Singer-songwriter Kino, a member of Pentagon, is making a powerful solo return after one year and five months with a brand-new mini album that promises to peel back his layers and challenge the boundaries of K-pop expression.
Kino’s second EP, EVERYBODY’S GUILTY, BUT NO ONE’S TO BLAME, will be released on October 13 at 6 PM (KST) across major streaming platforms, including Melon and Spotify. The album features seven tracks, including the title song “DIRTY BOY (Feat. JAMIE, UWA)”, and captures Kino’s honest confrontation with his inner emotions—raw, rebellious, and unapologetically human.
The title track “DIRTY BOY” is a tech-house number produced and written by Kino himself. The song reflects his desire to break free from the “good kid syndrome” and live authentically, guided by instinct rather than social expectations. With addictive beats, pulsating house rhythms, and a message centered on self-liberation, “DIRTY BOY” serves as both a declaration of independence and a sonic rebellion that expands Kino’s artistic spectrum.
Adding to the excitement, the track features UWA, a standout dancer from Mnet’s World of Street Woman Fighter (SUP3) and member of the Japanese dance crew Osaka Ojou Gang, along with JAMIE, known for her powerful vocals and versatility. UWA not only lends her presence to the track but also collaborates with Kino on an intense performance piece, embodying the theme of desire versus restraint. The choreography’s dynamic structure—where UWA leads and Kino follows—visually amplifies the song’s narrative of tension and release.
The accompanying music video further deepens the artistic impact. It portrays Kino’s awakening from a monotonous routine to a liberated version of himself, enhanced by striking cinematography and symbolic imagery. Produced by ‘Obvious’, the creative studio led by PD and director Jang Dong-joo (who co-produced aespa’s “Armageddon”), the video showcases Kino’s commitment to storytelling through art. Notably, it includes his first-ever wire action scenes, a testament to his dedication to bringing his concept to life both visually and emotionally.
Beyond “DIRTY BOY,” the EP delves into themes rarely explored in mainstream K-pop—rebellion, frustration, anxiety, and self-acceptance—presented through Kino’s unique artistic lens. The tracklist includes:
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“MY TURNTABLE IS CONCRETE PT.2” – a sharp autobiographical continuation of his earlier work,
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“CSC (CLUB SEX CIGARETTES)” – a pre-released single that embodies freedom and sensuality, and
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“WURK”, which creatively integrates the traditional Korean rhythm ‘jajinmori’, offering a blend of cultural roots and modern experimentation.
Discussing his inspiration, Kino shared, “This album’s biggest theme is self-rediscovery. While running my independent label Naked, I began reflecting more deeply on who I really am. It took courage to acknowledge that the version of myself people loved might not be the complete me—and to accept that imperfection as part of who I am.” He added, “Through this album, I wanted to face my inner self honestly, even the emotions I didn’t know existed, and embrace them as part of my identity.”
Following the EP’s release, Kino will officially begin his promotional activities for “DIRTY BOY (Feat. JAMIE, UWA)” starting with a performance on MBC M’s ‘Show! Champion’ on October 15.
With EVERYBODY’S GUILTY, BUT NO ONE’S TO BLAME, Kino sets out on an artistic journey of self-acceptance and creative liberation—an evolution that cements his identity not just as a performer, but as a boundary-breaking storyteller unafraid to reveal the chaos and beauty within.
