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NEXZ debuts under JYP, aiming to build on Stray Kids' legacy
NEXZ members pose during a press event held to commemorate their debut at YES24 Live Hall in eastern Seoul's Gwangjin District, Monday. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
By Pyo Kyung-min
NEXZ, the newest boy band from JYP Entertainment, finally made its debut, becoming the K-pop powerhouse's first new boy group since Stray Kids debuted six years ago.
Composed mainly of Japanese members — Tomoya, Yu, Haru, Seita, Hyui and Yuki — alongside one Korean member, Sogeon, this seven-piece act aims to elevate K-pop's international stature just like its predecessors under the JYP umbrella.
NEXZ was formed through the second season of the audition program "Nizi (Rainbow) Project" in 2023, a collaboration between JYP and Japan's biggest record label, Sony Music. The two companies previously launched the all-Japanese girl group NiziU through the first season of the program in December 2020.
Commemorating their official debut Monday, the NEXZ members expressed their sentiments behind following in the footsteps of renowned JYP seniors during a press event at YES24 Live Hall in eastern Seoul's Gwangjin District, Monday.
“Honestly, debuting as rookies in a company with globally renowned seniors brings pressure. However, I am determined to transform this pressure into a sense of responsibility and consistently work hard,” said Yu, struggling to convey his thoughts in Korean, a language he is still mastering.
Despite their limited Korean proficiency, the members tried their best to communicate in Korean throughout the event, showcasing their dedication to their new venture.
“After the final mission of Nizi Project, the seniors from Stray Kids’ unit 3RACHA encouraged us to stay strong together and advised us to maintain good relationships among the members,” member Yuki added.
NEXZ performs its debut title track "Ride the Vibe," during a press event held to commemorate their debut at YES24 Live Hall in eastern Seoul's Gwangjin District, Monday. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
The group name NEXZ is an abbreviation of "Next Generation" and was personally coined by producer Park Jin-young. Seita shared that upon learning the group's name, he "wanted to become a singer befitting the meaningful name."
“When I first heard the name, I found it very impressive. The grand ambition of leading the next generation made me think we must become amazing artists,” Seita said.
The lead single on NEXZ's inaugural album, "Ride the Vibe," is the hip-hop-based title track. The track's lyrics, along with its experimental sounds, invites its listeners to join in to feel the group's unique vibes.
Reflecting on his initial reaction to the debut song, Yuki recalled, “As soon as we heard it, we found our bodies naturally grooving to the rhythm. It was a joy to realize that this song became uniquely ours.”
Hyui chimed in to highlight the group's collaborative effort. “During rehearsals, we engaged in numerous discussions with the production team to capture the song's essence accurately," he said.
NEXZ members pose during a press event held to commemorate their debut at YES24 Live Hall in eastern Seoul's Gwangjin District, Monday. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
The trend of boy groups active in both Korea and Japan is on the rise, with examples like NCT WISH under SM Entertainment and &TEAM under HYBE Labels, both predominantly featuring Japanese members, effectively executing localization strategies in Japan.
Among these groups, the NEXZ members underscored their "free-spirited vibe, penchant for challenges and unwavering passion for fan engagement" as the group's defining strength.
Tomoya emphasized, "Our ethos of embracing challenges, embodied by the name NEXZ, sets us apart to lead the next generation. Plus, our unique charms, cultivated in our carefree concept, shine on stage."
Sogeon added, "NEXZ aims to captivate audiences worldwide. Despite being newcomers and facing uncertainties, we're dedicated to thorough preparation and engaging with fans in both countries, which in my opinion sets us apart."