Musician KINO Had to Lose Himself Before Figuring Out Who He Really Is
An exclusive interview with the Korean artist, who just released “Skyfall"
Singer, composer, songwriter, and producer, Kang Hyeonggu — known professionally as KINO — released his latest single, “Skyfall,” earlier this morning. On the ethereal track, KINO explores a relationship that can be interpreted in several ways. Is it about a codependent relationship? (Everything you gave it all / Made me feel I'm good enough / There is no world out there for me if it ain't us / You're my skyfall) Or perhaps he’s alluding to the need to let go before finding yourself (I don't think we're going back / Can't wake up, I'm in a trance / I think it's better this way).
Without giving away his interpretation, the artist hinted at the latter in an exclusive interview with
.“Eight years in this industry, I think I lost myself,” said KINO, who first found fame as a member of the K-pop group PENTAGON. “And right now, I am trying to figure out who I really am.”
KINO will kick off the U.S. leg of his tour in New York’s Bowery Ballroom on Jan. 19. Other U.S. dates include Chicago’s Bottom Lounge (Jan. 24), and Los Angeles’ Los Globos (Jan. 31). He’ll follow the U.S. concerts with shows in Mexico, Peru and Brazil.
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q. Fans sometimes wonder why artists choose to do solo work in addition to being in a group. What did you want to get across as KINO that you couldn't in PENTAGON?
KINO: I have different purposes as a member of a band and as a solo artist. As a group, I wanted my group to succeed but as a solo artist, I want to share my thoughts, real feelings, and my value of a life to the world. Both of them are important to me, so I don’t want to lose even one of them. Two different me exist in one life.
Following up on that question, what are the challenges of doing both?
KINO: Actually, those two personas have their own challenges, but there’s no special challenge of doing both at the same time. I just do what I do.
What can fans expect to see and hear on your I think I think too much U.S. tour?
KINO: All the tracks of the setlist were arranged for band music. I tried my best to improve the music and sound quality so people will be immersed into the vibe during the show and now I feel it’s perfect. But the difference between my concert and the other bands’ concert is that the performer on the stage is the best dancer — me! I’ve never seen those two different elements mixed and now they’re gonna see that on stage.
They also get to hear my new single, “Skyfall.” Now they get to sing along since it’s released! Also, alongside some of the PENTAGON hits and unreleased songs from the past, and new ones, too.
Why did you name your tour, I think I think too much?
KINO: I tried to be vulnerable and show all of my different emotions and thoughts into the tracks. Even if it’s the side of me that I didn’t want to show to people, I couldn’t help but to show my real feelings. In 2024, the main keyword of mine was overthinking, because I was thinking too much of everything, especially me after starting my own label. That’s why I named this tour I think I think too much.
I've been talking to other young artists who have formed their own labels or management companies. One of the things they said was that while they love the freedom of being able to do what they want to do artistically, it's not as easy to get everything accomplished without having a big company helping with their bills. How do you balance the art with the business side, which is reliant on money?
KINO: That was one of my concerns when my seven-year contract [with Cube Entertainment] was coming to an end. We need a lot of money to make and promote music as artists. But the answer I got was, “The world has changed.” Of course, almost all companies are still spending their money a lot, but there’s another way to succeed now. Media and technology have improved, the world is connected via the internet, and there are many good platforms to introduce yourself to the public. So this is my point. It’s not easy to compete with big companies with big budgets, but I think there is still opportunity out there, and do what I can do best with what I have. I try not to worry a lot about the money as an artist. Money thoughts come more when I think about the operational side of the company.
One of the things that comes across in your music — for instance "Broke My Heart" — is a sense of truth. While I understand that you want to be as authentic with your fans as possible, do you ever worry that you're revealing too much of yourself with your fans?
KINO: Of course, I am worried a lot about that. Some people say, “That’s too much. People want to see only what they want to see, so you don’t have to reveal everything.” But I realized that my role models didn’t care about these things much, and I felt that’s the reason why they are being loved and successful. I realized I have to be honest first to be accepted by others. I think it’s the right time to do something like that.
Which artist has the kind of career growth that you'd like for yourself?
KINO: I admire Justin Bieber. He has always been my role model. There was the moment he ruined his career himself, but he overcame that. He regretted and spoke his real thoughts about those experiences through his music. So now he got the biggest respect as an artist — he got a peace of mind. I think that’s what everyone wants. And so do I.
Not to be too greedy, because I know you worked hard on your 2024 EP "if this is love, I want a refund," but do you have another follow-up EP or full-length LP in the works?
KINO: Yes, I’m working hard to make another EP now. There’s something I realized while I am doing this tour. I am singing one of the unreleased songs called “Back in time,” which is one of the most personal songs I’ve written, and I was surprised by the positive response it got. I felt the power of being honest. and I decided to be more real and show the personal side of me, but it’s not easy.
I also have pressure to show improved KINO. Musically, visually, artistically. I really don’t want to stay at the same level. Please stay tuned for it! It’s gonna be mind blowing!
What is your songwriting process like?
KINO: First, I jot down the ideas on my note right after I get inspiration. And when I’m at the table to write music, I turn on the tracks and vibe with it, and choose the theme from the my idea note , which is well-fitted on the music. And then I try random melodies with mumbling, and write the lyrics with those. The processes are always changing randomly, but this is the most general process of mine.
What would you like your fans to know about you that they don't already know?
KINO: I want them to know I’m the same person as them. I ruin things, I get jealous, I scream, I curse, I regret, I cry, I smile like them. I cannot be defined by one word. I have a lot of me, and that’s all me. I’m just on a wandering journey of the ordinary 20s.
Have fans ever told you things about yourself that you had forgotten about?
KINO: Yes. When I have conversations with my fans, sometimes they tell me a lot of the things I had forgotten about that we had promised each other. That always surprises me. One time, one of my fans came to the fan sign event and told me that she got tattoos with my drawing. So I asked her, “How did you decide to draw that on your arm?” and she told me, “I promised you if our song becomes number one, I’ll get the tattoos.” I felt bad that I couldn’t remember, but she kindly understood. After that, I try to be careful about making promises with my fans. Even if it’s a small thing, I realized that it’s very meaningful to them.
What is something you’ve recently watched that you have enjoyed?
KINO: It was [the short musical film] Anima from Netflix [starring Thom Yorke of Radiohead]. It was recommended by my VP, and that film made me go crazy. That gave me a lot of inspiration, and I thought I found what I have to make in the next album. If I can, I want to pay homage to the performance of the film.
What are your hopes and dreams for 2025?
KINO: I want to be on the Billboard chart. That’s always my dream, and that’s also the real goal of me this year.
If you could go back in time, knowing what you do today, would you still want Kang Hyeonggu to become KINO?
KINO: Yes, of course. There’s no option to be someone else. I’m so proud of myself. I love being KINO and I think I'm one of the blessed people in the world. I have no reason to live if I’m not KINO.
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I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your interview with Kino. I’ve been a Pentagon fan for 5 years now and watching his and the other member’s growth has made me so proud.
I have no doubt he could and should be a huge star. It’s been hard for them, with so much happening to the group. But Kino proves every day that he has massive talent and is a true star. I hope everyone will listen to his songs and sees and hears what Universe sees and hears.
I will finally see him for the first time on his US Tour this month and I know it will be the best concert I’ve seen yet. Don’t forget his name readers: KINO :)
Kino has always been a great artist. He's constantly improving and evolving as a Pentagon member and as a solo artist and producer, and I'm happy to see that he seems to be aware and proud of it. I think this interview really shows how much he has grown through the last years, thanks for sharing 💕