[Interview] The New Kids In Town: Meet DRIPPIN
After debuting just a little over six months ago, DRIPPIN has been rolling full speed ahead. The youngest team out of Woollim Entertainment, they have a reputation to uphold with seniors like INFINITE and Golden Child setting the tone for what people expect. In DRIPPIN, six of the seven members of the group appeared on Produce X 101, with member Junho debuting with X1. We got the chance to discuss things they would like to say to their pre-debut selves, their favorite snacks, and what they think their distinct charm is among a host of other fun questions.
Q: For our readers who are getting the chance to know you for the first time, can you please give a little introduction about yourself and your position in the group?
Yunseong: We are DRIPPIN, a group made up of seven members. DRIPPIN is a slang word that means “cool and swag,” and it expresses the idea of setting the trend in music and fashion in the future. Hi, I’m Bentley Hwang Yunseong, the leader and main dancer of DRIPPIN!
Hyeop: Hello, I’m Lee Hyeop! I’m the main vocalist and in charge of cutie sexy in DRIPPIN!
Changuk: Hello, I’m Changuk, the vocalist of DRIPPIN!
Dongyun: I’m Dongyun, and I’m in charge of the low voice and main rapper in DRIPPIN!
Minseo: I’m Minseo, and I’m in charge of the sub vocals and youth of DRIPPIN!
Junho: Hi, I’m Cha Junho, and I’m in charge of vocals and Chavid in DRIPPIN!
Alex: I’m Alex, the sub vocalist and sub rapper of DRIPPIN! I’m the mischievous youngest member in the group. As half German and half Korean, I’m fluent in German, Korean, English, and French!
Q: You debuted less than six months ago, how are you feeling with this major change?
M: Time has gone by so quickly. We are happy and grateful for every moment!
J: Six months went by so quickly that it’s hard to believe that six months have passed. To be honest, it doesn’t feel real even though we’re promoting right now!
A: The thought that comes to mind is “Already?” I feel kind of startled.
Q: What do you think is DRIPPIN’s distinct charm?
H: DRIPPIN’s charm is that our members have strong bonds with one another. We are passionate in all aspects and are always improving. Our members have distinctive characters, so another one of our charms is that our fans are able to adore and enjoy our colorful personalities!
Y: All seven of us are handsome and tall. We also have a baby-like character which may seem unsuitable with our physiques, but I think that is our unexpected charm.
C: Our team’s great chemistry, all-visual members, and our pure and generous character make up DRIPPIN’s special charm.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to your pre-debut self?
H: Dear Hyeop, as much as this is just the start, don’t overestimate nor devalue yourself. Make sure to look at yourself objectively, but don’t be too anxious and enjoy the process!
D: There are a lot more nerve-wracking situations than you think, so it’ll be helpful to run simulations in your head.
M: Don’t think about unnecessary things, focus more on practicing, and make sure to work on self-development!
Q: What is your favorite smartphone app to use in your free time?
C: I use the YouTube app and Naver Café the most when I’m in the dorms.
D: I use the MelOn app frequently because I enjoy listening to music.
A: My favorite app that I use in my free time is YouTube.
Q: What would you like DRIPPIN to be known for in five years?
Y: I wish we can make it into Billboard in five years and acquire the keyword “DRIPPIN Enters Billboard.”
M: Genius idol, an idol appreciative of fans!
J: I wish we would be known as a group with distinct color.
Q: What's your favorite thing to buy at the convenience store when you have a snack break?
Y: Actually, I’m not really into snacks these days, but if I were to eat one, I would choose Binch (빈츠) or Pringles.
M: Turtle Chips (꼬북칩), Homerun Ball (홈런볼)!
A: I usually get Jagalchi Tako Chips (자갈치) from the convenience store.
Q: If you weren’t an idol member, what do you think you would be doing?
C: I think I would still be hanging out with my friends because honestly, I don’t think I’ve lived worrying about my future too much.
