JYP Entertainment (hereafter JYP) boy group NEXZ is set to release their second mini album 'O-RLY?' and the title track of the same name.
NEXZ (Tomoya, Yuu, Haru, Sogen, Seita, Huey, Yuki) will be making their first comeback of 2025 with the new work 'O-RLY?' after about five months since their first mini album 'NALLINA' released last November. The new album showcases NEXZ's unique energy, wit, and warm emotions, allowing listeners to experience various musical colors while confirming NEXZ's broad genre absorption ability.
The title track 'O-RLY?' leads with a surprise pre-release of the music video for 'Simmer,' along with 'Want More? One More!,' 'Run With Me,' and 'Slo-mo,' totaling five tracks. A track titled 'Z Side_250226 (CD Only)' is also exclusively available on the physical album. Credited artists include prominent creators who have collaborated with various K-pop artists, and notably, Stray Kids member Han is the sole lyricist for the fourth track 'Run With Me,' adding special significance.
NEXZ has been receiving bright spotlight attention, being selected as one of the '2025 K-Pop rookies to watch' by Grammy.com, and winning the 'Best 5 New Artist' category at the Japan Gold Disc Awards. Recently, NEXZ officially introduced their animal character NEXZOO, as well as their group signature character FOX2Y, and from June, they will hold their first solo tour across 14 regions in Japan. NEXZ is set to roll out diverse projects throughout the year and aim even higher.
Today (28th), ahead of the release of their second mini album 'O-RLY?', Tomoya, Yuu, Haru, Sogen, Seita, Huey, and Yuki, the seven members, will speak directly about the new album.
Q1. You are back with a new mini album after about five months. Please share your thoughts on your first comeback of 2025.
Tomoya) First of all, I'm really happy to be making a comeback! I want to express my gratitude to the NEX2Y fans who have been waiting for us. I will do my best to show a good side in this activity as well. Please support us a lot.
Yuu) I'm truly happy to be making my first comeback of 2025. This second mini album 'O-RLY?' is particularly meaningful because we got to participate in creating the choreography ourselves. I think you'll be able to feel 'this is how NEXZ thinks NEXZ should be!' Please look forward to it!
Seita) I believe we made an album that showcases NEXZ's unique color over the past five months. It's an album that not only NEX2Y who have been waiting for us, but also many music lovers can enjoy. I would appreciate it if you listened to it a lot.
Huey) I prepared this album hoping that NEX2Y would like it. I am extremely happy to be making a comeback and will approach future activities and stages with a mindset of 'NEXZ will rock it!'
Q2. With selection as '2025 K-Pop rookies to watch' by Grammy.com and winning the Japan Gold Disc Awards 'Best 5 New Artist,' much attention is focused on your activities this year. What was your mindset while preparing for this comeback, and what are your resolutions for this activity?
Tomoya) I feel like all seven of us have grown a bit while preparing for the new album. We had many discussions among members. While results and outcomes are important, I emphasized more important points like 'let's enjoy this moment' and 'let's make NEX2Y happy.' I hope this activity can be a valuable opportunity to make NEX2Y smile and to let as many people know about NEXZ as possible.
Haru) I think I had a strong desire to do better than in previous activities. There may have been tough moments for each of the members during the preparation process, but I worked really hard from recording to performance to shooting. I hope you would notice NEXZ's growth.
Yuki) After releasing the new album and being able to perform, we talked among the members about how it's not something we should take for granted. We want to show many wonderful things, so we will take things one step at a time with the members.
Q3. Please introduce the new album and title track 'O-RLY?'. What were your impressions when you first heard the title track? What points should we focus on while enjoying it?
Sogen) The new album 'O-RLY?' includes many songs with a vibe that NEXZ has never shown before. I believe it's an album through which we can show a different side of ourselves. Please look forward to the performances and songs that will surprise many, just like the album's name 'OH REALLY?'
Seita) The title track 'O-RLY?' combines old-school hip hop rhythms with flashy performances, showcasing NEXZ's unique energy well. Despite what others may say, we captured our free-spirited charm with lyrics that go, 'Really?,' 'Oh well.'
Huey) When I first heard 'O-RLY?', I remembered there were so many catchy parts that I listened to it repeatedly. As I did, the charm of this song started to register more in my ears. I believe it's a very addictive music piece that you will keep listening to over and over.
