mind, or do the visuals come later in the process?

from20: I think that making music together with the videos is a big and unique advantage of mine. I always make music while thinking of the visuals at the same time. While thinking, ‘What kind of music should I showcase to my fans?’ I also ponder ‘What kind of visuals should I showcase to my fans?’ That is why I believe I can continue to come up with more original and fresh ideas.

HKP: Do you feel like fans are finally seeing the full creative side of from20, not just musically, but also visually and stylistically?

from20: I know I still have a long way to go. There’s so much more I want to show. But I do feel proud that the career and discography I’ve been steadily building as a solo artist are finally starting to gain recognition. This new single is receiving more attention and better reactions than ever. And I don’t think it’s just because “Eye Candy” is a good song. My team and I have consistently released singles and worked hard to deliver strong visuals. I believe all of those efforts have come together to lead to this moment.

HKP: You’re not afraid to go against the grain in terms of image and sound. Has that always come naturally, or did you have to grow into that confidence?

from20: I want to become a brave person. I aspire to be a person who acts with integrity and uses their voice for what is right. Of course, there are moments in which I break down and become weak, but in the end, my belief remains the same — I want to be a good person and a good adult. I think that belief is what gives me the courage to take action when it matters. And I’m always grateful for the constant support and encouragement I receive from the WAY BETTER family, including HELLO GLOOM.

HKP: As someone who balances being a singer, songwriter, and video director, how does each role influence the other?

from20: I think that doing all these things simultaneously allows me, from20, to show my unique colors. I don’t just create music and then pick and choose visuals that would reflect it. I think about music and visuals at the same time; they co-evolve and co-exist in my mind, and this type of planning and managing a project is something that only I can do. The importance of visual directing in the K-Pop industry has been on the rise in recent years, which is why I am excited to showcase my strengths.

HKP: With this bold new era kicking off, what can fans expect next? More singles, maybe a full album, or something unexpected?

from20: Actually, “Eye Candy” was supposed to be a pre-release single for my 2nd full album that I was preparing. I was working on many fun songs for that project, but I’m currently unable to confirm when the full album will be released. However, I have a lot of songs lined up in a variety of fun and exciting themes that I think you’ll really enjoy. I hope you’re looking forward to them!

HKP: Lastly, please leave a message for fans reading this.

from20: I am able to keep going because of my fans who support me. I have been actively involved in this industry for some time now. Throughout all those years, there have always been fans who listened to my music and loved me. I want to say thank you, and I love you. I truly believe that your faith in me has not been misplaced. I’ll make sure to grow into an artist you can be proud of. Let’s be happy and healthy every day. I love you.