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| ▲ Rookie boy group NEXZ attends the media conference for its second single, "Mmchk," held in Seoul on April 27, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap) |
SEOUL, April 27 (Yonhap) -- Rookie boy group NEXZ on Monday expressed pride in being the junior group of Stray Kids while pledging to establish its own musical identity.
“We will work harder to live up to the title of ‘JYP’s next generation,’” member Hui said during a showcase in Seoul marking the release of the group’s second single, "Mmchk."
“We are happy and honored to be juniors of Stray Kids. While following the path they have paved, we will present our own new music,” the group said.
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| ▲ Rookie boy group NEXZ performs during the media conference for its second single, "Mmchk," held in Seoul on April 27, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap) |
Member Seita expressed hopes for greater recognition through the new release, saying the group aims to win its first music show trophy after previously being nominated.
Yu, who celebrated his birthday on the day of the event, said he was excited to spend it with fans and family attending the showcase.
The release comes about six months after the group’s previous single "Beat-Boxer" in October last year.
The title track "Mmchk" is a coined term created by the group, characterized by its rhythmic sound and meant to express NEXZ’s free-spirited identity beyond fixed expressions. Members Tomoya, Hui and Yuki participated in writing the lyrics.
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| ▲ Rookie boy group NEXZ performs during the media conference for its second single, "Mmchk," held in Seoul on April 27, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap) |
“Each of us wrote lyrics individually, then combined and refined the best parts,” Yuki said. Hui added that writing in Korean was challenging as a Japanese member but emphasized his effort to convey the group’s message.
The single album contains three tracks, including the title track, its English version and "Hypeman."
NEXZ performed two songs live at the showcase, highlighting its synchronized choreography during the "Mmchk" stage.
Having debuted in May 2024, the group is approaching its second anniversary next month. Tomoya recalled being unable to sleep ahead of their debut showcase due to nerves and said the group now feels more confident on stage.
“Our identity has become clearer, and we’ve learned to enjoy performing,” he said.
NEXZ is also set to perform at the Rock in Rio in September, one of the world’s largest music festivals.
“We are really looking forward to it,” Tomoya said. “Dance is our strength, and we will deliver a powerful performance.”
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