Yuki) When I first heard it, the melody of the refrain 'What are you saying, Talkin to me, talkin to me, talkin to me' really stuck in my ears! I would appreciate it if you listen closely to this part.
Q4. The members are all exceptional in their performance abilities, earning the label of 'next-generation stage dining spot group.' Shall we introduce the performance of the new song 'O-RLY?' and key choreography? What should fans focus on?
Haru) The introduction and bridge depict a powerful and glamorous scene created by all seven of us, along with an interesting structure. It's choreography that we designed together, and you will definitely want to see it again!
Huey) There are so many potentially highlight-worthy parts, but the section I personally like the most is the choreography of the second verse rap part. There are many fun elements, and it's so catchy that it makes you want to dance along; I think it will be a key point of this song.
Yuki) The bridge choreography was centered around Tomoya, Yuu, and Haru. If I may tease a bit, please pay attention to the part where we stack up like a human tower.
Q5. Prior to the official album release, you pre-released the music video for the track 'Simmer.' Was there a particular reason for choosing 'Simmer' as a pre-release track? What is the charm of 'Simmer' that differs from the title track? If you remember any notable reactions, please share them.
Sogen) If the title track 'O-RLY?' showcases NEXZ's bright energy, I think the included track 'Simmer' presents a cool energy. When I first heard 'Simmer,' I found the unique sound and rap to be very distinctive. I felt 'Our NEXZ can handle this well' and 'We can rock the stage.' Expect to see NEXZ soaring on stage!
Yuu) As soon as the music video was released, we watched it together as members. I feel satisfied because each of our parts blended really well and showcased our individuality. The more you watch, the more interesting points there are. I remember fans saying that they found it fun to spot new points.
Seita) 'Simmer' featured choreography created by Tomoya, Yuu, and Haru. Actually, my part was created by them. They told me they designed the moves with me in mind, and I was really thankful for that. I felt so excited thinking about showing it to the fans soon during practice.
Q6. Stray Kids member Han was the sole lyricist for the fourth track 'Run With Me.' What were your first impressions of the lyrics, and did you have any discussions with Han regarding this song or your comeback? Huey, you are known to be a 'true fan' of Han, so what are your thoughts? What lyrics resonate with you the most?
Huey) When I heard that Han, whom I truly respect, wrote the lyrics for 'Run With Me,' I was so excited that I can't put it into words. I imagined myself singing with the lyrics he had gifted us multiple times. Most importantly, the lyrics provided hope for NEXZ, which touched me deeply. When I met him at the company, I said, 'Thank you. The lyrics are so good; they moved me.' The part of the refrain that goes 'It's okay, take your time' resonates with me the most. While I love all the other tracks, 'Run With Me,' which was written by Han, is my favorite on this album!
Tomoya) I would like to express my gratitude to Stray Kids Han, who gifted us such special lyrics. He always takes care of us whenever we see each other, and receiving this lyric gift made me incredibly happy. When we first heard that he would write the lyrics, all the members screamed together. Upon receiving the lyrics he wrote, I felt very emotional. I hope fans will gain warm comfort from listening to 'Run With Me.'
Sogen) The lyrics 'It's okay, one more try, no matter where we go, walking together, we'll see the light, we can achieve it, believe in you and run with me' greatly resonated with me. It reminded me that even when it's tough or things aren't going my way, I can try again and move forward with the members, which provided me with strength and hope. Thank you, senior!
Q7. You are garnering attention from K-pop fans through various self-produced content like 'NEXZ VLOG,' 'REAL NEXZ,' and 'YUHYU Kitchen.' The members' sense of variety and Korean skills have also become hot topics. Is there any special secret behind the rapid growth of your Korean skills?
Yuu) I feel like I've been continuously growing thanks to NEX2Y and many people around me helping out. For example, during fan signings, if I come across an unfamiliar word while talking with fans, I ask, 'What does this word mean?' and NEX2Y are really kind in explaining, so I'm enjoying studying!
Yuki) I often watch Korean dramas. While I still have many shortcomings, I believe the dramas have helped me a lot in naturally learning Korean.
