Welcome back to Fan Chant, a weekly column for K-pop fans, stans, and newbies alike. Today, BOYNEXTDOOR sit down for a chat around their new album. As always, if you enjoy what you’re reading, feel free to subscribe to my companion newsletter to get Fan Chant delivered right to your inbox each week!
For the members of BOYNEXTDOOR, teetering on the cusp of their 20s is top of mind right now. The individuals that form the KOZ Entertainment group — Jaehyun, Sungho, Riwoo, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak — are all around the same age, something of a rarity in K-pop, and the experience of embracing their next chapter of adulthood together became the focus of their new album, 19.99.
After debuting in 2023, BOYNEXTDOOR released a trilogy focused on young love, packed with elements pulled from movies and television shows they connected with, but they see 19.99 as a turning point. “This album really comes from our hearts,” Riwoo tells Consequence.
The members have gathered mid-day in Seoul to chat about the project over Zoom, and, even as they note that this album features themes about the passage of time, their youthful, contagious energy is the thing they really want to come through. When we jump on the call, they ask me, their audience of one, to cheer and make some noise. Sungho describes their dynamic as “mischievous and free-spirited,” which prompts Jaehyun to quietly remove his glasses and place them back on upside-down.
Watch BOYNEXTDOOR’s video for “Nice Guy” below, and read on for the full interview.
It’s been an exciting 2024 for you guys — tell me about making your US debut at KCON! How did it feel to connect with fans here, and to be hailed as a “standout of the night?”
Leehan: A year ago, we filmed our debut music video in LA. KCON reminded me of those times. It was our first time performing in the States and in LA, and we were very, very excited to see a lot of fans who were there and rooting for us. They showed us so much love and support, so we were very, very happy.