Getting to Know the Grown-Up Golden Child
Golden Child has been steadily gaining traction in the K-Pop landscape over the years, ever since their energetic and youthful debut with “DamDaDi” in 2017. Following a slew of increasingly successful comebacks and a stint on Mnet’s Road To Kingdom, the group has come to be known as one of the most versatile and well-rounded in the industry. Mastering concept after concept, their latest comeback “Ra Pam Pam” shows a more mature, confident side to the boys. The Kraze was fortunate enough to talk to Golden Child about this concept, their new album [Game Changer], and what keeps the group so golden after all these years.
Q: Congratulations on your second full album! Can you tell us a little bit about the concept? How is it different from previous releases?
Daeyeol: You will be able to see a more mature side of us. Compared to previous releases, we seem more relaxed and comfortable on stage.
Joochan: This time around, the concept embodies a more wild and optimistic side. The title song “Ra Pam Pam” aims to deliver a hopeful message, especially in this pandemic fatigue, so we prepared it with a little more care.
Q: What is your favorite song off of the new album [Game Changer]?
Y: I like the track “난 알아요 (I Know).” I can’t forget how I felt when I first listened to this song.
Seungmin: I hope you find hope by carefully listening to the lyrics of “Ra Pam Pam.”
Q: Who fits the comeback concept the best?
TAG: Jibeom – his looks.
Jaehyun: Donghyun – he dances so well when he comes to the center [of the stage].
Q: What was your favorite part about the process of creating the new title “Ra Pam Pam” (from the production of the song, to the music video, etc.)?
Jibeom: My favorite moment was filming the group scenes with my members for our music video story.
Bomin: It felt like all the members were making something altogether, so the experience was more enjoyable and satisfying overall.
Q: You have some of the best choreography and synchronization in today’s K-Pop groups. How does the choreography for “Ra Pam Pam” embody the meaning of the song?
Jangjun: The song’s rhythm and dynamics are conveyed through floorwork.
Jaehyun: There are a lot of rhythmic moves that enhance the beat of the song.
Q: What song would you use to introduce Golden Child to a new fan or listener?
Y: I think it’d be “Ra Pam Pam.” They would be able to see a more relaxed Golden Child.
Donghyun: I’ll choose “Ra Pam Pam,” a song that is included in our most recent album. I think this song best represents Golden Child.
Q: What artists do you look up to?
Seungmin: I really admire artists Crush and Sung Sikyung.
Bomin: I aspire to become an artist people admire.
Q: What song or album have you been listening to lately that you can recommend to fans?
Daeyeol: I listen to “Out the Window” [Daeyeol’s solo off of [Game Changer]] often! Please show a lot of love and support!
Jibeom: Christopher – “Bad.” I recommend this track because this song brightens my mood.
Q: If you were talking to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give to yourself?
TAG: Don’t feel pressured. Your life is only full of happy things, so enjoy it!
Donghyun: I want to advise my past self to have more confidence.
Q: You’ve covered a lot of different concepts over the years. What do you think makes you such a versatile group? Does anyone have a favorite concept?
Jangjun: I think the core reason lies behind the amount of practice and the chemistry between our members. Personally, my favorite concept was “Pump It Up.”
Joochan: It still feels new every time we showcase our various sides––bright, hopeful, wild, sexy—and we work hard on every concept. I’m so proud of my members who pull off the album’s concept perfectly with every release.
Q: Is there a new genre, sub-unit, or style you’d like to explore in future releases?
TAG: I want to try the disco genre. A lot of idol groups have challenged themselves with the disco genre, and I believe that we can also pull it off in our own unique way~
Seungmin: I want to promote with a hip-hop based song.
Q: You’ve changed a lot as artists since your debut. How has your creative process changed over the years?
Y: Rather than as an artist, I thought about my vocals and performance as a singer.
Jangjun: I continue to strive with the thought and mindset of, “We’re almost there!”
Q: Any go-to hobbies you’ve developed during quarantine?
Daeyeol: I enjoy working out at home, so I’ve been into at-home workouts.
Bomin: I’ve grown to read more and purchase more books.
Q: For the music video for “Breathe,” you had a volleyball concept. If Golden Child was a volleyball team, who would be the ace? Does anyone else have any position they’d prefer to play?
Seungmin: I believe I would’ve been a libero and suited to be one as well.
Donghyun: If Golden Child were a volleyball team, I think Jangjun would’ve been the ace and I’d prefer to play the setter position.
On behalf of The Kraze, thank you to Golden Child and their team over at Woollim Entertainment for taking the time to connect with us. Be sure to support the group and check out their latest release “Ra Pam Pam.” We can’t wait to see what they do next!