(ANN/KOREA HERALD) – JYP Entertainment unveiled its inaugural Japanese boy group, Nexz, on Monday, marking the agency’s first boy group debut in six years.
Comprising six Japanese members and one South Korean-born member raised in Japan, Nexz was formed through JYP Entertainment’s “Nizi Project Season 2” audition program, broadcasted on YouTube and Hulu Japan last year.
The audition program is part of JYP Entertainment’s “Globalization by Localization” initiative, aimed at fostering K-pop talents in various countries, including Japan.
Speaking at a press conference in Seoul on Monday, Yu expressed the group’s sense of responsibility as the first boy group to debut under JYP Entertainment after the popular K-pop boy group Stray Kids.
“Our group name, Nexz, is derived from ‘next’ and ‘generation,’ symbolising our journey alongside the new generation,” shared Tomoya, the group’s leader.
Nexz members include Tomoya, Yu, Haru, So Geon, Seita, Hyui, and Yuki.
Despite the group’s Japanese majority and one Korean member, the press conference was conducted entirely in Korean, showcasing the members’ dedication to communicate effectively with Korean reporters and fans.
Debuting with the single album “Ride the Vibe,” Nexz explores various electronic sounds in their title track, “Ride the Vibe,” capturing the whirlwind of emotions accompanying their K-pop journey.
“Our debut track, ‘Ride the Vibe,’ instantly got us moving to its rhythm,” shared Yuki.
The single album also features the R&B track “Starlight,” blending pizzicato sounds of a contrabass to symbolize the group’s passion akin to a starlit sky.
“Each member brings unique vocal characteristics, and we aspire to showcase our talents worldwide,” remarked Hyui, highlighting the group’s eagerness to perform on international stages.
