D-Hours AM 7:03

{{Short description|Kim Dong-han EP}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2020}}

{{Infobox album

| name = D-Hours AM 7:03

| type = ep

| artist = Kim Dong-han

| cover = Kim Dong-han - D-Hours AM 703.jpg

| alt =

| released = {{start date|2019|5|1}}

| recorded = 2018–2019

| venue = Seoul, South Korea

| studio = Oui Studios

| genre =

| length = 17:06

| language = Korean

| label = Oui Entertainment

| producer = Wee Myeong-hee (exec.)

| prev_title = D-Night

| prev_year = 2018

| next_title =

| next_year =

| misc = {{Singles

| name = D-Hours AM 7:03

| type = ep

| single1 = Focus

| single1date = May 1, 2019

}}

}}

D-Hours AM 7:03 is the third extended play by South Korean singer Kim Dong-han. It was released on May 1, 2019, by Oui Entertainment and distributed by Genie Music and Stone Music Entertainment. The record's title reflects the beginning and end of someone's day, as well as Kim's birthday. He contributed to the lyrics of all the tracks on the album, which were written amidst his travel schedule.

Following a series of photo and video teasers, D-Hours AM 7:03 and its lead single "Focus" were concurrently released. Kim held a showcase for the mini-album and he promoted the song by performing it on music chart programs across various television networks. D-Hours AM 7:03 peaked at number six on South Korea's national Gaon Album Chart, shifting over 17,000 units domestically since its release.

Background and writing

{{Quote box

|quote="Those who work night shifts will go to bed at that hour [7:03], but there are also people who wake up at that hour to go to work. So it's a time that represents both the beginning and the end.{{cite web|title=[Pops in Seoul] Ever-Evolving Idol Star! Kim Dong-han(김동한) Interview for 'Focus(포커스)'|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw3ePmagK4M|website=YouTube|publisher=Pops in Seoul|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 20, 2019}}

|author=—Kim explaining the album title

|align=left

|width=15%

}}

The final installment in the D trilogy and time-oriented series, D-Hours AM 7:03 is meant to characterize the "infinite possibilities in dawn's darkness" from 2 a.m. through the "explosive energy" of the morning at 7:03 a.m.{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Hyeon-jin|script-title=ko:"이번 콘셉트는 청량+파워" 김동한, 시간 3부작 마무리..솔로 입지 굳힌다[종합]|url=http://pop.heraldcorp.com/view.php?ud=201905011453013628140_1|website=Herald Pop|publisher=Herald Corporation|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 1, 2019}}{{cite web|last1=Lee|first1=Ho-yeon|script-title=ko:[HI★현장] "연말 시상식이 꿈" 김동한, 성장형 아이돌의 정석|url=https://www.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/201905011565097153|website=Hankook Ilbo|publisher=Dongwha Enterprise|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 1, 2019}} Kim further elaborated on the title, saying, "I believe that 7:03 a.m. could be thought of as the end of the day or the beginning of the day." The mini-album's title also signifies Kim's birth date on July 3.{{cite web|last1=Kim|first1=Won-hee|script-title=ko:김동한, 5월 1일 컴백 확정… 상반된 매력 티저 첫 공개|url=http://sports.khan.co.kr/entertainment/sk_index.html?art_id=201904220838003&sec_id=540301|website=Sports Kyunghyang|publisher=Kyunghyang Company|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=April 22, 2019}} He contrasted the "sexy feeling" of his first two releases to the "refreshing and powerful" concept of D-Hours AM 7:03. In between D-Night and recording sessions for his third mini-album, Kim took vocal and dance lessons to improve his expertise.{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Eun-ae|script-title=ko:"롤모델 이승기・태민" 김동한, '프듀'→JBJ→솔로 3번째 컴백..완벽한 성장[종합]|url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1111133444|website=Osen|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 1, 2019}} In crafting the record, he wanted to present "various charms" and likened it to a food buffet.{{cite web|script-title=ko:[#D_HOURS_AM_703] 김동한(Kim Dong Han) Comeback D-1|url=http://www.vlive.tv/video/125502|website=V Live|publisher=Naver|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=April 30, 2019}}

