Zior Park is everywhere. The social media algorithms smiled upon the lead single “Christian” off of his EP entitled WHERE DOES SASQUATCH LIVE? PART 1, which was released on February 16, and promptly blew up on the music streaming charts. His song ranked 9th on the Melon chart, 2nd on YouTube Music, and was the 2nd most popular music video on YouTube as of March 26. He was welcomed back with open arms on MBC's Hang Out With Yoo, a show he appeared on back in 2019. The internet-sphere is abuzz with talks of this unique musician, from R&B fans who have been following him since the early stages of his career, to the general public who were introduced to his work via short-form video algorithm. Park first made his debut with his first single, “Benefits” in 2018, but he is still relatively unknown. He’s sort of like the orange hair-sporting Sasquatch or bigfoot on his album cover - there are eyewitness accounts, but nobody really knows anything about him. This is probably why opinions on him wildly vary. His incredibly unique style, intense energy, and sudden increase in popularity from viral marketing on social media incites a sense of uneasiness that comes from novelty. But Zior Park’s music doesn’t linger around a particular image nor gets caught up in a handful of people’s tastes. The hate sent his way because people are appreciating the musician who adds a little twist to something familiar and are enjoying the changed music market, but at the same time, are unwilling to acknowledge this new way of succeeding.
In his Rolling Stone interview, Zior Park said that he was inspired from Willy Wonka from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad, and Cruella De Vil. All of these characters are either geniuses or eccentrics who are struggling to overcome their childhood trauma or are coming up with brilliant ideas to boldly continue on their new journey. Zior Park distanced himself from the ordinary boring stuff since his debut. He explained that “I didn’t really like the kind protagonist or the typical strong hero growing up. I didn’t like ordinary things. I took being called weird or eccentric as compliments.” His musical world is like a full film production: he writes the screenplay; makes the music with producer Rockitman, guitarist Kim Hanbin, and OHIOFISH; stars as the character created by art director Sunburnkids as the protagonist; and sings and raps in an androgynous voice on set. This might be reminiscent of Zion.T who also likened his songs, “Red Light” and “OO” from 2013 and 2017 respectively, to film production. However, Park’s work is different in that he doesn’t directly allude to the language of film, but instead completely immerses himself in the hero’s role inside his fictitious world.
Park's first mixtape called, THUNDERBIRD MOTEL that was released in 2020 is a concept album with a distinct vibe. It illustrates the fear and dread that you feel all of a sudden like a flash of lightning, and the incomprehensible feeling of sorrow and escapism in a virtual space that represents the dark aspects of Zior Park in the genre of hair-raising horror. Since this album’s release, categorizing Park’s music into a specific genre became meaningless. “PENGUIN” and “UNICORN” swing between rap and vocals in the spirit of hip-hop, “DISTANCE TO THE SUICIDE” and “LONELY DIVER” are in the R&B camp that reminds you of Blood Orange, and “LAND” which is the last track on the album is a pop rock number similar in feel to the offerings of The 1975. This all-round entertainer’s oeuvre expands even more with his 2021 album SYNDROMEZ. His signature orange hair, the marionette, idiosyncratic music videos and other visual elements - it all began with this album. He created the light and rhythmic rock-based sound typified by “MIRAGE” and “MODERN FOX,” a lethargic persona, and nihilistic lyrics like in “BLACK FIN.”
What we have seen so far makes it clear that Zior Park isn’t an oddball who appeared out of nowhere and caught a lucky break from viral marketing. “Christian” was just a small detonator. The next day the song was released, I watched videos of Zior Park partying at a bar in Itaewon on my friends’ social media feeds. He was dressed in his music video outfit, singing his heart out. Even just one day after the release, everyone there learned the simple melody, and was singing along to the addictive chorus. This video that an anonymous fan recorded got more than 310 thousand views, and many people including Zior Park’s fans left comments, saying how much they liked the fresh new concept. The song is a delight with its succinct piano riff, ear worm-worthy melody, punk rhythmed verses, and the juxtaposition of the comparatively low-key hook. His identity as a Christian is reinterpreted into secular chorus lyrics: “I’m still f***ing christian / Though I’m wearing new “Christian”” for an added rebellious touch. The music video that features a surreal party and key choreography that is perfect for the short form algorithm, and lyrics that leaves room for interpretation were all very wise choices. The song is serious but witty at the same time; it is a light listen but also has an uncomfortable feel to it. There was a bit of PR. Countless internet creators started using the song. Then came lyric translations, parodies, a pastor interpreting the music video, and dance challenges. The underdog crashed the big-league party.
“Christian” is a bubble gum pop song in the 2020s - the age of short form video platforms led by TikTok, when the Gen Zs communicate by creating content in this chaotic world. Zior Park’s success isn’t something new to early adapters who keep their eyes on the music trends and embrace new music right away. But the inexplicable appearance of a new, unknown character becomes a target of fear much like the imaginary Sasquatch. A talented musician who is cultivating his own distinct style and career is being treated like a social media sensation who gained notoriety only from clever marketing and is teased for being a poser. Park’s music isn’t completely unfamiliar or unlike anything we’ve heard before, but people are acting overly hostile and hateful just because of his not-so-moderate message. Something that’s there doesn’t go away simply by denying its existence. Zior Park is everywhere.
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