Since their debut in 2023, the members of BOYNEXTDOOR, a popular Korean group, have transitioned from teenagers to young adults, with ages ranging from 16 to 19.

Woonhak, 17, shares with YSL News, “Turning 20 feels both significant and intimidating. As a band, we’re on the verge of this milestone, and it brings a wave of emotions.”

The group maintains their familiar friendly vibe while adding depth to their latest release, “19.99”, which is available now.

Jaehyun, 20 and the group’s leader, expresses, “We poured our passion into this album. It’s very special to me, and I hope it provides comfort to many.”

Exploring the Concept of ‘19.99’

The title of the album represents the end of teenage years and highlights the “imperfect” period before reaching adulthood, as explained by Woonhak.

Jaehyun adds, “We aim to share experiences that resonate with many, focusing on the transition from 19 to 20. This journey brings both happiness and challenges, which might not always be glamorous.”

This nuanced approach motivated BOYNEXTDOOR in the creation of their EP, engaging in extensive conversations about their personal coming-of-age experiences.

However, preparing the album was quite challenging, according to Sungho, 21. They started working on this comeback while still promoting their earlier EP, “HOW?” released on April 15.

Sungho explains, “With our busy schedule, including our debut in Japan, we had limited time. Despite this, we held many discussions to ensure the quality of the album was high, focusing on leaving no gaps in our efforts.”

Conveying Stories through Music

Authenticity plays a crucial role in BOYNEXTDOOR’s music, with “19.99” standing out for its personal content based on the members’ genuine experiences and emotions, says Woonhak.

Jaehyun shares, “I found it vital to express my true feelings for this album. Rather than just crafting catchy lyrics, I prioritized pouring my heart into the music.”

The members take an active part in the album’s production and songwriting. Woonhak notes that everyday experiences inspired him while working on “19.99”, reflected throughout the seven tracks, especially the lead single.

Riwoo, 20, mentions, “We want to create enjoyable and engaging songs, and I think ‘Nice Guy’ encapsulates this perfectly, showcasing our candidness and diverse charms.”

Leehan, 19, explains their creative process: “When we conceptualize songs, we start with the story or experience rather than fixing on a genre. This approach allows us to utilize various genres to express our theme.”

Woonhak adds, “Our diversity of stories allows us to experiment with many genres.”

Looking to the Future

Since their start, BOYNEXTDOOR has aimed for listeners to relate to their music and performances. Sungho emphasizes, “We want our audience to feel connected to us.”

The group focuses on familiar themes in “19.99”, reinforcing this approach.

Sungho concludes, “The album’s title speaks to a shared experience; it’s a phase we’ve all encountered or will face, infused with our unique perspective on this moment in life.”

As they move forward, BOYNEXTDOOR aspires to keep evolving, particularly in their performances.

Taesan, 20, states, “I want to put on a variety of performances for our fans who love our music and stage presence, reflecting back the love they’ve shown us.”

“I believe artists should also give back to their fans.”

Performances hold immense significance for artists. “I aim to channel a lot of energy to our fans and listeners through our shows,” Woonhak shares.

“Having gone through various phases, promotions, and experiences, we now understand what we need to focus on. My goal is to elevate our artistry and mindset. I am hopeful for many opportunities that will help us learn and grow,” Sungho expresses.