[EXCLUSIVE] KINGDOM Talks Comeback, Concept, and Future Goals

Having made waves upon debut with their unique “Excalibur” concept, KINGDOM has taken the K-Pop world by storm with their strong stories and elaborate concepts, starting with a traditional medieval European concept followed by a traditional Chinese concept. Fresh off their first comeback, KINGDOM sat down with The Kraze to discuss more about themselves, their goals, and even their coffee preferences.

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?

A: OPEN THE GATE! KINGDOM! Hi, we are KINGDOM. We have our own grand concept that has seven kingdoms and seven kings which are led by seven members, Dann, Arthur, Mujin, Louis, Ivan, Jahan, and Chiwoo. To all those people who are reading this, please look forward to our journey and send us a lot of support and love.

Q: Your debut concept was very unique and interesting. Can you share your thoughts on it?

A: All members were aware of this worldview and concept before our debut. When [it came time to make the decision on] details of tracks, costumes, and choreographies, we were monitoring and thought it’s cool, but on the other hand, it was so unique that we’ve never seen it before, so we were worried at the same time. But we are all proud of our concept now.

Q: Can you share a little more about the comeback concept and how it relates to the full story you’re looking to portray?

A: This album’s music video is an extension of the first album’s music video. The first album dealt with Arthur’s (king of the Kingdom of Rain) story, the second album contains the story of Chiwoo (king of the Kingdom of Cloud). In the first album, the rest of the six kings were assisting Arthur to become a king. However, the second album contains the storyline of Chiwoo and goes through “KARMA” from his previous life, turning his back on the world and enduring hard times.

Q: What do you think is KINGDOM’s distinct charm?

A: We consider our biggest charm is our unique “worldview.” We think on an enormous scale without missing small details and following grand sound, music video, and fancy stage that goes well with the concept of kings that never existed before, are the distinct charms that attract the public.

Q: Who is a senior you would like to collaborate with? Why?

A: While growing up, we’ve been inspired by so many senior artists and dreamed of it. So it’s hard to pick one. We’d like to collaborate with as many artists from all over the world as possible. [That would] truly [be] an honor for us.

Q: Who are your musical inspirations?

A: Mostly we get inspiration when we take a rest such as taking a walk or listening to music, etc. It deepens our thoughts and we get to look back on ourselves a lot. We mostly get inspired by our own personal experiences and feelings.  

Q: If you weren't an idol member, what would you be doing?

Dann: I would have dreamed of another one. I think I might have studied hard and became a pilot.

Arthur: I might have dreamed of becoming a snowboarder.

Mujin: I’ve never thought of a future other than an idol, but I might take over my mother’s job and become a counselor, or I could’ve thought of a career like an SNS influencer.

Louis: I think I’d be dancing.

Ivan: I’d be doing either acting or game streaming.

Jahan: As a person who loves dancing, I think I’d choose to become a dancer. I’d like to let all people know how attractive dancing is and for those who just started dancing, I’d like to help them to enjoy dance and to become happier with it.

Chiwoo: I’d be either a soccer player or running my own café.

Q: What are your personal goals for 2021?

A: We all have the same goal. 2021 is the year of our debut and is a year we can receive the Rookie Award at the year end awards ceremony. We are sincerely wishing it to happen.

Q: What is your go-to order at a cafe?

Dann: I only drink iced coffee, even when it’s freezing, I’m always getting an iced americano.

Arthur: For me, plain yogurt!

Mujin: Mostly, iced americano and sometimes when I want something sweet, I go for yogurt drinks like plain yogurt.

Louis: Strawberry smoothies and iced tea.

Ivan: I drink an iced chocolate drink.

Jahan: I like both americano and smoothies, and among them, I like blueberry and cookies n crème smoothies the most.

Chiwoo: Iced vanilla latte!

Q: What is your favorite smartphone app to use in your freetime?

Dann: I use YouTube and camera applications (filtered camera) the most.

Arthur: I often play Minecraft on my phone to soothe my boredom.

Mujin: I watch YouTube without noticing.

Louis: YouTube.

Ivan: YouTube.

Jahan: Mostly, YouTube. I try to get inspired and energized by watching dance videos.

Chiwoo: Mostly, YouTube.

Q: What's your go to snack/meal at the convenience store when you need a break?

Dann: Cup noodle, spicy flavor.

Arthur: Strawberry sandwich.

Mujin: I have had a similar taste as my father since I was young, I naturally grab Ojingeo Ddangkong and Bungeo Samanco without noticing.

Louis: Buldak noodles and Juicy Cool.

Ivan: I like triangle kimbap and Kancho.

Jahan: I put great importance on the combination of convenience store foods. I either eat buldak noodles with melted cheese or Jjapaghetti with fried dumplings from the convenience store. These are my favorites and I recommend them.

Chiwoo: I tend to go to the convenience store and eat alone a lot, and there’s pretzel popcorn which is really good.

Q: Which member would you pick to be your partner in the zombie apocalypse? Why?

Dann: Arthur, he adapts quickly to anywhere, so I guess he’ll adapt well and hide well among zombies.

Arthur: Jahan, he’s very prudent, so I think he’ll figure out what’s the best option.

Mujin: Myself, I'm pretty sure that my survival rate will be high because I’m reasonable and logical.

Louis: Arthur, because he usually watches a lot of zombie movies, I think he’ll help me out well.

Ivan: I’m confident that I can survive with any members. It’s because I’m confident in myself but [I] also trust all members. They’ll help me out with their own strengths.

Jahan: I’ll try to make ourselves all alive. If I have to leave only one person alone, I’d rather leave myself behind alone and let other members go together. I just want them to live longer and happier than me.

Chiwoo: Arthur, he plays survival games a lot that mainly uses guns, I think he’d be the person who survives well by shooting well in real life.

Q: Last question, is there anything specific you’d like to share with your fans and our readers?

A: We just released our comeback album. We worked so hard and we missed you so much and because of our longing, we didn’t even notice that we were exhausted when preparing this album. Thank you for waiting and let’s make a lot of beautiful memories together with this album! We were able to make this release happen because of you, KINGMAKER. Wherever KINGMAKER is, we will definitely run to meet you all! We want to meet you soon.