Jason Edwards – Interviews
On June 30, I exchanged emails with Mathew in a conversation that perfectly reflects the connection he has been building for years between France and Korean culture. Even from a distance, his answers carried sincerity and intensity, revealing his journey, his doubts, and the passion that led him to become one of the most active artists in the French K‑pop scene.
Mathew is not in Korea, and that is precisely what makes his story unique: from France, he has built a solid cultural bridge, fueled by his admiration for Korean performance and his desire to reinterpret it with his own sensitivity.
His evolution, shaped by years of work, resilience, and creativity, led him to create M&SQUAD, a project that has now become a full vocal‑and‑dance group. As the Korean Touch Festival in Lyon approaches, Mathew reflects on his journey, his artistic vision, and the strength that pushed him to transform obstacles into motivation.
1. To begin, could you introduce yourself and tell us how you discovered K‑dance and Korean culture?
Hi Koreanet! My name is Mathew, better known online as Mathewmyworld. I am an artist and content creator centered around K‑pop. I was born in Corsica and moved to Lille in 2018 to fully dedicate myself to my vocation: singing and dancing.
The stage has always been part of my life. I took my first dance classes at age 4, and singing followed at age 10. My goal has always been clear: to become a complete artist capable of combining vocals and choreographic performance.
Thanks to the unwavering support of my parents, I was able to follow professional training, be coached by major names in the industry, and land my first entertainment contracts at age 18.
My encounter with Korean culture happened through K‑pop, almost by chance, in 2012. I was 12, browsing YouTube, and the algorithm suggested the music video “MR. TAXI” by Girls’ Generation. It was a true artistic shock. I found exactly what made me dream: a precise blend of singing, dancing, and acting. Looking back, it’s fascinating to think that a simple video discovered at age 12 would shape my path and lead me to live such extraordinary experiences today.
2. What was the turning point that made you want to create content around dance and Korean culture?
This is a topic that is deeply meaningful to me, because it is the true driving force behind everything I do today.
Throughout my artistic journey, I met many professionals. Unfortunately, one message kept coming back: to succeed, you had to “fit the mold.” I was told to be less extravagant, less feminine, to match a stereotypically masculine image, and to appeal primarily through physical appearance. My look and attitude were constantly judged before my skills.
The real turning point happened in 2023. I participated in a singing competition for which I had prepared intensely, and I finished in second place. Very happy with the result, I went to ask the jury for advice to understand how I could improve. Their answer was the final straw: they admitted that I had the best vocal abilities, but the winner matched the “expected aesthetic package” of an artist.
This injustice sparked real rage in me. But instead of discouraging me, I transformed this frustration into absolute determination. I wanted to prove that you can succeed without conforming to these outdated show‑business standards.
That’s why I turned to social media. Today, it’s no longer traditional media that decide who gets to be in the spotlight — it’s the public. My goal is to use the visibility I receive to transmit strength, motivation, and determination to everyone who has never felt legitimate, like me, because they didn’t look like the “perfect artist” the industry wants.
Yes, my success would be to become a recognized and accomplished artist — but above all, to share that light with those who have been left aside, who deserve to shine just as much.
3. How would you describe your artistic style and what you aim to convey through your performances?
I would describe my artistic style as guided by my desires. For now, I am still searching for myself as an artist, and I don’t want to lock myself into a specific box or genre.
What drives me is listening to my inspirations and offering the public the diversity I can bring. That’s why I can go from a very soft ballad to an ultra‑rhythmic pop track, through more sensual or playful atmospheres.
My only guiding thread, regardless of the musical style, is emotion. I don’t conceive of simply being watched on stage; I want the audience to feel fully integrated into the performance. I want them to vibrate, to feel my passion and determination, and above all to have fun from beginning to end.
Interaction is at the heart of my artistic approach. I have a vital need to communicate with the audience and share that moment with them. In my eyes, the audience and I form a real team: they are part of the success of each show. And it’s thanks to their support that I am here today, so they are just as much actors in my artistic evolution as I am.
4. You will be present at Korean Touch in Lyon on July 4 and 5. What does this event represent for you?
This event is going to be particularly emotional for me. Although I have been performing on stage for two years, Korean Touch will mark a real turning point: it will be my very first concert as a headliner.
It’s a huge step in my journey, to the point that I still have trouble realizing it. I am extremely grateful to Korean Touch for offering me this incredible opportunity and for placing such trust in my team M&SQUAD and myself.
I am eagerly looking forward to this moment. I can’t wait to share it with the audience, to reveal new facets of my personality, and to let my creativity express itself through more elaborate performances during this hour‑and‑a‑half show.
It’s the perfect opportunity to show the full extent of my artistic universe. And above all, it will be the ideal moment to thank them in person for everything they allow me to experience every day.
5. What challenges do you face as a content creator in K‑dance in France?
Like any artist, my biggest challenge is managing to make a place for myself. That means knowing how to stand out, being constantly creative, and showing great consistency. It’s a demanding rhythm that requires a lot of involvement and energy.
But with unwavering determination and the support of such a present community, you quickly find the strength to go all the way.
I also have the chance to be among the first to add a vocal dimension to K‑pop performance in France, a scene usually dominated by K‑dance crews. I want to give a shout‑out to STARSEED’Z and their team SEEDBOX who do incredible work.
It’s a real challenge, but I hope my journey will inspire others to get started and bring even more diversity to our field.
6. Is there an experience or encounter that particularly marked your journey?
Ahhh, that’s a difficult question, because honestly I place all experiences at the same level: each one allowed me to move forward, learn, and grow.
If I had to isolate a few memorable moments, I would mention my collaborations with TRENDZ, BIG OCEAN, SUPERTHAI, or MCND, for whom I performed as an opening act.
There is also the creation of the single challenge SUMMER TIME with Adile, a French producer working in K‑pop in Korea — my very first musical release.
I must also mention my meeting with 5oceans, who faithfully supports me today and helps me achieve my goals.
And of course, all the conventions where I was able to meet my community. These exchanges give me energy and strength.
A special mention for the Korean Tour Festival, where I performed in front of nearly 1,500 people in an incredible atmosphere.
In the end, what I remember most is an immense feeling of gratitude.
7. How do you see the evolution of the K‑dance scene in Europe, and your role in this dynamic?
K‑pop now occupies a major place in Europe, and it’s an incredible showcase for many dancers. We see more and more crews accomplishing amazing things: dancing on huge stages, performing opening acts, or filming covers with the groups themselves.
I hope the movement continues in this direction and unlocks even greater opportunities for our European artists.
I don’t pretend to play a central role, but if my visibility can help open doors for those who want to get started, I would be very happy.
8. What are your personal goals for the coming months?
Haha, you want something juicy, right? Okay, here’s one: I am currently working on a single that will officially launch my debut as an artist.
We are only at the recording stage. I will ask my community to be patient a little longer, but I am working very hard not to disappoint them.
Regarding content creation, I still enjoy making my humorous videos, but I will begin a slight shift to integrate more of my artistic universe: covers, dance performances, show recordings… I want to reveal more of that side of myself.