Aaron Young and Hwan on Viral Drops, New Music, and More
Aaron Young and HWAN may not be a household names yet, but if you’ve spent any time on TikTok in the last few months, chances are you’ve heard their voices. The rising artists first went viral with a hauntingly beautiful cover of “Ma Jia Xien,” a track that struck a rare balance between vulnerability and power—captivating millions of listeners and earning reposts, duets, and fan edits across the globe. But that wasn’t the only hit: a dreamy reinterpretation of “Like Jenny” then sparked a wave of covers from influencers, idols, and even K-pop stars like Jake from ENHYPEN, cementing Young’s status as a voice to watch.
As they continue to craft several fresh songs together, the buzz is officially shifting from being a “viral voice” to full-fledged artists stepping into their own. And now, we’re chatting with the duo to celebrate the release of the new EP Ma Jia Xian—breaking down music, inspirations, and more.
When did you first realize that “Ma Jia Xian (Oppa Ver.)” was going viral? Was there a specific moment that made it real?
Aaron Young: It honestly hit me the morning after we posted that wedding dance clip. I woke up, checked my phone, and it was just blowing up—likes, comments, shares. It went from a fun moment to something we couldn’t even keep up with.
HWAN: What made it even more surreal was seeing it take off in totally different countries. On Instagram Reels and TikTok, people were dancing to our version without even knowing who made it. That anonymity mixed with global reach was... wild.
The virality of the song made waves globally. How did that shape your perspective on the kind of music you want to put out now?
HWAN: It reminded me that music doesn’t need to be complicated to connect. There’s power in simplicity, emotion, and vibe. I used to overthink everything—now I trust the feeling more.
Aaron Young: It also pushed us to think more globally in our sound. The fact that people from so many cultures resonated with it makes us want to keep creating music that crosses borders—emotionally and sonically.
Can you tell us a little about the music video you’re working on for “Ma Jia Xian (Oppa Ver.)”? How involved are you creatively?
Aaron Young: We were deeply involved in every step. We had the chance to collaborate with some incredibly talented individuals—special thanks to Tazmeena, who’s helped us with this project from day one, shaping the visual direction and storyline. We wanted the video to feel both intimate and cinematic—something that elevates the song into a whole new dimension.
HWAN: We’re working with a small team, so every detail feels intentional. The video’s got a bit of nostalgia, a bit of fantasy, but mostly it’s just an extension of the emotion we poured into the song.
Your “Like Jenny (Soft Spoken Ver.)” cover has been picked up by so many idols and celebrities—even Jake from ENHYPEN recently joined the trend. What’s it been like watching other artists interpret your take on the song?
Aaron Young: It’s honestly the highest compliment. “Like Jenny” was something I made out of pure love for the original. It was such a fun project to make. So seeing other artists connect with my version— it’s unreal.
Has this moment given you more clarity about who you are as an artist, or are you still in a phase of exploring?
Aaron Young: A bit of both. I’m clearer now on what feels real to me. I know what I want to say, how I want it to sound. But I’m still evolving.
HWAN: Yeah, every project helps us refine that identity.
There’s something really nostalgic and fresh about the way you reinterpret songs. How do you typically approach a cover? Does finding that balance ever become tricky?
Aaron Young: Thank you so much! For sure—it’s always a tightrope. The goal is to respect the original, but not be afraid to make it personal. I think about what I felt when I first heard it, and then ask: how do I say that in my own voice?
Who are some artists—new or established—that are inspiring you creatively right now?
Aaron Young: I’ve been deep into kwn lately. There’s something cinematic and raw about their sound that I connect with. Also, Chinese and Korean indie artists are doing some really exciting stuff right now—super inspiring.
