Pentagon's Kino sings, "You are beautiful in your own skin," in his first single off his own label, NAKED. The song is a celebration of stepping out into the world as your true, unadorned self, and he's here to remind you that the real runway is confidence, and it's the most beautiful thing you can ever wear. This also marks the artist's second single since the release of "Pose" back in August 2022.

With 13 years of experience under his belt, the singer-songwriter, rapper, composer, dancer, and now a CEO, isn't slowing down anytime soon. Though juggling all of his roles at once is not easy, Kino said that whether or not it has anything to do with music, he'd like to give all of them a taste. 

With the release of "Fashion Style," a song he penned and produced that conveys the message "Don't try to be someone else, you are most beautiful when you are comfortable in your own skin," Kino, who has been showcasing his growth with music projects as a producer and lyricist over the past few years, continues to demonstrate his abilities and direction of his new sound.

allkpop caught up with Kino to talk about the new stage of his career, releasing his first single under his own label, and what else we can expect from him in the future. Read on below to learn more about Kino!

allkpop: First of all, how have you been lately? You're kicking off 2024 with a new single — congratulations! Are there things that we should look forward to from you for this year, maybe a mini-album or a full album?

KINO: Thank you! There’s a lot to come this year. More music and other exciting projects. I hope all these projects come to life and brighten your day!

allkpop: Tell us more about your new single “Fashion Style” including the message you hope to convey as well as the preparations you made. It’s your first solo release under your own label, NAKED!

KINO: That’s correct. Since it’s the very first single released under my label, I’ve put a lot of thoughts into it. It contains topics and stories I personally like such as confidence, youth, freedom, and fashion. Most importantly, the melodies are insanely good!

allkpop: Comparing this single to your debut track “Pose” what do you think is the biggest difference in terms of your musicality?

KINO: It’s completely different — flipped 180 degrees. First of all, the song’s lyrics are in English. The style changed from sexy dance music to easy-listening pop music. Apologies to all the listeners who are “Pose” stans, but I am confident that you will love “Fashion Style” as much, or even more!

allkpop: You already have a lot of titles like singer, dancer, rapper, songwriter, choreographer... and now, you’re a CEO! How does it feel to be able to wear multiple hats now that you’ve added another one, a major responsibility?

KINO: With all honesty? Somebody help me! (laughs) There’s a lot on the plate, and juggling all of them in balance is not easy. That’s for sure. I now have a bigger sense of responsibility. The hopes and excitement for the future keep me going, and it wins over the status of being physically fatigued. I like it! I think it was in my blood all along!

allkpop: From being an idol being managed by a company to now an idol who owns his own label... What was that transition like? How do you handle the pressure?

KINO: Since I was self-producing songs with the members of Pentagon in the past, when it comes to music production, there’s no big difference. The biggest difference actually comes from the decision-making. Up until now, it is about what “I” want. What's as important is the opinions of the NAKED team as well. I am now more open to accepting different points of view. It diversifies and broadens my perspective, and it brings out better results!

allkpop: You’ve had a lot of experience before building your own company. Do you think these experiences have helped you out with being confident about starting your own company despite the challenges you will be facing? What are the biggest learnings you’ve had that you think are crucial at this time?

KINO: I have 13 accumulated years of experience, and when I was getting ready for the second chapter of my career, there was this voice in my head saying, “Now is the time!” The most important lessons I’ve learned working with the NAKED team is that everyone has their forte, their own field of expertise, and that I’m not as smart as I think I am. (laughs)

allkpop: Is still there anything that you’d like to try, perhaps an activity/hobby or another career like acting?

KINO: All artistic activities that can project myself and share my thoughts with others, I want to give them a try. Business also falls under the category of art. Acting, music-related, and none music-related business projects…if I can, I want to get a taste of them all before I die. But, music is where my head and mind are at right now, so let me entertain you with music first.

allkpop: You debuted solo last 2022. How was it doing all the activities — the recording, music video filming, promoting — all alone? Do you think it's harder to be a solo artist, or do you think that it’s actually easier and a good thing since there’s basically freedom?

KINO: There are not many artists who can actually do every work just by themselves. That includes me as well. You need a team, and I believe it would be a matter of size, I guess. I am free yet not free. It’s difficult but not difficult at the same time… You know what I mean? To be honest, as I was before, the only thought that comes to my mind throughout this process is “I am creating something interesting.” The only downside of being a solo artist is not having members next to me.

allkpop: Having full control over the music and content you make is satisfying, right? Since there’s so much work you need to put in as well... It’s also exhausting at some point. How do you approach that kind of situation?

KINO: I let my brain function just how it does like, just like an AI assistant, considering it has a separate identity. I’m not trying to control it. The creative switch is turned on when I am making music or videos like TikTok. When I am doing business, the business switch gets turned on. As you have expected it already, it’s twice as exhausting. (laughs)

allkpop: You’ve shown huge growth from your debut with Pentagon to your solo debut. Now that there were major changes in your career, what do you believe is the significant part of your growth right now? What change has been the most noticeable for you?

KINO: Stage presence — the ability to pull the audience in. During my 7 years in Pentagon, I’ve observed many artists as well as the members of our team. I’ve learned a lot from watching them by taking in what I need to improve on and practice to make it mine. I feel like I finally put Kino to the level where I wanted to be as a performer on stage. There’s still a long way to go but I’m pretty good, not too shabby at all.

allkpop I heard that you are most different on and off stage. Do you worry or dwell on what other people might think about you, or are you the type of person who is like, “I don’t care what people see me as, as long as I am me”?

KINO: You know what? I am the type that goes, “I am not going to care what others think about me,” but do care a little yet try not to let it affect me. However, when I am on stage, everything changes. When I hear music through my in-ear monitor, all my thoughts shut down. I just let the music take over me and I play hard. So, what I show on the stage is always not identical to what I actually prepared during the rehearsals. Every show will be a different show if you come to mine, never a dull moment. (winks)

allkpop: Lastly, please leave your final message to allkpop readers and your fans all over the world!

KINO: To all allkpop readers out there, it’s my first time greeting you as a solo artist. These days, all I think about is how to share my real stories through music and the days I will meet you all and go crazy together on the stage. I’ll make sure not to keep you waiting for long, Kino is coming soon to a venue near you! I hope you love “Fashion Style” as much as I do! Don’t forget to love yourself, too! I love you!