When it comes to music, I’m always excited to see up-and-coming artists discover their voice, and in K-Pop specifically, there are ample opportunities.

If you look at groups that have debuted in (or since) 2020, there are many talented, unique, and exciting artists on the rise, with one being the impressive seven-member Woolim Entertainment group, DRIPPIN. Having debuted at the end of October in 2020, the group is new to the scene, but with that comes a new perspective, especially when change is now accentuated and commonplace in our daily lives. 

Being a new artist comes with its own obstacles, but debuting when day-to-day interactions have drastically changed makes rookie-artistry all the more challenging for industry newcomers. Despite the unpredictable state of the industry, DRIPPIN has pushed full-force through their distinguished debut period, delivering not one, but two EPs so far, both charting in the top 10 on the Gaon Album Chart. The group has additionally crafted two music videos so far (for each respective single) and the combination is approaching a combined total of 10 million views, a thrilling beginning to their careers — and an exciting feat for their expansive fandom. 

Due to their newfound success, DRIPPIN is already getting an opportunity to experience the passion behind signed musicians, and with their work, maintaining a positive approach, focus, and drive can culminate in something full of promise. That promise has of course been recognized on other platforms as well, having been nominated for the Seoul Music Awards, Gaon Chart Music Awards, and even the Golden Disc Awards, with their eventual win feeling very palpable and more importantly, deserved

Now that the group has gotten a better feel for their style with their new release A Better Tomorrow, we had the chance to talk to the group’s members about their addictive new music, being a rookie-artist, and encounters that have left the group feeling starstruck. 

You debuted at the end of 2020, and you’re now on your second album in just six months! Can you describe what stories you set out to tell your fans with this sophomore release? 

Lee Hyeop: Thank you for waiting for us, and I hope we can complete these promotions happily and healthily!

Hwang Yun Seong: I want to show how much DRIPPIN has improved. Unlike in the first album, we will greet fans with more confidence!

Joo Chang Uk: I wanted to show you how much we’ve improved with our second album. Dreams are hard to achieve these days, but like our concept of Young & Rich, I wanted to share the message of living a happy life by having more mental freedom (Was I too serious? Haha). 

A lot of artists feel like they get to explore their artistry better starting with the second album — did you feel like there were any noticeable differences on this album as opposed to the first? 

Kim Dong Yun: Everyone completed the recordings well and was able to better express different points. I think we’ll be able to continue showing improvement! 

Kim Min Seo: I think all of the members were a little bit more relaxed. In the first album, everyone was super nervous and frozen, but it’s a relief that it seems like we all have some room to breathe.

Cha Jun Ho: I felt that there were a lot of areas that we could have improved on in the first album, so we gave each other a lot of feedback. We especially focused a lot on expressions and being more natural on stage.  

You’ve played with some fun electro-pop styles in your music so far, are there other up-beat music sub-genres you’ve discussed working on? 

Lee Hyeop: I want to try city pop music. 

Hwang Yun Seong: In the future, I want to try a very slow, sexy, soulful song. 

Alex: I want to try music like ATEEZ’s “Say My Name” or Stray Kids’ “Easy”! 

You’ve had some time to work in the studio with choreography, recording, and different releases, which is all part of the natural evolution of an artist! When you look back at your time as trainees, do you ever think about what you might tell yourself, or fellow members?

Joo Chang Uk: Whether the trainee period was long or short, it must have been difficult to train and live alongside other members. It was great seeing you work together and cooperate with each other. Let’s continue forward just like this. 

Kim Dong Yun: I’m so happy that I’m able to be here and let’s continue together even in the future!

Kim Min Seo: I think the winner is the one who goes until the end. Don’t give up, and don’t worry about things that might happen, especially when you make mistakes. I’ve been under a lot of stress because of this before, and I’ve learned that it’s better to spend that time learning other things instead of being under stress. Cheer up, everyone!!

With this new album now finally out for the world to listen to — what would you say was the song you had the most difficulty with keeping secret?

Lee Hyeop: “Young Blood” is a hook song with a lot of repeating parts, so it was hard to keep it a secret (haha).

Cha Jun Ho: I think it’s the title track “Young Blood.” It’s so addictive, so I kept unconsciously humming the melody. 

Alex: I think the song that was hardest to keep a secret would have to be “Young Blood!” Because we practiced this for a long time, we listened to it more than 100 times per day. As a result, I found myself singing along to the song all day, and had to hold back from almost singing during live broadcasts! 

Congratulations on the new music video! You had a lot of really aesthetically pleasing sets with some vibrant colors and impressive lighting to push that creativity even further — what was the most difficult (or time-consuming) aspect to film for “Young Blood?”

Hwang Yun Seong: There’s a scene where we set the mood, play chess, and get excited as we win the game. It had the feeling of young kids gathering together and playing the traditional Korean game ddakji. It was cute, but didn’t have a Young & Rich feeling, so I think it took longer to film and make the part look more natural.

Joo Chang Uk: There’s a part where we dance inside of a hot air balloon, but it was really difficult to dance because the balloon could rip and because the floor was slippery. 

Kim Dong Yun: There’s a part in our music video where a hot air balloon comes out! It took a little long to set up the hot air balloon!

Have you had any interactions with fellow artists that you look up to? If so, who probably had you the most starstruck so far? 

Kim Min Seo: TXT’s YEONJUN! I once saw a fancam of his performance and it was incredible. I respect him a lot and he’s an artist that left a lasting impression on me.

Cha Jun Ho: There are a lot of artists that I respect, and I think they are all amazing whenever I watch their performance. One artist I really want to meet is DEAN! I think everything about him is so sophisticated, starting with the tone of his voice!

Alex: I haven’t really had a conversation with a different senior artist yet… (I’ve only greeted them…) But the artist who left a lasting impression on me is ATEEZ’s San, who I’ve really liked even in the past! His facial expressions on stage, his powerful dance, and his hard work and persistence is incredible!

In the time that you’ve gotten to interact with your new fandom, what has been the biggest surprise you’ve experienced?  

Lee Hyeop: I’m so thankful for the fact that our fans are such a big part of our lives. 

Hwang Yun Seong: It’s always fascinating how fans always see our posts or videos as soon as we upload them. It’s as if they’re right next to us. Whenever that happens, I am reminded of the fans’ love and support… and want to meet them in person even more!

Joo Chang Uk: I think it’s amazing that fans knew that I had a freckle under my eye even before I found out. Because of fans’ overwhelming support and because they see me more than I see myself, there are times when I am surprised because I feel like they know me better than I know myself.

Make sure to check out A Better Tomorrow by DRIPPIN, and their music video for “Young Blood” here!

– Coordinated with Hannah Lee / MPE