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KINO Releases New EP 'Lost and Found' & Exciting “TAXI” Music Video
- Rosa Gulliver
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Rosa Gulliver of TINYGMUSIC | April 1, 2026
KINO, a member of the globally recognised K-pop group PENTAGON and an acclaimed songwriter and producer, releases his third EP, Lost and Found, today, marking a new chapter in his journey toward self-acceptance and creative freedom. The project arrives alongside a striking music video for “TAXI,” anchored by a retro Korean taxi sign inspired by 80s–90s street iconography and culminating in a bold transformation where KINO appears in shimmering full-face sparkle makeup, reframing the visual through a high-fashion, editorial lens. The track itself centres on acknowledging the weight of everyday life and allowing ourselves moments of reward and release rather than constant self-pressure, forming part of Lost and Found’s broader reflection on personal growth and the power of advocating for yourself.
“The moment when the self-doubt of ‘Will I forever live under someone else’s expectations?’ turned into the self-assurance of ‘It’s okay to live as who I am.’ I realized what changed was not the world, but my perspective. Now I’ve decided to live by my own decisions, not by someone else’s expectations.”
That shift unfolds across the EP as KINO moves from self-imposed pressure toward confidence, clarity, and freedom, which is told through a perspective that feels both deeply personal and widely relatable.
Sonically, the EP leans into electronic dance music while maintaining the emotional directness that defines KINO’s solo work. “BIG HOODIE” serves as a love letter to all of the introverts, while “HENNESSY,” featuring Yunjoung Lee of the legendary Korean experimental rock band Pippi Band, questions whether a life of indulgence offers true freedom or quietly takes control.
The project features collaborators including Korean producer bojvck, renowned lyricist Kim Eana, and American artist Mikey Angelo (Mr. Grande).
The rollout mirrors that idea. In the lead-up, KINO introduced a series of Instagram Live broadcasts and teaser content built around a “lost and found” narrative, portraying himself as a missing figure before revealing he was embracing freedom all along. The campaign also includes a three-episode short film released across his social platforms exploring the theme “Changed perspective, changed life.”
After years working within the traditional industry system with PENTAGON, KINO began carving out an independent path, launching his company NAKED in 2023. His previous EP EVERYBODY’S GUILTY, BUT NO ONE’S TO BLAME confronted themes of social pressure and burnout, while Lost and Found reflects what followed: a return to confidence, optimism and self-trust.
KINO’s solo work has steadily earned international recognition, with coverage from outlets including Billboard, NME, and Forbes. Forbes noted his ability to “carve out a distinct artistic identity beyond the expectations of the K-pop system,” highlighting his evolution as both a songwriter and creative force.
KINO will bring his <FREE KINO> world tour to the U.S. this April following performances across Europe and Asia. Kicking off in New York City on April 19th, the tour makes stops in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Chicago, before wrapping up in Columbus, Ohio on April 26th.
About KINO
After revealing his vulnerable side to the world with last EP, EVERYBODY’S GUILTY, BUT NO ONE’S TO BLAME, KINO has become more comfortable in his own skin. Throughout the process, KINO shared the dark and negative emotions, allowing him to liberate himself from the world demanding perfection and embracing his own imperfection. To some, this decision of KINO’s came as a shock, but to others, it was a moment of seeing themselves in him.
KINO has been sharing his journey to self-acceptance on stage with his world tour, 'FREE KINO,' since January 2026 —spreading the message of “Liberating oneself by facing and accepting oneself."
With the new EP, KINO is sharing what he has seen, learned and realised since the release of the 2nd EP. Finding positivity from negativities, welcoming bright lights and self-growth.
Keep up with KINO
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