In this exclusive interview, get to know Jonghyeong and Mingyu, the dynamic duo behind DKZ's newest subunit, Nine to Six!
Meet the newest subunit into the K-Pop world – NINE TO SIX (stylized as 9to6). This extraordinary addition, born from members of the illustrious boy group DKZ, made its grand entrance on May 31, 2023, igniting waves of excitement among Dong-ari (DKZ fandom name) across the globe.
Comprised of Mingyu and Jonghyeong, NINE TO SIX is a captivating musical duo. Mingyu is renowned for his soul-stirring vocals, infusing each note with profound emotion. Meanwhile, Jonghyeong, a lyrical genius, and wordsmith extraordinaire, weaves verses that effortlessly captivate hearts and ignite limitless imaginations. Together, their collaboration forms an artistic synergy that's undeniably enchanting.
With the release of their debut single album, GOOD TO YOU, NINE to SIX bursts onto the scene, bringing infinite challenges and a kaleidoscope of charms. GOOD TO YOU is not just an album; it's a declaration of NINE TO SIX's commitment to delivering music that resonates with the MZ Generation (Gen Z).
To commemorate their subunit debut, I caught up with Mingyu and Jonghyeong as they shared their thoughts on GOOD TO YOU, what sets them apart, the inspiration behind the songs, and more. Join us as we go behind the music with NINE TO SIX as they dive into their unit debut in this exclusive interview.
First of all, congratulations on your unit debut! Please introduce yourselves and what you are in charge of in NINE to SIX.
Mingyu: Hello! I'm Mingyu, and I'm in charge of SIX in NINE to SIX. I love leaving work on time, so that's why I'm in charge of SIX.
Jonghyeong: I love going to work in the morning, so I'm in charge of NINE in NINE to SIX.
How would you describe this album in one word or phrase?
Mingyu: I think it can be described as "hope." Many people, not just office workers, hope for a sharp departure from work, and I believe this album, featuring the song "Don't Call Me," which embodies that hope, is for those who wish for a sharp departure.
Jonghyeong: "New challenge,” because it was a new challenge that we hadn't tried before. We were a bit worried because it was a concept that involved lyrics with a direct message and aimed to resonate with especially working professionals, but we had fun with it.
GOOD TO YOU contains a total of three tracks, could you please tell us a little bit more about each of the tracks? Which one of these is your personal favorite?
Jonghyeong: First, the title track, "Don't Call Me," is a song that captures the struggles of MZ generation office workers. The second track, "끄덕" (Nod), tells the story of finding one's true self after work. The last track, "Digital Love," is about the digital expression of love in the MZ generation. Among these three, my favorite track is the last one, "Digital Love," which conveys a fluttering feeling.
Mingyu: I like the second track, "끄덕" (Nod), the most. The beat is powerful, and I like the message in the lyrics. Moreover, the melody in the lower range and the challenging choreography provided personal growth opportunities, making me appreciate the song even more.
How did the other DKZ members and other people around you react when they listened to “Don’t Call Me” for the first time? Was it similar or different to your own first reaction to “Don’t Call Me”?
Mingyu: First, during the high-pitched part in the first verse, the members all said, "It feels like the struggles of office workers shouting for a sharp departure." They also appreciated how we created empathy through witty lyrics on top of a strong beat. It was fascinating that their reaction was similar to what I felt when I first heard the song, confirming that it's a song many can relate to.
What would you say is your favorite lyric from the title track and why?
Jonghyeong: I like the lyric, "퇴근 직전 좀 부르지 마 제발" (Please don't call me right before I leave work), because I think it's a lyric that resonates with all office workers. Most people probably think this in their minds, but by mentioning it directly in the song, I believe it might have relieved some stress for those listening.
How was the experience shooting the music video? Are there any memorable stories or TMIs you can share?
Mingyu: Since only the two of us were shooting instead of the entire group, it felt a bit awkward yet enjoyable. During the "Don't Call Me" music video shoot, we filmed a morning scene at night using lighting to make it look like daytime, which was fascinating. Additionally, there was a scene where we held guns and moved as if playing a game while operating the camera ourselves, which was really fun.
Various concept photos were released to promote this album. Do you have a favorite outfit or concept image?
Jonghyeong: Personally, I like the striped suit from the "ON version." I think it represents this album the best, and I wore it during a music show performance. It was a look I liked, making performing on stage even more enjoyable.
How has working as a unit been, and what about your unit sets you apart from others? What is something you feel only NINE to SIX can show?
Mingyu: Jonghyeong and I thought a lot about how to make the stage look fuller, just the two of us, so we prepared while considering that aspect. This activity has given me a lot of personal growth, and I consider it an activity that has allowed me to grow. One distinct point about NINE to SIX is our "empathy." We believe that our songs, which express office workers' struggles and the MZ generation's love stories, will resonate with many people. Furthermore, we can show various colors from different perspectives, making us unique.
Read the full interview at Hellokpop.