BOYNEXTDOOR concludes ‘first love’ trilogy with new album
K-pop boy band BOYNEXTDOOR has unveiled its second mini-album, “HOW?” along with its title track, “Earth, Wind & Fire,” just seven months after its previous album.
Comprising members Jaehyun, Sungho, Riwoo, Taesan, Leehan and Woonhak, BOYNEXTDOOR burst onto the K-pop scene in May 2023. Despite its brief career to date, the group has quickly risen in popularity, thanks in part to the support of rapper Zico, who heads the group’s agency, KOZ Entertainment, under HYBE Labels.
Zico also served as the mastermind behind the new album’s production.
During a press event at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Monday, Taesan shared how Zico has “consistently encouraged them to showcase their talents both collectively and individually through this album.”
Jaehyun added, “He gave glowing feedback on my contribution to the title track, expressing that he wouldn’t change a thing. It’s the first time I’ve received such unadulterated praise. It was immensely gratifying.”
The latest album, “HOW?” wraps up a trilogy of the band’s first-love narratives, delving into the transitional phase between the excitement of initial romance depicted in its debut album “WHO!” and the heartache explored in the first mini-album “WHY..”
Notably, the new lead single, “Earth, Wind & Fire,” explores the unpredictability of love, similar to the uncontrollable forces of nature.
Sungho pointed out the breakneck pace of the rap segment in the song as a standout feature.
“I initially doubted my ability to perform the fast-paced rap part live during rehearsals,” he said. “However, through relentless practice, I came to realize that everything is achievable through dedication.”
Members Jaehyun, Taesan and Woonhak contributed to the composition and lyrics of five tracks on the album with the goal of producing songs that are emotionally appealing to their listeners.
Elaborating on his creative process, Jaehyun said, “When making the title track, I envisioned a character exuding confidence and charm yet revealing vulnerability in intimate moments. Drawing inspiration from the film ‘Kingsman,’ I aimed to infuse a sense of gentleness into the composition and lyrics.”
When asked about his perception of first love, Taesan described his as “someone who ignites a fluttering feeling in the heart and lingers persistently in one’s thoughts.”
BOYNEXTDOOR is poised to celebrate its one-year anniversary next month.
“The past year has passed in the blink of an eye,” Sungho said. “Since our debut, we’ve remained steadfast in our commitment to music and performance, continuously striving for growth and authenticity as a group.”
Thanking the fans, Jaehyun said, “As we embark on this new chapter, I’ve set a personal goal. I’ve been working as a host for ‘M Countdown,’ and I hope to personally present our members with a winning trophy.”