[Dispatch=Yuha Haneul Reporter] "Members were crying beside me, and fans were crying in front of me…. It felt like heaven." (Yuuki)

Since their debut, NEXZ has consistently hoped for music broadcast trophies. With each comeback, they set their goal at first place and pushed forward. But the result always remained among the nominees for first place. They could only envy other groups' trophies.

And finally, on the 6th, they achieved their wish. They won their first first place on MBC M's "Show Champion." The moment their name was called, everyone burst into tears. It was the moment a dream they had longed for over the past two years came true.

Their first first place in 716 days. For NEXZ and Nexti, it was an invaluable and special experience. This trophy became an unforgettable moment for all and a new starting point for the team.

Dispatch met NEXZ on the 20th. We heard about the process of preparing their new album 'Umtseuk' and the new goals that emerged after their first first place.

◆ NEXZ's vibe

'Umtseuk' is an album containing NEXZ's free-spirited energy. The title track of the same name is characterized by an addictive hook and cheerful atmosphere. Their signature sharp performance added flavor to the music.

Huey recalled, "When I first heard it, the chorus part 'Umtseuk' really caught my ear," and said, "Overall, I felt it was a very exciting and catchy song."

Meanwhile, Yuuki shared that he was worried first. "I had a lot of concerns about whether we could pull this off," he said, "The free-spirited vibe was strong, so I researched how we could incorporate our charm well."

The answer to the worries came from practice alone. For NEXZ's unique vibe, everyone immersed themselves in practice to the point where their clothes were soaked with sweat. As a result, a refined performance was created that could be presented anywhere.

"Over two years of activities, both our teamwork and skills have grown. If I was always nervous at the beginning of our debut, now I have appropriate tension and composure." (Huey)

◆ NEXZ's identity

The members participated in producing all tracks on this album. Tomoya, Huey, and Yuki participated in writing the title track 'Umtseuk.' Tomoya and Yuki also contributed to working on the B-side track 'Hypeman.'

"After showing strong performance as 'Beatboxer,' I was worried whether we could surpass that energy with a new song. But as I thought of cool choreography and unconventional lyrics, I gained confidence." (Tomoya)

The lyrics incorporated the members' actual speech patterns and thoughts. Huey explained, "I wrote down sentences that came to mind during travel time in a notepad. I wanted to honestly capture the things NEXZ normally says and the emotions we feel."

The B-side track 'Hypeman' was written with fans in mind. Tomoya said, "I completed it really quickly while thinking of Nexti," and added, "I worked on it with the hope that everyone would sing along together at concerts."

Other members also challenged themselves to get their names in the credits. Haru said, "We need to convey the thoughts of seven people, but I keep bringing up my personal stories," emphasizing, "It's still difficult, but I want to keep challenging."

◆ NEXZ's goal

For NEXZ, the moment of their first music broadcast first place remains a vivid memory. Yuuki recalled, "I was so surprised I couldn't tell if it was a dream or reality." Haru also said, "Memories from the audition days before debut until now flashed back like a montage."

"Hearing Nexti's chant, it was clearly an exciting and hip song, but I got emotional. I realized there were many people sincerely supporting our team. It made me relieved that we were moving forward step by step." (So Gun, Haru)

For Tomoya, their first first place was more than simple joy. He said, "Actually, I didn't expect it. I just had the heart to make NEXZ more known," but added, "When I actually received the trophy, I felt thankful that we didn't give up and made it here."

"I tried to empty my mind, but deep down I was anticipating it. It was frustrating and nerve-wracking. My body was stiff, but the moment the announcement 'NEXZ's Umtseuk!' came out, all the tension in my body released. I still haven't forgotten it." (Yuki)

They also shared behind-the-scenes details about the encore stage. Huey said, "The results were important, but honestly I really wanted to do the encore stage," and recalled, "I held back my tears on stage because I wanted to deliver a perfect live performance, but as soon as I came down, the tears I held back poured out."

This first place became another stepping stone for NEXZ's leap forward. Seita smiled and said, "This award is even more meaningful because it came after several nominations. I want to show you how we grow step by step from now on."

◆ NEXZ's next

We asked NEXZ about their next goal. Instead of grand ambitions, an honest answer that was very much NEXZ came back. They wanted to make up for the regret of only crying on the encore stage.

"It was our first first place, but we didn't properly handle the encore stage and only cried. If we get first place again at the next activity, then I'll tear it up on stage with my singing." (Tomoya)

NEXZ is showing their unique color not only on stage but also in various variety content. So Gun said, "Although we're idols, our approachable charm of not seeming like idols is our strength," and expressed hope to "become a team that gets closer to fans."

They also expressed their desire to meet more Nexti. Haru and Seita said with a laugh, "If you watch both our stages and content, you won't be able to escape," and added, "We don't want to let go of the hand we've held with Nexti."

"Thanks to Nexti, we could overcome any hardship. Now we have even greater ambitions and energy. Please stay with NEXZ until the end." (NEXZ)

Written by | Yuha Haneul Reporter

Photos | Jung Young-woo Reporter, MBC every1