DKB, popularly known as the Dark Horse of K-Pop, has made a much-awaited comeback with their 7th mini-album "HIP", and the world is focusing its attention on the group's new era. To dive deep into this comeback and celebrate DKB's success, Kpopmap had the incredible opportunity to speak to the talented and passionate young members for an interview, exploring not only their creative processes but also the emotions with which they have imbued this album.

For those who might not know, DKB is a 4th generation K-Pop boy group with eight members, namely D1, E-Chan, GK, Harry June, Lune, JunSeo, HeeChan, and Yuku. Ever since their debut, DKB has built a reputation for themselves for their power-packed performances and hard-hitting lyrics, which gained accelerated global traction after their participation and performance in the survival show "Peak Time". DKB successfully garnered an even wider fanbase, not only with their outstanding talent but also their story of perseverance and sincerity that touched the hearts of millions.

DKB followed up the success of "Peak Time" with their 6th mini-album "I Need Love" and the repackage "We Love You", achieving a massive boost in sales. As a matter of fact, the total sales for their 6th EP and its repackage is roughly 11 times the total sales of DKB's 5th mini-album "Autumn", proving the rising status of DKB in the current K-Pop scene.

Now, with renewed vigor and zeal, DKB's 7th mini-album, "HIP", aims to show DKB's reinforced artistic identity through the message of defying stereotypes and unveiling one's true self because that is exactly what DKB is all about.

So, without further ado, let's find out more about DKB, the making of "HIP" and what it means to the members in Kpopmap's exclusive interview!

DKB on X

A very warm welcome to Kpopmap, DKB and congratulations on the release of your 7th mini album “HIP”! To start off our interview, can the DKB members please tell us what being “hip” means to each of you.

I think I'm someone who can't separate myself from the word 'hip' as I really like trendy items and am sensitive to trends.
E-Chan
These days, I feel like the expression 'being hip' is used a lot. We interpret and use 'hip' to mean something trendy and cool.
D1
There may not be a precise answer, but I believe the ultimate cool for DKB is 'hipness'.
GK
I think it's what DKB does best. Because we are a group based on hip-hop.
HeeChan
For me, 'hip' is the clothes I can wear thanks to the DKB members I'm with. As a team, I think this album "HIP" is the perfect fit.
Lune
I think ‘hip’ is a genre that DKB can really excel in.
JunSeo
I think 'hip' is the unique personality that each person has.
Harry June

DKB on X

The album “HIP” has the message of finding one’s true self. Have any members recently discovered a new aspect of their true selves?

While preparing for this album, I found myself thinking a lot about how "there are still many things I want to do and many things I want to show". It has been an opportunity for me to reflect once again and renew my commitment to not lose sight of my original intentions.
E-Chan
During the preparation of this album, I rediscovered my true self that I had hidden and suppressed for a long time. The concept of this album and the message it carries resonated with me. As a result, I recently regained my innocent and cheerful personality.
Lune
I consider myself the member who underwent the most external changes in this album. When I first dyed my hair, it felt awkward even to me. However, by continuously thinking, 'I am hip. I am hip-hop,' I naturally found my 'hip' self.
Harry June

DKB on X

There are some exciting genres in this album, such as “glitch hop” in the title track ‘What The Hell’. What was your first impression of this song and what reaction did you think fans would have to it?

From the first time I heard it, I thought, "Wow, this song really suits our team well". I believed that there would be a lot we could showcase in terms of performance, and we could show the hip side of DKB that fans want to see!
D1
I thought, "This is it!" From the beginning, I felt that this song is sufficient to showcase DKB's hip charm. Even while preparing, I couldn't wait to show it to BB. I'm sure fans will love it.
HeeChan
I thought, "This is a really great song!" and it perfectly matches DKB's team color. Since it's a song we can excel at, I believe fans will absolutely love it.
Lune

DKB on X

‘What The Hell’ has the message of overcoming challenges. If you feel comfortable, please share some difficulties that you faced alone without anyone knowing and how you overcame it.

While there was never something I had to handle alone without anyone knowing, we collaborated on creating the choreography for the title track together as a team. I wanted to showcase a really cool performance, so there was a bit of the pain of creation, but we discussed it together and gradually infused DKB's unique style into it.
JunSeo
Living abroad, there are times when you have to endure missing your family or friends even when you really want to see them. It was a bit challenging at those times, but the members took good care of me, and the support from BBs gave me strength.
 