Due to his travel schedule, Kim found few opportunities to write songs; he took time for songwriting while overseas, on airplanes, and in cars.{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Hyeon-sik|script-title=ko:"전곡 작사" 김동한, 애정·재능 쏟은 앨범으로 컴백 [다녀가요]|url=https://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/5144384|website=No Cut News|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 1, 2019}} He contributed to the lyrics of all five tracks. He penned the lyrics for the rap section in "Bebe" and remarked on its "calm, romantic sound". In addition to songwriting for "Focus", Kim contributed to the song's choreography. He wrote the melody for "Make Me So Crazy". It was omitted from D-Night as he felt that it did not coincide with the fall season, but decided to include it on D-Hours AM 7:03 upon revisiting the track. Kim wrote between 80–90% of the lyrics for "Everyday". The writing process was the quickest compared to the other pieces, and it was all written in a single session.{{cite web|last=Park|first=Seung-hyeon|script-title=ko:김동한 "솔로 가수로서 내 장점은? 모난 부분이 없다는 점" [스타@스타일]|url=https://www.atstar1.com/view.php?uid=201906251752470910|website=@star1|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=June 25, 2019}} It was created in dedication to his fans and serves as a love letter to them. He also provided the melody for "Idea" and designed the dance moves for the song's bridge. Calling it a "melodical" and "incredibly great song", it was a candidate for the mini-album's lead single. The tracks were mixed at 821 Sound, Titan Recording Studio, and Cube Studio; the mini-album was mastered at 821 Studio.{{cite AV media notes|title=D-Hours AM 7:03|others=Kim Dong-han|year=2019|publisher=Oui Entertainment|id=1073623694|type=liner notes}}

Music structure

D-Hours AM 7:03 opens with "Bebe", a lo-fi hip hop track which expresses love at first sight.{{cite web|last=Park|first=Dong-seon|script-title=ko:[스테이지리뷰] 김동한, '매혹적인 그의 청량 돌직구 고백' (D-HOURS AM 7:03 쇼케 종합)|url=https://www.etnews.com/20190501000131|website=ET News|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 1, 2019}} With its foundation in a Vox synthesizer and a heavy bass, "Focus" portrays a man whose attention is fixated on a woman. "Make Me So Crazy" encompasses a "trendy" beat and a guitar riff layered over the chorus.{{cite web|last=Woo|first=Bin|script-title=ko:김동한, 'D-HOURS AM 7:03'으로 보여줄 무한한 가능성|url=https://tenasia.hankyung.com/topic/article/2019050116134|website=Ten Asia|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 1, 2019}} Thematically, the song depicts a man that is crazy in love. A piano ballad, "Everyday" is about a person spending day after day thinking about the person they love. The mini-album closes with "Idea", an uptempo track that fuses moombahton and EDM coupled with an electric guitar. The lyrics describes infinite love and eternity between lovers.

