Samsung, Hynix, and Cha Dong Hyeop: DRIPPIN’s New Unit Brings the Spring Vibes! [Interview]

Cha Dong Hyeop, a new unit from the group DRIPPIN, has officially made their first step into the music scene. Their name is simple, taking one character from each member’s name: Cha Junho, Kim Dongyun, and Lee Hyeop. While the name might evoke a strong, masculine image, the atmosphere they’ve brought is much brighter than expected. Instead of an intense concept, they are focusing on spring, fluttering hearts, freshness, and the charm of daily life.

Returning on the 12th with their first single “Dugeundae,” the three members described this activity as a “new start.” After spending nearly two years apart during a hiatus, they have reunited as a unit to stand before their fans once again. At the end of their interview, they introduced themselves in a surprising way.

“Samsung, Hynix, and Cha Dong Hyeop.”

Though it sounded like a joke, the three members had quite serious expressions on their faces.

In a recent interview held in Seoul, Cha Dong Hyeop spoke honestly about the process of forming the unit, their new song “Dugeundae,” and the kind of reputation they hope to earn in the future.

“Rather than being a planned project from the start, we were formed naturally. Junho was acting, and Dongyun and I spent our time in audition programs. Then, the three of us started filming a lot of content and short-form videos together, and the idea of forming a unit with this combination naturally came up,” Lee Hyeop explained.

Since this is their first activity after a long break, there was some pressure. However, the three agreed that their primary goal was simply to “make new memories with the fans.”

“Since we went from six members to three, I felt more pressure to do a great job. But because the hiatus was so long, I was just grateful to be able to promote in front of our fans in any form,” said Lee Hyeop.

The members seemed quite satisfied with the unit name “Cha Dong Hyeop.” While some initially reacted by saying it sounded like a “cooperation car,” they grew to love the friendly and warm nuance of the name. Interestingly, the logo font was personally designed by Woollim Entertainment CEO Lee Jung Yeop.

“When we received the official ‘Cha Dong Hyeop’ logo from the company, it was quite kitsch. It felt like the CEO’s aesthetic sense was poured into it. I could really feel the sense of responsibility,” Lee Hyeop added.

The three members described Cha Dong Hyeop’s unique color as “keyring boys” and a “cotton candy-like team.” Kim Dongyun explained that they are a “combination that can pull off concepts that stimulate fans’ hearts,” while Cha Junho mentioned that “doing a cute concept was actually fun.”

“In the past, I felt burdened by cute concepts. But this time, it was fun because I felt like I became a character within the music,” Cha Junho shared. The members emphasized “freshness.” While DRIPPIN has shown various refreshing concepts, Cha Dong Hyeop focused more on the feeling of the season.

“DRIPPIN has done many intense concepts, like the Villain series. But Cha Dong Hyeop feels like it’s targeting spring itself. Both ‘Spring Walk’ and ‘Dugeundae’ are songs that bring spring to mind,” said Cha Junho.

The title track “Dugeundae” is a refreshing, up-tempo song based on Nu-disco. Its repetitive chorus and heartbeat sounds create a strong addiction. The three members recalled that when they first heard the demo, they felt the title was “absolutely unforgettable.”

“The melody is simple, but it kept sticking in my head. I thought people would find themselves humming along to it,” Cha Junho said.

“Because it’s not complicated, I felt it could be easily remembered,” Kim Dongyun added.

During the recording process, “tone control” was unexpectedly the most important part. Lee Hyeop explained that he focused on toning down his signature husky vocals to bring out a younger and more kitsch vibe.

“I felt that if I sang too strongly, it might not match the mood of the song. So, I tried to reduce the huskiness and bring out a refreshing vibe,” Lee Hyeop explained.

Kim Dongyun also noted that “self-suggestion is important for refreshing songs.”

“I found that the energy only comes out if you record with a heart that is truly excited and fluttering,” Kim Dongyun said.

The B-side track “Spring Walk” is closer to an easy-listening style. It emphasizes the vocal harmony of the three members, with the chorus of each verse recorded differently to provide variation.

“Even though it’s the same chorus, the feeling of the first, second, and third verses are all different. You’ll be able to hear each of our different charms within the same song,” Cha Junho shared.

Throughout the interview, the three frequently mentioned “spring.” From the moments when the sun sets late and people walking with smiles, to eating meat at outdoor markets and tomatoes stocked in marts. Their descriptions were filled with everyday scenes rather than grand explanations.

“People’s expressions improve when spring comes. Everyone seems to be smiling and relaxed. I love the moments of being part of that,” Lee Hyeop said.

“I think of tomatoes when spring arrives. I feel healed when I eat healthy foods like that,” Cha Junho added.

Having spent a long time together, the chemistry between the three is natural. Although they came together from different environments, they say they have now become “people who know each other without speaking.”

“We’ve spent both hard times and happy times together, so we’ve come to know each other’s personalities. Now, we’re at a point where we aren’t embarrassed to show our bare faces,” Lee Hyeop shared.

“It feels more like family than actual family,” Cha Junho added.

When asked about the reputation they want to earn through this activity, the three thought for a moment and then burst into laughter.

“You know, there’s a cuter expression than ‘good vibe guy’ [Neu-joh-nam]. I hope we’re remembered as ‘great vibe guys’ [Kkim-gut-nam],” Cha Junho said.

“I hope we’re remembered as a flower-like trio among the many large-member groups,” Kim Dongyun added.

“I want to approach fans comfortably as a team that feels like cute seniors,” Lee Hyeop shared.

Finally, when asked what they want to hear from their fans, Kim Dongyun replied with a smile, “‘This is a stock that will go up!'”

Cha Junho immediately followed up, “Samsung, Hynix, Cha Dong Hyeop.”

Though they threw out the joke playfully, the three were more sincere than anyone in waiting for this spring.