[EXCLUSIVE] INTERVIEW: Why ‘Full Price Phobia’ Feels Like Your Most Honest, Relatable Hangout with paulkyte

If your feelings kept a diary and turned it into an EP, it would probably sound a lot like Full Price Phobia—the third EP from South Korean artist paulkyte (폴카이트). Dropped on May 7th, this 4-track EP is messy, honest, a little unhinged (in the best way), and somehow healing. Basically, it’s your teens to 20s—but make it a soundtrack.

Inspired by a Jimmy Yang stand-up bit (yes, really), Full Price Phobia unpacks emotions like fear, loneliness, burnout, and love—it's like rereading an old journal you forgot you wrote, or hearing someone say the exact thing you didn’t know you needed. It’s vulnerable in the softest way—and somehow, still leaves room for hope, humor, and healing.

Think of it as a K-drama soundtrack made by someone who’s lived through the plot twists. Every song is like a scene in what paulkyte calls an “omnibus drama”—and honestly? We’d binge it in one sitting.

In this interview, expect it all: crying for someone who can’t cry for themselves (hi, “cry for you” —it’s not just about someone else), the chaotic magic of collaborating with DAY6’s Young K (surprise lyrics?!), and what would happen if his songs show up to group therapy. 

Oh, and yes—we also imagined the nerdiest, most cathartic piece of merch ever: an essay book you didn’t know you needed until now. You’re welcome.

Spoiler alert: this convo is deep, chaotic, and a little too relatable. Just like the EP.

No scripts, no filters — just a real talk about Full Price Phobia.

Photo paulkyte

What was your “main character” moment growing up — the scene where you felt like the soundtrack of your life was just waiting to be made?

I guess most of my memories from childhood to my 20s weren’t all that romantic.

Things have actually been getting better and more meaningful as time goes on—especially now.

There are some good moments here and there, but nothing that really felt like a true “main character” moment.

If anything, I feel like I’m finally stepping into that main character role these days.

You mentioned that the EP's name came after watching a stand-up bit. How did that spark turn into the emotions and stories you explore in the EP?

It was about racial differences in how people brag about money, from a stand-up by Jimmy Yang. He talked about white, Black, and Asian people toward the end. He started with, “We never pay full price,” and said his mom has a catchphrase: “Guess how much?” It was hilarious, but at the same time, I felt a bit uncomfortable—because it felt like he was literally describing me and the culture I come from.

Right after watching it, I jotted down some thoughts on my phone, and that led to the phrase “full price phobia.” That phrase sparked a lot of emotions and keywords for me—things like money, wit, competition, and vanity—all of which feed into this dislike of paying full price.

I focused on each of those ideas, wrote about them individually, and eventually brought them together into one piece.

You described the EP as an “omnibus drama.” If it had an official Netflix genre, would it be: existential slice-of-life, emotional thriller, or psychological K-pop musical?

That’s a very interesting way to think about it. I’d say it’s closer to the psychological documentary genre, because all the tracks are based on emotions and feelings—they observe them and explore them in different ways.

For the song “Even if I’m dying (feat. Young K (DAY6)),” how did collaborating with Young K shape the final mood or message of the song in ways you hadn’t expected?

It was pretty difficult to imagine blending two male singers in a love song. Before the recording session, I wrote and gave him the full lyrics to record. But when he came to my studio, he brought completely new lyrics for the entire song—he had a new idea and wanted to try a different version.

By then, I had already recorded all of my parts, so it wasn’t possible to re-record them. Also, his interpretation of the mood was a little different from what I had originally imagined. But that different perspective ended up becoming the final piece of the puzzle.

Just like two different egos of one person, Young K and I were able to sing with our own voices and narratives. The challenge of two guys singing a love song together was solved so smoothly. It wasn’t perfectly planned, but it turned out to be a great synergy of our collaboration.

YouTube Stone Music Entertainment

The song “Unfortunately” opens with a darkly funny thought about wanting to get hit by a car for money — what made you decide to start with such a blunt, surprising image?

To be honest, the surprising opening line and sounds were all intentional—I wanted to keep the audience focused. But it’s not a lie. I went through some really heavy and dark times in my 20s. It was incredibly difficult for me to talk about my past, especially the parts I wasn’t proud of, because I worried they might make people uncomfortable.

Just like in the lyrics, I seriously wished I could get hit by a car—just to get some money and take a break from everything without any worries. Honestly, I had even darker thoughts and harsher lines that I couldn’t include in the lyrics, because the song was already blunt and shocking enough.

That’s why I filled the track with romantic and cute sounds—to balance out the heaviness and soften the mood.

