NAZE opens up about debut pressure, teamwork struggles, and the lasting emotion they hope defines their first stage.
NAZE officially steps into the spotlight, reflecting on the realities behind NAZE as both a group name and identity.
During the roundtable, Pop Journal asked the members about the biggest challenge in preparing for a highly competitive debut and how they supported one another through it. The group also shared what feeling they hope audiences take away after watching their first-ever stage. As a multinational rookie team navigating language barriers, intense training, and shared ambition, NAZE reveals that their debut was not built on perfection, but on connection, trust, and learning to grow together.
Carrying the Weight of Debut Pressure Together
For many rookie groups, debut pressure often becomes a personal battle, but NAZE describes it as something shared across all seven members. KIMKUN openly reflects on the anxiety of whether he could meet expectations, admitting that self-doubt often got in the way of fully expressing himself. What helped shift that mindset was realizing he did not have to carry everything alone.
Instead of isolating their struggles, the members leaned into each other. KIMKUN explains that as time passed, conversations within the group became a safe space where fears could be spoken aloud. That exchange gradually replaced pressure with trust, helping them understand that debuting was not an individual test but a collective journey.
YUYA echoes a similar sentiment, describing how nerves about showing a “grown version” of themselves faded once the group decided to simply enjoy their performances. Rather than forcing a perfected image, NAZE focused on authenticity, allowing excitement to replace anxiety as debut approached.
Becoming One Team Beyond Language and Background
NAZE’s biggest internal challenge was not only pressure, but communication itself. Coming from different countries, the members initially struggled with language barriers during training. TURN recalls how early rehearsals often required translation apps and constant help from their manager.
Over time, however, something shifted. Through repetition, shared routines, and countless practice hours, communication became less verbal and more instinctive. The group began to rely on gestures, eye contact, and timing rather than words.
TURN describes the moment of realization clearly: they no longer needed explanations to understand one another. Instead, they had become synchronized through experience. That unspoken connection became the foundation of what NAZE now defines as teamwork, a bond that feels closer to family than colleagues.
This sense of unity also shaped how they approach challenges. DOHYEOK emphasizes that support from both family and members gives him strength during difficult moments, reinforcing the idea that NAZE’s identity is built on mutual encouragement rather than individual pressure.
The Feeling They Want to Leave Behind
When asked what they hope first-time viewers feel after watching their debut stage, NAZE gravitates toward one shared idea: excitement that lingers beyond the performance.
ATO expresses that the group wants audiences to feel “thrilling energy,” something that sparks goosebumps and stays in memory long after the stage ends. KAISEI adds a softer but equally powerful wish, hoping viewers feel the urge to relive the moment again, as if watching the performance repeatedly would uncover something new each time.
Together, their answers point toward a shared intention: NAZE does not just want to be watched, they want to be felt. Whether it is excitement, nostalgia, or curiosity, the group hopes their stage leaves an imprint that feels alive.
More Than a Debut Stage
Beyond choreography and vocals, NAZE frames their debut as a shared emotional entry into the industry. Their journey reflects not only artistic preparation, but also personal growth shaped by trust, vulnerability, and cultural exchange.
What began as a group of individuals navigating uncertainty has become a team that moves with instinctive harmony. Their debut challenge was not simply about performance quality, but about believing in each other enough to step forward as one.
NAZE’s debut stage ultimately stands as a reflection of connection over perfection, and audiences can look forward to experiencing their journey through their debut releases now available on streaming platforms.
Photos: C9 Entertainment
