K-Interview: An Da-eun (안다은) (Indie Singer and Songwriter)

Interviewer: Deena Jasmine (Chikkmagaluru, Karnataka, India)

Editor: Pooja Vishwanathan (Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India)

Known for turning raw emotions into beautiful melodies, An Da-eun (안다은) continues to captivate listeners with her authentic artistry and soulful sound.

Meet An Da-eun, an artist whose voice has become a comforting presence for many listeners. For over fifteen years, she has been making her mark in Korea’s indie music scene, from the well-loved songs of Acoustic Collabo to beginning a new chapter as the co-founder of ADE Music. With her warm and emotional vocals, An Da-eun has a way of creating music that stays with people long after the song ends.

​Whether performing on “Sing Again 2” or singing the dreamy OST “Fantasy” for “Love Next Door”, she continues to connect with listeners through her heartfelt music. Over the years, she has shown growth not only as a singer-songwriter but also as someone brave enough to create her own path. Now, as both an artist and co-founder of her own label, she balances creativity and leadership while staying true to herself.

Following the release of her new single “Aching Memory” and a “National café tour” that sold out quickly, An Da-eun is returning to the intimate spaces where music feels closest to the heart.

​At Hallyuism India, we had the chance to speak with her about her musical journey, the lessons she has learned along the way, and the passion that continues to guide her. Join us as we take a closer look at the story of an artist who continues to move forward while staying true to her voice.

Could you please introduce yourself to our readers and share how your musical journey began? How did that journey lead you to become both the artist and co-founder we see today?

A: Hello, Hallyuism India readers. I’m An Da-eun, vocalist of The Ade. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

​I began my musical journey through the encouragement of my middle school music teacher. Through her recommendation, I joined a youth choir in Bucheon, where I spent time with older students who were preparing for or attending arts high schools and universities. Naturally, that environment led me to dream of becoming a singer.

​I was fortunate to be accepted into university soon after, and I began my career as a singer at the same time. It’s not easy to meet someone in life who truly aligns with you, but Kim Kyu-nyeon, whom I now work with as a team member, shares very similar values and direction when it comes to music. On a personal level as well, we deeply understand each other. Based on that trust, we eventually founded our own company together.

You’ve been singing professionally since 2011. Looking back at your debut days, what is the one thing about your younger self’s voice or passion that you’ve fought hardest to keep alive over the last 15 years? 

A: I wouldn’t say that I have extraordinary technique, an unbreakable voice, or powerful vocals. However, many people appreciate the emotional tone of my voice, so I have consistently worked hard to preserve that quality.

Many fans first met you through Acoustic Collabo. When you transitioned into a soloist and a member of “The Ade”, did you feel like you had to  “re-learn” who An Da-eun was as an artist? 

A: At this point, it feels like The Ade has become a part of me. In the past, I used to describe it as being like family, a friend, or even a partner, but now I’m not so sure. Perhaps it has simply become “myself.”

Looking back, I’ve spent more than half of my life singing. So rather than defining it with a specific meaning, it has naturally become a part of who I am.

​As for Kim Kyu-nyeon, we started as coworkers, but now we’ve become closer than family. We understand each other so well that we don’t even need to say what we like or dislike anymore.

Your performance as  “The First Snow of the Season” on King of Mask Singer was unforgettable. What was it like performing behind a mask, knowing the audience could connect only with your voice?

A: Many people still remember and love that performance. I thought I would be very nervous, but because my vision was limited while wearing the mask, I actually felt less pressure and was able to enjoy the stage more.

What inspired the name ADE Music?  As a co-founder, what is the most rewarding part of having the creative freedom to lead your own label? 

A: Since the company was built by the two of us, we naturally wanted to include both of our names. However, Kim Kyu-nyeon’s name has such a strong presence that any combination felt a bit awkward as an official name. So in the end, he decided to remove his own name, which led to “ADE Music.”

Every moment feels rewarding. The beginning was quite difficult, but now we’ve become so used to this way of working that it would be hard to join another company. Working together has become natural and comfortable for us.

Your work on the Love Next Door OST, “Fantasy,” has a very ethereal, dreamy quality. What was your very first thought when you heard the demo for this track? 

A: My first impression was that it felt soft and dreamy. I spent a lot of time thinking about how to best express that delicate feeling.

Your new single, ‘Aching Memory’  (아릿하다, 너라는 기억은), carries a nostalgic and bittersweet feeling.  What emotion or memory do you hope listeners hold onto after hearing it for the first time?

A: I believe the title itself represents the overall message of the song. Rather than overanalyzing it, I hope listeners can simply immerse themselves in the music and feel it naturally with me.

Your upcoming “National Café Tour” is already seeing sold-out shows.  After performing on larger stages, what inspired you to return to the intimacy of cafe performances, and how does it feel to receive such a warm response from fans?

A: From the days of Acoustic Collabo to The ADE, fans have consistently expressed their desire for a café tour. We also truly enjoy performing in close spaces where we can make eye contact and connect with each person. Since our name is “The ADE,” we feel it suits the café atmosphere very well. Because we love it so much, and fans have been waiting for it, it feels even more meaningful.

Looking back at your career so far, is there one specific memory, perhaps a stage performance or a fan interaction, that still makes your heart flutter when you think of it today? 

A: I’m not someone who gets very nervous, so when I think of memorable moments, many of them are actually mistakes. There were times when I completely forgot the lyrics and suddenly started speaking in Japanese, or when I messed up a live radio performance without being able to recover. Now, they are memories I can laugh about.

You’ve experienced many turning points in your career. Looking back,  what was the biggest internal challenge you faced during those moments, and how did you overcome it?

A: I think everyone experiences moments where their thoughts lead to sadness, and they feel overwhelmed by it. I go through those moments as well, but I usually take time alone to organize my thoughts and work through them. Rather than talking to someone or going out, I tend to process things on my own.

You are a role model for many independent artists. What would you say to someone who is currently facing a challenge and feels like giving up on their creative path? 

A: Creativity can be difficult for everyone. When you start to question whether this path is truly yours, I think it can be helpful to seek an objective perspective from someone else.

Looking ahead, what can fans expect next from you?  Are there any upcoming projects or new musical styles you are excited to explore that you can share with us?

A: There are so many genres I would love to try. I want to explore band music, and I would also like to try musical theater. If given the opportunity, I hope to show those sides of myself to everyone.

Your music reaches far beyond Korea, touching the hearts of fans in India. As you look toward the future of The Ade and ADE Music, what is the final message you’d like to leave with our readers at Hallyuism India? 

A: It was truly a meaningful opportunity to introduce The Ade and my music once again. We will continue to do our best with the same sincerity until our music reaches even more people. Thank you.

Once again, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your precious time and for sharing insights about your journey. Thank you so much. On behalf of the entire team at Hallyuism, we wish you all the best for your future projects and lots of love from India!

We hope you all loved reading this interview as much as we loved conducting it. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.