"Look at 'Gye-hoon' instead of 'Cheonggyecheon'!"..'AAA 2025' KickFlip Chants Flirting in Gwanghwamun [Interview ②]

*This content was translated by AI.

"My flirting lines are evolving, but the one I remember most is 'You fit everything, so don't get hurt.'" (Gye-hoon)

"We want to become a team that doesn't just catch the eye but stands out."

Group KickFlip (KickFlip, Gye-hoon, Amarou, Dong-hwa, Ju-wang, Min-je, Kae-ju, Dong-hyeon) is currently in high spirits.

KickFlip, who debuted last year, won the Shin In-sang-eul (수상) at the 10th Anniversary Asia Artist Awards 2025 (10th Anniversary Asia Artist Awards 2025, hereinafter 10th AAA 2025) and immediately saw their stock soar, making them a dominant 'idol of the year' in 2026.

When people think of 'KickFlip,' they often recognize them for leader Gye-hoon's 'flirting lines' and their unique song titles like 'First Song I've Ever Sung' and 'I Want to Be Annoying.' However, this idol group is equipped with a positive mindset and strong unity, exuding a charm that is down-to-earth and filled with unceasing laughter. "WeFlip seems to like our atmosphere and laughter." Because of this, KickFlip showed confidence in attracting fans through their own content.

All members have an 'I' (introvert) MBTI type, but perhaps they are 'playful introverts.' KickFlip is taking over stages and variety shows with their unique bright energy. Not only is member Gye-hoon known to the public first, but upon closer inspection, all members know how to be 'mischievous' and keep catching the eye.

KickFlip attended the '10th AAA 2025' held at Kaohsiung National Stadium on December 6 last year for the first time and won the rookie award, 'Best New Artist.' At the 10th AAA 2025, KickFlip performed stages for 'My First Flip,' 'Singularity,' and 'First Song I've Ever Sung,' spreading a refreshing energy. At the time, member Gye-hoon left a quick-witted flirting line in a backstage interview: "I want to go to the night market with WeFlip after the AAA stage today!"

Debuting on January 20, 2025, KickFlip is a younger brother group of Stray Kids and continues the lineage of JYP Entertainment boy groups. Having concluded activities with the title track of their third mini-album last year, 'First Song I've Ever Sung,' KickFlip released their fourth mini-album 'My First Kick' and the title track 'I Want to Be Annoying' on April 6 this year, making a comeback. All members are credited on every track, demonstrating their capabilities as 'self-produced idols.' KickFlip broke their own initial sales record with 'I Want to Be Annoying' and topped MBC M, MBC every1's 'Show! Champion' and KBS 2TV's 'Music Bank,' securing back-to-back music show double crowns following their previous hit 'First Song I've Ever Sung.'

KickFlip also met WeFlips from various countries at their first fan concert, '2026 KickFlip FAN-CON < From KickFlip, To WeFlip >' (From KickFlip, To WeFlip), which kicked off a 12-concert tour across five cities nationwide earlier this year.

-As JYP Entertainment's male idol group following 2PM, GOT7, and Stray Kids, does KickFlip feel any pressure regarding success? What do you think are the unique strengths and identity of KickFlip?

▶Gye-hoon: I always think we shouldn't tarnish the JYP name and feel we must prove ourselves. It feels like we are proving ourselves through live performances and dancing on stage. Self-production was an opportunity given by the company, and other members are also participating diligently. We are trying to become a group capable of self-production. We worked hard on song creation during our inactive period. The title of this song, 'I Want to Be Annoying,' was written by me, and the title of the previous song, 'First Song I've Ever Sung,' was written by Dong-hyeon.

▶Dong-hyeon: Albums 3 and 4 were love songs, so please wait and see what kind of songs we will bring for our comeback next.

-Since you are active globally, physical and mental management seem very important. How do you handle physical and mental management?

▶Dong-hyeon: It seems important to gain strength by watching WeFlips domestically and overseas and having new experiences like going to night markets overseas.

▶Kae-ju: With spirit! We try to do well, and lately, we try to eat delicious things. Recently, we've been hooked on samgyeopsal and sundubu-jjigae.

▶Dong-hwa: We each do what we like and try to take supplements or eat good things.

▶Ju-wang: We do personal workouts and go grocery shopping. Among the members, I know how to cook. I've made various dishes like jjimdak, boiled pork, sweet and sour pork, dessert cookies, and donuts.

-Following the release of the third mini-album title track 'First Song I've Ever Sung' in September last year, the fourth mini-album title track 'I Want to Be Annoying' has now topped music shows, making it feel like they are gaining popularity quickly as rookies. What points do fans seem to like about KickFlip?

▶Dong-hyeon: WeFlip seems to like our atmosphere and laughter.

▶Min-je: The chemistry among our members is good.

-Then, which members seem to have especially good chemistry within KickFlip these days?

▶Gye-hoon: The chemistry between Gye-hoon and Dong-hwa, who share the surname 'Lee from Hampyeong,' is good. Recently, the chemistry between Dong-hwa and Dong-hyeon, and Min-je and Dong-hwa, is also good.

▶Dong-hwa: Somehow I always end up in the middle, and I like meddling with the members. (Laughs)

-As Gye-hoon's 'flirting lines' become a topic of discussion, it seems KickFlip is gradually securing public recognition.

▶Gye-hoon: We are getting exposure on terrestrial broadcasts, and my lines are evolving. Among my lines, the one I remember most is 'You fit everything, so don't get hurt.' Lately, when developing lines, I try them out on staff first to gauge their reactions.

-If you were to give a flirting line to WeFlip based on your mood today?

▶Gye-hoon: Isn't Cheonggyecheon near the place where we are interviewing today? It has the character 'Gye' like my name, so 'Look at Gye-hoon' instead of 'Cheonggyecheon'~!

-While Gye-hoon is winning fans' hearts with his 'bubble flirting lines,' what kind of flirting are the other members trying to use to win fans' hearts?

▶Dong-hyeon: My singing appearance!

▶Kae-ju: I think it's with spirit.

▶Dong-hwa: With reverse charm, as unique characters with distinct personalities.

▶Ju-wang: My gentleness and tsundere nature.

▶Min-je: People say I look cold at first, but once they know me, I have a gentle charm. (Laughs)

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*This content was translated by AI.