Dragon Pony is a four-member Korean rock band bringing fresh energy and musical depth to the scene. Signed under Antenna, they debuted on September 26, 2024, with the EP POP UP, delivering raw emotion and a genre-blending sound. Their name comes from the members’ zodiac signs — leader An Tae-gyu is a Dragon, while the others were born in the Year of the Horse — symbolizing strength, balance and unity. Each member actively contributes to songwriting and production, creating music rooted in honest storytelling and rock’s dynamic edge.
With their debut EP’s title track, they announced themselves with an anthem of self-expression and bold ambition. Since then, they’ve played major stages like the Busan International Rock Festival, launched a nationwide club tour, and even sold out a show in Taipei. Their latest EP, Not Out (March 2025), signals further growth and ambition, as the band sets its sights on global stages and future collaborations.
Dragon Pony is not just a band to watch; they’re a force redefining what modern Korean rock can be.
Please introduce Dragon Pony. What kind of team are you, and what kind of music do you pursue?
An Tae Gyu: Hello, we are Dragon Pony. The music we make is all about sharing candid stories and emotions, built on band sounds and loaded with raw, passionate energy. We’re not stuck to any one single format or genre — we just want to make good music that feels right to us.
What’s the meaning behind the name “Dragon Pony”?
Pyun Sung Hyun: In Korea, your zodiac sign is determined by the year you were born. An Tae Gyu was born in 2000, so he’s a Dragon. The rest of us — Kwon Se Hyuk, Ko Gang Hun and I — were born in 2002, the year of the Horse. That’s how we came up with the name “Dragon Pony.” Dragons and horses are both strong, powerful creatures, and we thought that the energy fit perfectly with the rock sound we’re going for.
How did the members meet and form the team?
Kwon Se Hyuk: Pyun Sung Hyun, Ko Gang Hun and I went to the same high school. Ko Gang Hun and I passed Antenna’s audition together, but I had no idea that Pyun Sung Hyun had auditioned too. A few months later, when I heard a new trainee was joining us, I was shocked to find out it was him. Eventually, An Tae Gyu came onboard. As our leader, he’s done an amazing job bringing us together, and that’s how the four of us formed Dragon Pony.
What message did you want to convey through your debut album or title track?
Ko Gang Hun: The title of our debut album and lead single POP UP reflects our sudden entrance into the music scene as well as our drive to make ourselves known. Since it’s our first release, it sends a clear message: “Let’s show the world the kind of music we do best.” If you listen to the entire album, you’ll get a good sense of the sound Dragon Pony is bringing to the table.
How did it feel to be onstage for the first time?
An Tae Gyu: We played our first show at Club FF in Hongdae, Seoul. I was super nervous since the crowd was way bigger than we expected. There was this mix of anxiety and excitement as we waited to see how the audience would react to our music
What do you think is Dragon Pony’s unique musical color?
Pyun Sung Hyun: Dragon Pony is a band where all four of us take part in writing, composing, arranging and producing, which lets us explore a wide range of musical styles — and that’s definitely one of our biggest strengths. We’re all huge fans of ’70s and ’80s hard rock, and that influence runs deep in the sound we create. If you listen to “To. Nosy Boy” and “Waste” from our latest EP Not Out, you’ll quickly understand what makes our music unique.
What is the most important element for you when working on music?
An Tae Gyu: For me, the melody and lyrics are the most important. As a vocalist, I’m the one delivering the song directly to the audience, so I naturally focus on those two elements.
Pyun Sung Hyun: I think music should leave a lasting impression — and for me, it’s usually the melody that stays with me. That’s why I try to write melodies that really linger in your ears.
Kwon Se Hyuk: The melody and lyrics are the backbone of any song. You can change the chords and shift the vibe, but changing the melody or lyrics transforms the whole song. So when I start working on a track, I always begin with those two elements before building everything else around them.
Ko Gang Hun: I prioritize sound above everything. When I listen to music, the first thing that hits me is the texture of the sound. So when I’m writing, I focus on crafting fresh, distinctive sounds that grab your attention right away.
What aspects of stage performance do you pay special attention to?
