An Intro to imzoo

Learn all about the under-the-radar artist’s songs, inspirations, and big-picture goals!

Photo courtesy of MPMG MUSIC

For those who have not heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “imzoo is ___” or “imzoo’s music is ___”?
“imzoo’s music is Netflix.” I always try to show different scenes, stories, and emotions through my music.

Who or what first inspired you to pursue a music career?
I was first introduced to music through hip-hop when I was young, listening to it alongside my older brother. Naturally, it made me dream of becoming an artist. Artists such as GIRIBOY and Billie Eilish inspired me greatly and played a big part in shaping that dream.

Did you consider going by any other stage names before picking “imzoo”?
The name “imzoo” comes from my real name, “임지우.” I’ve always loved the meaning behind my name, so I knew I wanted to pursue my music career under my real name, rather than creating a separate stage name.

What inspired your new single, “Forgive Me”?
This song was inspired by the phrase “‘Sorry,’ I keep saying that over and over.” I took that idea and expanded on it with my imagination, exploring the unhealthy and distorted emotions that can arise within a toxic relationship.

Can you explain the ideas behind the “Forgive Me” music video and why you included certain imagery on the screen behind you?
I wanted to create an everyday atmosphere with a raw, textured visual style, [but] I wanted the visuals to feel fun, unconventional, and a little surreal, rather than predictable. I incorporated the blue apple — the main symbol of “Forgive Me” — in playful and unexpected ways, such as taking an apple for a walk down the street. 

Please talk about each of these songs:

A song from MISSING: 19: [All of them] capture the anxiety and longing I felt at the end of my teenage years, as well as the emotions I experienced through youth and love. I wanted to present those feelings as honestly and unfiltered as possible, preserving them just as they were.

“undefined”: This song stands out for its unique music video built around a Sudoku concept. Through an R&B sound, I explore the ambiguity of a relationship that can't quite be defined or labeled.

“Love Actually”: Inspired by the 2003 film, this is a song I created with love at its core. I wanted to share the message that love is everywhere and can be found in all kinds of moments and places.

“TEXT ME!”: I’m actually not a big fan of phone calls; I much prefer texting. This song is about falling in love with someone you’ve just met and telling them to text you instead of calling.

“Forgive Me”: One of the most memorable moments was filming a scene for the music video intro in a busy plaza outside of a train station. It was my first time doing such intense acting in front of so many strangers, so I felt pretty embarrassed at first. Thankfully, the footage turned out better than I expected, which made it all worth it. 

Photo courtesy of MPMG MUSIC

Who do you look up to in the music industry, and why?
I really admire Tyler, The Creator. What inspires me most is not just his music, but the way he has built an entire creative world through his visuals, fashion, and unique artistic identity. Watching him create a culture of his own through such a distinctive vision has always been a huge source of motivation for me.

What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
In the short term, my goal is for my new single, “Forgive Me,” to find its way onto more people’s playlists. In the long term, I want to build “imzoo” into a brand that goes beyond music, spanning visual art, fashion, and other creative fields. Ultimately, I hope “imzoo” itself can become a genre and identity of its own.

Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourself or your music?
I’m always grateful for the love and support from fans who deeply connect with my music and continue to cheer me on from afar. I hope you’ll give my new single, “Forgive Me,” lots of love, and please stay tuned, because I have many exciting projects and creative works to share with you in the future. Thank you for always supporting me. I love you all!

Check out “Forgive Me” here, and keep up with imzoo on social media here!

View the Substack version of this piece here!

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.