Pop

Hyeonbin, Yeonwoo, Yoon, Siyun, and Jinhyuk

Image Credit: Kim MinSeok

YEONWOO 
You trained for seven years at CUBE entertainment. Known as the team’s “all-rounder” for your performance and vocal skills, your hard work really shows. What did you learn from the experience as a trainee? 
I think I naturally picked up not just dance and singing, but also other skills like speaking and languages. All of that has helped me, especially on stage, where every detail matters.
A debut showcase must have been an emotional moment for you.
It was the moment of reaping seven years of effort and taking a new leap forward, so the excitement was unforgettable. I’ve faced many nerve-wracking stages since, but that one felt like my heart was literally going to jump out of my chest (laughs).
The title track of NOWZs EP IGNITION, released this July, “EVERGLOW,” is about running toward the light even in darkness. How did your pre-debut experiences shape you?
As a trainee, you’re always in a position where growth is necessary. There were times of improvement, but also moments that I’d call failures. Looking back, I think I learned the most from those failures. That goes for skills, but also for relationships. You really can’t know anything without experiencing it, and every experience ends up being important.
As a member of NOWZ, what do you feel you do best?
I’d say keeping the group’s performance in sync. I tend to dive deeply into things, so I notice a lot of details. I also watch the stage as a whole and often suggest ways to make it look even better.
How would you define NOWZ’s current identity?
With “EVERGLOW,” we tried to convey the message that even painful moments eventually shine. We’ve all felt the struggles of growing up and the uncertainties about the future, so we could put genuine emotion into that. On stage, it feels like we’re showing our true selves. We often talk about NOWZ’s ‘color’ as a group, but it’s still something we’re discovering. What’s certain is that we want to share stories that resonate with people our age, offering empathy and comfort to those watching. Hearing that someone felt comforted through our performances is incredibly motivating.
You mentioned energy, but that you were also comforted by BTS’s music during your trainee years. Is there anything that’s inspired you recently?
I recently saw a video from Travis Scott’s concert where the fans jumped so energetically that it created vibrations like an earthquake. I started thinking about what it must feel like to be on a stage like that, and what it is that makes people go so wild with excitement.
Having spent years at CUBE’s office building, you must know it better than most. Can you share a little?
There’s nothing really secret, but the building has about 15 vocal rooms and 5 dance studios. Recently, NOWZ even got our own floor! Before debut, I used to be a little intimidated by the fourth floor — that’s where we were evaluated by the performance director every Friday. Now, I feel completely comfortable going there (laughs).
At this point, what do you enjoy the most?
Nothing compares to being on stage. I’ve been chasing the dream of standing on stage for so long, and it’s where I feel most alive. Moving and singing on stage brings me the greatest joy and makes me feel truly fulfilled.
NOWZ have performed covers of Stray Kids’ “Back Door” and “MANIAC”, as well as NCT U’s “Seventh Sense”. What do you focus on when doing cover stages?
For “MANIAC” at KCON LA, we wanted a song that could match the energy of the local audience, and that’s what we chose. Stray Kids are incredibly energetic, and performing on stage while feeling that energy made it one of the most memorable stages for me. Watching other artists’ performances always inspires me — seeing different music and styles makes me realize just how wide the world is.
Do you have something you do just for yourself?
I recently started enjoying biking. From our company in Seongsu-dong to the Jamsu Bridge, it’s a decent distance, but biking makes it quick. I love riding while listening to music. I also enjoy gaming, of course. And, honestly, the little happiness of lying in bed after everything and feeling the coolness of the blanket — that’s pure bliss.
What comes to mind first when you think of ‘Billboard’?
BTS! I’ve always admired them, and seeing their Billboard records made me imagine a bigger world. It also reminds me of my trainee days when the company told us to check the Billboard charts to understand global music trends.
As K-pop reaches audiences all over the world, what’s a dream you hope to achieve?
It’s always amazing to see people doing ‘dance challenges’ with our songs. One day, I’d love to hear someone singing our music casually while walking down the street. I’ve seen moments like that in BTS’s overseas vlogs, and while it may be routine for them, I can’t help but imagine how incredible it would feel for us to experience that too.
What does music mean to you right now?
Music feels like the ocean. I’ve explored some parts of it, but there’s still so much to discover. I’m curious about the things I haven’t experienced yet. I want to dive into broader genres and keep exploring the depths of music.