Release and promotion

File:190501 김동한 잘생김에 청량함까지 더한 포토타임, 'D-HOURS AM 703' 쇼케이스 1m3s.jpg

During a broadcast in commemoration of the 300th day since his solo debut on live streaming service V Live, Kim announced his forthcoming mini-album scheduled for May 1, 2019.{{cite web|last=An|first=Tae-hyeon|script-title=ko:김동한, 솔로 데뷔 300일 기념 V앱 성료…5월 1일 컴백 발표|url=http://pop.heraldcorp.com/view.php?ud=201904150724020735910_1|website=Herald Pop|publisher=Herald Corporation|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=April 15, 2019}} On April 22, two image teasers depicting Kim sat in front of white and red curtains, respectively, were posted across his official social networking service accounts. A video containing an additional four concept photos were shared two days later.{{cite web|last1=Kim|first1=Ju-won|script-title=ko:김동한, 세 번째 미니앨범 'D-HOURS AM 7:03' 콘셉트 이미지 공개|url=https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/1VHZNDYCSE|website=Seoul Economic Daily|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=April 24, 2019}} The track listing was unveiled layered on a morning-themed image teaser on the following day.{{cite web|last=Seon|first=Mi-kyeong|script-title=ko:김동한, 새 앨범 타이틀곡은 '포커스'..전곡 작사+안무 참여[공식]|url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1111129105|website=Osen|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=April 25, 2019}} A video teaser for the lead single "Focus" filmed in hyperlapse was uploaded on April 26.{{cite web|last1=Kim|first1=Sol-ji|script-title=ko:김동한, 'FOCUS(포커스)' 하이퍼랩스 티저 공개 예고…"퀄리티 달라"|url=https://star.mbn.co.kr/view.php?year=2019&no=264483|website=MBN Star|publisher=Maeil Broadcasting Network|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=April 26, 2019}} A highlight medley of D-Hours AM 7:03 was uploaded three days later followed by a performance trailer of the single a day later.{{cite web|last=Jeon|first=A-ram|script-title=ko:"콘셉트 소화력 703%" 김동한, 새 앨범 전곡 프리뷰 공개|url=http://www.xportsnews.com/?ac=article_view&entry_id=1106785|website=xportsnews|publisher=xportsmedia|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=April 29, 2019}}{{cite web|last1=Jeon|first1=Hyo-jin|script-title=ko:김동한, '포커스' 창작 퍼포먼스 트레일러 공개…오늘(30일) V라이브|url=https://sports.donga.com/3/all/20190430/95314263/1|website=Sports Dong-a|publisher=Dong-a Ilbo Company|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=April 30, 2019}}

D-Hours AM 7:03 and "Focus" were concurrently released.{{cite web|last=Baek|first=Ji-eun|script-title=ko:김동한 "'프듀' 후배들, 분량 없다고 속상해말고 직캠 노리길"|url=https://sports.chosun.com/news/ntype.htm?id=201905010100009010000296&servicedate=20190501|website=Sports Chosun|publisher=Chosun Ilbo Company|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 1, 2019}} The music video for the track was directed by Hong Won-ki. Hosted by announcer Gong Seo-young, Kim held a showcase for the mini-album at the Blue Square iMarket Hall in the Hannam-dong neighborhood of Seoul that same day. Kim began promoting "Focus" on weekly music chart shows the following day.{{cite web|last1=Yu|first1=Byeong-cheol|script-title=ko:김동한, 2일 '엠카' 시작으로 컴백 활동 스타트…'Focus(포커스)' 무대 최초 공개|url=http://www.wowtv.co.kr/NewsCenter/News/Read?articleId=A201905020029|website=Korea Business News TV|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 2, 2019}} In addition to the single, also performed "Idea" on Mnet's M Countdown,{{cite web|last=Kang|first=Nae-ri|script-title=ko:김동한, '엠카' 컴백+'쇼크라이브' 앨범 매진…신개념 활동 스타트|url=https://www.ytn.co.kr/_sn/0117_201905031053580261|website=YTN|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 3, 2019}} KBS2's Music Bank,{{cite web|last1=Kang|first1=Gi-hyang|script-title=ko:'뮤직뱅크' 김동한 컴백, "놓치지마이소" 포텐 폭발…치명적인 섹시함+청량美|url=https://www.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/201905040815094087|website=Hankook Ilbo|publisher=Dongwha Enterprise|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 4, 2019}} SBS MTV's The Show,{{cite web|last=Han|first=Eun-shil|script-title=ko:[종합] '더쇼' 더보이즈, 'Bloom Bloom'으로 5월 첫 '1위'...박봄, 엔플라잉, 김동한 컴백|url=http://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=621893|website=Top Star News|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 7, 2019}} MBC Music's Show Champion,{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Yong-su|script-title=ko:'쇼!챔피언' 3년 만에 완전체 뉴이스트, 데뷔 첫 1위…박봄, 김동한 컴백(종합)|url=http://www.sportsseoul.com/news/read/760407|website=Sportsseoul|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 8, 2019}} Seoul Broadcasting System's (SBS) Inkigayo,{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Ha-jin|script-title=ko:김동한, 이게 바로 '청량 섹시'…부드러운 카리스마 '포커스'|url=https://tenasia.hankyung.com/topic/article/2019051265264|website=Ten Asia|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 12, 2019}} and Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation's (MBC) Show! Music Core.{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Su-yeong|script-title=ko:'쇼음악중심' 김동한, 한층 성숙해진 'FOCUS(포커스)'|url=https://tenasia.hankyung.com/topic/article/2019051899094|website=Ten Asia|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 18, 2019}} Kim completed activities on these programs on May 29 to focus on international promotions.{{cite web|last=Kang|first=Mi-hwa|script-title=ko:김동한, 'FOCUS' 음악 방송 활동 성료 "해외·예능 활동 계속"|url=http://www.m-i.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=608101|website=Maeil Ilbo|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 30, 2019}} He performed "Focus" during the 25th Dream Concert held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium and the K-pop World Music Festival 2019 in Manila along with "Idea".{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Na-yeong|script-title=ko:김동한, '드림콘서트' 솔로 첫 출격…'FOCUS(포커스)'로 청량감+에너지 폭발|url=https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/201905180148I|website=Korea Economic Daily|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 18, 2019}}{{cite web|last=Ju|first=Da-yeong|script-title=ko:'역대급' 김동한은 지난 9일 오후 6시...|url=http://www.chuksannews.co.kr/news/article.html?no=181467|website=Chuksan News|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=June 13, 2019}} In support of D-Hours AM 7:03, Kim held fan meetings in Thailand and South Korea in July and September, respectively.{{cite web|last=Hwang|first=Hye-jin|script-title=ko:김동한, 태국 팬페스트 성료…첩보원 변신부터 감동 무대까지|url=https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201907290842270410|website=Newsen|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=July 29, 2019}}{{cite web|last=Yong|first=Won-joong|script-title=ko:김동한, 팬미팅 'D-Story' 성료…얼굴맛집+무대장인 면모 '입증'|url=http://www.slist.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=104126|website=Single List|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=September 23, 2019}}

