2Z is a South Korean band whose music speaks about the things people often can’t say out loud, giving fans the strength to keep moving forward. Before their first stop in Prague, we had the chance to do an interview with them, where they shared their plans after the tour, what inspires them, and what they are most excited about in the Czech Republic.
They captivate their audience from the first moment, and it’s no surprise — their visual and charismatic presence is unmistakable. 2Z debuted in 2020 and has been building a fanbase around the world ever since. This year, they’re heading out on their first European tour, with the Czech Republic on the itinerary. Their concert will take place on March 31, 2026, at Chapeau Rouge in Prague, where they’ll perform a dynamic setlist featuring the band’s biggest hits as well as K-pop covers reimagined in their signature rock style.
2Z gave an exclusive interview to AsianStyle, where they talk about what inspires them, what they’re looking forward to in the Czech Republic, and their plans after the tour.
Your songs have such a unique energy and sound. Are there any plans for a new album in the near future?
HOJIN: Even today, while writing this interview, we were making and recording a new song. After we finish the “Glorydayz” Tour, we plan to return to Korea and start working on a new album again. Recently, we’ve been very interested in the genre of Indie Dance. We really enjoy making people dance with 2Z’s band sound and groove. So I think our next album might be related to that direction.
Who are the artists or bands that inspired you while working toward becoming 2Z? Are there any Korean or international musicians you consider your role models?
HOJIN: At the time when the band was first formed, our company’s CEO gathered us together and showed us the music video for The Sound by The 1975. After watching it, he told us that he wanted to create a band that was both musically and visually fashionable like that. After that, we listened to a lot of music by The 1975 and were greatly influenced by them. When we first started the band, we also listened to many big bands like Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, and U2. Our CEO and producers introduced us to a lot of different bands as well. As for now, in terms of the direction we want to go, I think Coldplay is a role model that all of our members share. The reason is that all of our songs are connected by the theme of “hope”. In other words, it’s our message. Through the power of music, we want to comfort people, give them courage, and become a source of motivation in their lives. In that sense, I think Coldplay has a huge influence on people all around the world. If we can continue to grow our own influence and create something together someday, I believe we could make an even bigger voice in the world.
Bum Jun and Ho Jin, since you both have acting experience in dramas, do you think we might see you in more acting roles in the future? Or would any of the other members like to try acting someday?
HOJIN: We actually take acting classes every week. I think acting is similar to music in some ways, but at the same time it’s another form of expression, so I have a very positive view about acting. Of course, music as a band is our first priority. After we become more widely known as a band, I would like to seriously think about expressing myself through acting as well.
BUMJUN: I’ve had the opportunity to gain some acting experience through dramas, and it was a very meaningful and new challenge for me. Acting and music are different forms of expression, but I think they both share the same goal of conveying emotions and telling stories to the audience. If the opportunity comes in the future, I would definitely like to continue exploring acting.
As for the other members, we mainly focus on music right now, but I believe everyone is open to trying new things someday. If the right project appears, it would be exciting to see each member challenge themselves in different fields, including acting.
Nua, is there a guitar part in a 2Z song that you’re especially proud of or enjoy playing the most during concerts?
NUA: There are two songs that I especially enjoy playing. First is Borderline. In the second part of the song, the guitar riff really feels like the moment when the guitar truly appears and takes the spotlight, so playing that part on stage is very exciting for me. Another one is Dizzy. I personally created the guitar solo in that song, so it feels very special to perform it live.
JungHyun and Zunon, is there a 2Z song where you feel your musical style really stands out?
ZUNON: Superstar is a song that captures the emptiness and loneliness that can come after the bright lights of the stage fade away. It reflects some of the moments we’ve experienced as 2Z. While walking through difficult times, the song also carries our pride and belief that we will always stand up again and keep moving forward. Lyrically, it expresses the emptiness and sense of void that remain after a performance ends and the curtain falls on the stage. Musically, however, the song contrasts that feeling with an energetic 8-beat rhythm, a bright and catchy melody, and pop-influenced sounds with FX, which makes it a very distinctive track.