Yuku

DKB on X

DKB is very well-known for having powerful dance performances. For this comeback too, DKB has prepared energetic choreography. Can you tell us about the atmosphere in the dance practice room while you were preparing for this comeback? Were there any fun episodes?

We had almost daily practices in the rehearsal studio before the comeback, as we had scheduled activities planned. It was an album we prepared with great diligence, and the members are looking forward to this promotion more than ever. We practiced with the eager desire to show it to BBs as soon as possible. To refine the dance details, JunSeo became my dance teacher and taught me. It was enjoyable because he taught with clarity and passion.
GK

DKB on X

The song ‘Ghost Ridah (Wow Wow)’ is intense and groovy. The genre of “Rage Hip Hop” is also very interesting. Did you have fun working with this genre? What do you think is the highlight of this song?

It was a new attempt for all the members to take on rap. Discovering new charms was so enjoyable, and I think BBs will have fun exploring unknown charms as they listen to this song.
E-Chan
It was a new experience for all DKB members as we filled a song entirely with rap for the first time. Each member has a different rap style, so I believe it resulted in a dynamic feel. Look forward to the rap from the vocal members!
GK

‘Slush’ is a lovely song about melting like slush in front of someone you love. Have you ever had any memorable fan interactions that made you feel like slush?

When I see the way BBs look at us, I feel like I'm melting like a slush. The eyes that watch over us are so warm.
JunSeo
When BBs actually see us, they often express nervousness and say they can't speak, but through Bubble, they share things they couldn't say before. It's so warm and encouraging that it makes me happy and melts my heart.
 
Yuku

DKB on X

‘Me, Me & You’ is a sentimental song meant for a loved one. When singing a song like this, how do you bring emotion in your voices?

Sing comfortably in my own style without dressing it up. Sincerely conveying my feelings calmly is the best!
JunSeo
Of course, when I sing, I think about our BBs and research how to sing in a way that fans will like while considering how to address them.
 
Harry June

DKB on X

The last song on this mini-album is a fan song called ‘Fireworks’. Are you excited to perform this song on stage in front of fans? Which member do you think is most likely to tear up on stage while performing ‘Fireworks’?

Honestly, when recording the guide for this song, I felt like tears might come. I'm so thankful to the members who stood by me without wavering in difficult situations and to the fans who stayed by our side. So, when I actually sing it, tears might flow.
E-Chan
I really want to sing this song in front of our BBs soon. I think we can provide positive energy. It feels like sharing good emotions together, and I expect it to be moving. Since our member E-Chan, who wrote the lyrics and composed the song, poured his emotions into it, he might shed tears during the performance.
 
D1
When I think of 'tears,' there's one member that comes to mind... probably E-Chan hyung, who delicately pressed meaning into the song he personally created. So, when he sings it in front of BBs, he might shed some tears...
Lune

DKB on X

Finally, if each of you had to make one promise with global fans through this interview, what would it be?

DKB will continue to evolve. We promise to show something beyond your imagination with every stage.
E-Chan
No matter what happens, I'll sing for BB and perform for BB. I'll always be by your side. I want to promise that I'll always be on BB's side.
 
D1
Thank you to all the BBs around the world for giving us positive energy. Next year, we'll continue to provide good energy.
GK
We'll repay the love and trust you've shown DKB with great performances. Let's enjoy together! ❤️
HeeChan
I promise to always be on BB's side. Thank you for loving and supporting us. We cherish and love BB as well.
Lune
I promise to work hard steadily and consistently. We'll practice, exercise, and take care of ourselves every day to show the best DKB for BB. Please love us a lot!
JunSeo
I want to promise to love BB every day and become a source of lifelong support for each other.
Yuku
Thinking about the support BB gives us, I'll strive to become a singer you can be proud of. I'll keep working hard.
Harry June

Did you enjoy Kpopmap's interview with DKB? Now, find out how you can win a SIGNED CD from DKB with our GIVEAWAY EVENT!

Hey BB, #DKB is back!
In honor of their comeback, Kpopmap interviewed the musical prodigies! Check it out only on Kpopmap!
*Don't miss out on the special event✨ either! The details are provided at the end of the interview article linked below.
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— Kpopmap (@Kpopmap) November 30, 2023