M: I believe I would have been acting!
J: I think that I would’ve been a student studying to become a flight attendant.
Q: What's your go-to order at a coffee shop?
C: I usually get a sparkling green grape drink because I can’t drink coffee.
D: I usually get my favorite chocolate milk shake.
A: My go-to-order is iced vanilla latte.
Q: If you had to pick a member to be your zombie apocalypse partner, who would it be and why?
H: If I was living in a zombie world, I would choose Yunseong as my partner! I think he would be able to handle this situation well in a calm manner.
D: I feel that I would feel safe being with Yunseong because he is strong.
J: I would choose Dongyun. Honestly, I think I can survive well enough on my own, so I just chose a cute and fun member.
Q: Who are your musical inspirations?
H: My musical inspirations are Baekhyun, Sunwoojunga, Imogen Heap, and The Black Skirts!
Y: I get inspired by amazing performances that Michael Jackson, TAEMIN, KAI, and Hoshi stage every time!
C: When I watch J_ust, one of my favorite artists, and NCT’s Haechan, I aspire to sing like them.
Q: Tell us a little bit about the concept behind your comeback title track called “Young Blood.”
D: “Young Blood” is the title track of our second album! If our first title carried a sense of nostalgia, the title track is powerful this time around. You will be able to feel DRIPPIN’s passion and energy.
M: “Young Blood” is a song that contains DRIPPIN’s youth and strong aspirations! Please continue to show your interest!
J: Just like the title itself, “Young Blood” is a catchy and powerful track that embodies the lively spirit and energy of youngbloods.
Q: What type of concept do you want to try next?
Y: Our fans liked it when we showed our bright side, so I want to come back with a light and refreshing concept.
C: I want to try more songs like “Colors.”
A: I want to try a charismatic concept next.
Q: Who is a senior you would like to collaborate with? Why?
H: I would like to collaborate with Baekhyun! He has always been a respectful senior artist who I’ve looked up to ever since I dreamed of becoming an idol. I’m still a huge fan, and so it would be an honor to collaborate with him.
D: I wish to collaborate with Jay Park. He is one of my favorite artists, and I enjoy listening to his songs; it would be an honor to collaborate with him!
J: It’s difficult to choose a specific artist. I think collaborating with a senior artist is a great opportunity to learn and improve in itself, so I hope to check it off my bucket list one day.
Q: When you receive your first music show win, how would you celebrate with your fans?
M: I think I’m going to cry on V [LIVE]… I would celebrate by communicating with fans on V [LIVE] while talking about the past!
J: I think I would be dumbfounded on stage, not being able to believe it at first. I would then realize it after it’s all over and post a video of me bowing on Twitter or V LIVE.
A: As we mentioned previously, I want to perform our encore stage dressed like babies.
Q: Any final thoughts?
H: So, DRIPPIN’s motto is “Don’t be complacent, judge yourself well, and let’s try our best and grow.” Please look forward to DRIPPIN’s future music releases, performances, and how we communicate with our fans! DRIPPIN will always remain humble and strive for improvement!
Y: Hello, The Kraze readers! This is DRIPPIN’s Yunseong, and it was a pleasure to participate in such a fun and clever interview. I really missed seeing our fans in-person, and please look forward to our promotions for our second mini-album title track “Young Blood.” Our album track songs are good, so please show lots of love. I love you!
J: Our group DRIPPIN is full of handsome members, has great songs, and is the best.. [laughs] We worked hard on this album, so please show us a lot of support!
We at The Kraze are always happy to get to know the upcoming faces in the K-Pop world and DRIPPIN is proving to be a group that is determined to leave their mark no matter what. Check out our review for DRIPPIN’s latest release “A Better Tomorrow” here. Need more DRIPPIN content? hello82.tv is hosting an intense 82 minutes of quizzes live with fans on April 18! Think you know everything about DRIPPIN? Check out more info about the event here.
*Special thanks to Julia Hur for the translation of original question and answers.