Full of diverse personalities, THE BOYZ’ eleven members have found their groove together. After the release of their new album, TRIGGER (導火線), they are moving past one chapter of their career and beginning to find their footing as a group again. The members took some time to get sentimental in a quick Q&A with Pop Crave, chatting all about the new album, their career so far, and what’s next for the group.
Throughout your career, there have been many different versions of THE BOYZ. Is there any ‘era’ or concept of TBZ that you feel portrays the group the best?
Hyunjae: I think the intense concepts like “Reveal” represent the colors of THE BOYZ, but the clean and bright energy concepts like “Thrill Ride” also represent the colors of THE BOYZ, too!
Ju Haknyeon: “I’m Your Boy”. Since our team name is THE BOYZ, I don’t think there is a song that represents us as well as “I’m Your Boy”.
What does this new album, TRIGGER (導火線), represent at this time in THE BOYZ’ career?
Juyeon: I want it to be a new starting point, a “trigger”. It will be an album that pushes the envelope.
What’s next on the live show front after wrapping up your “Zeneration II” World Tour?
Juyeon: We can’t wait to be wherever our fans are waiting for us, thank you for your patience and support.
New: We want to fulfill every opportunity we can to meet our fans, so we can’t wait to show them our best work.
Fans reacted explosively to your upcoming b-side “Bite Back” on the “Zeneration II” World Tour. How does it feel to finally be releasing it after performing the track throughout the year?
Sunwoo: I’m excited that fans can officially hear the song and I’m sure they’ll love it even more haha. The B, stay tuned! (❤)
What are some of your favorite tracks from the Trigger album and why?
Eric: My personal favorite is “Slip Away”. It’s sticky and groovy, mysterious and R&B, which is my style.
Ju Haknyeon: Mine is “bAd”. I personally like the song so much that I wish we would have done it as the title track.
Do any of the songs from the new album stick out to you as songs you’ll want to eventually perform live (other than the title track and “Bite Back”)?
Jacob: There is a song called “bAd” and I think it’s very addictive. It’s a song that can be sung while choreographed in a hip way. I’d like to try [performing] this song if we get the chance.
You’re approaching such a huge milestone. Seven years since debut- you’ve grown up together! Has there been any experience in particular while being a member of THE BOYZ that makes you really proud?
Younghoon: There were many difficult moments before we reached our seventh year, but I think THE BOYZ are what we are today because everyone supported and helped each member. I’m always grateful and thankful to the members, and I think The B’s have given us even more strength.
I assume life as an idol can get difficult as it’s very fast-paced. Is there anything you’ve learned about yourself throughout your journey that has helped you along the way?
Sangyeon: I’m not completely enlightened, but I’m more mature than before and I realize the importance of our fans. I want to show more wonderful things as THE BOYZ and as myself.
While touring the world, have you had any experiences with fans that have really stuck with you?
Kevin: It was the beginning of our world tour in New York City. In the second half of the concert, a man who had written the slogan “I am proposing” in Korean carefully raised it above his head as he looked at the woman who was with him. When I noticed it, I handed over the mic to him at the end of each member’s introduction, and it was so impressive to see him put a ring on her finger and kiss her! We wish the couple who proposed at our concert a long and happy life together!
Juyeon: I think the most memorable part was seeing everyone so happy and emotional together. I also remember the nervousness of waiting backstage before the concert with the fans screaming for us.
What are your goals for the next chapter of your career?
New: As I watch THE BOYZ become mature, I realize that I want us to keep becoming more and more mature in the future.
We are Pop Crave, and we’re all about pop culture! Please share your current pop culture obsessions- Music, TV, Movies, Memes etc.
Q: I haven’t seen it yet, but everyone has been recommending “Culinary Class Wars” lately, so I’m going to watch it later when I have time!
Younghoon: I recommend “Queen of Tears” because it’s really funny and it brought tears to my eyes!
Check out THE BOYZ’ new mini album TRIGGER (導火線), available on all streaming platforms now!
