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| ▲ K-pop boy group TRENDZ poses at an interview at Yonhap News Agency's Seoul headquarters on Aug. 24, 2023. (Yonhap) |
[Interview] TRENDZ says K-pop idol needs 'perseverance, tactfulness and fans' love' to survive
By Chung Joo-won
SEOUL, Sept. 6 (Yonhap) -- Debuting in January last year, second-year boy group TRENDZ has returned with their third single album "Still On My Way," to be released later on Wednesday.
After concluding their "BLUE SET" universe with two singles and two mini-album releases, TRENDZ is embarking on a new journey with their latest track, "My Way," just three months later. The song carries the members' determination to continue on their own path, even when faced with limits.
Two weeks before their comeback stage on August 24th, the septet (Havit, Leon, Yoonwoo, Hankook, Ra.L, Eunil, and Yechan) gathered at the Yonhap News headquarters for an interview.
TRENDZ's main rapper, Ra.L, described "My Way" as a song that shows TRENDZ breaking out of an unknown space. He explained that listeners will feel a positive message about continuously pursuing their dreams throughout this album.
Havit, the main vocalist, emphasized that the new song is "a very impressive song with a sentimental melody that suits autumn, contrasting with a running beat."
"Last time, 'NEW DAYZ' was a great song to listen to in the morning, but I think 'MY WAY' will be great to listen to when working out, when feeling frustrated, or when you want your heart to be pierced." (Leon)
Members Hankook, Ra.L, and Yechan participated in writing lyrics for the new track, with producer LEEZ once again taking on the role of producing.
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| ▲ K-pop boy group TRENDZ poses at an interview at Yonhap News Agency's Seoul headquarters on Aug. 24, 2023. (Yonhap) |
With the rapid growth of the K-pop market, competition has become fierce. It's not easy to stand out among the numerous groups that rise and fall like stars.
From the eldest member, Havit, born in 1999, to the youngest, Yechan, born in 2005, TRENDZ has earned its title as "seongjangdol (성장돌, growth idol)," via running tirelessly for about a year and a half. They have faced challenges both within and outside the musical realm.
Their former agency, Interpark Music Plus, was dissolved in their debut year, in the process of the acquition of its parent company Interpark by hospitality solution giant Yanolja. Fortunately, the members found a new home in Global H Media and were able to continue their team activities.
"Both circumstantially and mentally, there were many situations where we could have broken down. But really, it is a matter of how well the team can harmoniously overcome those hardships.” (Yoonwoo)
The members emphasized that to survive as K-pop artists, one needs not only solid skills and artistic spirit but also strong mental stamina.
"We faced trials wondering how we would overcome this stage. Fortunately, after repeatedly performing on stage, we have found some room to breathe." (Ra.L)
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| ▲ Ra.L (L), Eunil of K-pop boy group TRENDZ speak during an interview at Yonhap News Agency's Seoul headquarters on Aug. 24, 2023. (Yonhap) |
Looking back on their trainee days until now, they mentioned the virtues of K-pop artists: "sensitivity, mental strength, passion, and perseverance," as well as the love of fans.
"In this world, being quick on the uptake is important because it allows us to adapt to situations immediately, making it a kind of lifeline... It's very important." (Hankook)
"Mental strength is crucial. When we had our debut showcase, we had an intro dance. The choreography was changed a lot, so we practiced until dawn on the day of the debut. I was worried a lot then, thinking, 'What if we make a mistake on our debut...'" (Yoonwoo)
"And above all, the love from our FRIENDZ (official fandom name) fans is the most important. Without the love of our fans, we can't do anything." (Havit)
Furthermore, Eunil mentioned the importance of "physical and mental endurance," which allows for long-term vision, while Ra.L attributed their growth to "perseverance and passion" that never wavers with each comeback.
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| ▲ Leon (L), Hankook (C), Yoonwoo of K-pop boy group TRENDZ speak during an interview at Yonhap News Agency's Seoul headquarters on Aug. 24, 2023. (Yonhap) |
TRENDZ's content, just as diverse as the unique colors of its members, is consistently uploaded through their "self-made content" or "ja-con)" produced through their company. Ja-con refers to a type of web entertainment created in-house.
Each video showcases the strong chemistry among the members, often eliciting laughter from fans. They even admit that their candidness sometimes leads to unintentional spoilers during live interactions with fans.
"We opened a live broadcast as we approached our comeback, and fans asked us to give them some spoilers. So, we accidentally gave away some spoilers without even realizing it. Not only this time but we've unintentionally spoiled things little by little before." (Hankook)
"That's right. It's a really big deal for us, but they didn't know (laughs)." (Yechan)
Eunil teases Ra.L by saying that his shower shoes get wet while taking a shower, while Ra.L counters that it doesn't happen anymore these days.
The members have also given each other nicknames, showcasing their strong chemistry. The youngest, Yechan, is known as "Jammanbo," while the eldest, Havit, is a diligent "ant" style who wakes up early. Leon, who resembles a nocturnal owl, has different bedtime hours compared to the others.
Ra.L, with sensitive hearing, is nicknamed "cat," while Eunil, with his occasionally piercing gaze, is a "meerkat." Hankook, who has a stark difference in energy levels between rest and activities, is known as the "cicada." Leon, who diligently wears leg correction bands while sleeping, is humorously called "squirrel."
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| ▲ Yechan (C, front row) and Havit (R) of K-pop boy group TRENDZ attend an interview at Yonhap News Agency's Seoul headquarters on Aug. 24, 2023. (Yonhap) |
The members say that their current activities as TRENDZ, after a long preparation period, feel like a dream.
"In the future, we don't know what will happen. There will be good times, but there will definitely be difficult times too. However, we hope to overcome them well together with our members and continue to work hard."
"In fact, this is not arrogance; we have worked hard, we will continue to work hard, and we are very confident. So, we will carry this confidence with us and work hard in every moment, in every album." (Leon)
Meanwhile, TRENDZ's third single album, 'Still On My Way,' will be released on various music platforms on the Wednesday at noon.
jwc@yna.co.kr
*Click here for VIDEO Interview clip Part 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w2jn_lqkic
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