DKZ
South Korean boy band From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
DKZ (Korean: 디케이지; formerly Dongkiz; Korean: 동키즈, stylized in all caps) is a South Korean boy band formed and managed by Dongyo Entertainment. The group comprises Sehyeon, Mingyu, Jaechan, Jonghyeong, and Giseok, and previously Wondae, Munik, and Kyoungyoon, until they departed from the group in March 2022, February and August 2023, respectively.
DKZ | |
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![]() DKZ in September 2022 From L–R: Sehyeon, Kyoungyoon, Jaechan, Jonghyeong, Mingyu, and Giseok. | |
Background information | |
Origin | Seoul, South Korea |
Genres | K-pop |
Years active | 2019 | –present
Labels | |
Spinoffs |
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Members |
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Past members |
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Website | Official website |
History
Summarize
Perspective
2018: Predebut
The members of Dongkiz—Wondae, Kyoungyoon, Munik, Jaechan, and Jonghyeong—were trainees between one and three years.[1][2] The group was modeled after New Kids on the Block.[2]
Dongkiz initiated promotional activities in August 2018, which included uploading dance covers onto Dongyo Entertainment's YouTube channel and busking.[3][4] They also performed at the HEC Korea Concert in Thailand and attended the 2018 JOOX Thailand Music Awards.[5]
On November 21, 2018, the group released a Minneapolis sound-based pre-debut single entitled "Nom".[6]
2019–2021: Career beginnings

Originally slated for a February 2019 debut, Dongkiz released their debut single album Dongkiz on the Block on April 24.[7][8] They intended to promote a different song, but ultimately decided on "Nom" to serve as the lead single.[9] On July 22, the group released their second single album BlockBuster. The title track samples the theme song of the 1984 film Ghostbusters.[10] Dedicated to their fans, they released the dance-pop track "Dreaming You" as a digital single on September 11.[11] After sustaining a leg injury in midst of practice, in addition to ongoing trauma from a back injury endured prior to his debut, Kyoungyoon paused his activities to recuperate and the group continued promoting as four.[12] Dongkiz released their first mini-album Dongky Town and accompanying disco-EDM single "Fever" on November 6.[13] They went on to win the "Focus Award (Music)" at the 2019 Asia Artist Awards held at Mỹ Đình National Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam.[14] The group was also invited to perform by the Korean Cultural Center in Turkey on December that year.[15]
On January 2, 2020, Dongkiz followed up with the funk single "All I Need Is You", marking Kyoungyoon's return to the group.[16] The group released the old-school hip hop-dance single "Lupin" on March 15.[17] Dongkiz's third single album Ego was released on August 19, 2020.[18] On December 30, the group released "It's All Right" on their official social networking sites. The song was their first year-end project song which was written, composed, and arranged by all five members of the group.[19]
Dongkiz's fourth single album Youniverse was released on April 15, 2021.[20] It was then followed by the release of their fifth single album Chase Episode 1. Ggum with "Crazy Night" as its single on July 1.[21] In August that year, Dongkiz was again invited for a K-pop concert in Ankara, Turkey hosted by the Korean Cultural Center,[22] and Dongyo Entertainment announced that Wondae and Munik will be taking hiatus from group activities.[23] On December 30, 2021, Kyoungyoon, Jaechan, and Jonghyeong released their second year-end project song, "2021 (Memories)".[24]
2022: Rebranding and rising popularity

On March 18, Dongyo Entertainment announced Wondae's departure from the group due to ongoing health issues while Munik will remain with the group but stay on indefinite hiatus due to medical issues. The agency also revealed its plans to rebrand Dongkiz by changing its name to DKZ and adding three new members to its lineup. On March 28, Sehyeon, Mingyu, and Giseok were introduced as new members of the group. The group released their sixth single album Chase Episode 2. Maum with "Cupid" as its single on April 12.[25] A limited-edition acoustic version of the same album was released on May 26, which was sold out minutes after the server was restored when it initially crashed during release.[26]
