KickFlip, a seven-member group, is staking its claim in the fifth-generation K-pop landscape with bold confidence — which is why Billboard has chosen them as our K-Pop Rookie of the Month for June.
Since debuting in January 2025, KickFlip has dropped two mini-albums in just six months, each release sharpening the group’s identity and artistic vision. Their high-octane performances and storytelling rooted in themes of freedom and boldness resonate directly with today’s youth, channeling the vibrant spirit and self-assurance that defines their generation.
Their latest mini-album, Kick Out, Flip Now!, doubles down on that energy. The track “FREEZE” showcases KickFlip’s performance prowess with dynamic shifts and an immersive stage presence. Its unfiltered lyrics cut through teenage anxieties, reframing youth not as something naive, but as something charged with power and possibility.
Already, less than half a year after their debut, KickFlip is gearing up for a landmark appearance at Lollapalooza Chicago 2025 — a testament to their rapid ascent on the world stage. In our exclusive interview, the group reflects on their artistic growth, shares the creative vision behind their music, and the energy the group brings as a new generation of K-pop artists.
Someday, when people say “KYEHOON of KickFlip” or “AMARU of KickFlip,” what kind of titles or phrases do you hope precede your name?
Kyehoon: I want to be called “a leader of K-pop.” My goal is to be an artist who leaves a meaningful mark in the history of K-pop.
Amaru: I dream of KickFlip being described as “a team leading K-pop.” Like our seniors Stray Kids, we’re working hard to represent K-pop on the global stage.
Is there an “unofficial role” each member has within the group that fans might not know?
Donghwa: I’m what you’d call the “combo-maker.” I like coming up with fun nicknames for different member pairings, and everyone enjoys it, so it’s kind of become my thing.
Juwang: I’d say I’m the “routine master.” I always keep a rhythm for myself—like working out before or after schedules. That routine helps me stay grounded.
Is there a nickname fans call you that you feel especially attached to?
Minje: “Manja Boy” is the one that means the most to me. It’s a nickname I’ve had since I was a kid, so it feels really familiar and makes me happy every time I hear it.
Are there any genres or concepts you’d like to try in the future?
Keiju: There are so many genres we haven’t explored yet. If it allows us to show a new side of KickFlip, we’re ready to take on any concept.
Are there any Korean or international artists you dream of collaborating with?
Amaru: For me, it’s J. Cole. He’s someone I’ve truly admired since I was young. I hope one day we can collaborate on a rap track. I’m continuing to grow as an artist so that I can make that dream come true.
-
Kyehoon
Image Credit: JYP Entertainment Your second mini album Kick Out, Flip Now! seems to reflect the spirit of your team. In what way does this album feel most “KickFlip” to you?
Kyehoon: It’s filled with the refreshing and free energy of being a teenager, which really resembles who we are as a group. The message — “let’s live freely, at least for today” — is something we genuinely live by.
-
Amaru
Image Credit: JYP Entertainment After releasing two albums, are there parts of this experience that now feel familiar? And are there things that still excite or feel unfamiliar?
Amaru: To be honest, everything still feels new and like a challenge. But if I had to pick something, I think I’ve become a little less nervous when interacting with fans during pre-recordings.
-
Donghwa
Image Credit: JYP Entertainment The announcement of your upcoming Lollapalooza performance made headlines. Since festivals are quite different from your own concerts, what kind of performance do you hope to deliver?
Donghwa: I want to bring bright, summery energy to the stage and show off our full passion and spirit. Most of all, I hope we deliver a confident and impactful performance that’s uniquely KickFlip.
-
Donghyeon
Image Credit: JYP Entertainment Did you each focus on any particular expressions or energy while performing “FREEZE” onstage?
Donghyeon: There’s a part in the chorus where it feels like I’m holding my breath. To make that moment more immersive, I actually held my breath and focused on my facial expression.
-
Juwang
Image Credit: JYP Entertainment The title “FREEZE” suggests stillness, but the song is full of intense energy. What kind of image did it bring to mind when you first heard it?
Juwang: I thought it was a song that would shine even more on a big stage. I could instantly picture the final chant section with the fans singing along — and that image motivates us to make it real.
-
Keiju
Image Credit: JYP Entertainment Did you each focus on any particular expressions or energy while performing “FREEZE” onstage?
Keiju: The most important thing for me was to enjoy the stage with all my heart. I tried to express that freedom naturally through my expressions and gestures.
-
Minje
Image Credit: JYP Entertainment It’s been a few months since your debut. With your days likely filled with new and busy schedules, how have you been feeling lately?
Minje: Every day, I start with the mind-set that I want to show WeFlip (our official fandom) something new and better. We’re constantly preparing to meet those expectations.
-
KickFlip
Image Credit: JYP Entertainment What kind of year do you hope 2025 will be remembered as for KickFlip? If you had to describe it with one keyword?
Minje: I hope it’ll be remembered as the year we made a bold entrance. If I had to choose one word, it would be “overflowing confidence.” That’s the energy we plan to carry with us all year.
