KINO, an all-rounder member and powerful vocalist of K-pop group PENTAGON, has announced his first solo U.S. tour, titled “I think I think too much,” scheduled for January 2025.
The phrase “I think I think too much” resonates universally, and KINO aims to channel these complex emotions through his music. What better way to share this than by embarking on a tour?
After kicking off in Seoul, the tour will span eight U.S. cities. From the rollercoaster of launching his own label NAKED, and releasing new music, KINO continues to focus on spreading the message of embracing vulnerability through his music and performances.
In an exclusive conversation with The Knockturnal, KINO delved into the framework and central messages of his tour, his creative process, and the importance of emotional honesty.
He revealed that his preparations include intensive English lessons and incorporating nostalgic clips from past meetings into his show to emphasize those times in his life by sharing them with his fans – demonstrating his dedication to creating a deeply honest and unconventional concert experience.
Read the conversation below!
The Knockturnal: The tour name is soooo intriguing and very telling already – could you share the meaning behind it?
KINO: I wanted to make a show portraying “Real me, Real KINO, Deep mind within”. We all live a life with various emotions and thoughts, it’s complicated. I am also the same. So, I created a storyline for the show where I express various emotions through my songs. Hence, I had to name a tour that represents this but something not too heavy because life is not always sad. When we were looking for a good phrase I looked inside myself. This year, with the launch of my label, NAKED, I had a lot of stress running it and there were too many thoughts in my head, every day I thought too much. So I went with it and titled it “I think I think too much”.
The Knockturnal: With shows planned in 8 cities, what has your day-to-day preparation looked like for this tour? How has it been different from your experience preparing for previous tours?
KINO: I’ve been on tours as a group, but it’s my first solo tour this time. I felt I should take care of my stamina to keep up with intense tour schedules, so I began working out again. And I began to take English lessons too! I’m nervous about doing a 90-minute concert all in English, all alone… But I’m preparing hard, so it’s gonna be okay I’m sure. Come to the show and tell me how I’m doing!
The Knockturnal: The “I Think I Think Too Much” tour shows off both KINO the artist and Kang Hyeonggu the person. Why was it important to bring both sides to the stage, and what do you hope fans gain from seeing this dual perspective?
KINO: Before starting my label, NAKED, I just acted as an idol on the stage, being picture-perfect on camera, showing the only bright side of myself. Then, I realized that it was not the real me. I wanted to share my honest feelings and thoughts with my fans, letting them know just like them, I make mistakes, I get angry, and get depressed too. Saying “No one’s perfect and that’s okay.” I believe it’s gonna make us closer to each other. It was important for me to be vulnerable on stage, though it was not easy. If my audience related to one of the emotions I expressed at the concert hall, I’d be happy with that.
The Knockturnal: Kino, you’ve also found a unique way to connect with fans by incorporating audio files of their happy memories into the show’s interlude. Why was it meaningful to involve fans in this way, and how do you feel this adds to the concert experience as you continuously make your shows heavily fan-focused?
KINO: All interludes of the show are created with sound clips of my real life, each section representing different emotions I feel… I dug those from my old phones, recording files, business meetings, etc… While I was making the ‘happiness’ section, I realized that one of the most important things in my life is the “universe,” my fans. I exist because of them and we are engaged in each other’s life. So I thought when the show is about my life, it won’t be complete without their voices. Hence, I just asked them to send me their happy memories with their voices and made it part of the show.
The Knockturnal: Your tour highlights your vulnerability and creativity throughout the entire show… How do you plan to express these aspects of yourself on stage?
KINO: Through music. My show in the US will be a bit different from my Korean show. It will be more focused on my emotions and my performance on stage. Each section of the show has a theme around a specific emotion and I carefully curated songs to create a certain mood. This will allow the audience to feel what I want to convey through their eyes and ears.
The Knockturnal: Speaking of your show, your music video for your recent single “Everglow” offers fans a glimpse of the show. Was this sneak peek always part of your plan for the single’s visuals, or did it come naturally after your shows in Korea?
KINO: Yes, of course! We knew that the aesthetic of the show, including me on the stage and my fans at the concert, would be well suited to “Everglow”. The song is about passionate love, so there was no better option to capture that energy than this. Plus, until now, it was a song fans could only hear at my concert, it was my special gift to fans who attended my concert. So it was right to use show footage in the music video.
Watch the “Everglow” music video below!
The Knockturnal: A bit of a fun one… as you travel through these U.S. cities, do you have any bucket-list goals for places to visit, foods to try, or tourist spots to explore?
KINO: There is an unforgettable taco restaurant I want to visit again. It was the restaurant my VP introduced me to. It was so delicious that I went to eat again a few hours after my first visit but the restaurant was closed. If I visit LA, I want to eat tacos there again. Oh! I miss barbeque from Texas too haha. I have a good memory of having them with Wooseok there. Also Buc-ee’s! When I posted a video of me visiting Wawa earlier this year, fans were recommending me to visit Buc-ee’s, so I wanted to check that out too
The Knockturnal: You’re such a creative force, much praise for that! – From your music to founding your label NAKED, and taking on roles in producing and marketing. What drives your passion for creativity, and how do you balance all these roles?
KINO: I’ve always done what I wanted to do. The process of creating something is hard, but it also makes me happy. NAKED always provides that and it is a driving force for me, I’m focusing more on just enjoying the process, going with the flow, and not thinking too much about keeping a balance.
The Knockturnal: Your music and interactions with fans offer so much emotional support. What inspires you to connect with your fans so meaningfully?
KINO: The feeling of “appreciation,” I am very grateful to have them. In the past, I thought performing on stage and releasing music was something that comes easily and naturally but after I started to run the company, I found out that it was only possible because I had them. Ever since I realized how grateful I am to have them, everything has become precious and I have become more vulnerable around them, interacting with them more as a human being than a celebrity.
The Knockturnal: Lastly, as you tour the U.S., what’s one thing you want your fans to know about you as both an artist and as a person? Please leave them a message.
KINO: I want to let them know that the artist KINO is a “human” just like any other ordinary person. And I want to let them know that I’m a person who creates good music, tells relatable stories, and performs really well. Come see me at the show and you will know what I mean.
After exploring the intricacies of this tour, it’s clear that KINO is setting a new standard for concerts. This journey promises to be a truly unique and deeply personal experience, showcasing vulnerability and raw emotion. It’s an opportunity for fans to witness KINO’s human side in an entirely new light.
Tickets are on sale now— here! Check out the rest of the tour dates below and get ready for an unforgettable show (bring some tissues while you’re at it!).
“I think I think too much” Tour Dates
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