There is no secret that Korea is known in the West mainly for its subculture, particularly K-pop and K-drama. For me, however, discovering and researching new aspects of the country’s music industry has grown into a genuine passion. Korean cinema has been part of my life for over two decades, with music entering the picture later, and that gradual shift only expanded my curiosity. Now, whenever my social media timeline introduces me to a new song, I feel like a kid in a candy shop, eager to learn everything about new groups and solo artists. While I’m often already familiar with many lesser-known acts, seeing members from those scenes come together to form new band projects is something that usually requires active searching – or, at times, a lucky moment of discovery delivered by the algorithm.
When SURL’s Myeongsuk, LACUNA‘s Minhyuk, and PENTAGON’s Wooseok created a new group project, KIK, I had to jump on that train. Their self-titled debut EP blew my mind on so many levels. Not only because of the sound, but because of a K-pop idol whose talent exploded with that release. SURL has always been a hell of a band, as well as LACUNA, but for those who follow K-pop, seeing Wooseok outside of the dancing and doing all those idol things was such a breath of fresh air – and I so appreciate that he has done it! He proved – not that he has anything to prove – that idols can do more than simply pop.
KIK reminded me that rock music in Korea is not a thing of the past, but a living, restless force. What I like about the band is that they aim for truth, a truth through their lyrics as well as their performance. And as mentioned above, each member already stands on solid ground in their own respective groups, bringing with them years of experience across different musical worlds. KIK is a space where they can step outside established expectations. The band, in some ways, rediscovered why they started making music in the first place. And that is what you will experience while listening to their second EP, LOW KIK, a record that is slightly heavier in texture and darker in emotional terrain than their debut EP, KIK. And this is exactly what we were discussing while chatting with the group.
KIK spoke candidly about how those emotional states inspired the music and how LOW KIK reflects not just where they are as artists, but where they are as people.
When we were working on the album, I think each of us was carrying some darkness in our hearts. Those feelings are reflected in the word “LOW.” – Myeongsuk
View of the Arts: KIK’s sound sits somewhere between Blur, Muse, Oasis, and the raw garage-rock feel of the 1970s, yet it remains distinctly your own. When you first began this collaborative project, did you already have a concrete musical direction in mind?
Myeongsuk: Rather than having specific expectations about the direction, I was more curious about what kind of music would come out when the three of us worked together. It ended up being much smoother and more natural than I expected, and I think our individual musical tendencies blended really well to create the sound we have now.
Minhyuk: When we first started talking about music, we began by sharing what kinds of music we each liked. The bands you mentioned were definitely part of that. And we could all feel that we were drawn to garage rock and Britpop sounds. We tried to make that sound in a simple, instinctive way – the kind of music we genuinely wanted to play – and through that process, our own color naturally came out.
Wooseok: I thought the most important thing was to just do what we wanted to do, and I followed what my heart was telling me. The music I grew up listening to and the environment I was raised in naturally became part of the sound.
VOA: Wooseok, with your years of experience in the K-pop industry, now that you’re part of a very different band, do you feel your musical horizons have expanded in terms of creativity?
Wooseok: It’s definitely broadened a lot. All of my past experiences really help in many ways – whether it’s during the creative process or when we’re performing on stage.
VOA: Myeongsuk and Minhyuk, you both come from great bands yourselves (Myungseok from SURL and Minhyuk from LACUNA, who was also a member of Poco). How does working in KIK differ from your experiences in the bands where you started your musical career?
Myeongsuk: It doesn’t feel completely different, because we’re all friends and the same age, so we’ve always enjoyed making music together. But since we’ve all walked different paths and have different musical tendencies, I think that’s why such a wide range of colors comes out in our music.
Minhyuk: I think when you work with someone new, new combinations can create endless musical possibilities. Also, who I am today is thanks to LACUNA, and I’m very grateful for that.
I thought the most important thing was to just do what we wanted to do, and I followed what my heart was telling me. The music I grew up listening to and the environment I was raised in naturally became part of the sound. – Wooseok
VOA: LOW KIK feels emotionally heavier and more open than your debut EP. Was there a conscious decision to shift from controlled tension to more honest emotional exposure on this record?
Myeongsuk: When we were working on the album, I think each of us was carrying some darkness in our hearts. Those feelings are reflected in the word “LOW.” Compared to our previous music, we wanted to present deeper sounds and deeper emotions. We hoped people would feel the rougher sound and more complex emotions.
Minhyuk: We did want to show our emotions more directly. We tried to be more honest in the lyrics, and also express things more raw and unfiltered through the sound.
Wooseok: I think our moods and situations at the time really influenced the music. In some songs, we express feelings and experiences that are hard to talk about. Because we were honest, I think it helped us release some of that heaviness.
VOA: “3333” is a very strong opener. Did you always plan for it to introduce the EP, and what kind of emotional state were you trying to establish from the very first seconds?
Myeongsuk: “3333” was actually written when we were working on our first EP, KIK. We wanted a grand, explosive, energetic vibe with rough synth sounds, but it didn’t quite fit with the other tracks at the time. For this EP, we felt it was perfect as an opening track to show a new side of KIK. Since it’s the opener, we wanted it to surprise people right from the start.
Minhyuk: We didn’t make it specifically as an opening track, but it naturally felt like one. The energy and emotions exploded naturally, so it felt right as the first track.
