DEAN (딘)

DEAN, born Kwon Hyuk, is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer widely credited with helping bring alternative R&B into the mainstream of Korean popular music. Emerging in the mid-2010s, he built a reputation for a moody, minimalist production style influenced by American R&B and hip-hop, often built around sparse beats, warped vocal samples, and intimate, confessional lyrics delivered in a smooth, distinctive falsetto and rap hybrid.

His debut single «I'm Not Sorry» announced his arrival with a sound that stood apart from the polished K-pop mainstream, and his EP 130 Mood: TRBL — featuring collaborations and standout tracks — cemented his status as a defining voice in Korea's alternative R&B scene. His 2017 single «instagram» became one of his most widely recognized songs, showcasing his knack for slow-burning, atmospheric R&B that resonated with listeners across borders.

Beyond his solo work, DEAN is known for extensive collaborations with artists spanning genres and continents, including Korean pop icon IU, R&B singer Daniel Caesar, and producer duo offonoff, reflecting his position at the crossroads of Korean and American music scenes. He operates within hip-hop collectives FANXYCHILD and Club Eskimo and leads the collective youwillknovv, underscoring his role not just as a performer but as a connector and curator within a broader creative community shaping contemporary Korean R&B and hip-hop.