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Super rookies KINGDOM arrived in full glory with their debut song 'Excalibur' off their EP "History of Kingdom: Part I. Arthur" in February 2021 and are already making a mark for themselves with their overall concept of kings and knights as well as their diverse discography. The septet consisting of members Dann, Arthur, ChiWoo, IVAN, Jahan, Louis, and MuJin has a unique and fascinating storyline in building, one that is never seen in K-Pop before.
The members had agreed that upon first hearing the idea they were scared of how ambitious the project was and if they could pull it off. But eleven months after their debut, the boys seem as if they're all in their element. If you're planning to dive into KINGDOM's music and want to know more about their concept and timeline, read on to catch up on everything and enter the KINGDOM royaltycore.
1. The central storyline
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At the center of KINGDOM's cinematic universe is the storytelling of each member interspersed with the myths and history of different kings across centuries. The stage names of the members are styled after kings, both historical and mythological, from different eras. Their first seven albums will be weaved around each of the seven kings that the members represent finally culminating into an expansive crossover. In 'season 1' of their story, each king is on a journey to find their authentic selves and grow through all the obstacles. Once they ascend their respective thrones, the narrative will be grander.
2. The Kingdoms
Each member has a kingdom based on natural elements. These Kingdoms become part of their music videos as well.
Dann - Kingdom of Change
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Arthur - Kingdom of Rain
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MuJin- Kingdom of Cherry Blossoms
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Louis - Kingdom of Beauty
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IVAN - Kingdom of Snow
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Jahan - Kingdom of Sun
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ChiWoo - Kingdom of Cloud
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3. Current timeline and story
Kingdom of Rain - Arthur: 'Excalibur'
Starting with King Arthur in their debut EP 'History of Kingdom: Part I. Arthur', KINGDOM tells the story of the legendary king of English folklore through their title track 'Excalibur'. The plot of the music video cinematically recreates scenes from the Arthurian legends. The members are seen engaging in battle with some unknown enemy. Member Arthur fulfills his role as the King by pulling the fated sword Excalibur set in stone and with the help of the other knights, defeats the enemy. Thus restoring the Kingdom he starts his reign as the other knights swear loyalty to him.
At the end of the music video, we are shown a clip focusing on ChiWoo in an oriental aesthetic hinting at what's to come next.
Kingdom of Cloud - ChiWoo: 'KARMA'
KINGDOM continues their storyline in the title track 'KARMA' of their second mini-album "History Of Kingdom: Part II. ChiWoo". 'KARMA' sees the boys incorporating Chinese traditional elements as ChiWoo represents the mythical tribal emperor Chiyou of China. The song tells the tale of pain and anguish that stems from love and betrayal.
The music video concludes in yet another spoiler of their third kingdom story. The camera pans to snow-covered mountains hinting at Kingdom of Snow and its King IVAN.
Kingdom of Snow - IVAN: 'Black Crown'
With their third EP, "History of Kingdom: Part III. IVAN", the group steps into the Kingdom of Snow ruled by IVAN. It tells how IVAN grapples with his inner conflicts of good and evil and his confrontation with the Black Crown who is the absolute power of evil. In order to protect his kingdom, IVAN chooses the power of evil by wearing the Black Crown. The MV also shows several light and dark themes together to portray the coexistence of good and evil.
The music video ends with a peek into the story of Kingdom of Change where we are transported into medieval Korea as we see Dann, donning the hanbok, stand in front of a dark palace. He is then faced by soldiers on horseback preparing for an attack. This will mark part IV of the "History of Kingdom" series.
Are you immersed in the medieval fantasy of royal rookies KINGDOM? Let us know in the comments which Kingdom story you loved the most!
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