SIYUN 
Your first EP IGNITION has been described as showcasing NOWZ’s new identity. Aside from the title track “EVERGLOW”, is there another track you’re particularly proud of?
Definitely “Problem Child”. The concept itself felt fresh and fun to me. I remember writing the lyrics excitedly while waiting in the car on set during the music video shoot. 
You’ve been working closely with member JINHYUK, who’s also born in 2004. How do your studio sessions usually go?
Usually, late at night, I listen to the beat and think, “This could work — let’s try this together,” and I’ll take JINHYUK to the studio(laughs). Sometimes we try writing in our dorm first, then go back to the studio to record. Other times, we just head straight to the studio and start working. Since we’re both rappers, a lot of our work is collaborative.
And he follows along willingly?
Honestly, I need JINHYUK! I’ve learned so much from JINHYUK. I used to work really slowly — sometimes it took me a week just to write four bars. Thanks to him, I can put something together relatively quickly now. 
What joy do you get from participating in the songwriting process yourself?
I know my pronunciation, tone, and flow better than anyone. So if I want to show my style at 100%, it’s better for me to be directly involved. Of course, there’s also the pride I feel when people like the songs I’ve worked on. That’s really rewarding.
Once you described yourself as “someone who can do anything.” Do you feel the same way now?
Absolutely. I feel like I’m constantly proving myself. When I first started as a trainee at 17, my dancing and singing were really clumsy. Looking back now, I can see how much I’ve grown — my speed in songwriting has improved, and my vocal parts have gotten stronger too. There have been many moments where I’ve realized, “OK, I can do this.”
What has motivated you to keep pushing yourself?
These days, so many people start training or debut at a very young age. Since I felt like I started a bit later, I think it pushed me to work even harder. 
You’ve been active for a year and a half since debut. Do you see areas where you can have more fun or improve?
I’ve never once regretted choosing this path. Even the tough parts feel worthwhile because it’s a career that truly fits me. The best part, of course, is having our fans. 
Are there performances by other artists that inspire or motivate you?
Watching NCT DREAM’s “We Go Up” performance is what made me dream of becoming a K-pop idol. After our debut, I saw their “Smoothie” stage on a music show, and it was truly overwhelming. That was the day I really thought, “Wow, this is the epitome of K-pop idol.”
Your cover of MARK’s “Fraktsiya (Feat. Lee Youngji)” with Jinhyuk hit 1 million views on YouTube. What do you focus on when performing a cover?
Rather than just copying the original, I focus on emphasizing the parts where we can showcase our own charm. For example, when preparing Stray Kids’ “MANIAC” for KCON LA, I tried adding elements that suited me better and worked with the members to refine the key choreography points. It’s all about making the performance feel like us.
If you return to LA, what would you like to enjoy more?
The U.S. is really the center of the music industry. While performing and doing interviews there were invaluable experiences, I’d love to go deeper into the culture — participating in a songwriting camp, taking dance classes at local studios, that kind of thing. I’m also studying English diligently.
As a Billboard K-pop rookie of the month, do you remember the  first moment that you were aware of ‘Billboard’?
During my trainee years, I was told that checking the Billboard charts would help me study rap, so I started exploring them. Artists like Drake were often at the top back then, and I think that really helped me. Now, being on the Billboard chart as a K-pop artist has become one of my personal goals as well.
After a year and a half as a five-member team, is there a particular member whose charm you hope more people recognize?
A lot of my and JINHYUK’s work has been released, but HYEONBIN has also created some amazing tracks. And Yoon is probably the most variety-show-savvy member in our team — I hope people get to see that side of him too.
What does music mean to you right now?
Music is like food to me. Just as I can’t live without eating, music is something I absolutely need. And depending on which ingredients I use and how I technically cook them, the taste can vary greatly — that’s how I see creating music.