Eye catching choreography, and music that reflects their own ideas. South Korean K-pop group making their way onto the international music scene, and this year, they’re bringing their energy to Prague. TRENDZ gave AsianStyle an exclusive interview, where we learned about their favorite songs from their own discography, which members they would like to switch roles with, and what they are most looking forward to during their visit.
The seven member group, consisting of Havit, Leon, Yoonwoo, Hankook, ra.L, Eunil, and Yechan, debuted in January 2022 under Global H Media with the album BLUE SET Chapter 1. TRACKS. However, TRENDZ had already caught attention before their official debut, mainly thanks to their dance covers. Under the name Inter Boys, the members began uploading their own versions of choreography by popular K-pop groups and artists on YouTube in 2021. Their videos showcased not only precise synchronization but also impressive dancing skills and energy, helping them gain attention from fans.
But now, let's get to know TRENDZ a little better without more ado!
Good day, TRENDZ members! Your Prague concert is coming up on October 21. Is there anything you are particularly looking forward to experiencing in the city for the first time, or something you would love to see or try while you are here?
Eunil: I’ve heard that the night view around Charles Bridge is incredibly beautiful. I also enjoy taking walks along the Han River at night, so if I have the chance, I’d love to walk across Charles Bridge, enjoy the night view, and take some photos.
Leon: To be honest, I still don’t know that much about the Czech Republic. But one thing I know for sure is that there are fans there waiting for our performance. I hope this concert will be an opportunity for us to learn more about the Czech Republic and Prague!
Yechan: I actually traveled to Prague when I was younger. Back then, I visited Český Krumlov, Charles Bridge, and Wenceslas Square, and I’d really love to visit them again. I’d also love to have chimney cake again!
If someone is coming to your Prague show and is discovering TRENDZ for the first time, which songs would you recommend they listen to beforehand to get a taste of your music?
Yoonwoo: I’d recommend our most recent release, “On My Knees.” I think it’s a song that really represents who TRENDZ are. If you like K-pop, I’m sure you’ll love this song.
Leon: I’d recommend “NEW DAYZ,” one of our songs that has received the most love from fans.
Hankook: I’d recommend listening to “NEW DAYZ,” “MY WAY,” and “On My Knees” in that order, followed by “TNT,” “WHO,” and “VAGABOND.” The two sets have completely different styles, but if I were to broadly divide TRENDZ’s music into two sides, I think these songs are a great way to experience both.
Do you have any special rituals or routines you like to follow before going on stage? Is there anything you always do to help yourself get into the right mindset and prepare for the performance?
Yoonwoo: I have my own stretching routine that I always do, and it takes about 30 minutes to complete. No matter how short on time I am, I always try to go through the entire routine before going on stage.
Leon: I usually drink an Americano every day, but when I have a live performance coming up, I avoid coffee and stick to water to take care of my voice.
Hankook: I always make sure to eat a proper meal before a performance so that I have enough energy. A lot of people prefer not to eat before going on stage, but in my case, I feel more energized when I’ve had a good meal beforehand. So I’m also looking forward to seeing what we’ll get to eat before our Prague concert!
What is your personal favorite TRENDZ era? Is there a B-side you would love to give a music video to?
Havit: The “NEW DAYZ” era is the most memorable for me. It’s a song that has received so much love, and it’s also one of my personal favorites, so I feel especially attached to that era.
ra.L: If I could choose one B-side to have a music video, I’d pick “Fantasy” from the NEW DAYZ album. I think it could make a really beautiful music video if the dreamy atmosphere of the song were brought to life visually.
Yechan: I love all of our eras, but if I had to choose just one, I’d pick “NEW DAYZ.” The performance starts with me sliding across the stage, and I get such a thrill every time I do it. Every stage has a different floor and is a different size, so whenever I’m about to do the slide, I find myself wondering, “How far am I going to slide today?” Just thinking about it gives me an adrenaline rush, so I always had so much fun performing it. As for a B-side I’d love to give a music video to, I’d choose “Villain.” We already have a performance video for it, but both the song and the choreography are so cool that I think it would be amazing to have a full music video for it as well.
As you continue to grow as artists, how do you feel your musical identity has evolved since TRENDZ debuted?
Hankook: I don’t want to define TRENDZ by just one genre or concept. Just like our name suggests, rather than simply following trends, we want to create our own path. To make that happen, the members have become much more involved in both our music and performances.
Eunil: While preparing “On My Knees,” we thought a lot about our musical identity. After having many conversations among the members, we came to the conclusion that rather than finding one fixed answer and limiting ourselves to it, we should simply give our best to everything we’re capable of doing. “On My Knees” was born from that mindset.
What part of the preparation tends to be the most challenging during the comeback? Can you give us a little hint about what TRENDZ has coming next - or whether fans can expect any new projects or surprises soon?
ra.L: I think the most challenging part is bringing all of the members’ opinions together and deciding on the musical direction we want to take. Since that process is so important and becomes the foundation for everything else, I think it’s also where we spend the most time.
Personally, I’m continuing to work on music for TRENDZ. I’m constantly refining my work so that someday, in one way or another, I’ll be able to share what I’ve created with everyone. Along the way, I’ve also been meeting and collaborating with other songwriters, learning from them and getting their advice. I’m doing my best to create the best possible music for TRENDZ and FRIENDZ.
If you could swap parts with another member for one performance, whose part would you be most excited to try?
Yechan: I’d like to switch parts with Hankook. The reason is simple - I want to be the one who gets to fly instead of Hankook during “VAGABOND”!
Eunil: I’d like to switch parts with ra.L. I’m a vocalist and ra.L is a rapper, so we have completely different roles, and our styles on stage are very different as well. I think it would be really fun. We also joke around a lot by singing each other’s parts when we’re together.
Is there something a FRIENDZ has said or done that has stayed with you throughout your journey and made you realize just how meaningful your music and your journey with TRENDZ can be to others?
Havit: Whenever someone tells us that our music has brought them comfort, it always touches my heart and makes me happy. I’m incredibly grateful that our voices can mean so much to someone. And the moments when I see FRIENDZ’s faces from the stage always stay with me. Seeing them enjoy our performance and seeing the happiness on their faces are memories I’ll never forget.
Eunil: One thing that really stayed with me was when someone told us, “Thank you for not giving up and making it this far.” All of our members spent quite a long time as trainees, and they thanked us for continuing to pursue our dreams from our trainee days all the way until now, in our fifth year as TRENDZ.
The fact that someone would support us so wholeheartedly as we continue chasing our dreams - and even thank us for continuing - really touched me. It made me realize that this journey isn’t just about pursuing my own personal dream anymore. It made me want to work even harder and create memories that will stay with people for a very long time.
Imagine your Czech fans listening to TRENDZ on their way home after your Prague concert. What would you like them to feel in that moment, and what message would you want them to take home with them?
Yoonwoo: Even though we live in different places and speak different languages, I think the fact that we can become one through music alone is something truly amazing. I hope every moment they spend watching our performance is filled with excitement and happiness. And even after the concert is over, I hope our performance remains a wonderful memory that gives them energy and motivation in their everyday lives.
Yechan: No matter what worries or difficulties they may be dealing with in their everyday lives, I hope that while they’re at our concert, they can forget about everything else and simply enjoy themselves. Then, when they go back to their daily lives and hear one of our songs, I hope the memories of the concert naturally come back and make them happy again. We’ll do our best to give them an amazing performance that can become that kind of memory.
Zdroje: TRENDZ, Envol prod., Asianstyle