First U.S. Resident DJ for KPOP CLUB NIGHT with 10 Years Experience

Hello, this is Klab Insight.

In this feature, we're excited to introduce Andrew Chen, a dynamic DJ and one of the leading figures in the North American K-pop scene. As the resident DJ for KPOP CLUB NIGHT, the largest K-pop DJ dance party in the U.S. and Canada, Andrew is at the heart of the K-pop music movement in North America.

With a background in both the creative and business sides of the music industry, Andrew brings a unique blend of experience to his DJ career. From his early days learning DJing in high school to performing at major events and festivals, he has built a career that spans across various genres and audiences, including major collaborations with artists like Alan Walker and NGHTMRE.

What started as a hobby has now become a successful career, where Andrew not only entertains fans but also helps bridge the gap between K-pop culture and its rapidly growing global fanbase. In this interview, we’ll dive into his journey, the evolution of his role in K-pop, and the innovative ways he connects with fans through his performances.

Let’s explore how Andrew’s journey proves that passion, combined with hard work, can turn a love for music into a thriving career in one of the world’s most exciting industries.

This newsletter highlights:

• Shaping the K-pop Scene in North America

• Mastering the Art of DJing for K-pop Fans

• Building Strong Connections Between K-pop and Global Audiences

Q. Can you introduce yourself?

I'm Andrew Chen, a 25-year-old professional open-format club, event, mobile, and tour DJ performing across the United States and Canada. I'm currently a resident DJ for KPOP CLUB NIGHT, North America's largest K-pop DJ dance party. I was born and raised in New Jersey and currently live in Los Angeles.

Q. Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to pursue a career in the music and entertainment industry?

I come from a musical background. I started singing in elementary school, played the cello for two years, and then played the trumpet for six years, from elementary school through my sophomore year of high school (though I wasn’t the best player). In high school, I switched to the trombone and played for two years, where I excelled much more. During my freshman year of high school, I discovered DJing, which sparked my interest in the music industry. This led me to research different sectors of the business online to better understand how it all worked.

Q. What initially attracted you to the K-POP scene, and how did you get your start in this industry?

I first discovered K-pop in eighth grade with PSY’s 'Gangnam Style' and received song requests at high school events for artists like 2NE1, BIGBANG, Girls' Generation, BTS, and BLACKPINK. However, I never listened to K-pop outside of the songs I was asked to play. That changed in 2020 during the pandemic when I fell into the K-pop rabbit hole, starting with BLACKPINK’s 'DDU-DU DDU-DU.' I was fascinated not only by the song’s production quality but also by its music video. As I explored more K-pop groups and Korean artists, I naturally became interested in the K-pop industry, leading me to connect with people and make friends working in the scene.

Q. Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a DJ and how you got started in the music industry?

I started DJing during my freshman year of high school through an extracurricular club called 'DJ Club' at my public high school. Curious to learn more, I attended the first meeting at the beginning of the school year. The club was led by two upperclassmen who taught the fundamentals of DJing, including mixing techniques, beatmatching, transitioning between songs, setting up equipment, using the microphone for MCing, and exploring different music genres.

I began helping with small school events and club dances, and by my junior year, at 16 years old, I landed my first paid DJ gig—a surprise 40th birthday party. After that event, I realized how much I enjoyed DJing and knew I wanted to continue pursuing it.

Throughout college, I DJed campus events, fraternity and sorority parties and formals, and even a major music festival—Moonrise Festival 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. I also had the opportunity to open for major artists, including Alan Walker, NGHTMRE, and Gryffin. Even after graduating and working full-time, I have continued DJing.

I was accepted into Drexel University's Music Industry Program with a minor in Business Administration. During my time there, I gained real-world experience through both in-person and virtual internships.

In college, I also worked as a promoter for Steez Promo, marketing EDM raves through social media, postering across Drexel University's campus and Philadelphia, and selling tickets. My efforts quickly caught the attention of my manager at the time, and knowing that I also DJed, he started giving me opening slots for artists performing in Philadelphia.

Q. How do you prepare for your DJ performances?

I prepare for DJ performances by first understanding the event and audience, and then curating my music selection accordingly. I source my music from various platforms, including record pools like BPM Supreme, as well as SoundCloud, Beatport, Bandcamp, Qobuz, and 7digital.

Q. What sets you apart from other DJs in the K-POP scene?

What sets me apart from other DJs in the K-pop scene is my ten years of experience DJing across multiple genres, performing for diverse audiences, and handling a wide variety of gigs—including weddings, Sweet Sixteens, and birthday parties. I also have strong MC and mic skills, allowing me to confidently engage with the crowd and hype up the energy. Additionally, my experience working in the music industry, including full-time roles at Wasserman Music and Insomniac Events, has given me a deep understanding of the business and the behind-the-scenes operations.

Q. In your opinion, how has the role of DJs in the K-POP scene evolved over the years?

DJs play a crucial role in expanding K-pop’s global reach. As K-pop’s popularity has grown, more DJs have become interested in playing the genre. However, not all DJs fully understand K-pop culture and its passionate fandom, which can result in less memorable performances. Since 2021, I’ve been DJing K-pop club shows, and as both a fan and a DJ, I have a deep understanding of the fan culture. This allows me to read the crowd effectively, knowing what resonates with them and what doesn’t.

Q. What’s the most memorable performance you've had as a DJ, and why did it stand out?

My most memorable performance as a DJ was my first KPOP CLUB NIGHT set in July 2024 at Webster Hall in New York City. Seeing my first rave (KSHMR) at Webster Hall when I was 16 made performing there a full-circle moment.

This set was particularly special because it was the first time my parents and older brother saw me DJ in front of an audience. It also stood out because it was part of my interview process to join the KPOP CLUB NIGHT team, adding extra pressure. Fortunately, my higher-ups were impressed with my set and officially brought me onto the team after a headlining performance a few weeks later.

Q. How do you tailor your performances to different venues and audiences, especially for K-POP fans in North America?