K-Pop group The KingDom, known for their unique concept, kicks down the castle doors with their new EP REALIZE. Since 2021, each of their seven mini-albums has explored a different kingdom within their fantastical narrative – engaging their fans, KINGMAKERs, into their concept.
The seven members – Arthur, Mujin, Luis, Ivan, Hwon, Jahan, and Dann – embark on a new chapter with REALIZE. This release marks a departure from their seven-part mini-album saga, but retains their signature high-energy performances and genre-bending sound.
The title track, “Flip that Coin,” marks a shift in the groups established concept. This 6-track EP, REALIZE, highlights their versatility with upbeat tracks like “ENERGY” and “GUNDAM” alongside the slower ballad on the track “Together.”
The storytelling continues in the music video for “Flip that Coin,” which concludes with a cliffhanger, hinting at the next exciting chapter in their musical journey. Check out the video!
The Knockturnal sat down with the group to explore the creative process behind REALIZE and how it reflects their own artistic vision.
The Knockturnal: It’s been almost 6 months since your last mini-album. After all this time, how does it feel to be back & preparing with new music? Did anything exciting happen for the group outside of the comeback preparation?
The KingDom: We felt like we were re-debuted this time. As always, We tried our best to make this album and thought about how to make the song more known to people. We discussed the challenge section with the members and tried adding more fun elements to our challenge.
The Knockturnal: REALIZE marks the end of your previous concept explored in the first seven mini-albums. (A seriously awesome concept by the way!) Did you all as a group or individually have any ideas for this new concept while working on the previous ones? How closely does REALIZE resemble your vision?
The KingDom: ‘Flip that Coin’ is the title song that we choose ourselves. It came as a B-side song to the company at first but we discussed it with staff and we decided on the title track. It would be nice to continue the storyline of KingDom in a modern way.
Despite their concept shift, The KingDom’s core mission and passion remain unwavering. They’re showering KINGMAKERs with content, including new music videos like “Flip that Coin” and a performance video for “ENERGY,” demonstrating their commitment to staying connected. This dedication extends to their fans’ wishes, as The KingDom acknowledges the positive response to REALIZE based on teasers.
The Knockturnal: How do you hope fans react to this shift in concept?
The KingDom: It took us a lot of courage to make changes too. We hope our fans think it’s chapter 2 with our new color instead of our previous concept disappearing.
The Knockturnal: Fans are already calling REALIZE a “no-skip album” based on the short teasers all over social media! What emotions do you hope the album evokes in listeners?
The KingDom: It was a new challenge for us and with the story going into Chapter 2, it was a little burden to us. But in fact, we think season 2 can proceed because there was season 1:History of Kingdom, So we hope you don’t feel pressured to listen to it.
The Knockturnal: Your music videos are known for their high energy (and storyline!). Did any funny or memorable moments occur during the filming of the “Flip that Coin” music video?
The KingDom: Yes we have, there’s a scene where we’re pretending to sleep. We could not sleep before the day so we seriously fell asleep while we were taking that scene. Also, Hwon had to shoot right after the underwater scene, but he stayed in the water for a long time, so his hands got swollen and he had to wait for a long time.
REALIZE marks a shift in sound for The KingDom. Members Mujin and Dann took on the challenge of writing separate songs for the album, contributing to the album’s fresh direction. While adapting to the new concept posed difficulties, The KingDom views it as a valuable experience that has fostered their continued artistic growth.
The Knockturnal:REALIZE features six tracks. I am curious to know if each member has a favorite song? Is there a deeper meaning behind your chosen track?
Dann: I personally love ‘BEST THING’, a part of the title track. I think of KINGMAKERs when I listen to this song, especially with the lyrics ‘You are the best we’ve got’.
The Knockturnal: Mujin and Dann, you both worked on writing separate songs for this album! How was it like being involved in that process?
The KingDom: Write a song is the part that we’ve always been involved in since we debuted, even our performance too. There was a lot of effort in the process, and we are thinking about ‘how to add more our color’ every day.
The Knockturnal: Speaking of the album did any of you encounter any difficulties with this new concept or during the album creation process? This could be the concept change or any personal challenges you overcame with REALIZE.
The KingDom: The hardest thing this time was ‘new change’ while we were working on this album. But at the same time, we gained a lot in the process of challenging ourselves, and we think we’ve grown a lot too.
The KingDom, with a string of impressive accomplishments under their belt, shows no signs of slowing down. With their sights set on bigger stages and a heartfelt message of gratitude to their fans, The KingDom promises an exciting new chapter filled with music and connection.
The Knockturnal: You’ve teased “The Beginning of a New Story.” on your youtube channel just a couple months ago! This mini-album is set to be a new story and page for you all! What do you think this new chapter holds for The KingDOM?
The KingDom: We don’t want to say that New Change with The KingDom! This is closing and another opening with season 2 at the same time. We would like to show our fans that new story every time and also keep on going as in ‘Fantasy-idol’ and ‘Cinematic-idol’.
“Meeting our KINGMAKERs on a bigger stage. Even just imagining it makes us happy,” the group says, expressing their enthusiasm for connecting and performing for KINGMAKERs in new spaces.
The KingDom: Thank you for your interest in us, The KingDom. Please stay tuned with us and always be by our side with big love! Thank you!
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Photo Credit: GF Entertainment
