K-pop group DKZ meets with belated success thanks to drama 'Semantic Error'

K-pop boy band DKZ is slated to drop its new EP, “Chase Episode 2. Maum,” on April 12. Courtesy of Dongyo Entertainment

By Dong Sun-hwa

Boy band DKZ ― formerly known as Dongkiz ― was until recently one of the many K-pop acts that could hardly get on people's radar despite their musical prowess. The group has put out a number of albums since debuting in 2019, most of which failed to receive much attention, with its 2021 release “Chase Episode 1. Ggum” selling only 1,200 copies in total.

However, the Dongyo Entertainment act is about to start a new chapter in its career with the upcoming EP, “Chase Episode 2. Maum,” which will hit shelves April 12. According to online commerce platform Ktown4u, the EP has racked up more than 27,000 pre-orders as of Thursday, recording more than a 20-fold increase. It also sold 3,132 copies on Thursday alone and became the most-sold album of the day after edging out Suho of K-pop act EXO with 2,987 sales and boy band NCT Dream with 2,083.

DKZ has finally gained the public's attention, after group member Jaechan appeared on Watcha's BL drama, “Semantic Error.” The eight-episode series has been dominating Watcha's most-watched list for five consecutive weeks since its release on Feb. 16, and has been basking in immense popularity abroad including in China and Japan.

In the drama, Jaechan takes the role of Chu Sang-woo, a rule-abiding computer science student, who falls in love with Jang Jae-young, an outgoing visual arts student. Park Seo-ham, a former member of K-pop boy band KNK, plays Jang.

DKZ member Jaechan stars in Watcha's BL drama, “Semantic Error.” Courtesy of Watcha

Jaechan, who made his acting debut in the 2019 web series “My YouTube Diary,” has caught viewers' eyes for his vivid portrayal of Chu, a chic yet lovable character. And those who have fallen for him are now turning their attention to DKZ.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Dongyo Entertainment changed the group's name recently from Dongkiz to DKZ and added three new members ― Sehyeon, Mingyu and Giseok ― in a bid to create a breath of fresh air. “Chase Episode 2. Maum” will be DKZ's first release following the transformation.

“I was worried at first about starring in 'Semantic Error,' but thanks to love and support from so many people, I am having a dream-like time these days,” Jaechan wrote on Instagram last month. “I will always strive to be better, so please look forward to DKZ's fresh release, which will come out next month.”

DKZ is not the only K-pop act that has come to enjoy belated success. Last year, Brave Girls topped multiple music streaming charts including Bugs and Genie with the 2017 tune “Rollin,'” after a YouTube video featuring the girl group's performance of the song went viral.