[Exclusive Interview]: Rising Stars DONGKIZ Talk About Music and Their Movie-Inspired Concepts
DONGKIZ is a five-member boy group under Dongyo Entertainment who have steadily gained popularity for their unique music videos, most of them inspired by classic movies. The group debuted in 2019 with their single “NOM” and followed it up with Ghostbusters-inspired track “BlockBuster.” Within a few months of their debut, the group won the “Focus Award” at the 2019 Asia Artist Awards. In 2020, members Jaechan and Munik formed the group’s first sub-unit, DONGKIZ I:KAN, and released the new jack swing single “Y.O.U.”
Members Jaechan, Jonghyeong, and Kyoungyoon took time out of their busy schedules to chat with us about their music, their favorite movies, and which K-Pop artists they look up to the most. Find out all about the trio in our interview below!
Q: Could you introduce yourselves and share with our readers your positions in the group?
Kyoungyoon: Hello, I’m Kyoungyoon from DONGKIZ! Our team doesn’t have set positions for each member, but I usually am in charge of the vocal parts.
Jaechan: Hello, I’m Jaechan, and I’m in charge of the visuals in DONGKIZ.
Jonghyeong: Hello, I’m Jonghyeong, the energetic youngest member (maknae) of DONGKIZ :)
Q: For new fans, if you could describe DONGKIZ’s music in one sentence, what would you say?
Jaechan: I think I can describe DONGKIZ music with the phrase “DONGKIZ’s song.” I’ve heard a lot of fans say that whenever they listen to a song and think that it’s DONGKIZ’s music, it usually turns out to be our song!
Q: Can you talk about your latest single album? What do you hope fans take away from your latest song “CRAZY NIGHT?”
Jonghyeong: I hope they take away the message of “taking some time off to rest and relax from the exhausting cycle of life.”
Q: What’s your favorite pastime snack?
Kyoungyoon: I like eating bibim-myeon (Korean Spicy Cold Noodles) with grilled meat!
Q: For Munik and Jaechan, how was it promoting as DONGKIZ I:KAN? Was it different than promoting with your whole group?
Jaechan: I think the biggest difference was the number of members! There were both pros and cons to it; it was comfortable when moving from place to place, but I was bored because there were only the two of us.
Q: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Jonghyeong: My favorite flavor is mint chocolate chip, where you can feel both the refreshing and sweet taste!
Q: A lot of your songs and music videos are inspired by movies. What’s a movie concept you want to try for your next comeback?
Jaechan: I’m a fan of romance movies, so I want to try out a calming love song!
Q: Speaking of movies, what is everyone’s favorite genre of movies? Any new movies you are excited about?
Kyoungyoon: I like all movies regardless of genre. I couldn’t watch the newly released film Sinkhole directed by Kim Jihoon yet, so I’m really looking forward to it!
Jaechan: I like romantic comedy films! These days, I don’t really go to the theaters to watch movies, so I’m usually watching films that have already been released in the past.
Jonghyeong: I like romance and thriller. I’m excited for Spider-Man: No Way Home, which is set to be released in December!
Q: If you could collaborate with any artist, Korean or international, who would you choose?
Kyoungyoon: I would love to collaborate with the Korean artist Jung Jaeil! He has a deep understanding of music, and so even if the collaboration doesn’t work out, I hope to have a conversation with him.
Q: My favorite DONGKIZ song is “Beautiful” from 2020. What’s everyone’s favorite among all your songs?
Kyoungyoon: Our newest release “CRAZY NIGHT” took over as my favorite song. I keep listening to it because it sounds new every time!
Jaechan: If I were to choose a favorite DONGKIZ song, I would choose “Beautiful” as well!!! It was a track that really fit me.
Jonghyeong: My favorite is “Fever,” a track that gets my body moving as soon as I hear it.
Q: What are some songs you are listening to lately?
Kyoungyoon: I think I listen to Ben Fold’s “Still Fighting It” at least once a day! The first verse starts with a dad asking his son, “Good morning son?” and the verse made me fall in love with the song.
Q: Who are some senior K-Pop artists you look up to most?
Jonghyeong: I look up to DEAN and MONSTA X.
Q: Any last words for your fans?
Kyoungyoon: Our aris, who always stay next to us and being our pillars~ Even at a time of exhaustion, thank you for being DONGKIZ’s strength. We will work hard to bring joy to our aris! We’re always thankful for you, and stay safe and healthy until we see each other!
Jaechan: Please look forward to DONGKIZ’s future promotions and send us a lot of love and support!
Jonghyeong: I hope to be in the same space as you all, performing and enjoying our time together! I’m desperately waiting for that day to come. Until then, I hope everyone stays healthy! I love you always❤️
Check out DONGKIZ’s fifth single album CHASE EPISODE 1. GGUM supported by the funky lead single “CRAZY NIGHT,” available on all streaming platforms, and watch the playful music video choreographed by dancer Choi Youngjun, who has worked with acts like NU’EST and GOT7, below!