SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - K-pop artist Donghyeon of KickFlip is turning a fan moment into an official collaboration, teaming up with British singer-songwriter Etham for a new single, "Breathe," JYP Entertainment said Monday.
The song will be released on major streaming platforms at 1 p.m. (0400 GMT) on Aug. 14.
The pairing came together after Donghyeon posted a cover of Etham's "12:45 (Stripped)" on KickFlip's official Instagram account on Aug. 8. Etham left a comment on the post, drawing attention from fans of both artists.
"My company knew I was a big fan of Etham," adding "A songwriter who worked on KickFlip's album told us Etham was also interested in taking part in a KickFlip song camp, and that connection led naturally to the collaboration." Donghyeon said in a statement released through JYP Entertainment.
Built around a delicate guitar riff, warm piano lines and a restrained vocal arrangement, "Breathe" is a mid-tempo acoustic pop track that Donghyeon and Etham wrote together.
The lyrics trace the overwhelming feeling of a one-sided crush — the fear of revealing one's feelings tangled with the hope of becoming someone special to the other person.
The single adds to the solo profile Donghyeon has built alongside KickFlip's group work, through appearances and covers on MBC's "King of Mask Singer," KBS Kpop's "Leemujin Service" and the group's own social media channels.
Etham is a British singer-songwriter known for his stripped-back vocal style and acoustic pop sound, including the track "12:45."
AJP Takeaway:
- KickFlip's Donghyeon will release "Breathe" with British singer-songwriter Etham at 1 p.m. KST on Aug. 14, JYP Entertainment said.
- The collaboration grew out of Donghyeon's Aug. 8 Instagram cover of Etham's "12:45 (Stripped)," after Etham responded to the post and an existing songwriting connection brought the two artists together.
- "Breathe" is a mid-tempo acoustic pop track co-written by Donghyeon and Etham, built around guitar, piano and restrained vocals, with lyrics centered on the anxiety and hope of an unrequited crush.
- The single expands Donghyeon's individual profile beyond KickFlip, following appearances and covers on MBC's "King of Mask Singer," KBS Kpop's "Leemujin Service" and the group's official social channels.
- Etham, a British singer-songwriter known for acoustic pop and stripped-back vocals, brings international recognition from tracks including "12:45" to the collaboration.
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