The group attended and performed at the K-Expo 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Hosted by the Korean Cultural Center in Brazil, DKZ was the only K-pop idol group invited to perform at the country's largest Hallyu cultural festival held on July 9 and 10.[27]
On September 2, they were recognized and given the "Male Idol - Rising Star Award" in the 2022 Brand of the Year Awards organized by the Korea Consumer Forum.[28]
On October 6, the group released their seventh single album and the last one for their Chase Album Trilogy - Chase Episode 3. Beum with "Uh-Heung" as its single.[29] While they were promoting for their comeback, DKZ performed in the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, on October 15 for KCON 2022 as the first gen winner of MNET Plus' Road to Max: Road to KCON.[30] On October 18, DKZ gained their first music show award during promotions for "Uh-Heung" on the SBS M's The Show.[31]
In November, DKZ performed at the 2022 Genie Music Awards and was chosen to be the recipient of the "Next Generation Award".[32][33] Prior to that, the group was announced as the honorary winner of the final episode of MNET Plus' Road to Max: Road to MAMA Awards.[34] As its winning prize, on November 29, the group attended and performed at the 2022 MAMA Awards held at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan.[35]
Before the year 2022 ended, the group released their self-produced digital album, DKZ Year End Project Song 'It's All Right Part.3' with their single "2022 (Forever)" on December 30.[36]
2023: First fan-con and members' departure
The group held its first live fan concert since their debut Welcome to DTU (Dongky Town University) on January 14 and 15, 2023 in SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium. The 2-day concert was also simultaneously broadcast live for a fee through an online platform.[37]
On February 28, Dongyo Entertainment announced the departure of Munik from the group.[38] In addition, on April 19, it was announced that Kyoungyoon would temporarily suspend his activities with the group for medical issues.[39] On August 7, the agency announced the departure of Kyoungyoon from the group and his military enlistment.[40]
In December, the group released two digital singles. "Daymoon" was released on December 5[41] and "2023 (Friends)" on December 30.[42]
2024–present: Reboot
On March 29, Dongyo Entertainment announced that DKZ will make a comeback on April 12 and release their second mini album Reboot.[43] The EP consists of five songs with "Like A Movie" as its lead single.[44]
Members
Current
- Sehyeon (세현)
- Mingyu (민규)
- Jaechan (재찬) – vocals, rap[45]
- Jonghyeong (종형) – leader, vocals[46][47]
- Giseok (기석)
Former
- Wondae (원대) – leader, vocals, rap[48]
- Munik (문익) – vocals[49]
- Kyoungyoon (경윤) – vocals[50]
Timeline

Sub-units
Dongkiz I:Kan
On July 7, 2020, members Munik and Jaechan formed the group's first sub-unit called Dongkiz I:Kan (Korean: 동키즈 아이캔; or simply I:Kan, stylized in all caps). They debuted upon the release of a new jack swing single "Y.O.U".[51] On February 28, 2023, Munik departed the group, thus the disbandment of the duo sub-unit.[38]
Nine to Six
On May 18, 2023, Dongyo Entertainment announced the creation of a sub-unit called Nine to Six (Korean: 나인투식스), which name derives from the members' role in the TvN drama, The Heavenly Idol.[52] The unit consists of two members, Jonghyeong and Mingyu.[53] The duo officially debuted and released their first single album Good To You on May 31, which contains a total of three songs including "Don't Call Me", "Nod" and "Digital Love".[54][55]
Ambassadorship and philanthropy
During their pre-debut, the group performed at the Charity Concert for Palu, Sigi, and Donggala held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The proceeds of the charity performance were donated to the victims of Indonesia's 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami.[56]
Since November 5, 2019, the group has been appointed as the PR ambassador for the "S.A.V.E. Campaign" jointly launched by the Bestian Foundation and the Fire Department of South Korea.[57] DKZ has been continuously promoting the campaign to improve the welfare of firefighters in the Republic of Korea and support the treatment and recovery of low-income burn patients.[58]