Ko Gang Hun: Since performances happen live, right in front of the audience, I think their reactions and energy matter the most. That’s why we put a lot of thought into the overall flow, the performance itself, and how we deliver the message — so the audience can really enjoy the show and connect with us.
Are there any genres or concepts you’d like to try in the future?
An Tae Gyu: As a newly debuted band, each of us has different genres and concepts we’d love to explore. But for now, we’re focused on sharing music that really shows our unique color to the public. We’re also interested in incorporating classical instruments into our band sound and creating something fresh, fun, and different to listen to.
Do you have an official fandom name? If so, what does it mean?
Pyun Sung Hyun: We recently decided on the name of Dragon Pony’s fan club — it’s called Poyong. The name combines the “Po” from Pony and “Yong,” which is the Korean word for Dragon, symbolizing the bond between us and our fans, where we support and embrace each other. In English, it’s written as “For Young,” which also reflects the idea of sharing the passionate moments of youth that the four of us in Dragon Pony hope to bring to our fans.
How did you feel when you met your fans for the first time?
Kwon Se Hyuk: When I first met our fans, it just felt surreal. We had a club show before our debut, and the fact that people came to enjoy our music even though we hadn’t yet officially debuted was so surprising and we were all really grateful. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.
Is there a comment from a fan that stuck with you?
Ko Gang Hun: Before our debut, a fan said, “See you next time,” and I thought it was just a polite goodbye. I didn’t expect them to actually see us again. But when they did, it was incredibly touching and unforgettable. More recently, someone said, “Seeing Dragon Pony gave me a dream,” and that really stuck with me. It reminded me of why we need to keep pushing forward.
Any memorable episodes from social media or fan sign events?
An Tae Gyu: We’ve only just started doing a few fan signing events, so everything still feels new and a little awkward. At a recent one, we did a live acoustic performance with our songs and some covers — something we don’t usually get to do. The fans really enjoyed it, and since it was our first time performing live at a fan signing, it was a fun and memorable experience for all of us.
What are some goals Dragon Pony hopes to achieve in the future?
Pyun Sung Hyun: The bigger the goal, the better—and we’ve got a few big ones. First, we want to make it onto the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. We also hope to perform for fans in more countries, so going on a world tour is definitely on our list. One day, we’d love to headline major festivals like Glastonbury and Coachella. Now that I say it all out loud, we’ve got a lot of dreams — which just means we’ll have to work much harder to make them happen.
Is there a dream stage you’d like to perform on?
Kwon Se Hyuk: Like Pyun Sung Hyun said, we’d love to perform at Glastonbury, Coachella and even the Super Bowl halftime show one day. In the end, our dream is to headline every festival that invites us!
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
Ko Gang Hun: Recently, Coldplay came to Korea for some concerts, and watching them perform was just incredible. I really admire how they’ve stayed together and kept making music for so long. If we ever had the chance to collaborate with Coldplay, it would be a dream come true.
Where do you see Dragon Pony in five years?
An Tae Gyu: Since we’ve only just debuted, we feel still young and inexperienced, and we have a lot to learn. But five years from now, I think we’ll be more mature and confident in ourselves. If we keep working hard, we’ll be performing at bigger venues and maybe even going on a world tour. We’re curious and excited to see how far Dragon Pony will have come by then. Please keep supporting our music until then!
If you had to describe Dragon Pony in three words, what would they be?
Pyun Sung Hyun: I’d like to express Dragon Pony through the three elements of music — rhythm, melody, and harmony. They’re the most basic yet essential components, and just as these three come together to create music, the four of us come together as one to make the kind of music we love and do best. That’s why I think these elements best represent Dragon Pony.
Are there any inside jokes or phrases trending among the members these days?
Kwon Se Hyuk: Among the members, we often say, “That’s kinda true.” It’s a meme that’s been trending among Korea’s MZ generation.
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An Tae Gyu
Image Credit: Yujin Kim What role or position do you each play in the group? I’m An Tae Gyu, the vocalist and leader.
What do you consider your personal strengths? I think my strength is the bright, positive energy I bring. Whenever we perform, I genuinely enjoy being on stage and I think that energy naturally gets passed on to the audience. That’s something I’m proud of.