Commercial performance

On the chart dated April 28 – May 4, 2019, D-Hours AM 7:03 debuted at number six on South Korea's national Gaon Album Chart.{{cite web|script-title=ko:2019년 18주차 Album Chart|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=18&hitYear=2019&termGbn=week|publisher=Gaon Music Chart|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko}} It ranked on Gaon's top 100 for seven nonconsecutive weeks.{{cite web|title=Gaon Chart – Album Chart|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/search/list.gaon?serviceGbn=ALBUM&nationGbn=T&yyyy=2019&condition=3&search_str=d-hours+am+7_03|publisher=Gaon Music Chart|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko}} By the end of June, the mini-album shifted 17,407 units domestically.{{cite web|script-title=ko:2019년 상반기 Album Chart|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=2019&hitYear=2019&termGbn=year|publisher=Gaon Music Chart|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712070546/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=2019&hitYear=2019&termGbn=year|archive-date=July 12, 2019}} The single "Focus" under-performed on music charts.{{cite web|last1=Ha|first1=Na-yeong|script-title=ko:[5월: 어떤가요①] "박효신을 넘어라?"…'믿고 듣는' 보컬 출격 예고|url=http://digitalchosun.dizzo.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/05/08/2019050880216.html|website=Digital Chosun|publisher=Chosun Ilbo Company|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=Korean|date=May 8, 2019}} On the Gaon Social Chart, which collects data from YouTube, Twitter, and YinYueTai, the song debuted and peaked at number 61.{{cite web|script-title=ko:2019년 18주차 Social Chart|url=http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/social.gaon?nationGbn=S&serviceGbn=SOCIAL&targetTime=18&hitYear=2019&termGbn=week|publisher=Gaon Music Chart|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=Korean}}

