Emerging pop sensation and Bucheon’s own DX Ki-Hong is giving K-Pop a facelift. DX distinguishes himself from typical mainstream music by blending Alternative and K-pop beats with a splash of Hip Hop. Since the 2009 release of his debut self-titled album, the Bucheon-native has garnered an impressive following from both Koreans and foreigners. But really, who the hell is DX Ki-Hong? I figured a classic game of “Truth or Dare” would enlighten me. Its 7:00 pm, and CJ and I are lounging on the patio of a Bucheon chicken joint. DX is nowhere to be found, and he’s already canceled one interview. About 20 minutes pass and I see a man frantically weaving in and out of pedestrian traffic. Muscular build, black t-shirt, baggy cargo shorts, and basketball shoes. Very unassuming. We finally sit down to a plate of cold chicken and beers, accompanied by a backdrop of illuminated buildings and a beautiful sunset. DX is ready for the interview. Let’s play ball. I waste no time in kicking-off “Truth or Dare” by discussing Chaos, which is easily the most creative track on his debut album. DX’s vocals beautifully transition from a whispery, mellow vibe to a powerful chorus to rapping. So the inevitable question that begs is, “why did you decide to experiment with Chaos?” DX leans back in his chair, pauses in reflection, and calmly replies, “the song originally had a Marilyn Manson feel to it, but after my girlfriend broke up with me, I wanted to rap so I could add a more cynical attitude. Even though KBS banned the song for its explicit content, I loved it.”
“With your music being so relatable, are you at all surprised to see a large foreigner fan base, despite your music being sung entirely in Korean?” Grinning, while lighting a cigarette, DX responds, “I sang at The Park recently and many foreigners were there... at first I sang in Korean, but I wanted everyone to enjoy the show so I performed Bon Jovi, Skid Row, and Led Zeppelin, I performed 10 consecutive English songs and everyone was thrilled!” It’s evident that music is DX’s niche, but I wanted to test his sports knowledge. “DX, who do you predict will win the World Cup…of Hockey in 2011?” DX is bewildered, but like a true entertainer, he quickly improvises and asks me, “Oh, um, are you from Canada?” “Yes”, I reply. “OK!” DX shouts. “Canada will win!” Great answer. Suddenly, DX begins devouring copious amounts of chicken. I wonder, “what the hell is he doing?” With his fingers now greasier than a used car salesman, I immediately suggest he draw an image of what he visualizes before his performances. DX is keen to avoid performing an embarrassing dare involving crooning to passersby, so he accepts the request and begins drawing. “Before performances I visualize singing on stage, ripping my clothes off and crowd surfing”. CJ and I burst out laughing. DX is f*cking intense!” I love it. “Alright DX, fill in the blanks!” “If I were __________, I would __________ a __________.” DX responds, “If I were a rich man, I would buy each of my students a Nintendo!” Sounds like BS to me. “Lastly, what are your thoughts on Justin Bieber?” “Justin Bieber?” asks DX. “Singer?” “Canadian singer?” “Sorry, I don’t know Justin”. Bucheon, this response alone is reason enough to catch his next show. N