DEAN Returns with “Nocturne 07 (for aerse)” (feat. MISO): Where Music Meets Fragrance
- Nandini Iyengar
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Korean R&B and hip hop artist DEAN makes a long-awaited return with his new single “Nocturne 07 (for aerse)” (feat. MISO)—a mesmerizing collaboration with the luxury fragrance brand aerse, transforming the essence of the scent into sound.
Inspired by Nocturne 07, one of aerse’s signature scents, the track expresses the fragrance’s delicate duality of coolness and warmth through sound. It leaves a lingering resonance like the deep blue dawn. It’s a meeting point where scent becomes music, and music completes the story of scent.
The year 2025 marks a significant year for DEAN. Earlier this year, he performed at HIPHOPPLAYA 2025 and Head In The Clouds LA 2025, both of which sold out shortly after his name was announced. His stages were widely praised for their artistry and emotional depth, including collaborative performances with Tabber and live renditions of hits such as “Put My Hands On You (ft. Anderson.Paak)” and “love (ft. Syd).”
Listen to DEAN’s “Nocturne 07 (for aerse)" (ft. MISO) here:
With “Nocturne 07 (for aerse),” DEAN continues to blur the boundaries between genres, senses, and art forms—reaffirming his position as one of Korea’s most innovative and globally resonant R&B artists.
Who is K-R&B artist DEAN?
DEAN (real name Kwon Hyuk) is a South Korean singer-songwriter and producer, as well as the founder of the creative collective [you.will.knovv], home to artists Tabber, Rad Museum, and MISO.
Before his solo debut, DEAN was already an established songwriter and producer, contributing to major K-pop hits such as EXO’s “Black Pearl” from their million-selling album ‘XOXO (Kiss & Hug)’, as well as tracks for Block B and VIXX.
He made his international debut in 2015 with “I’m Not Sorry (feat. Eric Bellinger),” followed by his Korean debut “Pour Up (feat. ZICO)” the same year—a track that won Best R&B & Soul Song at the 2016 Korean Music Awards.
His 2016 EP ‘130 mood: TRBL’ further cemented his artistry, earning him R&B Track of the Year at the 2017 Korean Hip-Hop Awards and critical acclaim from global media outlets like Billboard and Dazed, which named him one of the year’s standout new artists, leading to his SXSW 2016 performance in Austin, Texas.
In 2017, DEAN became the first Asian artist to appear on A COLORS SHOW and later joined Show Me the Money 6 as a producer, further solidifying his role as a pioneering figure in the Korean R&B and hip-hop scene. His 2017 single “Instagram” became a cultural phenomenon, resonating with the young crowd over emotions that often go unexpressed.
After a hiatus, DEAN returned in 2023 with “DIE 4 YOU,” which topped Melon charts within an hour of release, followed by his 2024 double single “3:33” featuring French producer FKJ, marking another evolution in his sound.
What do you think of DEAN’s song “Nocturne 07 (ft MISO)”? Tell us in the comments below or connect with us over X or Instagram.
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Edited by Batul Netterwala