JYP Entertainment rookie boy group NEXZ shared that J.Y. Park, the overall producer, advised them not to lose sight of their initial drive, emphasizing, "Passion is our forte."
On May 20, at 3 PM KST, NEXZ held a showcase at the YES24 Live Hall in Seoul's Gwangjin-gu to mark the release of their debut single, 'Ride the Vibe.'
NEXZ marks JYP's first boy group launch in approximately six years since Stray Kids. Their formation stemmed from the joint audition program 'Nizi Project' Season 2, a collaboration between JYP Entertainment and Sony Music, Japan's leading record label, in 2023. Reflecting on this journey, member Hyui acknowledged, "We feel the weight of following Stray Kids, but we're determined to channel this into a sense of responsibility for our activities."
In response to J.Y. Park's counsel, the members shared, "The PD reminded us to stay grounded, emphasizing that our passion is our greatest asset."
Comprising Tomoya, Yu, Haru, So Geon, Seita, Hyui, and Yuki, with an average age of 17, NEXZ embodies the unique qualities and appeal of the Z generation. Notably, only So Geon is the only member who is Korean, while the others are Japanese.
With six out of seven members being Japanese, NEXZ expressed, "We've dedicated ourselves to learning Korean diligently. We hope for your warm welcome."
The group name NEXZ, derived from 'Next Z(G)eneration', was coined by JYP's representative producer and 'Nizi Project' judge J.Y. Park, symbolizing their ambition to shape the future with the music and performances of Z-generation members.
Leader Tomoya urged, "Witness our remarkable growth and ascent, just as our name suggests."
NEXZ's debut track, 'Ride the Vibe', introduces a mix of sounds within a captivating and experimental ambiance, serving as a focal point for listeners. With lyrics inviting fans to join them on an emotional journey, the group aims to attract audiences with their unique 'easy-experimental' genre, fusing hip-hop beats with electronic elements.
So Geon outlined their aspirations, stating, "We aim to engage with fans in Korea, increase our visibility, and build a repertoire of original songs for solo concerts."
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Not "technically" JYP, as they are based in Japan, and are under both JYP and Sony. However, JYP's sole male group will be making its debut later this year (probably under a better name than Loud too).