Boy Next Door Breaks the Mold with ‘No Genre’ Comeback, Aiming for National Idol Status
Search Results: Boy Next Door Makes Impactful Comeback with ‘No Genre’
K-pop’s rising star Boy Next Door (성호, 리우, 명재현, 태산, 이한, 운학) is making waves once again with their fourth mini-album ‘No Genre’. Known as the first boy group produced by Zico under KOZ Entertainment, the group has begun to stretch its creative wings while asserting their identity beyond the shadows of their producer.
In an exclusive interview with Star News held in Seoul’s Mapo district, the group shared insights into the making of the new album, marking their two-year anniversary and reflecting on their musical growth. Their title track, I Feel Good, encapsulates high energy and vibrant confidence, co-produced by Zico and Pop Time. Members Myung Jaehyun, Taesan, and Unhak also contributed creatively, proving the team’s growing influence behind the scenes.
‘From Boys to Men’: Reflecting on Their 2-Year Journey
Since debuting just two years ago, Boy Next Door has evolved through extensive stage experience, tours, and festivals. Speaking on this transformation, Myung Jaehyun reminisced, “We want to give back the love we’ve received from fans by putting our best into the music and performances.” Taesan emphasized how much thought went into incorporating the past two years of growth into this comeback, saying, “We’re ready to show what we’ve become.”
For Unhak, who debuted as a minor at 18 and is now a 20-year-old adult, this album feels even more personal. “Moving from ‘Baby Unhak’ to ‘Adult Unhak,’ I want to pour all this passion into our music,” he said. Notably, he expressed interest in diving into bold and unique hip-hop tracks in the future — a genre that excites him the most as both a listener and creator.
Creative Expansion Beyond Zico’s Umbrella
While Zico has been instrumental in shaping Boy Next Door’s sound and brand, members now play a bigger role in composition and production. Myung Jaehyun noted, “Zico is more than a producer—he’s a mentor and partner. But he always encourages us to take more ownership with each album.”
Taesan highlighted a playful moment that turned into artistry: a joking soundbite created during group practice eventually found its way into the track after Zico gave the green light. Similarly, Unhak shared how his focus was on creating a melody that invites the audience to sing and dance. “The ‘Follow me like this!’ section was born spontaneously during studio fun,” he laughed.
More Than Just Bandmates: Brotherhood Beyond the Stage
One touching aspect of Boy Next Door’s story is their undeniable camaraderie. Despite living and working together 24/7, they maintain emotional closeness even on days off. “We all did video calls on our off days — it showed how much we care for each other,” Taesan shared.
Their strong bond extends to their families as well. “Our moms even have a group chat together,” revealed Taesan, with E-Han adding, “We want to send them on a trip together one day.”
As Boy Next Door opens a new chapter with ‘No Genre,’ the message is clear: they are here to challenge expectations, innovate with passion, and aim for the ever-coveted title of Korea’s next ‘national idol.’ As Unhak puts it, “We’re still full of youth, and we’re burning with desire to grow and inspire.”
‘No Genre’ is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide as of June 13 at 6 PM KST.
