The K-pop landscape is shifting as a new wave of virtual artists takes center stage, and the group SKINZ is leading the charge. With the release of their debut mini-album, SKINZ IS SKINZ, the group explores the unfiltered emotional landscape of youth, proving that while their faces may be digital, their voices and stories are undeniably real.
Through their music and concept, members Dovin, Dael, Theo, Finn, Jaon, Ilang Kwon, and Yull demonstrate a fierce determination to move forward with conviction. The five-track project showcases a diverse sonic range, moving from the fiery hip-hop energy of their pre-release single, “WHY U MAD,” to the album’s melodic centerpiece, “Poison Ivy.” Produced by EL CAPITXN, “Poison Ivy” pairs a haunting piano arrangement with addictive vocals that linger long after the song ends.
The album rounds out its versatility with the high-intensity anthem “Young and Loud” and the chill, lo-fi atmosphere of “25.14.”
Despite their virtual nature, SKINZ functions with the same rigor and visibility as a traditional pop group. From intricate dance practices to “live” performances on programs like SBS Inkigayo, they occupy the same space as their peers, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the industry.
Their music videos further blur the lines between reality and digital art, using stunning visuals to translate the feeling of flight and rhythm into a cinematic experience.
“While our technology is cutting-edge, we aren’t AI,” member Yull clarifies. “We want to be seen as artists who work sincerely on our music and performances. With this album, we’re expressing both the strength and vulnerability of youth in our own unique way.”
In this exclusive conversation, all seven members dive deep into their unique concept, their favorite virtual characters, and the message they hope to share with the world.
SKINZ: Hello everyone, we are Skinz.
DOVIN – Hello, I’m the leader, Dovin.
DAEL – Hello, Nice to meet you. I’m the main vocalist, Dael
THEO – Hello, Great to meet you. It’s your boy, Theo
JAON – Hello, I’m the main dancer, Jaon. Nice to meet you.
FINN – Hello, I’m Finn. Nice to meet you.
ILANG KWON – Hello, This is Ilang Kwon. Nice to meet you.
YULL – Hello, I’m Sexy guy Yull.Nice to meet you.
Let’s get into the album itself! The track ‘Poison Ivy’ specifically caught my attention, as it is the focus track. It is melodically beautiful with a longing meaning, which will later have a music video. Please tell me more about why this track was the focus, as it is so different from the pre-release of “WHY U MAD”? Tell me more about this track and its creation!
THEO: First of all, we made this song with producers, and it might be just my opinion, but the song came out well, I think. It also captured the members’ musical charms in a very natural way. Yeah, and that’s why we chose it as a focal track.
It’s slightly different compared to “WHY U MAD.” The reason it’s still different from “WHY U MAD” is that we tried to create a song with different moods from the stronger tracks in our album that we’ve released so far. So, while we wanted to maintain that kind of energy and overall direction, it’s a little bit more sexy and smoother in motion, so that’s why we think that’s the focal track.
Speaking of songs, the mini album also features new tracks, “Glitch” and “25.14.” They’re very sonically different, but both meanings are about critical feelings. I would love to hear from each member which was their favorite track from this album, and why? From vocal sonnets to specific lyrics?
DAEL: Tracks 1 to 4 are powerful and energetic songs that show the confidence and passion
of youth. Track 5, “25.14,” is a song for the fans who have supported us.
So instead of choosing one song, my favorite part is the overall flow of the album.
For a fun one: as virtual idols, I imagine you might have some favorite virtual characters of your own, maybe from video games, anime, or cartoons. Who are some of your favorites, and what do you like about them?
ILANG KWON: I really like the character Shin-chan from the cartoon Crayon Shin-chan. Shin-chan is a 5-year-old kindergartener, and I think I like him so much because he’s always confident, quirky, and charming in every moment.
Before we end, is there any message you want to leave to viewers or watchers about this concept or about your album?
FINN: Our first mini album SKINZ IS SKINZ contains the things we want to say and the stories of Skinz, so I think there will be fun in discovering them. So please give us lots of interest and love going forward. Thank you!
With that in mind, do you ever feel there’s a stigma around virtual idols in this new wave? Some people might assume the image is “fake” or that it’s an easier route compared to traditional idol groups. How do you personally challenge or break those assumptions and show people the real artistry, effort, and creativity behind what you do?
YULL: I think it’s true that there are some preconceived notions about virtual idols. However, we believe that we are a team that can gradually change those perceptions through our performances and music. Sometimes people misunderstand us as AI, but rather than being that kind of existence, we hope you see us as artists who sincerely think and work hard for our music and stage. Through this album, we wanted to express both the strong and vulnerable emotions of youth in our own way and continue sharing SKINZ’s unique story with more people.
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