Wooseok: We thought the beginning of the album should be a song that really lifts things up, and “3333” has strong power right from the intro. We wanted to deliver a refreshing, explosive energy using only sound, without relying on other tricks.
VOA: Several songs, especially “Sun” and “Close,” deal with moving forward while still carrying pain. Do you see this EP as documenting a recovery process, or more as a snapshot of unresolved emotions?
Minhyuk: With time, it might be seen as part of a healing process, but right now it probably feels more like snapshots of emotions that haven’t been fully整理 (sorted out) yet.
Wooseok: I think it has both sides. Personally, these are moments and thoughts I want to remember as I continue living.
VOA: “piece of peace” brings in Dept and shifts the tone toward warmth and unity. How did that collaboration influence the emotional balance of the EP, and did working with a Thai band change your creative approach?
Myeongsuk: I became very close with Dept while promoting with SURL in Thailand. We got the chance to work together this time, and their melodies and richly layered sound – which were things KIK hadn’t really tried – matched surprisingly well with our rough energy. It really reminded me how many incredibly talented artists there are in the world.
Minhyuk: We actually made the song specifically for Dept and brought it to them, and they liked it so much that we had a lot of fun working together. It was fascinating how the two teams’ sounds blended together.
Wooseok: While working on it, I kept imagining us performing together on the same stage. So even though it’s a fresh combination, it also feels very natural. They’re such great musicians that the collaboration went very smoothly.
British music definitely influences us a lot, and we listen to global rock sounds quite a bit. I think many people still love legendary bands and the nostalgia their music brings, and I feel that way too. So while working, I think a lot about how to deliver that nostalgia in a modern way. – Minhyuk
VOA: There’s a strong mix of British rock, grunge, and modern alternative influences across the EP. Are there specific bands or scenes that shaped your sound this time, and how consciously do you think about global rock influences when writing?
Myeongsuk: We tried to add a bit of shoegaze-style sound, and also some psychedelic elements.
Minhyuk: British music definitely influences us a lot, and we listen to global rock sounds quite a bit. I think many people still love legendary bands and the nostalgia their music brings, and I feel that way too. So while working, I think a lot about how to deliver that nostalgia in a modern way.
Wooseok: If the three of us feel something good from the sound, we believe listeners around the world can feel something similar – even if it’s hard to describe. So we keep researching and exploring sounds we love while gradually building KIK’s own sound.
VOA: “bella” is slower and more vulnerable, with intense vocals. How important is it for you to show emotional fragility in contrast to your heavier, more powerful tracks?
Minhyuk: Songs like “bella” give us a chance to show the most honest and fragile emotional moments in life. Strong energy is important, but that vulnerability is also an essential part of who we are, and expressing that through music feels genuine to us. That’s why we made the structure repetitive and created a sound that feels like emotions lingering and circling.
Wooseok: We’re all people who think, move, and remember. So, between energetic songs, having tracks that show these softer emotions makes the album feel alive. Instead of judging feelings as good or bad and filtering them out, expressing things as they are can be courageous and offer hope to someone else.
VOA: With your Asia tour coming and your second EP “LOW KIK”, how do you personally feel your identity as a band has evolved, not just musically, but emotionally and philosophically?
Myeongsuk: We started with the goal of creating a new flow with this unique combination of members, and I think that flow is beginning to be seen by the world. That gives us confidence to move forward even more boldly.
Minhyuk: It still feels unbelievable that we’re already going on tour with just our second EP. Since it’s not easy for us to meet fans often, we really want to deliver each song properly on this tour.
Wooseok: I think it will be a meaningful time for both us and the audience, showing how different and powerful our music can feel live compared to recordings. Compared to before, I feel like we’re looking further ahead now and gaining more emotional space and calm.
[With this EP] we did want to show our emotions more directly. We tried to be more honest in the lyrics, and also express things more raw and unfiltered through the sound. – Minhyuk
VOA: Is there a particular artist or a type of music that never fails to make you feel good or inspired?
Myeongsuk: Still Nine Inch Nails.
Minhyuk: Radiohead, The Beatles, Carpenters, and Official HIGE DANDism. There are more, but I’ll stop there.
Wooseok: The Strokes, Goo Goo Dolls, The Verve, and The Libertines.
VOA: Improvisation plays a big role for many musicians. How do you balance improvisation and structured composition? Do you keep them separate, or do they naturally overlap in your creative process?
Myeongsuk: I can’t ignore the inspiration and energy that come from improvisation. Just like first impressions matter between people, I think they matter in music too. We work very instinctively, thinking, “if it feels good, it’s good.”
Minhyuk: In the end, I think songwriting comes from improvisation anyway. Even structured composition starts from spontaneous ideas. We use both in a balanced way without worrying too much about order. What matters most is making a good song.
Wooseok: Just like sudden happiness in life can feel even stronger, music brings me joy, so I tend to approach it very instinctively.
VOA: After this project, can fans expect more music from KIK?
Myeongsuk: Of course. Please look forward to it.
Minhyuk: Definitely. We’ll come back with music that’s convincing in its balance of freshness and familiarity.
Wooseok: Please look forward to what’s coming.
Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler
Featured image courtesy of MPMG MUSIC
View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to film, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. As we continue to grow, we aim to deepen our coverage of Asian music while remaining committed to exploring and celebrating creativity across the global arts landscape.
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