In the end, the song closes with “Oh, fortunately,” which means I’ve now come to realize I have love and hope—things I never imagined having back then.

YouTube Stone Music Entertainment

In the song “cry for you” there’s something really raw in the idea of crying for someone who can’t or won’t cry for themselves. How did that emotion first come to you — as a lyric, a feeling, or a melody?

On the way to my studio, the melody and lyrics “Oh, I will cry for you” suddenly popped into my head. Random ideas often spark when I’m walking or driving, and that day, I was feeling pretty depressed and a little burned out.

I’m the kind of person who always pushes forward, rarely thinking about self-care or self-compassion. It’s an old-fashioned and oddly conservative mindset, but I used to think that comforting myself or being kind to myself would make me weak and less competitive.

Then I wondered—what if that random line, “Oh, I will cry for you,” actually came from a hidden, self-compassionate part of me?

So, I split myself into two characters: one who represents self-compassion, and the other just my usual self.On the surface, this song might sound like someone comforting another person—but actually, I wrote it to comfort myself.Both characters in the song are me.

Photo paulkyte

If “Unconditionally” had a voice message at the end — like you leaving a voicemail to your younger self — what would you say?

It’s a very unique approach, but it fits my song perfectly.

It’s about the mindset I wish I had. Honestly, I don’t fully own it yet—so my younger self must have been even further from it.

So I would say, “Don’t waste your time worrying about how others see you or judge your actions. Don’t let your ego depend on other people’s opinions. Don’t be afraid of being disliked—let it happen.”

I don’t know why, but as I write this down, I feel a deep sense of sorrow for my younger self.

Let’s say this EP had a merch line, but it’s only allowed to be weirdly specific. What’s the most niche item you’d sell that captures its vibe?

It’s not a typical merch item—it’s going to be a small, thin essay book.If listeners can better understand the thoughts and attitudes behind this project, I believe they’ll connect with the EP on a deeper level.

I’m actually thinking about making a video where I talk about it more—like a modern-day essay. And of course, I’ll make sure it has English subtitles.

This EP unpacks tough emotions like fear, love, and loneliness. If the songs were guests at a therapy group, who would be the one bravely sharing their story, who’d lighten the mood with a joke, and who’d suddenly leave without saying a word?

Wow, this is such an interesting thing to share. You know what? We actually had an alternative version of the music video that starts and ends with a group therapy session.

If I had to pick someone brave enough to share first, it would obviously be “Unfortunately.” That narrator has a strong sense of self-esteem and can even open up about their darkest sides.

The next one’s also pretty clear—“Unconditionally” would lighten the mood with a joke. It has the most energetic vibe and the fastest tempo among all the tracks. Basically, it's immature—but impossible not to like.

As for the ones who might suddenly leave the room… I’d say both “Even If I’m Dying” and “Cry for You” are likely. “Even If I’m Dying” is the only track without a clear conclusion, which makes it feel more unstable. And “Cry for You” is just too brutal—too harsh on itself. I don’t think that one’s ready to face or share its emotions.

It’s super fun to imagine! 

Photo paulkyte

Be honest: if you had to title each track using emoji-only language, what would they be? Bonus points if you throw in a ✨ for unnecessary drama.

I think I’m not good at this but let me try 😅

01. Even if I’m dying⏳🛫🛬🤦‍♂️✨⌛️ ; all the flashbacks and delusions in 10 seconds eternity.

02. Unfortunately 🤞✨ ; the meaning of wishing for a luck changes in the song and my life

03. Cry for you 🧑‍🧒💧🎶 ; I’ll always sing and cry for you in somewhere deep inside of you.

04. Unconditionally 🤲❤️🤍💙💜 ; asking for unconditional love and support

What’s next for you? 

Definitely new music and a concert!

At least two or three songs will be released in the second half of the year.

I think there’s going to be another great collaboration with someone.

Any last message for MIXTAPE 317 readers? 

Thanks for having me—and for these thoughtful, impressive questions! I swear, this was the best interview ever.

It was so much fun to answer and share my world with you. I hope this lovely interview helped you get to know me and my new EP, Full Price Phobia, a little better.

Please stay tuned for my new music—it’s coming very soon! :)

Full Price Phobia has something that’ll hit you right in the feels—we promise, you will relate to this EP somehow. paulkyte isn't just making music; he’s leaving little diary entries for anyone who’s ever felt a little too much or not enough. And honestly? We’re so here for it. So cue the EP, grab your oddly specific merch (we’re manifesting that mini essay book), and keep your eyes peeled for what he drops next—because something tells us the story’s just getting real.

paulkyte

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