On September 9, rising boy group BOYNEXTDOOR (SUNGHO, RIWOO, JAEHYUN, TAESAN, LEEHAN, and WOONHAK) made their return with the mini-album '19.99.' Hours before the official release, the boys held a media showcase to talk about the project.
'19.99' came 5 months after the release of their 2nd mini-album 'HOW?', which features the title song "Earth, Wind & Fire," and it's an imperfect number that symbolizes the moment just before turning 20—the most passionate time in life.
'19.99' features seven tracks: pre-release track "Dangerous," the lead single "Nice Guy," and the sidetracks "Gonna Be A Rock," "SKIT," "20," "Call Me," and an English rendition of the lead single. The album embodies the creative vision of the self-producing all-rounders, who were actively involved in many aspects of the production, including composition and lyrics.
With members either newly in their twenties or on the verge of turning 20, they bring authenticity and relatability through a unique blend of interests, strengths, and talents, exploring the immature yet innocent dilemmas of youth on the cusp of transitioning from their teens into their twenties.
“Nice Guy” captures the overflowing confidence of a 19.99-year-old who believes that with determination, one can charm anyone. BOYNEXTDOOR's signature free-spirited and candid lyrics bring this belief to life.
Joined by executive producer ZICO and main producer Pop Time, the uplifting track exemplifies a masterful blend of musical sophistication and wide-ranging appeal. The track also serves as a testament to the sextet’s self-producing prowess, with JAEHYUN, TAESAN, and WOONHAK participating in writing the lyrics, and TAESAN and WOONHAK also contributing to the composition. The result is a universally engaging sound that captivates listeners from the get-go.
WOONHAK who contributed to the lyrics shared during the showcase how he felt the pressure and fear of the thought of turning 20 years old "because I thought I had to mature quickly." The band's goal in mind while preparing for this album is for it to resonate with youth. "We crafted it by reflecting BOYNEXTDOOR's real life stories," they said.
In the accompanying music video for “Nice Guy,” released on HYBE LABELS’ YouTube channel, K-Pop’s free spirits embark on a turbulent journey through their first part-time jobs. Their initial naive optimism fades as they encounter a series of comedic setbacks that challenge their confidence, including a flower-shaped pizza being rejected by a customer and dogs at a pet daycare running away when one tries to read to them. Despite these challenges, their positivity shines through, highlighted by vibrant dance sequences infused with flirtatious charm and bold energy. Each member’s witty take on being a 'nice guy,' expressed through distinctive gestures and expressions, vividly captures the endearing attempt at sophistication of someone on the brink of adulthood.
Check out the official photos from the showcase below!
[Photos courtesy of KOZ Entertainment]
Group Photos
Riwoo
Myung Jaehyun
Sungho
Woonhak
Leehan
Taesan