Critical reception

D-Hours AM 7:03 received favorable reviews from all four critics from TV Daily. The album was noted for its "strategic choice of concept" and "sexy colors" by Oh Ji-won and Kim Han-kil, respectively. Kim Ji-ha commented that the singer is "steadily gaining ground", while Kim Ye-na observed its "restrained and powerful appeal".{{cite web|last1=Kim|first1=Ji-ha|script-title=ko:뉴이스트ㆍ더보이즈ㆍ술탄오브더디스코ㆍ정태춘ㆍ김동한ㆍ나훈아 [이번주 뭐 들었니?]|url=http://tvdaily.asiae.co.kr/read.php3?aid=15570582031455194010|website=TV Daily|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=May 5, 2019}} The Korean Broadcasting System banned the "Focus" music video from syndication on its network after deeming it "unfit for broadcast". The company determined that it violated regulations for displaying a specific product.{{cite web|last1=Na|first1=Hye-ran|script-title=ko:블랙핑크 뮤비, KBS에서 방영 금지 "이유는?"|url=http://www.siminilbo.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=624620|website=Simin Ilbo|access-date=November 3, 2020|language=ko|date=April 27, 2019}}

Track listing

{{Track listing

| headline = D-Hours AM 7:03

| extra_column = Arrangement

| total_length = 17:06

| title1 = Bebe

| lyrics1 = Marco, Bipolar Boy, Kim Dong-han

| music1 = Marco, Bipolar Boy

| extra1 = Marco, Bipolar Boy

| length1 = 3:20

| title2 = Focus

| lyrics2 = MosPick, Kim Dong-han

| music2 = MosPick

| extra2 = MosPick

| length2 = 3:34

| title3 = Make Me So Crazy

| lyrics3 = MosPick, Kim Dong-han

| music3 = MosPick

| extra3 = MosPick

| length3 = 3:16

| title4 = Everyday

| note4 = {{langx|ko|매일매일|Maeil Maeil|label=none}}

| lyrics4 = Kim Dong-han, Rich Jang, Dono

| music4 = Rich Jang, Dono

| extra4 = Dono

| length4 = 3:42

| title5 = Idea

| lyrics5 = B.O., KZ, Taebongi, Kim Dong-han

| music5 = KZ, Taebongi, B.O.

| extra5 = KZ, Taebongi

| length5 = 3:14

}}

Credits

Credits adapted from the mini-album's liner notes.

{{Div col|content=

  • An Tae-bong – audio engineer
  • B.O – chorus, composition, lyrics
  • Baek – choreography
  • Bipolar Boy – arrangement, composition, keyboard, lyrics
  • Bitbybit – artwork
  • Chae Yeon-a – hair
  • Choi Bo-yun – photography
  • Choi Ji-seon – stylist
  • Dono – arrangement, chorus, composition, lyrics
  • Ferdy – guitars
  • Heo Eun-suk – digital editing
  • Hyeon Jin – choreography
  • Im Seol-i – stylist
  • Jang Jae-min – bass guitar, piano
  • Jeon Bu-yeon – mixing engineer assistant
  • 조씨아저씨 – mixing engineer
  • Jung Jae-pil – guitars
  • Jung Jin One – choreography, performance director
  • Kang Dong-ha – synthesizer
  • Kim Dong-han – choreography, lyrics
  • Kim Hye-kwang – vocal edit engineer
  • Kim Min-hee – audio engineer
  • Kwon Nam-woo – mastering engineer
  • KZ – arrangement, bass guitar, composition, drums, electric piano, lyrics, MIDI programming, piano
  • Lee Sup – audio engineer
  • Marco – arrangement, chorus, composition, lyrics, synthesizer
  • Master Key – mixing engineer
  • Moon Hanmiru – chorus
  • MosPick – arrangement, composition, lyrics
  • No Jae-shin – photography assistant
  • Oh Diego – audio engineer
  • Oh Hyeong-seok – mixing engineer
  • Oh! Big Hand – artwork
  • Park Jee-won – make-up
  • Park Mi-kyeong – stylist
  • Rich Jang – composition, lyrics
  • Son Yeong-jin – synthesizer
  • Song Hye-ran – stylist
  • Taebongi – arrangement, bass guitar, composition, drums, electric piano, guitars, lyrics, MIDI programming
  • Wee Myeong-hee – executive producer
  • YeahNice – chorus

}}

Chart

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
scope="col"|Chart (2019)

! scope="col"|Peak
position

scope="row"|South Korean Albums (Gaon)

| 6

References

{{Reflist}}