What was the most difficult moment before debut, and how did you overcome it? I developed vocal cord nodules during my trainee days. Back then, I hadn’t debuted yet, and I didn’t really know how to use my voice properly or take care of it—I just pushed myself too hard during practice. I struggled with it for a long time, so I kept going to the hospital and worked on useful techniques to sing without straining my voice. That experience taught me how crucial it is for vocalists to manage their condition, especially vocal health. Even now, I make it a top priority.
If you were to give each other nicknames, what would they be? How about we give each other a “boy” nickname? I’ll go with Shy Boy for Pyun Sung Hyun. The way he talks and his expressions totally fit the name.
Do you have any personal stage routines or superstitions? I always do some stretching before performances. It helps loosen up my body and relax my throat, which makes singing on stage feel a lot more comfortable.
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Kwon Se Hyuk
Image Credit: Yujin Kim What role or position do you each play in the group? I’m Kwon Se Hyuk, the guitarist.
What do you consider your personal strengths? Perseverance and tenacity are my strengths. I think having that kind of character really helps in making good music.
What was the most difficult moment before debut, and how did you overcome it? I actually failed the Antenna audition the first time. It was a company I really wanted to join, and I’d put in a lot of practice, so the rejection hit me pretty hard. But like I said earlier, I’m persistent. I sent them another email to reintroduce myself, and thankfully, they appreciated that and gave me another shot—and that’s how I was able to become a trainee.
If you were to give each other nicknames, what would they be? Ko Gang Hun looks really tough when he’s playing the drums, so I’d call him Tough Boy.
Do you have any personal stage routines or superstitions? I like playing games in my free time, and squeezing in a quick game before going on stage helps me relax. It’s a fun way to ease the tension.
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Ko Gang Hun
Image Credit: Yujin Kim What role or position do you each play in the group? I’m Ko Gang Hun, the drummer.
What do you consider your personal strengths? I have a steady personality. I don’t really have big emotional swings, and I’m not easily influenced by external circumstances. That helps me stay focused and keeps me working toward my goals without easily getting shaken.
What was the most difficult moment before debut, and how did you overcome it? During my trainee period, we had monthly evaluations, and the pressure to perform well was one of the hardest parts for me. There was a time when I kept receiving only negative feedback, and it was really tough. But I didn’t give up—I pushed myself to practice even harder and also kept writing songs. Eventually, I started getting positive feedback, and once that happened, it felt like I was naturally able to pull myself out of the slump.
If you were to give each other nicknames, what would they be? An Tae Gyu’s always uplifting and positive, so Joyful Boy feels just right for him.
Do you have any personal stage routines or superstitions? I have this habit of checking out the audience before we go on stage. Since their energy plays such a big role in a performance, I naturally find myself scanning the crowd to feel the vibe before we start.
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Pyun Sung Hyun
Image Credit: Yujin Kim What role or position do you each play in the group? I’m Pyun Sung Hyun, the bassist.
What do you consider your personal strengths? Honesty is my strength. I’d rather be genuine than put on a facade, and that mindset naturally carries over into our music. I try to keep our lyrics as candid and unfiltered as possible.
What was the most difficult moment before debut, and how did you overcome it? Joining the company and living with others as a trainee was a completely new experience for me. It was tough to adjust at first. But I was able to get through it by being honest about my struggles and working together with the company to find ways to improve.
If you were to give each other nicknames, what would they be? I think Kwon Se Hyuk’s pretty cute, so I’d call him Cute Boy.
Do you have any personal stage routines or superstitions? Before going on stage, I make sure to check how everyone’s doing. Since we’re a band, staying in sync is really important, so I try to keep an eye on the team and help us all stay focused.
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Dragon Pony
Image Credit: Yujin Kim Lastly, please share a message for Billboard readers and your global fans!
Dragon Pony: Being selected as Billboard’s Rookie of the Month is truly an honor and an incredible experience. We’re deeply grateful and will continue to work hard to live up to the support we’ve received. We’ll keep growing and aim to reach the Billboard charts in the near future. Please continue to show your love and support for Dragon Pony. Thank you, Billboard!
