For seven years, KINO was riding the wave of the idol life as a member of PENTAGON. When his contract ended in 2023, he set off on his solo career. He founded his one-man label, NAKED, with the ultimate goal of connecting with audiences and creating music where he could truly express himself. These themes of honesty and artistic authenticity have followed KINO in new ways with every release. KINO’s 2025 album, EVERYBODY’S GUILTY, BUT NO ONE’S TO BLAME, dealt with the frustration of trying to meet society’s expectations. But on his latest album, LOST AND FOUND, KINO finds acceptance, love, and freedom.
Three years, three EPs, and two international solo tours later, KINO is coming to terms with his experiences. Kpopconcerts.com caught KINO ahead of his FREE KINO U.S. tour dates, where he talked tour prep, his musical inspirations, and learning the art of not giving a f*ck.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
KPC: What is it like embarking on your third solo tour? How did you prepare, and were there any challenges?
KINO: Starting my third solo tour feels exciting, but also very real in a different way. Preparing for the tour was an intense process, of course, but honestly, the real challenges started once the tour began because of things out of our control. In Europe, there was heavy snow that completely disrupted our schedule. Flights got canceled three times, a one-hour commute became eight hours, and we had to make transfers between trains within 5 minutes, sprinting like Olympic athletes with all our luggage (laughs). We were supposed to take four flights and only managed to take one. It was kind of funny and unreal since a series of events were happening constantly, and it was not easy at all. Still, those moments reminded me why I love doing this. Even when things fall apart during the process, the connection with the audience made at the show makes it worth it.
KPC: What are you most excited to experience this time around?
KINO: I think what I’m most excited about is seeing how the audience connects with me in each city! Every city’s crowd feels different every time, and I love discovering those small differences. I’m also excited to feel the energy in the room again, especially because this tour feels more personal. It’s not just about performing songs, it’s about sharing a moment together.
KPC: Is there anything new that you’re excited to share with fans during this tour?
KINO: The new album is out, so…more songs, maybe? :)
KPC: A few months ago, you announced that the dress code for the FREE KINO Tour would be “IDGAF” – essentially encouraging fans to wear whatever they want and not worry about what anyone else thinks. Why was it so important for you to make this distinction?
KINO: That idea came from my last EP and my real experiences. I spent a long time trying to meet the expectations of others. But at a certain point, I realized that the more I tried to be perfect, the further I got from who I really am. “IDGAF” isn’t just about not caring about others; it’s about choosing what you actually want to do. I wanted fans to feel that freedom, even just for one night. So I will put the lights down low for you to focus on you and not on other fans around you. You can dance however you want, and shout as big as you want.
KPC: How has your sound and artistry evolved since founding NAKED in 2023?
KINO: I think I’ve become more honest with my music. Before, I was always thinking about how things would be received, but now I focus more on how they feel to me. Founding NAKED gave me the freedom to make decisions based on my instincts. And my music’s sound became more raw, more emotional, and less filtered.
The style of music has become that way, too. It goes with the story I want to tell. On my last album, I was discovering a darker and edgier sound, and this new EP is much brighter and more fun, because that is how I felt while I was making these songs.
KPC: Your latest albums LOST AND FOUND and EVERYBODY’S GUILTY, BUT NO ONE’S TO BLAME explore raw themes like freedom, burnout, and self-discovery against club music genres like house, techno, and bass. How did you decide to lean into rave culture and beats in your music?
KINO: I think club music allows you to express emotions in a very direct way. It’s physical, it’s loud, and it doesn’t hide anything. At that time, I was dealing with burnout and a lot of complicated feelings, and those sounds felt very real to me. It wasn’t a calculated decision. It just felt like the most natural way to express what I was going through.
There’s a line in my song “ALL LOVE!” that goes, “Peace, Love, Unity, Respect.” I found out that it’s called “P.L.U.R,” and it’s kind of the core spirit of rave culture. What really touched me is that this underground culture, which used to be overlooked and misunderstood, has always been about love, freedom, and peace. And now it has grown into something that influences the whole world. That contrast really inspired me, and I think I fell in love with that part of the culture too.
KPC: You’ve collaborated with a wide range of artists in your solo work, from Lay Bankz, your fellow PENTAGON members, and Mikey Angelo. How do these collaborations come about?
KINO: A good example is Mikey Angelo, a.k.a Mr.Grande. I had been watching his content for a while because he turns internet moments into a rap in a really unique way, especially with his flow and rhyme choices. When I was working on “TAXI,” I wanted to express some English lyrics more naturally, so I reached out to him. His sense was so fresh that I ended up asking him to work on an open verse of “BIG HOODIE” I had left intentionally empty for a rap. The demo he sent back felt so new and unique to him, so I ended up asking him to be a featured artist on the track.
For collaborations like this, or the case of UWA from “DIRTY BOY,” it doesn’t really matter whether someone is a singer or not. For me, what matters is their talent and how well they fit with the music. Everyone has something unique, and I like trusting that and building something together.
KPC: Who or what inspires your music and art?
KINO: A lot of my inspiration comes from everyday emotions. Small moments, conversations, even things I don’t fully understand yet. I think I’m always trying to get to know myself through music.
KPC: What do you hope to achieve in the future, and what’s in store next for KINO the artist?
KINO: I hope I can keep growing without losing myself. Not just as an artist, but as a person. I want to continue making music that feels honest, and hopefully it reaches people in a meaningful way.
KPC: Finally, what message do you have for fans who are coming to see you on tour?
KINO: I just want you to come as you are. You don’t have to be anything more than that. I hope that for a few hours, you can feel completely free. That will be enough for the night <3
The U.S. leg of the FREE KINO World Tour kicks off in New York City on April 19. Tickets are available for purchase here. For more information about the tour, fans can visit @kino.tour on Instagram.
Thanks to NAKED for the interview opportunity!