On March 2, 2020, the members were selected as ambassadors for the Korea Science and Space Agency (YAK), a youth organization under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Science and ICT.[59]
Artistry
Discography
Summarize
Perspective
Extended plays
Title | Details | Peak positions |
Sales |
---|---|---|---|
KOR [60] | |||
Dongky Town |
Track listing
|
57 |
|
Reboot |
Track listing
|
12 |
|
Reissues
Title | Details | Peak positions |
Sales |
---|---|---|---|
KOR [60] | |||
Harmony 1st Repackage Album (LP) |
Track listing Side A
Side B
|
— |
|
Single albums
Title | Details | Peak positions |
Sales |
---|---|---|---|
KOR [60] | |||
Dongkiz on the Block |
Track listing
|
58 | — |
BlockBuster |
Track listing
|
50 |
|
Ego (자아; 自我; Jaa) |
Track listing
|
37 |
|
Youniverse |
Track listing
|
67 |
|
Chase Episode 1. Ggum |
Track listing
|
37 |
|
Chase Episode 2. Maum |
Track listing
|
3 |
|
Chase Episode 3. Beum |
Track listing
|
5 |
|
DKZ Year End Project Song 'It's All Right Part.3' |
Track listing
|
12 |
|
Singles
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album |
---|---|---|---|
KOR [71] | |||
"Nom" (놈) | 2018 | — | Dongkiz on the Block |
"BlockBuster" | 2019 | — | BlockBuster |
"Dreaming You" (상상 속의 너) | — | Dongky Town | |
"Fever" | — | ||
"All I Need Is You" | 2020 | — | |
"Lupin" | — | Non-album single | |
"Beautiful" (아름다워) | — | Ego (자아; 自我; Jaa) | |
"It's All Right" | — | Non-album single | |
"Universe" | 2021 | — | Youniverse |
"Crazy Night" (못된 송아지 엉덩이에 뿔) | — | Chase Episode 1. Ggum | |
"2021 (Memories)" | — | Non-album single | |
"Cupid" (사랑도둑) | 2022 | —[A] | Chase Episode 2. Maum |
"In the Rain (Prod. Lee Dae-hwi)" (잠 못 드는 밤 비는 내리고 (Prod. 이대휘)) | —[B] | Listen-Up (리슨업) EP.6 | |
"Uh-Heung" (호랑이가 쫓아온다) | 64 | Chase Episode 3. Beum | |
"2022 (Forever)" | —[C] | DKZ Year End Project Song 'It's All Right Part.3' | |
"Harmony" | 2023 | — | Harmony - 1st Repackage Album (LP) |
"Daymoon" (낮달) | — | Clef X Crew, 5th Story | |
"2023 (Friends)" | — | DKZ Year End Project Song 'It's All Right Part.4' | |
"Like A Movie" | 2024 | — | Reboot |
"2024 (Wishlist)" | 2025 | — | DKZ Year End Project Song 'It's All Right Part.5' |
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. |
Compilation appearances
Title | Year | Album |
---|---|---|
"Sunny" (orig. song by Boney M.)
(with Ulala Session) |
2022 | Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend (Go-Go 70's Special) |
"Can't Live Without You" (orig. song by Patti Kim) | Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend (The One & Only Patti Kim, Part 2) | |
"What Should I Do?" (remake by YB of orig. song by Sand Pebbles) | 2023 | Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend (YB Band Special, Part 1) |
Soundtrack appearances
Title | Year | Peak chart positions |
Member(s) | Album |
---|---|---|---|---|
KOR Circle | ||||
"I Wanna Be With You" | 2020 | — | Wondae | No Going Back Romance OST[75] |
"Our Season" | 2022 | —[D] | Jaechan | Our Season: Spring with Park Jaechan OST |
"Sunflower" | 2025 | — | All | Check-in Hanyang OST Part.6[77] |
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. |
Videography
Music videos
Title | Year | Director(s) | Note | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
"Nom" (놈) | 2018 | Kim Se Hwang (AVLE) | Pre-Debut Single | [78] |
"BlockBuster" | 2019 | — | [79] | |
"Dreaming You" (상상 속의 너) | Unknown | [80] | ||
"Fever" | Kim Se Hwang (AVLE) | [81] | ||
"All I Need Is You" | 2020 | [82] | ||
"Lupin" | [83] | |||
"Y.O.U" | Kang Mingi (aarch film) | 1st Dongkiz Project "DONGKIZ I:KAN" | [84] | |
"Beautiful" (아름다워) | Lee Minjun, Lee Hayoung (MOSWANTD) |
— | [85] | |
"It's All Right" | Dongkiz | Dongkiz Year End Project Song "It's All Right Part.1" | [86] | |
"Universe" | 2021 | Oh Jinuk (Allen's Eyes) | Performance Video | [87] |
"Crazy Night" (못된 송아지 엉덩이에 뿔) | Park Sangmoo, Park Juhee (INYEON ENTERTAINMENT) |
— | [88] | |
"2021 (Memories)" | Dongkiz | Dongkiz Year End Project Song "It's All Right Part.2" | [89] | |
"Cupid" (사랑도둑) | 2022 | Park Sangmoo, Park Juhee (INYEON ENTERTAINMENT) |
New Members: Sehyeon, Mingyu, Giseok | [90] |
