[Interview] NEXZ Opens Up About Competing With NCT WISH and &TEAM: “We’re Determined to Take Our Own Road” on 27th

NEXZ Opens Up About Competing With NCT WISH and &TEAM: “We’re Determined to Take Our Own Road”

JYP Entertainment’s Japanese boy group NEXZ shared their honest thoughts on finding their own identity amid the growing wave of global idol groups. The members said that while they feel inspired by other groups such as HYBE’s &TEAM and SM Entertainment’s NCT WISH, they are determined to take a path that is uniquely their own.

Formed through Nizi Project Season 2—a survival show co-produced by JYP Entertainment and Sony Music Japan—NEXZ debuted on May 20, 2023 as a seven-member act composed of Tomoya, Yu, Haru, So Geon, Seita, Hyui, and Yuki. The group represents JYP’s latest attempt to localize the K-pop system for Japan, combining both Japanese and Korean members into one team.

Among them, So Geon is the only Korean member, while the other NEXZ members are Japanese. Despite that, all seven surprised reporters with their fluent Korean throughout the interview. So Geon recalled an episode from his audition:

“During my final evaluation, Producer Park Jin-young noticed I was Korean and asked me to introduce myself in Korean. I wasn’t ready at all, so I just said, ‘Hello, I’m So Geon,’ and froze for a full minute before he told me to switch to Japanese. After that, I started feeling embarrassed that I couldn’t speak my own language well. Since then, I’ve tried to talk to my parents and staff in Korean and learned through dramas—it’s actually really fun now.”

Hyui added with a laugh,

“It’s been about six years since I came to Korea. I realized I’d gotten used to the language when I found myself saying things like ‘Ah, that’s so cute!’ or ‘Ah, seriously!’ without even thinking. That’s when I knew I’d really adapted.”

Yuki mentioned that he improved his Korean by watching King the Land, featuring 2PM’s Junho, while Tomoya said,

“I love watching Kong Kong Pat Pat! There are so many famous Korean celebrities on it—it really helps with learning everyday expressions.”

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Adapting to Korean Life

The members also opened up about adjusting to Korean food and culture.
Seita shared,

“Before becoming a trainee, I was curious about Korean food and wanted to try it. During training, I ate a lot of meals from JYP’s cafeteria—they’re healthy and delicious. That became my first good memory of Korean cuisine. I wasn’t used to spicy food at first, but now I love budae-jjigae.”

Haru recalled being surprised by how cashless Korea is:

“When I first came here, I was amazed that everyone paid by card instead of cash. Now it feels weird to use cash when I go back to Japan.”

Tomoya chimed in,

“Online shopping here is incredible. After opening a bank account, I started ordering from Coupang and using delivery apps all the time.”

Yu added with a smile,

“After practice or on our days off, we often say, ‘That was tough—should we eat something?’ and end up ordering delivery. We love yukhoe, budae-jjigae, and chicken, and we talk a lot while eating. Everything tastes amazing.”

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From Fan Love to Global Ambitions

When asked about their fans, Seita said,

“Korean fans always give us so much energy whenever we meet them. Thanks to their passion, we can keep going. We’re grateful to share good music with everyone.”

Tomoya added,

“There isn’t really a difference between Korean and Japanese fans, but ours have something special. At joint events or award shows, their cheers are so loud it gives me chills. It’s really empowering.”

The group also reflected on the global stage they’re stepping into. Hyui commented,

“Seeing seniors like &TEAM and NCT WISH performing around the world is inspiring. It’s not pressure—it’s motivation. We want to walk our own path while showing great music and performance. Of course, there’s a bit of pressure, but we’re trying to channel it positively.”

Unlike NiziU, another JYP act mainly active in Japan, NEXZ has focused more on Korean promotions since debuting domestically. Hyui explained,

“Being able to perform at all feels like our dream and our goal. It doesn’t matter which country we’re in—what matters most is communicating with our fans and sharing the stage with them. That’s what makes us happiest.”

Previous article about NEXZ members and other idols’ interviews > [Interview] BTS Jin to Hold Encore Fan-Con in Incheon — Finale of His 1st Solo Tour

Source Korean article – https://m.entertain.naver.com/now/article/076/0004339212