Haru) I think my desire to show a better side of myself to fans and those who've just seen me has motivated me. I really studied hard because I wanted to have more natural conversations in the same language. Additionally, I'm also challenging myself with songwriting, so I'm trying to acquire a lot of vocabulary by reading books whenever I can.
Q8. Recently, you held your first fan meeting in Korea. What were your feelings about hosting the first fan meeting, and was there anything you didn't get to say to the fans on stage? What was the meaning behind the leader Tomoya's tears?
Tomoya) The venue for this fan meeting was the same place where we held our debut showcase on May 20, 2024. It was so wonderful to have many fans from both Korea and abroad present, and I consider it one of the happiest moments in my life. Seeing the fans waving their light sticks and singing along with us made everything feel so touching, and I was overwhelmed with emotion.
In fact, I was very worried before our debut. I wondered, 'Would there be people who love us?' and 'Can we do well in the future?' But when I looked at the audience, I saw many fans who love NEXZ right in front of me. The anxious times before meeting NEX2Y melted away like snow. I could praise myself a bit, saying, 'We have done well,' and 'Although I have shortcomings as a leader, thankfully, I'm doing well.' It's still amazing to be loved by so many people. This also became an opportunity to reaffirm my commitment to work hard without losing my initial resolve.
Sogen) The first fan meeting was truly enjoyable, and it made me realize that I can't do without NEX2Y. Honestly, I feel like I often show more nervousness than enjoyment on stage. But NEX2Y always gives me strength and confidence. I felt once again how important NEX2Y is to me. Thank you, NEX2Y!
Q9. I would like to know the achievements or goals you wish to accomplish with this album. What domestic activities would you most like to try? Also, you'll be celebrating your first anniversary on May 20. Earlier, you shared a video introducing various projects planned for 2025. How do you want to set the tone for the year?
Yuu) Through this activity, I want many people to think, 'This is what NEXZ is like!' I want to clearly convey our unique colors and charms, and I definitely want to hold a solo concert in Korea.
Seita) The activity I want to try most is a variety show featuring all NEXZ members! If given the chance, I'd like to showcase our various charms, including both performances and our sense of variety. In the new 2025, I want to deliver music that many can enjoy without losing my original intention. Personally, I also want to show myself as an 'all-rounder' who excels in both rap and vocals.
Tomoya) This year, we are planning various activities like album releases, concerts, NEXZ Archive, a nationwide tour in Japan, and the launch of new light sticks. I hope the fans will look forward to it. My goal for 2025 is for all seven members to remain healthy and active without any injuries. Above all, I hope to have many opportunities to meet NEX2Y!
Haru) This year, I hope that both NEXZ and 'NEXZ Haru' are recognized by many. I will continue to work hard and steadily with the members to achieve that goal!
Q10. A word for NEX2Y, who always supports you.
Tomoya) NEX2Y! This is Tomoya! First of all, thank you so much for always supporting us. It's already been almost a year since our debut, and I remember all the memories we've created together vividly. I want to create even more memories in the future and be close to all of you. This album was also prepared with thoughts of NEX2Y, so I hope you listen to it a lot, and I want to meet you closely through various activities. You know that I always love NEX2Y, right? I love you! ♡
Yuu) NEX2Y!! Thank you so much for always being by our side, and I love you! Let's rock it this time too, NEXZ~!
Haru) NEX2Y! Since 'O-RLY?' is an album we prepared really hard for, please listen to it a lot and view it beautifully! See you soon!
Sogen) NEX2Y! Thank you for always thinking about NEXZ! You know we are always one, right? Please continue to take care of us!
Seita) This album contains our efforts and passion. We could make a comeback thanks to the constant support from NEX2Y. I'm happy to finally show the results of our practice, which I thought of every day for NEX2Y. Thank you always, NEX2Y!
Huey) NEX2Y~!! Thank you for waiting for us!! Thanks to the warm messages of support you sent during the preparation period, we could work hard to prepare a really good album. I hope you enjoy this album as well, and let's continue to cheer for our NEXZ and NEX2Y. I love you!
Yuki) NEX2Y~!! Thank you so much for always supporting us and watching over us. I will continue to be with you as the growing Yuki from NEXZ for a long time, so please take care of me!!
[Photo] Provided by JYP Entertainment.
[OSEN]