"Uh-Heung" (호랑이가 쫓아온다) | Lee Kiseok (zany_layerZ) | — | [91] | |
"2022 (Forever)" | DKZ | DKZ Year End Project Song "It's All Right Part.3" | [92] | |
Filmography
Web shows
Year | Title | Platform | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2019–present | DKZ (Dongkiz) On Air | YouTube | Dongkiz/DKZ-based documentary | |
2021 | Dongkiz Healing Tour (Donggo Dongrak) | YouTube, V Live & Naver TV | Dongkiz-based reality show (7 episodes) | [93] |
Dongky Town 高 | YouTube | Special collaborative variety show with Kwanghee (3 episodes) | [94] | |
Dongky Town Company (DTC) | YouTube | Dongkiz-based variety show (4 episodes) | [95] | |
2022 | DKZ's Friendship and Joy 2 (Donggo Dongrak 2) | YouTube | DKZ-based reality show (8 episodes) | [96] |
Television shows
Year | Title | Network | Role | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Immortal Songs 2 | KBS | Contestant | Ep. 562: Go-Go 70's Special with Kyoungyoon, Mingyu, Jaechan, Jonghyeong and Ulala Session. | [97][98] |
Ep. 583: The One & Only Patti Kim, Part 2 | [99] | ||||
Listen-Up | Representative Singer | Ep. 6: Round 4 - Remake Mission with Lee Dae-hwi. | [100] | ||
Idol Drawing Contest | SBS | Regular Member | Ep. 2 | [101] | |
2023 | Immortal Songs 2 | KBS | Contestant | Ep. 597: YB Band Special, Part 1 with Kyoungyoon, Mingyu, Jaechan, and Jonghyeong | [102] |
Television series
Web series
Year | Title | Platform | Role | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Have A Good Neighbor | YouTube | Themselves | Ep. 2 | [104] |
Awards and nominations
Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Asia Artist Awards | 2019 | Focus Award (Music) | Dongkiz | Won | [14] |
2022 | Idolplus Popularity Award – Singer | DKZ | Nominated | [105] | |
2023 | Popularity Award – Male Singer | Longlisted | [106] | ||
2024 | Longlisted | [107] | |||
Brand Customer Loyalty Award[a] | 2023 | Most Influential Male Idol | Nominated | [109] | |
Brand of the Year Awards[b] | 2022 | Male Idol – Rising Star | Won | [111] | |
Forbes Korea K-Pop Awards | 2022 | Best K-Pop Idols Who Shined in 2022 – Male | Nominated | [112] | |
Genie Music Awards | 2022 | Next Generation Award | Won | [33] | |
Hanteo Music Awards | 2023 | Post Generation Award | Nominated | [113] | |
Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards | 2024 | K-pop Singer Award | Won | [114] | |
Korea First Brand Awards[c] | 2023 | Male Idol – Rising Star | Nominated | [116] | |
K-Star MVA[d] | 2023 | Best Artist – Men | Nominated | [118] | |
Seoul Music Awards | 2023 | K-Wave Popularity Award | Nominated | [119] | |
Main Award (Bonsang) | Chase Episode 2. Maum | Nominated | |||
Popularity Award | DKZ | Nominated |
Honors
Notes
- "Cupid" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 10 on the component Download Chart.[72]
- "In the Rain (Prod. Lee Dae-hwi)" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 175 on the component Download Chart.[73]
- "2022 (Forever)" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 101 on the component Download Chart.[74]
- "Our Season" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 15 on the component Download Chart.[76]
- Co-organized by the Korean Customers Council and Brand Keys, this event recognizes the most influential brands in society and culture, as determined through consumer research.[108]
- Established in 2003, the Brand of the Year Awards is an awards ceremony based on nationwide surveys hosted by the Korea Consumer Brand Committee and organized by the Korea Consumer Forum.[110]
- Hosted by the Korea Consumer Brand Committee and supervised by the Korea Consumer Forum, the Korea First Brand Awards selects promising brands that will lead the year and bases its winners on consumption trend analysis, extensive nationwide consumer surveys, and evaluation and deliberation by experts.[115]
- A Japan-Korea joint project held by "IDOL CHAMP," a global support app for K-Pop idols, which awards the "Best Artist" who is most supported by global K-Pop fans and the "Next Star" who will carry the future of K-Pop.[117]
- An event held annually since 2001, headed by the Seoul Social Welfare Council, to boost the morale of social workers and encourage social welfare activities among citizens.[120]
References
External links
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