HYBE's rookie BOYNEXTDOOR storms Seoul stage with 1st mini 'WHY..'

▲ K-pop boy group BOYNEXTDOOR performs at the media showcase for its first mini album "WHY.." in Seoul on Sept. 4, 2023. (Yonhap)

 

By Chung Joo-won

 

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- K-pop boy group BOYNEXTDOOR, the rookie of K-pop behemoth HYBE, blasted their comeback stage on Monday with their first-ever mini album "WHY.."

  

BOYNEXTDOOR is the first boy group launched by KOZ Entertainment -- Hybe's sub-label which was established by rapper-producer Zico in 2019. It consists of six members -- Sungho, Riwoo, Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan and Woonhak.

 

During the media showcase, the sextet performed two songs, including lead single "But Sometimes" and "ABCDLOVE " from the new album. 

The comeback came only three months after releasing their debut single "WHO!" on May 30. 

 

"We are glad to make such a quick comeback. We want show everyone how hard and well we do this," said Seongho. 

Woonhak continued, "The two albums (WHO! and WHY..) came in a set. We think of it as one whole story, from first crush to farewell."

 

"WHY.." continues to embrace the debut single's theme of "emotions of young boys in love." But the new album shifts its focus to the complex emotions and reasons behind the confusion, sharing the moment of the boys' first farewell.

 

In addition to BOYNEXTDOOR, showcase by other groups, including RIIZE, the rookie boy group of SM Entertainment, took place. 

About possible rivalry between BOYNEXTDOOR and RIIZE, Taesan said, "We are aware that many artists are releasing their albums today. We hope we can share good influences and stay happy during the activities." 

 

Leehan wished he could meet more fans through the comeback activities. He said, "At the debut period, we were so nervous that we could not directly deliver our gratitude. This time, we will be given more opportunities to meet our fans." 

"WHY.." includes a total of six tracks, including three songs from their debut single album such as "But I Like You," "One and Only," and "Serenade," as well as new songs including "Crying," "But Sometimes" and "ABCDLOVE." These tracks naturally bridge the beginning and the end of a boy's first love.

 

"But Sometimes" brings forth compelling electric guitar sound and candid lyrics. The song illustrates the singer's realization that the love and the effort put into a relationship are never equivalent. Jaehyun, Taesan and Woonhak are credited as writers and lyricists.

 

"We worked very hard to make the best out of this fest," said the group's leader, Jaehyun.

 

The new album will be released online at 6 p.m.

 

jwc@yna.co.kr

 

▲ K-pop boy group BOYNEXTDOOR poses at the media showcase for its first mini album "WHY.." in Seoul on Sept. 4, 2023. (Yonhap)

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