NEWS
TREASURE: “‘KING KONG’ Makes Your Heart Heat Up Right from the Start”
As TREASURE prepares for their comeback, the group has personally introduced the highlights of their new song, ‘KING KONG’.
TREASURE will release the official audio and music video for ‘KING KONG’ on May 28 at 6 PM. The song, which uses the story of King Kong to describe an unattainable, sad love, shows a more mature and intense side of TREASURE, enhanced with a trendy sound and a more dynamic, powerful performance.
Despite their busy schedule with the Asian tour, TREASURE has been sweating it out for the fans, confidently stating that this song “properly shows our musical growth.”
Interview with TREASURE:
Q. It’s been 10 months since your second full album ‘REBOOT’. How do you feel about this release?
PARK JEONG WOO: We want to show how much we’ve grown since we’re meeting our fans after a long time. We hope to create fun memories together again.
ASAHI: I’m always excited and looking forward to showing a new side of us. Especially this song, which I personally really like, makes me even more eager.
YOSHI: I often check out what fans say on social meda. Thanks to TREASURE MAKER (fan club name), who have been waiting for our comeback, I was able to work even during the tour, drawing energy from their support. I’m looking forward to the reaction when it’s released and hope everyone enjoys it. I can’t wait to perform it on stage.
Q. What is ‘KING KONG’ about?
JUNKYU: ‘KING KONG’ is a dynamic dance track. It incorporates the King Kong story to express a blind love that says, “I know it’s unattainable, but I’ll give my all.”
DOYOUNG: It captures the intense feeling of King Kong running headfirst into love. You’ll feel an overflowing energy the moment you listen to it, and I hope everyone enjoys that thrilling sensation.
Q. The title ‘KING KONG’ and the slogan ‘MY LOVE IS LIKE KING KONG’ are interesting. Why did you decide to come back with this song?
JIHOON: As you’ll hear, the theme of this song is very powerful. It features stronger vocals and performances than before. The satisfaction among the members was very high, from the music video to the visual concept. We were confident about this song and thought it would properly showcase TREASURE’s musical growth. That’s why we chose ‘KING KONG’ and hope everyone focuses more on the concept.
Q. What was your first impression of ‘KING KONG’?
JIHOON: The moment I heard it, I thought, ‘This is it!’ It captures a very trendy vibe, from the mood to the melody. From the very start, it felt like my heart was heating up, and I could naturally imagine us performing it on stage. I was very satisfied with how the points we intended to express were fully conveyed.
Q. What sets this song apart from previous releases? What did you focus on during the production?
CHOI HYUN SUK: This song needed to express an unbridled, intense love, so I revisited movies and poetry collections for inspiration. I also listened to previous TREASURE songs to figure out how to interpret straightforward love in a way that’s uniquely TREASURE and YG-style.
Q. What aspects did you focus on for the ‘KING KONG’ performance?
SO JUNG HWAN: I think it would have to be the dance break. It’s a fresh arrangement that I hadn’t tried much before. I think the fans will find it refreshing.
JIHOON: We incorporated krump to bring out the speed and bounce. The performance matches the theme of the song with dynamic and energetic choreography. We meticulously monitored every gesture, facial expression, and movement during practice, and we hope you’ll pay close attention to these aspects.
Q. What is the key choreography for ‘KING KONG’?
JUNKYU: There’s a move in the chorus that symbolizes ‘King Kong’. The choreography intuitively matches the lyrics. It’s quite entertaining to watch.
Q. The music video teaser has already generated hot reactions, especially with its cinematic direction. Could you briefly explain the story and key points to watch?
SO JUNG HWAN: It’s about King Kong regaining his suppressed freedom and being liberated. This is the largest-scale music video we’ve shot so far, filmed cinematically in a mood different from before. We paid great attention to every set piece. Personally, it’s a style I really like, so I’m very excited.
Q. Any memorable episodes from filming the music video?
DOYOUNG: There’s a scene in the first verse where I drive an armored vehicle through the city streets. It was an action scene that’s hard to try normally, but it was really thrilling. Thanks to many staff members, we were able to shoot it safely without any injuries.
Q. CHOI HYUN SUK and YOSHI were involved in writing the lyrics. Can you share some behind-the-scenes from the production?
CHOI HYUN SUK: After ‘BFF’ and ‘HOLD IT IN’, this is the third title track I’ve helped produce. It was an honor, and I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. Though I thought the process would be smooth since the category was the straightforward ‘KING KONG’, it underwent many revisions and took a lot of trial and error to perfect. It was tough, but the sense of achievement was great, and I’m very grateful to the producers and members who worked with me.
Q. If you were to describe this single with one keyword, what would it be?
YOON JAE HYUK: Intensity. This song has a fast tempo and a strong beat. The performance is also flashy, and visually, it feels very mature. I think fans will feel the same way I do when they see it.
Q. You’re very busy with the Asia tour, Japan fan meeting tour, and preparing a new album. What’s your mindset for these activities?
PARK JEONG WOO: It’s busy but fun to work. Lately, I’ve been gaining energy from meeting fans during the tour, so rather than feeling tired, I feel energized. I’ll keep working hard to grow day by day without getting hurt.
ASAHI: Whenever I perform, I try to observe the audience’s expressions. Seeing them enjoy and cheer makes me want to prepare even harder.
YOSHI: I’m getting more ambitious about showing various sides to TREASURE MAKER. I’m trying new things and seriously considering what aspects we haven’t shown yet. I want to continue surprising our fans with new facets each time.
Q. Was it physically challenging to release a new song during the tour?
CHOI HYUN SUK: Although there were many projects going on alongside ‘KING KONG’, I love the sense of accomplishment that comes with working hard and completing them. I’m grateful for this opportunity and proud of what we’ve achieved.
HARUTO: Seeing fans enjoy and respond during performances gives me a lot of strength. Initially, I had concerns about my physical condition, but after several tours, it seems like all the members have somewhat mastered how to manage and balance their condition.
Q. Finally, a message for the always-supportive TREASURE MAKER?
YOON JAE HYUK: I’ve come to realize even more how precious TREASURE MAKER is. Visiting various countries on tour and being welcomed with such loud cheers always makes me thankful. It motivates me to work harder in both dance and song. I hope to continue showing you the best of us, so please keep supporting us.
HARUTO: I always want to say thank you for your support. Although I feel sorry for only receiving, I am committed to giving back strength and love as a singer, so please look forward to it.