Global Pop Sensation KUN Releases Highly Anticipated Single “Deadman”

Rosa Gulliver
May 28
3 min read

Updated: May 31

Rosa Gulliver of TINYGMUSIC | May 28, 2025

Multi-hyphenate artist KUN — singer, producer, fashion icon, and global pop sensation, has officially released his highly anticipated new single, “Deadman,” now available on all major streaming platforms. Marking his debut release under the pioneering global music and media company 88rising, this launch signals a bold new chapter in KUN’s international career.

Blending modern production with classic soul and vintage rock influences, “Deadman” is a guitar-driven track that showcases KUN’s dynamic vocal range, moving effortlessly between delicate falsetto and full-bodied belts. The emotionally charged performance captures themes of passion, longing, and reinvention, marking a striking new sonic direction for the chart-topping artist.

KUN remarked of this new era, “When you give your whole self — body, soul, everything — in that surrender, something in you is reborn.”

Accompanying the release is a cinematic music video directed by Jared Hogan, expanding the song’s emotional resonance into a surreal, genre-blending narrative. Set in a Western-inspired desert landscape, KUN appears on horseback in frontier attire, embodying a lone warrior figure, swapping the traditional pistol for a striking sword. Trapped in a dreamlike loop of desire and destruction, he is repeatedly struck down by the woman he cannot escape. The video mirrors the fever-dream intensity of the song and delivers a striking visual interpretation of obsession and transformation.

The release of “Deadman” marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for KUN. Later this year, he will continue unveiling new music, with additional releases and U.S. appearances planned throughout the summer.

“Deadman,” the latest release from KUN, is available to stream now.

About KUN

KUN is a trailblazing singer-songwriter, producer, and fashion icon known for his genre-defying music and powerful influence across pop culture and fashion. Rising to fame as the lead vocalist of the chart-topping Chinese boy group Nine Percent, KUN has since established himself as a solo force in the global music scene, with over $25 million in music revenue and a devoted international fan base.

Known for his warm, expressive vocals and keen production sensibilities, he has earned widespread acclaim not only as a performer, but also as a songwriter and producer. His hit singles—including “Wait Wait Wait” (directed by Grammy-winner Dave Meyers), “Rebirth” (with top DJ KSHMR), and “Afterglow”—have set streaming records and earned top honours, including the Tencent Music Chart Golden Single and Billboard Global No.1s China Representative title. The viral success of “Lover” (情人), with 400 million hashtag views and over 30 million streams, cemented his pop dominance in China and beyond.

KUN has headlined 13 major concerts across seven countries, including the U.S., UK, Singapore, and China, and self-directed the groundbreaking KUN 2023 ART LAB LIVE—the first artist-led project featured in Tencent Music’s financial report. His performances have opened industry conferences and music festivals, becoming benchmarks for domestic and international tours.

As Head Producer of Youth With You 2, KUN mentored rising idols alongside BLACKPINK’s Lisa, gaining acclaim for his leadership and artistic vision. Beyond music, he’s a fixture in the fashion world—named to Forbes China Celebrity 100, BOF’s Fashion Power 10, and Forbes Asia-Pacific’s Most Influential on Social Media.

A passionate philanthropist, KUN founded the Kui Plan Charity Fund to support youth causes and was selected as an ambassador for the Beijing Winter Olympics "Winter Dreams" campaign.

Keep up with KUN