Is JYP's Boy Group, NEXZ, Underrated? We Compare Their Popularity!
- Jon Lui
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
The constant debate in K-pop—who's "underrated" versus "overlooked". We take a look at NEXZ and its recent single album release and compare their popularity to their seniors! Let's dive right in!
Who Is NEXZ?
Formed in 2024, NEXZ is a Japanese-Korean boy group from JYP Entertainment based in South Korea. The band was formed from a reality-survival program, Nizi Project Season 2. The group consists of seven members: Tomoya, Yu, Haru, So Geon, Seita, Hyui, and Yuki. They debuted on May 24, 2024, with the single album Ride the Vibe.
With over 34 million views for "Ride the Vibe" on YouTube a year after their debut, our Dojeon team wants to know if they can rival their seniors, Stray Kids and ITZY, during their early years. Is NEXZ truly "underrated" or are they just early in their growth?
What Does “Underrated” Even Mean in K-Pop?
To start diving into this discussion, we have to first set parameters. Metrics fans often use are:
Album sales
Streaming numbers
Social media engagement
Brand reputation rankings
So, are they "underrated" or just "underexposed"? Let the battle begin!
NEXZ’s Current Popularity Snapshot
Although it is still early to tell whether NEXZ will reach its potential to the levels of Stray Kids and ITZY, we can pull some numbers to see if they are trending similarly to their seniors. For the sake of keeping it "even", let's take the first two years of Stray Kids (2018) and ITZY (2019) and compare them to NEXZ's numbers.
As you can see, all of NEXZ's numbers are far below their seniors' debut numbers.
NEXZ’s Strengths That Suggest They COULD Be Bigger
NEXZ's concept of the combined words "next generation" and "Generation Z" favors the younger crowd with a strong focus on street, hip-hop, and athletic "boxer" visuals. Their strong on-stage presence, partnered with international appeal (Japan and Korea), should suggest that they command a bigger audience. So why does it seem that they're a little "behind" in terms of their popularity?
Why Some Fans Think NEXZ Is Underrated
With the number of K-pop groups entering the 4th and 5th generation market, some fans think that NEXZ is "just another K-pop group". With limited exposure compared to Stray Kids and ITZY, some fans have stated that it will be hard to overshadow bigger and more popular names. NEXZ has also yet to "find their groove" in the social media market, by having a viral dance trend in their name. Perhaps we're still waiting on that "viral hit" that will propel them to stardom?
Are They Actually Right Where They Should Be?
On the other side of the coin, they are still in the "rookie" phase, and it could take a little more time before they blow up, like their seniors. With a smashing new single, "Mmchk", just released this week, they might become viral in no time!
"Mmchk" is catchy, upbeat, and visually "clean". Backed by JYP's bank account, the quality, choreography, and direction of NEXZ have the potential to break records in the near future! While not all groups peak immediately, the Dojeon team thinks that NEXZ might have enough "staying power" to remain one of JYP's most talented groups.
Final Verdict: Underrated or Just Getting Started?
Based on their most recent work, "Mmchk", NEXZ possesses strong talent and potential. Their crisp movements, charming visuals, and clean sound have all the makings of the next "it group". The Dojeon team feels like the word "underrated" might be a little premature since they're still at the beginning stages. It will only take one viral hit for them to blow up. Tell us your thoughts about NEXZ in the comments below!
Poll Time!
Is NEXZ "underrated"?
0%Yes
0%No
0%Not sure
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