Just days ahead of the release of their 4th mini album SAUCIN’, NEXZ hit the second annual TMElive International Music Awards at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong.
Related
In addition to performing for the packed arena, the Seoul-based South Korean and Japanese boy band sat down with Billboard backstage to talk about SAUCIN’ and their in-studio work dynamic.
“The most serious person in the studio is SO GEON,” shared Yu, speaking in Korean through a translator. “He always focuses and prepares a lot before going on stage. He exercises and checks the choreography, so he is very serious. The person who jokes around the most is our leader,” he added, pointing to TOMOYA.
When asked about their favorite SAUCIN’ songs (beyond the title track), Yuki gave a shoutout to “20 NOW.” “From the first time I heard it, the melody and the lyrics, especially the lyrics, fit us perfectly right now. And it’s also TOMOYA’s song. So I really like it, it’s the best song.”
The group – which formed on the Japanese reality show Nizi Project Season 2, a joint series between JYP Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment Japan – also gave some love to their 2025 single “Beat-Boxer.”
“For me, I always pick NEXZ’s ‘Beat-Boxer,’” shared SO GEON. “Even listening to it now, this song really feels like it captures NEXZ’s momentum and power well. Sometimes when I hear ‘Beat-Boxer’ at a performance venue, it’s so overflowing with energy and it makes me feel the most that we want to perform again. It’s a song where we really tear up the stage.” Clearly agreeing with him, several of his bandmates shadow boxed behind him.
Watch more of Billboard’s NEXZ’s interview as part of our latest episode of Billboard All Access above.
Billboard’s travel and accommodations for the TIMA Honors were covered by Billboard China.