Artist Interview: Runasy – Telling Stories with Every Note

From cinematic inspiration to soulful storytelling, Runasy is a rising K-indie artist carving a unique space in the music scene. Known for her genre-blending sound and poetic lyrics, she moves fluidly between vulnerability and boldness. We had the chance to sit down with Runasy to talk about her latest tracks “Burning” and “Sunday Lover,” her creative process, and the journey that’s shaped her as both an artist and a person. Get to know the heart and mind behind the melodies and discover the stories that fuel her music.

 1. Can you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit about your musical journey so far?

Hi! Glad to introduce myself, this is Runasy, responsible for your melodies! (That’s my own little catchphrase, haha.)

I’m a singer-songwriter from Korea who loves producing across different genres and expressing stories through music.

A few years ago, I led my own band, which was a meaningful experience that really shaped my musical identity.

Now, I’m pursuing music as a solo artist, and I love both parts of the journey. Each chapter has helped me grow in different ways.

2. What was the inspiration behind your latest songs “Burning” and “Sunday Lover”?

“Burning” was inspired by the film Burning by Lee Chang-dong, based on a short story by Haruki Murakami. I admire both the director and the author.

At the time, I felt burnt out writing typical love songs—I wanted to reveal another side of myself musically.

The character Ben stood out to me, so mysterious, so arrogant in his relationships. I started writing from his perspective. His voice and personality inspired the lyrics.

“Sunday Lover” was born on a Sunday, literally, after a church service. I always feel recharged and happy after worship, and I wanted to capture that joy musically.

There’s a little side story: I have a sweet seven-year-old friend named Joy. She couldn’t listen to “Burning” because it was too dark, and she once asked, “When can I hear your new song?”

That’s when I thought, Okay sweetie, this next one’s for you.

3. How would you describe the sound of these songs?

Let me give you some keywords!

“Burning” – Intense, lustful, psychedelic, electric guitar, rock, raining, immature.

“Sunday Lover” – Vibrant, gospel, joyful, retro vintage, jazz-pop, summer drive.

4. What’s the story behind their creation?

See my answer to #2!

5. How do these songs reflect your musical identity?

They’re like complete opposites “Burning” is about a person who doesn’t feel love at all, and “Sunday Lover” is full of love and light.

But both of those sides are me. Side A and Side B.

6. What’s your creative process like when writing and producing a song?

I don’t have a fixed routine, but I always try to listen to and observe other great artists.

Sometimes a melody or line will hit me when I’m half asleep, so I quickly jot it down.

That spark becomes a full sketch, and then I get feedback from my producer or fellow artists and refine it from there.

7. You’ve just released “Burning” / “Sunday Lover.” How does it feel to finally share it with your fans after working on it?

It’s always thrilling and humbling to be able to move beyond pain and hardship, and offer people something meaningful whether it’s comfort or a lasting impression.

Appreciate for everything, give my big thanks to God.

8. What kind of emotions or messages do you hope your listeners will experience or take away when they hear “Burning” / “Sunday Lover”?

• About “Burning”:

Passion without deep feeling or love fades fast.

It burns, then vanishes just like smoke.

But love, real love, burns quietly.

And that flame never dies.

• About “Sunday Lover”:

Girls! Please don’t give up. Do not fear.

You can always start again.

So enjoy today, dance, and sing your heart out.

9. Do you have a favorite line or part of the song “Burning” / “Sunday Lover” that stands out to you personally?

• About “Burning”:

The part from Verse 2:

진심같은 건 좀 지루해서

Can’t nobody could judge us

and no one else gonna know

The first line means, “Being too sincere is kind of boring.”

These lines definitely match the character ‘Ben’’s personality as well. Not mine. (lol)

• About “Sunday Lover”:

The last part! For sure.

Startover, try it again

…

I’m asking out for Monday.

It means I want to be with you even after Sunday ends.

Which means I want to be with you every day.

10. How do you balance staying true to yourself as an artist while also evolving your sound?

Various, enormous inspiration but sketch it simply as possible.

Keep my balance between artist Runasy and human being Jung Min (my Korean name).

11. What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as an artist so far?

I didn’t know at the time, but I heard that someone who was in the hospital listened to my song, cried a lot, and then found the strength to keep going.

I’m also so grateful that the children I love enjoy my music and even sing along.

Oh, and my father once told me he likes the lyrics and words I wrote.

I miss him so much.

12. How do you handle creative challenges or moments when inspiration seems to be lacking?

I definitely do nothing and come back for normal Jung Min mode.

Short holiday for me!

13. What are some of your musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?

There are so many musicians who have influenced me, but I want to talk about how I got to know them in the first place.

Like I mentioned earlier, it was all thanks to my dad.

Ever since I was a baby, our house was filled with mountains of CDs, music, movies, and books he stacked them up like treasure, and I’d pick through them one by one like snacks (haha).

We even had a video player in the car, so I grew up watching Michael Jackson’s music videos on the road.

And in kindergarten, I listened to The Beatles.

I still remember Yellow Submarine.

14. Can fans expect more music from you soon? Are you working on new material?

Runasy:

Sure!

But the secret makes a woman woman.

Stay tuned on my Instagram lol

15. What are your long-term goals as an artist? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

Runasy:

I want to dream enormously big.

I want to collaborate with Billboard artists, write a lot of lyrics for K-pop,

and also want to release my own full album filled with my songs.

16. What advice would you give to other indie artists who are just starting out and trying to find their voice?

Runasy:

Talk more with yourself.

Have a conversation with your own heart.

Then your voice will come out by itself.

17. If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

There are honestly so many artists I admire, but I’d love to talk about them by country.

In Korea, I really want to work with Davii.

I was part of the Korean hip-hop scene in the 2010s, and back then, I really admired artists with jazzy vibes—like Heize and Dean.

Davii isn’t just a great producer; he also has a unique voice and incredible musical sensibility.

I’d love to create a jazz-infused album with him someday.

In America or Uk, I want to make a collab with Forrestfrank and Ldn noise, currently.

Forrest frank is literally got a great vibes for Christian music. He is so gifted , when I heart his music

I can feel full of joy and energy. In my opinion, he opened up the new era of christian pop music. We need to change!

Ldn noise is well known producer especially in SM entertainment in Korea.

They made cool house, electronic musics. 

In Japan- Yoasobi and tokimeki records are my favorite.

I was deeply impressed by ‘Into the nights’ by Yoasobi. 

Tokimeki records remakes the classic japanese old songs (like city pop) - sooo good.

I want to make city pop genre someday.

18. How do you want your fans to perceive you and your music?

A cool artist like a versatile actor! Genius of the story telling. lol

19. Are there any specific messages or themes you want to explore through your future music?

I’d love to make an homage album inspired by works like The End of Childhood, 2001: A Space Odyssey, or Ghost in the Shell

sci-fi with a profound philosophical essence.

20. Is there anything you’d like to say to the fans who have supported you so far?

Runasy:

Thank you so much.

Your support gives me wings and energy.

I’ll keep singing, no matter what.

Let’s stay together for a long, long time.

Whether she’s channeling the quiet fire of complex characters or the warmth of a Sunday morning, Runasy continues to show that music is a reflection of every part of who she is, both artist and human. With big dreams on the horizon and a deep love for storytelling, there’s no doubt she’ll keep surprising us with what’s next. Until then, stay tuned to her journey and don’t forget to follow her on Instagram for new updates and future releases.