JUNGHYUN: It Is U. Our music is based on rock, but within that we explore a variety of different genres. I chose this song because it contains many of the elements that represent our music the best – rich harmonies, emotional melodies, a strong rock band sound, and hopeful lyrics. I think it’s a track that brings all of those aspects together. This song also talks about destiny, and the U in the title refers to our fandom, FromA. Curious? Go listen to It Is U right now!
What would you like to say to the European audience after their first encounter with your music?
HOJIN: I would simply like to say, “This is 2Z.” We have been active for six years now, and during that time we have experienced both very good moments and very difficult ones. There is someone I deeply respect who always tells us, “Never forget the time you have spent.” People from other countries who experience our music in person rarely forget us after seeing us once. That’s because our music carries the history of the time we’ve spent together, as well as the hopes and dreams of many people, including our members. I want to share that story with our friends in Europe while looking them in the eyes.
If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would it be and why?
JUNGHYUN: I’d love to work with Coldplay. First of all, all of our songs are connected by the theme of “hope.” It’s the message that runs through our music. Through the power of music, we want to comfort people, give them courage, and become a source of motivation in their lives. In that sense, I think Coldplay has had a huge influence on people all around the world. If we can continue to grow our own influence and create something together someday, I believe we could make an even bigger voice in the world.
What and who inspires you the most in today’s music scene?
HOJIN: Recently, I’ve discovered many bands that I really like. I enjoy listening to bands like RÜFÜS DU SOL and Franz Ferdinand, and they inspire me a lot. Their sound is not aggressive or straightforward, but it has the power to make people dance and imagine. As I mentioned earlier, we are studying the Indie Dance genre and trying to mix it into many parts of 2Z’s future music.
If each member had to describe the band 2Z in one word, what would it be?
HOJIN: I would describe it as “One.” I believe that people are ultimately one, especially through music. There are many people in the world with different appearances and skin colors, but the moment they listen to our music and relate to the message I’m sharing, we all become “From A to Z.” And I’m also just a person living in the same generation as you. That’s why I would describe 2Z with the word “One.”
NUA: I would describe 2Z with the word “Energy,” because our music and performances are always full of energy.
ZUNON: I would describe 2Z as “Crossroad.” As we go through life, we face many different moments and situations. We want to be a band that expresses the stories and emotions that come from the deepest parts of people’s hearts in those moments.
BUMJUN: “Hope.” We always hope that our music can give someone a little strength or help them move forward again during difficult moments. If people can find comfort through 2Z’s music and performances, and feel a sense of new hope, that alone means a lot to us. That’s why, to me, 2Z is more than just a band— it’s something that can share hope with people.
JUNGHYUN: “Giants.” Since the other members will probably talk about hope and music, I wanted to express it a little differently. All of our members used to be models, so we’re all quite tall. Our average height is about 186 cm. Whenever we take photos with fans together, they’re always surprised. I think it’s one of our strengths as a team, and at the same time, it’s a big part of our team’s image.
You’ll be performing in Prague for the first time. How does it feel to bring your music to Czech fans? Is there any Czech food or drink you’d like to try during your stop in Prague?
ZUNON: Honestly, it still doesn’t quite feel real that we’ll be performing in Prague. It’s something we’ve been looking forward to for a long time, and since this is our first European tour six years after our debut, it feels even more exciting and almost like a dream. I also really enjoy trying different foods, especially ones I’ve never had before, so I’m looking forward to experiencing a lot of local dishes while we’re there. And of course, I know Prague is famous for its beer – which happens to be my favorite drink. I have a feeling that by the time we leave, our hotel room might be filled with empty beer bottles.
JUNGHYUN: First of all, it’s very exciting and thrilling for us to be able to share our music in a country we’re visiting for the first time. We’re also really excited to perform in Prague, the beautiful capital city of Czechia, which is often called “the jewel of Europe.” I was curious about what food we might be able to try while staying in the Czech Republic, so I looked it up a little. One dish I’d really like to try is Svíčková. I heard it’s a national dish. And I’ve also heard that Czechia is famous for its beer, so I definitely want to try some local beer when we get there.
We’d like to thank the band for the interview, and you can look forward to a report from their concert.
Zdroj: Autorský text, 2Z
