Boynextdoor Breaks Boundaries with New EP ‘No Genre’

Seoul: K-pop boy group Boynextdoor is back with its fourth EP, "No Genre," aiming to demonstrate its ability to perform across a wide range of musical styles. Unlike its previous albums, which were woven together by a single theme or narrative, the album set for release Tuesday at 6 p.m. brings together tracks with a wide range of genres and topics, unified by the group's distinct energy and performance style.

According to Yonhap News Agency, member Taesan expressed during a group interview in Seoul, "We didn't want to be confined by any genre or message this time. Our past albums had storytelling elements, but for this one, we wanted to reach listeners more easily. Even though each song has a different theme, we worked hard to make sure they come together harmoniously as one album." Team leader Jaehyun explained that their previous albums focused on emotions like love or coming-of-age moments, while "No Genre" showcases the group's ability to explore various musical styles.

The album features seven tracks, led by the lead song "I Feel Good," which channels the energy of a rock star. Other tracks include "123-78," inspired by 1960s pop soul, "Step By Step," a city pop track, and "Jangnancheo?" with funky rhythms. The EP also includes "Next Mistake," a house-inflected pop sound, "If I Say, I Love You," a previously released digital single, and an English version of the lead track.

Jaehyun highlighted the group's effort to capture the essence of each musical genre, stating, "Even though the album is called 'No Genre,' we paid special attention to capturing the unique flavor of each genre of music. We wanted to show just how far Boynextdoor can go musically and prove that we can handle any genre."

The members chose "I Feel Good" as the lead track due to its lively, free-spirited tone, making it ideal for live performances. The music video features synchronized choreography, marking a shift from the group's previous stage styles. Sungho noted, "It's not that we didn't have group choreography before, but this time, we wanted to make a much stronger impression, so we focused more on moving together in unison." Jaehyun described it as the most demanding choreography the band has attempted since its debut.

Despite the increased physical demands, the group remains committed to singing live with hand-held microphones on every stage, with Taesan confidently stating, "Of course. We even practiced live just last night."

As Boynextdoor nears its second anniversary, the members reflect on their journey with gratitude and a desire for growth. Jaehyun remarked, "We've received more love than we expected, but we realize there's still so much we need to improve, so we're determined to keep working hard."