The bond between artists and fans in the K-pop industry is particularly intimate. Interpersonal interactions may have a huge, single impact on the South Korean pop music business. It might be the aspect that puts a band on the map or keeps them off the radar entirely.
People are frequently exposed to organizations through live performances, referred to as "stages." The first stage of the competition is crucial. Fansigns allow you to grasp the hand of your favorite celebrity for more than just a snapshot; they'll read your journal or sit and converse with you for a while.
However, for this 11-member group, The Boyz, gaining recognition and performing music in the midst of the epidemic has necessitated relentless effort.
The Boyz, which debuted in 2017, rose to fame last year after winning the championship on the popular South Korean competition show Road to Kingdom, in which under-the-radar K-pop groups compete in live stages for a spot on the following program Kingdom, which features more experienced and well-known singers and dancers.
With their spectacular and jaw-dropping stunts involving burning their hands on fire, falling over high ledges, and airborne swordwork, The Boyz beat out the competitors.
They eventually finished second on Kingdom in 2021, beating out a number of great teams. Since then, their fandom following (called "Deobi") has grown tenfold — virtually.
Despite the challenges, the Boyz are determined to ride the wave of their success in the face of the epidemic and continue to present their fans with new sides to their music. They clearly miss their fans, and their estrangement from them was a recurring subject in our discussion.
Their previous track, "The Stealer," was a re-emphasis of what the Boyz are best known for — lots of strong choreography, heavy beats, and impressively seamless teamwork — but they hope that
Thrill-ing, their latest album which was released on August 9, will be a chance for them to show more of their sunny personalities as well.
Hyunjae, the lead vocal and lead dancer commented, "This album has a more fresh and lively vibe." "Because we're constantly cheerful and smiling, it wasn't difficult for us to capture it. All we had to do was be ourselves."
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Thrill-ing includes six summer tunes, all of which are light and cheerful, perfect for dancing away the heat. It's been a long since they've done something as adorable as the songs on this album, particularly the pool-themed title tune, "Thrill Ride." It's a far contrast from their formerly dark and dangerous image.
While the pandemic has isolated them from their fans, they are not isolated from one another. They've discovered ways to spend the time while confined together - although odd ones. Q, who enjoys horror films, enjoys giving his Chucky doll makeovers and has even found him a partner: an equally terrifying doll named Annabelle that he leaves with Chucky in various locations in order to frighten his fellow band members Kevin claims he's fine with it, but Juyeon isn't so sure.
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They treasure these opportunities to watch their fans do amazing things, as they recall times when they were able to see Deobi in person. But, for the time being, the concept of performing on stage is only a vivid recollection.
“It’s exciting — you get a lot of butterflies in your stomach,”
-Younghoon
| There isn't as much expectation now. "There will be no one cheering for us, and we will miss them tremendously," Eric remarked. "If you compare it in terms of feelings, being on stage without your audience is just dull." |
Meanwhile, The Boyz believe that Thrill-ing will be a means for them to engage with new and old fans, as well as the lads themselves. Making music without pressure and simply attempting to engage with their fans has helped to make things somewhat fun in this time when so much is happening for the group and the possibilities for in-person encounters still seem out of reach. "That is a great accomplishment in and of itself," Kevin added.
photo by:@sunhak_kr
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