KUN Discusses How Versace Collaborative Single 'Afterglow' Kicks Off His 'New Chapter In Music': Exclusive

After being named the global brand ambassador for Versace in May, KUN takes the collaboration to the next level with a collaborative single with the Italian luxury brand that highlights the Chinese pop star's inspiration from the intersection of music and fashion.

'Afterglow' is set to debut in an upcoming Versace Mercury sneaker campaign, releasing in full worldwide this coming Friday, June 9th. Like his previous successes in Advertising signChina's TME UNI chart including 2022 “Hug me” and “TITLE” Since last year, KUN has immersed himself in the creative process for “Afterglow” using inspirations such as patterns and cuts to deliver a mix of dark synths and rock-inspired vocals.

Working as a singer and actor since his teenage years, KUN has spent the past 10 years charting a progression from a reality TV and band member to a full-fledged solo superstar with multiple albums, overseas tours and high-profile brand endorsements to his name. The C-pop star is currently working with writers and producers in the US to create a global music project with the upcoming release “Afterglow” representing what he calls “a brand new KUN sound”.

Read on for more from KUN about “Afterglow” and its importance in building a big 2024 and 2025 with more music, live shows, tours and other treats for fans around the world.

Congratulations on launching Afterglow alongside your global ambassadorship with Versace! Tell us more about it and how you started creating the piece?

“Afterglow” is a brand new single that I produced in collaboration with Versace. I approached this song from what I learned in fashion culture — this track really reflects my journey as a musician and artist. Over the past couple of years, I have explored and experimented with many different genres, combining old school with new school elements and incorporating my personal taste in contemporary music. “Afterglow” is born from this whole process.

You are known for your participation in the composition of your songs. In what ways were you involved creatively with 'Afterglow'?

I draw inspiration from how designers curate their clothing patterns, elegant details and attention to quality, and translate that into song. I wanted the synth design to be unique, edgy and dark while the vocals kept that rock element. While writing, I imagined catwalk scenes – flashing lights – with a more mysterious feel. The catwalk would be a perfect setting for this sound.

What does “Afterglow” represent for your music career?

Starting with “Afterglow”, we'll hear a brand new KUN sound. We are starting a new chapter in music and trying to release more songs in both Chinese and English.

Will “Afterglow” also have its own music video?

Many fans may remember our previous live gig at Art Lab. Here is some exclusive news for me Advertising sign friends: Art Lab 2.0 is coming soon, including a live performance of “Afterglow.”

How does fashion affect your daily life?

Fashion always inspires me in the creative process of songwriting. I love vintage clothes, like I love listening to classical songs, and cowboy hats and rough jeans when I write rock songs. Fashion design is a tedious process that involves constant detailing until the final product is developed. This process causes or intrigues. has no creative limits. Just like when you make music, there are endless possibilities.

I read that your news from Versace went viral in China with 400 million views on Weibo in less than a week and a No. 1 search topic for hours. Did you expect such an exciting answer?

There I was at a singing camp [time]. It was around 3am so I was actually in bed when my team woke me up and told me the good news. I appreciate everything my fans do for me and we support each other.

You visited the US, Canada and the UK on your KUN ONE tour in 2019. Are there any plans for more overseas shows?

We are planning many surprises this year. more news to come. I'm in the studio non-stop for an upcoming new project. I am also planning a new music show production that can bring sound to life on a live stage with some talented writers and producers from around the world.

What else can we expect from you in 2024?

2024 was my first step in building a label and company that represents the art I love so much. I'm aiming to create and release some world music projects from my label this year and I'm thinking about a world tour so I'm pushing myself to hit those deadlines. I've never released an official world album and I'm putting in the work to make it happen. The music is the focus though, so if I don't feel ready, I might wait until early 2025. I'm enjoying the process of it all.

Any other goals for this year?

Goals…meet my deadlines. [Laughs] And if I meet those deadlines, the next goal is real: to make sure that people who hear the music and experience it live can feel the way I felt when I was making it. If they tell me they felt something, I have achieved my goals for 2024.

Anything else to share with readers or international fans right now?

I would love to work with artists from all over the world. Collaborating with artists of different cultures is what I love in art, music and fashion, so for international listeners, please message me with ideas and also message me with cities that you think would like to see my new works.