K-pop boy group NAZE poses during an interview at The Korea Times headquarters in Seoul, April 16. The seven-member act is set to release its self-titled debut mini-album on Monday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

There is a particular kind of calm that comes from having already been through it. Walking into a room with NAZE, the seven-member K-pop boy group set to make its official Korean debut on Monday, that calm is the first thing you notice.

These are not nervous trainees counting down the moments before their debut — they are young men who have already stood on stages in Japan, filmed a primetime TBS drama, recorded four original soundtracks and gone on a showcase tour before most Korean fans even knew their names.

"We've already experienced music shows, morning live broadcasts, variety programs and meeting fans in person," said Ato, one of the group's Korean members during a predebut interview at The Korea Times headquarters in central Seoul, April 16.

K-pop boy band NAZE member Ato poses during an interview at The Korea Times headquarters in Seoul, April 16, ahead of the group's official Korean debut. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

"So compared to a group debuting out of nowhere, we have a certain level of experience. There's a natural ease that comes through, and a comfort with cameras. That's what sets us apart," he said.

NAZE, formerly known as C9ROOKIES during its predebut rollout, is the first new boy band from C9 Entertainment in five years, following labelmatesCIXandEPEX. The group brings together members from Korea, Japan and Thailand: Ato, Kaisei, Younki, Turn, Yuya, Kimkun and Dohyeok.

The group name carries a double meaning, referring to a geographical formation where land meets the sea. It also happens to spell out the Japanese word for "why," a fitting wink toward the group's strong early ties to the Japanese market.

NAZE member Dohyeok, the youngest in the group, poses during an interview at The Korea Times headquarters in Seoul, April 16, ahead of the group's Korean debut. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Those ties run deeper than most predebut strategies. NAZE spent roughly six months active in Japan before its Korean debut, appearing on television and starring as the lead cast of "Dream Stage," a primetime TBS drama co-produced with C9 and CJ ENM Japan. The group also contributed multiple original Japanese songs to its soundtrack.

Source: Korea Times News