South Korean artist KINO confront burnout, self-doubt, and the tension between public expectation and private reality on his newest EP Lost and Found, an electro-tinged project laden with emotional resonance.Known globally as a member of PENTAGON, KINO has been building a solo identity that unveils more sides for himself, scratching the polish of a K-pop artist to reveal the gritty, grounded person beneath.
Spanning self-doubt and self-assurance with equal parts vulnerability and strength, the project is relatable yet intimate as it captures the personable, self-directed signature style he has been shaping his since 2025 EP EVERYBODY’S GUILTY, BUT NO ONE’S TO BLAME, which confronted social pressure and burnout.
Released independently through his own company NAKED, KINO who is also set to bring his FREE KINO world tour to the U.S. following performances across Europe and Asia, KINO continues shaping a heartfelt, authentic artistry built on emotional directness and connection.
Speaking to Earmilk, KINO dives into the inspiration behind the EP, on how his solo sound has evolved and how uncertainty drives his creativity.
1) What is the inspiration/message behind your new EP Lost and Found?
This EP came from a very personal place where a mindset shift has been made, caused by the things I went through after my previous 2nd EP. While working on my 2nd EP, I started to accept that even the negative emotions I had were still a part of me. Instead of trying to fix or hide them, I just acknowledged them, and in a way, I learned to love those imperfect sides of myself again. Through that process, I felt like I was reconnecting with something I had lost withoutrealizing it. Things like love, freedom, and the ability to see the world in a more beautiful and positive way.
So Lost and Found is really about that journey of self-doubt turning into self-acceptance. It’s about rediscovering what you thought was lost, and realizing that it was still inside you the whole time. If I had to describe the core message, it’s the belief that it’s okay to live as who you are. Not a perfect version of yourself, but just who you are right now. And that realization gave gave me a sense of freedom and it shaped this entire EP.
2) How would you describe your solo sonic identity and how has it evolved?
In the beginning, I think I was still trying to define what my sound should be. There was a part of me that wanted to prove something, maybe to show that I could do everything well. But over time, I realized my identity isn’t really about a specific genre or style. It’s more about how honest I can be within music. Even if the genre changes, if the emotion in that feels real to me, then it still feels like my music. So I think the biggest change is that I’m less focused about being “right” and more focused on being “truthful.” And that actually made my music feel more consistent, even when the sounds are different. For this album, it was uplifting electronic pop music.
3) What’s your personal favourite track from the EP and why?
I think my favorite track from this EP is ‘ALL LOVE!’. It feels the closest to who I really am at my core. There’s something very simple and honest about it that I didn’t try to overthink or control too much. And personally, it’s one of those songs that genuinely makes me feel happy when I listen to it. Not in a big or dramatic way, but in a very natural, subtle way. It’s interesting because the more I listen to it, the more I end up liking it. I think that’s why it became my favorite. It feels like a song that represents me.
4) In your solo work, you speak about pursuing an identity that’s authentic to you rather than shaped by pressures and expectations. This is a relatable experience even outside music, can you think of any moments or messages where fans have expressed the feeling they can relate to this pursuit of authenticity?
Sometimes they say things like, “I didn’t realize I felt this way until I heard your song.” That really stayed with me. Because it made me realize that being honest doesn’t just create connection, it can also help people recognize something inside themselves. I think that’s something I’m still learning too. We don’t always understand our emotions right away. Sometimes we need something external to reflect us back.
5) What’s been the most surreal moment in your solo career so far?
I think the most surreal moments are actually not grand and fancy but more very “quiet” ones. Like when I’m on stage, and there’s a moment where everything feels still, even if just for a second. I can see people in the audience, but at the same time it feels a bit unreal, like I’m watching it from outside of myself. Those moments don’t last long, but it’s special. And I think they remind me why I started doing this in the first place.
6) What’s on your bucket list in terms of something you’d like to achieve or experience in your musical journey going forward?
I used to have very specific goals, like certain stages or achievements. But recently, I think my idea of a “goal” has changed a bit. I still have things I want to experience, but more than that, I want to be able to continue making music in a way that feels honest to me. If I had to say one thing, I’d like to create a moment where people don’t just listen to the music, but experience it like they’re part of it. Not as an audience, but as someone sharing the same space and emotion.
7) Finally, what’s one question no one has asked you in an interview you wish you were asked?
I think I’d like someone to ask, “What are you still unsure about?”. Because I feel like interviews often focus on clarity, like we’re supposed to have everything figured out. But honestly, I think I’m still unsure about a lot of things. And I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I think that uncertainty is actually what keeps me moving and creating.
Connect with KINO : Instagram
