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110224 Dalmatian, "We made the song ourselves"


“Our song “Round 1” was an introduction like in a boxing match. From now on, we’re going to officially show our skills as we want to sweep the rookie awards.”

Inati, Day Day, Dari, Jeesu, Daniel, and Youngwon. Six men whose average age is 25 together. Inati, whose age is 31, isn’t a young age for a rookie. However, he has the same amount of determination and over-flowing confidence.

Having made their debut with their debut single “Round 1,” Dalmatian made their appearance in the music industry and has officially started their promotions with their first mini album “DALMATIAN,” which was released recently. They have two title songs called “Lover Cop” and “The Man Opposed.”


◇ “We want to show charms like a Dalmatian.”

Truthfully speaking, it’s not easy for a rookie to have two title tracks. It’s already a tough situation with them getting the attention through one song but promoting two songs can either be a reckless decision or expressing their confidence.

“We were debating on one song at first but we honestly liked all the song. We prepared this album with the mindset of needing to work hard and as much effort we put in, that’s how much confidence we have.” (Inati)

There’s a reason why they have so much attachment as well as confidence. The reason is that this album was made by the members’ opinions. Dalmatian was involved with the overall theme and concept as well as the producing of the album.

“Whether it’s a song or lyrics, we already have about 60 written already. In spending our days as trainees, our experiences and different things in our lives became a part of our lyrics. Whenever we create music, we tend to work on it together.” (Inati)

Especially the song “The Man Opposed” was a previous experience of Jeesu’s which completed the song.

“In my 2nd year of high school, I liked a friend of mine for 3 years. But she ended up liking another guy who liked to drink alcohol and smoke. As I was watching him, I thought that he looked too rebellious and that she wouldn’t be happy with him. So with the meaning from that story, we ended up writing it into the song “The Man Opposed.”” (Jeesu)

The song “Lover Cop” is similar to “The Man Opposed.” If “The Man Opposed” gives a refreshing beat, then “Lover Cop” gives off a similar vibe but displays a strong image of a robot like the song title. They said that they wanted to appeal masculinity as well as a soft image.

“The breed Dalmatian is black and white. We wanted to show the colors of a Dalmatian, from dark to light. We wanted to show a strong, masculine image as well as a soft charm.” (Jeesu)

Aside from the two title tracks, the melody and lyrics to the other tracks in the album are original as well.

“In this promotion, you can say we’re more leaning towards EQ rather than IQ. Instead of succeeding with our music, we want to make music that can be embedded in the hearts of the public. We want to give a fresh feeling and something that’s not boring.” (Dari)

Dalmatian set a different standard than other rookies in displaying a “musical-like performance.” Using a sofa as a prop, they showed a unique performance in the song “The Man Opposed,” gaining the attention of the public.

When you look at Dalmatian’s performance, it’s easy to see the nature of MC Mong. As MC Mong did in naturally being into his performances, you can think “they must be really enjoying their music” when watching their performances.

However, they emphasized on wanting to show their skills and be accepted and loved rather than being stuck with the title of “the group that MC Mong raised.”

“It’s an honor but we have thoughts on succeeding with our own set of charms. I guess you can say that we want to rid ourselves of that title.” (Inati)


◇ The 6 skilled men with 6 different set of charms come together

In each word Dalmatian says, you can tell sense the passion and wittiness as they even imitate their dog that lives with them in livening up the mood and show off their imitation of a dolphin that they said they will use on a variety show. They are indeed mischievous.

Starting off with the name of their team is unique. They say that the name reflects the image of their face and of all names, why did they choose the dog breed “Dalmatian” as their team name?

“Dalmatians are known for their loyalty. We want to remain as a loyal team in which fans can believe and listen to. Also, worldwide artists like Bow Wow and Snoop Dogg succeeded with names involving dogs and received lots of love. In a sense, we want to be like them.” (Daniel)

The cute members also have a variety of experience. As an idol group, normally looks are known first but this idol group is different.

Starting from the elder line, leader Inati, Day Day, and Dari are the rappers of the group.

Inati had made his debut before with MC Mong under the group People Crew. However, he wasn’t feeling so well for 3 years which caused him to leave the stage. He ended up training again and now “officially” made his debut starting at the age of 31.

“Before, I promoted with my real name Intae. I wanted to change my mindset and I changed my name when I made my debut again. I had thoughts about giving up my dreams of becoming an artist but without music, it felt like I couldn’t live.” (Inati)

Day Day is the teacher of many idol stars. He helped in rap training for groups such as 2PM, Wonder Girls, Miss A, Secret, Sistar, and many more idol group members. Also, he featured in songs such as Lee Hyori’s “Shall We Dance” and “Straight Up” as well as Wonder Girls’ “So What,” Uhm Jung Hwa’s “Come to Me,” Ivy’s “I Can’t,” and many more, being accepted for his skills.

Also, Dari, who uses his real name, was a walking “idea bank” as he was the CEO of his own clothing line, party planner, etc. He claimed that he beat his company’s boss in a staring contest, showing a unique resume.

“When I was in a band at the time, our company’s boss came to see me and it was an internal battle. We were staring at each other and our company’s boss looked away first. He said it was because of my strong stare. With that, I was recruited right away.” (Dari)


In the younger member line, Jeesu, Youngwon, and Daniel are vocals as well as the “visuals.”

Daniel was a former trainee with BEAST’s Yang Yoseob but was recruited with a single picture on his Cyworld which caught the eye of his company’s boss, completely unrelated to his pre-debut days. With silky skin, Youngwon was the last one to be added to the team last July while Jeesu wasn’t actually a member but was barely added once he had slimmed down in shedding 10kg.

Each of the colors in their voices is different but in terms of harmony and the teamwork amongst the members, the younger members said they’re the best.

Dalmatian, which is formed with members of character and skills, were asked on what their goals are in the future.

“We want to break the standards. Normally, when people hear “Dalmatian,” they think of the animated movie or the puppy. However, we want be the group in which the public thinks of us when they hear “Dalmatian.”” (Day Day)

“We want to win 1st in a music program this year. Also, hearing compliments like, “They’re good at making unique music” and “They can take in different challenges they set in music well.”” (Jeesu)

“We want to approach fans as a comfortable figure, like a next door neighbor. We want to be the group that continues to have charms every time you look at them.” (Youngwon)