K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR. Photo from BOYNEXTDOOR's X account

K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR has been on a steady rise since their debut in May 2023.

A testament to their growing popularity is their third extended play (EP), “19.99,” released in September 2024, which cemented their status as a “million-seller” act after surpassing one million copies in sales.

Korean pop music critics have credited BOYNEXTDOOR’s appeal to the “relatable narratives” in their songs and the members’ friendly image, according to a Korea Herald report, which questioned whether the six-piece band could become the “next star group” from K-pop powerhouse HYBE. 

Composed of Jaehyun, Sungho, Riwoo, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak, BOYNEXTDOOR is the first group to be launched by KOZ Entertainment, a label founded by Korean rapper and producer Zico in 2018 before being acquired by HYBE in 2020.

(From right to left) BOYNEXTDOOR members Sungho, Riwoo, Leehan, Woonhak, Taesan, and Jaehyun in a photo for the EP '19.99.' Photo from BOYNEXTDOOR's X accountZico, a member of the boy band Block B who has also built a successful solo career with hits like “Any Song” and “Spot!”, serves as an influential mentor to the group, providing guidance in shaping their music and albums.

For “19.99,” for example, Zico “talked to us a lot about how he’d like us to portray ourselves [and] what stories to tell,” Jaehyun, who leads the sextet, said in an interview with Rolling Stone.

The members of BOYNEXTDOOR are deeply involved in crafting their songs, especially Jaehyun, Taesan, and Woonhak. Their songs often reflect their youthful experiences (as of writing, the members are between 18 and 21 years old, internationally), with lead singles brimming with personality—fun, cheeky and rambunctious.

The group also showcases their charming personalities (such as Leehan’s obsession with fishes) through various content on their YouTube channel, including “What? Door!” and “Funnextdoor.” K-pop fans may also recognize Jaehyun, who has been hosting Mnet’s music chart show “M Countdown” since January 2024.

If you’re interested in getting into BOYNEXTDOOR, take a listen to some of the group’s singles below.

“Nice Guy”

Serving as the title track of “19.99,” an EP that talks about the transition to adulthood, “Nice Guy” delivers a laidback yet groovy vibe as the members playfully flirt with a girl. Its brassy, catchy chorus brings a fun and refreshing energy to the track.

“Dangerous”

BOYNEXTDOOR display their mischievous side in “Dangerous,” the pre-release track from “19.99” where they sing about sneaking out in the middle of the night. The song thrives in contrast, with subdued verses leading into an explosive chorus where they plead, “Please don’t tell my mom and daddy” about their late-night escapades.

“Earth, Wind & Fire”

The lead single of their second EP “How?”, “Earth, Wind & Fire” isn’t a nod to the hitmaking American band but a whirlwind of a track that likens love to the unpredictability of the classical elements. With its electrifying energy and rapid-fire lines (“Baby boo, my sweetie, darling, think I love you more”), the song is sure to leave a lasting impression.

READ: BOYNEXTDOOR flaunts sped-up lines, ‘kitsch core’ style in EP ‘How?’

“But Sometimes”

Marking their first comeback, “But Sometimes” saw a departure from the zesty earworms of the group’s debut, embracing a more rock-leaning sound. In the song, BOYNEXTDOOR delves into the emotions of heartbreak, teetering between bitterness (“Everything sucks / How you look so sweet in photos”) and lingering nostalgia (“But sometimes / I miss you”).

“One and Only”

One of three tracks from BOYNEXTDOOR’s debut single album, “Who!”, “One and Only” perfectly captures the group’s youthful energy and vibrant sound, setting the stage for what was to come. Driven by a playful chorus, the song serves as a fitting introduction to the team.

BONUS: “Let’s Go See The Stars”

While “So Let’s Go See The Stars” isn’t technically a single, the song is too good to not recommend. After all, it’s a true gem in BOYNEXTDOOR’s discography. Straying from the group’s usual upbeat tunes, “Stars” is a romantic invitation to gaze at the night sky and puts the spotlight on the members’ vocals over a bed of twinkling synths.