‘History of Kingdom: Dann’: Release date, music video and about Kingdom’s oriental album
A day after Kingdom’s first debut anniversary, the K-pop boy group dropped a teaser and shared that they would be releasing their next album in the ‘History of Kingdom’ series. The boys have an ambitious plan of exploring the Kingdom universe with 32 albums spanning over 12 years with eight albums for each series. Each member is based on a historical king and each album to date has been based on them. And now, their next comeback focuses on Dann.
However, Kingdom is taking a different route for their fourth mini-album as they are creating their own storyline, diverging from the historical context of the kings the members are based on. While Dann represents the infamous Danish king, they will be turning to their Korean heritage for ‘History of Kingdom: Part IV. Dann’. Unfortunately, two of the members got Covid-19 on March 14, three days before the comeback. So the release and promotional activities have been postponed.
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Release date
The album was initially supposed to be released on March 17. Unfortunately, two members, Arthur and Mujin, got Covid-19 and the comeback date has been postponed. ‘History of Kingdom: Part IV. Dann’ will now be released on March 31 at 6 pm KST (4 am ET).
Where to listen
Kingdom’s fourth mini-album will be available on all major music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, MelOn and more.
Tracklist
1. Intro: Palace’
2. ‘Ascension’ - Title track
3. ‘Blinder’
4. ‘Illusion’
5. ‘Appetite’
6. ‘Promise
7. ‘Ascension’ (Instrumental)
The title track ‘Ascension’ is an anthemic song and fits into the dance-pop genre. Continuing with their oriental concept, Kingdom fuses popular K-pop aspects and haunting traditional Korean music that highlights the philosophical lyrics sung in pure ancient Korean dialect.
Concept and storyline
The boys released three concept photos while still continuing with the oriental theme. While the previous comebacks had Western influence with ‘Part II. Chiwoo’ representing their Asian roots, ‘Part IV. Dann’ once again takes inspiration from ancient Korean royalty. Kingdom is breaking out from their established pattern to keep fans on their toes as they go for an oriental concept despite Dann's persona being based on Dan, the King of Denmark.
In the first ‘Glory’ concept photo, they show their youthful charms in vibrant and floral hanboks and gat, a traditional Korean hat. In the second ‘Memory’ concept photo, Kingdom look fierce as they sport Myeonbok, hanboks of Joseon royalty. In the last ‘Shadow’ concept, we see a dark side to the boys as they give us a modern twist by pairing harnesses and jewelry with hanboks.
Music video teaser
With Dann’s region being described as ‘Kingdom of Change’, we see the K-pop group get ready to fight their enemies who have changed their peaceful world. In the music video teaser, the boys show off their graceful but powerful moves as they weave their storytelling into their choreography.
Watch the cinematic music video teaser for ‘Ascension’ below.