LOS ANGELES — In an industry where visual storytelling often blurs the line between feature films and music videos, American cinematographer and director Michael Goi is making a calculated move into the K-pop sphere. Goi, whose camera work has defined the aesthetic of productions like Glee, Scream Queens, and American Horror Story, has been confirmed to direct the music video for IVE’s upcoming EP, Looks Can Kill. This appointment signals a continued convergence of indie film sensibilities and mainstream music media, a trend that Horror Dispatch has been tracking through its festival and industry reporting.
A Familiar Face in the Industry
Goi’s resume is a study in versatile visual language. His work on American Horror Story involved crafting the specific, often unsettling atmospheres that define the series, while his time on Scream Queens demanded a more stylized, high-energy visual approach. Now, he brings that same rigorous, behind-the-camera discipline to a music video project. The decision to entrust Goi with Looks Can Kill suggests a desire for a cinematic quality that transcends the typical 90-second music video format, treating the piece as a short film rather than a simple promotional clip.
The Context of the 'Looks Can Kill' Release
The project has not arrived without fanfare. A mysterious poster for the Looks Can Kill EP was spotted on September 30, 2026, sparking speculation about the visual direction. Goi’s involvement adds a layer of credibility to the visual narrative. His recent attendance at the IVE Show What I Am tour at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles indicates a direct, on-the-ground engagement with the artist and their team, likely facilitating the creative collaboration. For Goi, this represents a rare crossover that allows him to apply his filmic techniques to a pop audience, while for IVE, it promises a video that feels less like a commercial and more like an indie feature. As the EP approaches, the industry will be watching to see how a director known for horror and dramedy aesthetics interprets the title Looks Can Kill, a phrase that lends itself to a darker, more cinematic treatment than a standard pop video might typically offer.
Comments (3)