The K-pop industry is bracing for the arrival of its newest multinational contender as NAZE (나제) officially begins the final countdown to their highly anticipated debut.
On May 4, 2026, the seven-member group will release their first mini-album, also titled NAZE, marking a significant milestone for their agency, C9 Entertainment.
This launch is particularly noteworthy as it represents the agency’s first new boy group in five years- following the debut of EPEX in 2021- and the first-ever multinational ensemble in the company’s history.
A Pre-Debut Journey Through Drama and Fashion
Unlike many rookie groups that rely solely on teaser images, NAZE has spent the past year building a solid foundation through a unique “growth narrative” strategy centered in Japan.
The group’s journey began in the summer of 2025, but they gained significant traction through their starring roles in the TBS prime-time drama DREAM STAGE, which aired in early 2026.
In the series, the members- Kaisei, Younki, Ato, Turn, Yuya, Kim Kun, and Dohyeok- portrayed K-pop trainees struggling to debut, a storyline that mirrored their actual path to the industry.
The drama was broadcast across Japan and domestically in Korea via tvN and TVing, allowing the group to showcase their acting skills and performance capabilities simultaneously.
Beyond the screen, NAZE has already proven their “next-generation Hallyu” potential by:
- Showcase Tours: Successfully completing a three-city drama showcase tour in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
- Fashion Influence: Receiving three invitations to the Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC), one of Japan’s largest fashion festivals, before even officially debuting.
- Musical Previews: Participating in the DREAM STAGE OST with tracks like “Wanderlust” and “BABYBOO,” which gave fans an early taste of their vocal colors.
As one C9 Entertainment representative noted regarding their preparation:
“NAZE has decided on a May debut and is accelerating preparations.
Based on the growth narrative built through comprehensive promotions, they will present highly polished results.”
The Countdown to “People Talk” and the Debut Album
As of late April 2026, the countdown is in full swing. The group has been systematically revealing teaser content to keep the momentum high.
Between April 13 and April 20, NAZE released sound extracts for the four tracks included in their debut mini-album: the title track “People talk,” followed by “Pretty pink socks,” “Awesome,” and “Seoul.”
The album is described as a conceptual bridge between reality and identity. It aims to capture the “precious and brilliant moments” of the members’ lives in Seoul as they search for their true selves within the “infinite possibilities” the city offers.
To further engage their growing global fandom, the group launched the “People talk” dance challenge on April 21, showcasing a “free-vibe” choreography that emphasizes their individual charms and synchronized execution.
During a recent reality content episode of Najedori, member Ato shared the group’s excitement for their official entry into the K-pop scene:
“We’ve spent so much time preparing and dreaming of this moment. We want to show everyone the ‘resonance’ that our name NAZE represents.”
The group’s name itself is an abbreviation for “New Adventure’s Zestyfull Echo,” symbolizing their ambition to deliver a vivid resonance to the hearts of listeners through their musical adventures.
With their first mini-album set to drop at 6 p.m. KST on May 4, NAZE is positioned to be a major player in the 2026 rookie class, bridging the gap between the domestic and international music markets from day one.
