In a K-pop industry often driven by professional producers and choreographers, BoyNextDoor is taking a different path. The six-member boy group, who debuted in 2023 under the mentorship of rapper and producer Zico, is carving out a unique space by actively participating in songwriting and production. Unlike many of their peers, each member contributes creatively, giving their music a more personal and authentic touch.
From Jaehyun and Taesan to the youngest, Woonhak, all members have had a hand in writing standout tracks like “Earth, Wind & Fire,” “Nice Guy,” and “If I Say, I Love You.” For them, crafting a good song means more than just making a hit—it’s about expressing who they are. Jaehyun emphasizes the importance of showcasing their individuality through their music and performance, while Taesan highlights honesty and emotional sincerity as the foundation of their lyrics.
Their newest EP, No Genre, released on May 13, embodies this philosophy. With seven tracks that span from retro-soul and city pop to energetic house music, the album resists stylistic categorization. The group uses the title No Genre not only to emphasize their musical versatility but also to reject limitations. As Jaehyun puts it, they want to prove they’re free-spirited artists capable of mastering any sound.
The lead single “I Feel Good” was created with live performance in mind. Designed to energize crowds, the song also came with one of the group’s most demanding choreographies. Riwoo shared how challenging it was to maintain stamina, and Jaehyun even began working out and taking supplements to meet the physical demands of their routines.
Their dedication is gaining recognition. BoyNextDoor is set to perform at Lollapalooza Chicago this summer, sharing the stage with global stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Tyler, The Creator. Taesan called the opportunity a dream come true, and the group has even started taking English lessons to better connect with international fans.
Looking ahead, BoyNextDoor aims to be more than just a successful group. Sungho expressed the group’s long-standing ambition to define this era of K-pop. Riwoo added that as an all-Korean act, they’re committed to representing Korea proudly on the global stage.
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