Rookie K-Pop Group NAZE Wants Their First Impression to Feel Honest
For a rookie group, NAZE’s debut already feels notably defined. The seven-member group, comprising KAISEI, YOUNKI, ATO, TURN, YUYA, KIMKUN, and DOHYEOK, officially debuted under C9 Entertainment on May 4 with the self-titled mini album NAZE. And as the company’s first new boy group since EPEX and its first multinational boy group, the release arrived with a built-in sense of significance, though NAZE was not stepping into the spotlight without groundwork already in place.
Ahead of their debut, the group had already begun building visibility through activities in Japan, including an appearance in the TBS drama Dream Stage and other public-facing promotions connected to that rollout. So, by the time NAZE arrived, there was already a sense of chemistry, identity, and curiosity forming around the group, which helps the mini album feel less like a cold introduction and more like the next step in a carefully built launch.
That context makes the music itself feel even more important. A self-titled debut works as a direct introduction, while the title track “People Talk” establishes a bold message rooted in confidence and a refusal to be shaped by outside noise. At the same time, the vibrant synth-pop track “Pretty Pink Socks” brings out a softer, more playful side of the group, giving the project a wider emotional range. Together, the songs help define NAZE’s early identity with plenty of room to grow.
Now, with attention building through their official debut, NAZE feels like a strong first step for the group. It introduces them with confidence, shows more than one side of their sound, and gives them a solid opportunity to turn early curiosity into something more lasting.
Photo Credit: C9 Entertainment
You’re opening this era with a self-titled mini album. What made that the right format for your debut release?
YOUNKI: When we thought about what could show who we are in the most natural way, we felt that using our team name, NAZE, as the album title would be the best way to naturally introduce ourselves to the public. Since the album carries our team's name, it reflects both our very first beginning and the attitude we have toward music. Of course, some pressure came with releasing a debut album with the same name as our group name, but we also believed it was the best way to show NAZE exactly as we are.
A debut title track can say a lot about how a group wants to be introduced. What made “People Talk” feel like the right first impression for NAZE?
TURN: Our title track, “People Talk,” carries the message that no matter what anyone says, we’re happy. It’s also a song that makes us genuinely happy and excited whenever we perform it, so we felt it was the perfect way to show our energy and our unfiltered, natural selves. Since “People Talk” is a song about those moments of pure and unconditional happiness, we hope people will remember our first impression as a group that truly enjoys every moment on stage more than anyone else.
As listeners move through the mini album, what do you hope they start to understand about NAZE that they might not get from just one song?
ATO: All four tracks on the album are really great songs, and I think that as you listen from the first to the last track, you’ll be able to feel the honest and unfiltered charm that only NAZE has. Personally, my favorite song is “Seoul.” Even though we were all born in different places, I think the group we are today was created through all of us coming together and living in one common place, which is Seoul. As you listen to the song, I believe you’ll be able to resonate more deeply with NAZE’s story.
Before officially debuting, NAZE had already been introduced to global audiences through Dream Stage. How did that experience shape the group you wanted to present in this rookie era?
KAISEI: Our activities through Dream Stage were such a meaningful opportunity for us, and we’re incredibly grateful for that experience. During the drama promotions, we were able to learn so many different things, so I believe those experiences have definitely helped us and will continue to be helpful in our future activities as well.
KIMKUN: During the drama promotions period, we acted and performed as idols and received a lot of love from fans, but when it came time for our official debut, I felt that we needed to show fans an even more grown and improved side of ourselves.
Debuting is such a major milestone, but it can also come with pressure and outside expectations. During this rollout, what helped each of you stay grounded?
TURN: I try not to lose sight of my beginning mindset by thinking about my parents, my older brother and sister, and my family.
YOUNKI: For me as well, I think of my parents for my motivation.
KAISEI: I keep myself grounded by remembering myself as a trainee.
ATO: I also try to maintain my original mindset by thinking back to my trainee days and the person I was back then.
YUYA: I keep working harder by reflecting on myself during our drama promotions.
DOHYEOK: I try to stay grounded by monitoring my performances and identifying the areas where I still need improvement.
KIMKUN: I try to stay true to my beginning mindset by reading the letters and supportive messages from fans.
A lot of rookie groups talk about wanting to show their colors, but every team has to figure out what that really means for them. What do you think already makes NAZE stand out on this debut release?
YUYA: I think our biggest strength is the chemistry that comes out when all seven of us are together, along with the fun and unique energy we create as a team.
DOHYEOK: I believe our identity is built through the way each member’s distinct individuality naturally comes together on each stage.
Has this release unlocked any new ideas that you’d like to incorporate into your next comeback?
YOUNKI: Because each of us has unique personalities and colors, we want to come back next time with a completely different sound and concept from this debut album. Even though we each have different colors, we believe we can create the biggest impact as one group. Please continue to look forward to NAZE’s activities as we continue growing and evolving.
