S.Korean mix gender K-pop trio Koyote returns with 'Let's Koyote'

SEOUL October 06 (Yonhap) -- South Korean mixed gender K-pop trio Koyote returned to the music scene with their latest album “Let’s Koyote” on October 5.

Throughout the media showcase held in Gangnam on October 5, Koyote stated “There are a lot of people who say that they enjoy watching us together, they are delighted to see us, and more” adding “Although we do not put out a strong long lasting impressions through dance moves, or unique music genre, we plan to strive forward for those who love us for who we are.”

Trio which made its debut in 1998 continued on with their success through “Soon Jung,” “Waves,”” “Bimong,” and more as a mixed gender K-pop group. Three of the members showcased great friendship and synergy through the dark days where most of the first generation of K-pop group members went separate ways by staying together.

Koyote’s Kim Jong-min was awarded with the grand prize of the Entertainment Award due to his appearance in S.Korean broadcasting service KBS’ variety program “2 days & 1 night, and Shinji continued on with her musical career based with her splendid vocal.

Media showcase held on October 5, was their first showcase in 24 years since their debut.

“Looking back at the history of the group, Koyote went throughout member changes, switching of the company, so given all the changes, the path Koyote walked was not smooth.” adding “However we have never went our separate ways. We believe that the years we have spent doing our individual work was a preperational period for use to get back together to sing and perform as Koyote.” addressed Shin-ji during the media showcase held for their latest album “Let’s Koyote.”

“Let’s Koyote” is a double titled album which includes “My Hero” and “Half.”

Title track “My Hero” depicts group’s message of gratitude towards their fans that have held the ground and spent dark times together. Whereas another title track “Half” is a bright dance tune with addictive melody.

“I would like to pave the road for singer and artists so that they can actively sing and perform for a long time, just like us,” adding “Although the future is uncertain and unstable, I would like to provide them hope, that if one puts in the continuous effort, they can make it as a singer.” Kim Jong-min of Koyote stated during the media showcase of their latest album “Let’s Koyote.”

Moreover, while taking a group photo, the artist stated, “While taking the group photo with I came to think how happy I am to have stayed together with the group during our hardest times.”

“For the production, we have decided to trust our producers completely, which decreased the amount of pressure we felt as far as the production goes.” adding “However, the track depicts our lives as Koyote, so its feels different. Our schedules might be physically challenging, however I feel very happy.” addressed Shin-ji during the media showcase of their latest album “Let’s Koyote.”

Koyote known for their unique two lettered titles for their tracks during the late 1990s to early 2000, returned with two lettered tracks in celebration of their 24th anniversary of debut.

“Some of our fans get sad if they see a lengthy title,” adding “Although two of the other members are strict about keeping the tradition of using two letter words as our title, I for one, would like to keep on going with the tradition.” announced Shin-ji during the media showcase.

When asked with their future goal, Shin-Ji whimsically addressed “The Year Kim Jong-min turns 60 Koyote will be celebrating our 40th anniversary by hosting a dinner show.” adding “If we somehow make it to our 60s then it would be hard for use to move around and dance to our songs, so I guess that would be a great time for us to let go of the title Koyote.”

K-pop trio Koyote joined the JG Star Entertainment on 2022 and decided upon their official color. The group will be hosting their solo concert in Daeyang Hall of Sejong Universty, on November 5 and 6.

“Since we are older and mature, there are a lot of valuable memories and things we cherish, with caring mind we will do our best in various outlets.” addressed Shin-ji during the media showcase.

 

(This article is translated from Korean to English by Joonha Yoo)

https://k-odyssey.com/news/newsview.php?ncode=1065576184614760

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Veteran co-ed group Koyote sends hopeful message to fans with ‘Hero,’ ‘Soulmate’ Koyote, a legendary co-ed Korean vocal group that boasts a career extending across 24 years, is back on the music scene with the new album “Let’s Koyote.”

The band, consisting of Kim Jong-min, Shin Ji and Bbaek Ga, held its ever-first media showcase since debuting in 1998 in Seoul on Wednesday to unveil two new songs -- “Hero” and “Soulmate” -- and look back on a long-lasting career. The two-track album is the follow-up to upbeat summery song “Go,” which released in August. “I don’t usually get nervous on stage, but today I can feel my mouth is getting really dry. It’s our first showcase since debut and it means a lot to us,” said Shin Ji at the event, overwhelmed with excitement.

Double lead tracks “Hero” and “Soulmate” relay messages to fans that they are Koyote’s dearest heroes and soulmates, who have stood by their side through the ups and downs. Rapper Bbaek Ga took part in penning the lyrics for “Hero.” Koyote explained that the group hoped its new music could serve as an opportunity for fans to breathe new life into the group, whose activities had been halted during the pandemic era. Dropping a new album in less than two months and preparing for the group’s forthcoming concert in November at the same time was no easy task for the band. But it was the mastery in balancing out their musical careers and individual lives that enabled the bandmates to keep moving forward despite the hectic schedule.

“Although our career wasn’t always rosy, we’ve managed to stick to each other throughout this whole journey. All three of us were well aware of the power of music, that we should stay together no matter what. And then came the COVID-19 breakout, which forced us to stop everything,” continued Shin Ji, explaining how preparing for the new album made her walk down the memory lane of the band’s rougher days.

“Then Jong-min told us to find what we could do individually, as Koyote will always be there, and not to hang our identities too much on the group. So we focused on our individual projects and hobbies while keep honing our musical talents just for the moment we could get together on stage.”

Having signed an exclusive contract with JG Star Entertainment in July, the bandmates continued to share that they put more weight on the company’s decisions and direction, rather than handpicking everything they wanted for the album themselves. “We might have let ourselves down musicwise, but eventually the songs got us to sing from the bottom of our hearts since they conveyed our own stories and histories,” said Koyote.

Koyote first entered the music scene in 1998 with hit single “Soon Jung,” which immediately became one of the most popular songs at nightclubs across Korea at the time. Among countless accolades and hallmark songs, the co-ed group shot to stardom with hits like “Man Nam,” “Sil Yun,” “Bi Mong,” “Disco King,” “Bingo,” “I Love Rock & Roll,” “Good Good Time” and “Hollywood.”

As the longest-running co-ed group in Korea, Koyote plans to continue the legacy for the next few decades, at the least.

“Our goal is to hold a dinner show for our 40th anniversary, which is also the same year as Jong-min’s 60th birthday. The only difference would be that we would be singing while seated,” said Shin Ji with a laugh.

“As I get older, everything gets so precious. We will keep moving forward with this mindset.”

Koyote is set to hold concerts on consecutive days at Sejong University Daeyang Hall in Seoul on Nov. 5 and 6 and continue on a nationwide tour.

By Hong Dam-young (lotus@heraldcorp.com)