KickFlip Is Billboard’s Ok-Pop Rookie of the Month (June): Images

KickFlip, a seven-member group, is staking its declare within the fifth-generation Ok-pop panorama with daring confidence — which is why Billboard has chosen them as our Ok-Pop Rookie of the Month for June.

Since debuting in January 2025, KickFlip has dropped two mini-albums in simply six months, every launch sharpening the group’s id and inventive imaginative and prescient. Their high-octane performances and storytelling rooted in themes of freedom and boldness resonate immediately with at this time’s youth, channeling the colourful spirit and self-assurance that defines their technology.

Their bazaar mini-album, Kick Out, Flip Now!, doubles down on that vitality. The monitor “FREEZE” showcases KickFlip’s efficiency prowess with dynamic shifts and an immersive stage presence. Its unfiltered lyrics reduce by means of teenage anxieties, reframing youth not as one thing naive, however as one thing charged with energy and chance.

Already, lower than half a 12 months after their debut, KickFlip is gearing up for a landmark look at Lollapalooza Chicago 2025 — a testomony to their speedy ascent on the world stage. In our unique interview, the group displays on their inventive progress, shares the inventive imaginative and prescient behind their music, and the vitality the group brings as a brand new technology of Ok-pop artists.

Sometime, when folks say “KYEHOON of KickFlip” or “AMARU of KickFlip,” what sort of titles or phrases do you hope precede your title?

Kyehoon: I need to be referred to as “a frontrunner of Ok-pop.” My objective is to be an artist who leaves a significant mark within the historical past of Ok-pop.

Amaru: I dream of KickFlip being described as “a group main Ok-pop.” Like our seniors Stray Youngsters, we’re working onerous to symbolize Ok-pop on the worldwide stage.

Is there an “unofficial function” every member has throughout the group that followers may not know?

Donghwa: I’m what you’d name the “combo-maker.” I like arising with enjoyable nicknames for various member pairings, and everybody enjoys it, so it’s type of develop into my factor.

Juwang: I’d say I’m the “routine grasp.” I at all times maintain a rhythm for myself—like figuring out earlier than or after schedules. That routine helps me keep grounded.

Is there a nickname followers name you that you just really feel particularly connected to?

Minje: “Manja Boy” is the one meaning essentially the most to me. It’s a nickname I’ve had since I used to be a child, so it feels actually acquainted and makes me completely satisfied each time I hear it.

Are there any genres or ideas you’d prefer to strive sooner or later?

Keiju: There are such a lot of genres we haven’t explored but. If it permits us to indicate a brand new aspect of KickFlip, we’re able to tackle any idea.

Are there any Korean or worldwide artists you dream of collaborating with?

Amaru: For me, it’s J. Cole. He’s somebody I’ve really admired since I used to be younger. I hope in the future we will collaborate on a rap monitor. I’m persevering with to develop as an artist in order that I could make that dream come true.