Over the last several years, THE BOYZ have become one of the most recognizable fourth-generation K-pop groups in the industry. Known for synchronized performances, concept versatility, and strong stage presence, the South Korean boy group steadily evolved from promising rookies into major global performers with a dedicated international fanbase. Whether through energetic songs like “Thrill Ride,” darker concepts such as “Maverick,” or elaborate competition-show performances, THE BOYZ built a reputation for adapting to nearly every style in modern K-pop.
The group debuted in December 2017 under Cre.ker Entertainment, which later merged into IST Entertainment, before the group eventually moved to One Hundred in 2024. Originally debuting with 12 members, the group currently promotes with 10 members following the departures of Hwall in 2019 and Ju Haknyeon in 2025.
Today, THE BOYZ are recognized for both commercial success and performance-driven artistry. Here is everything to know about THE BOYZ, including the members, career history, hit songs, fandom, achievements, and why the group became one of K-pop’s biggest acts.
Who Are the Members of THE BOYZ?
THE BOYZ currently consists of 10 members: Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Sunwoo, and Eric.
The group originally debuted as a 12-member team in 2017. Former member Hwall left the group in 2019 because of ongoing health concerns involving an ankle injury.
In June 2025, Ju Haknyeon also departed the group following personal controversies and a hiatus announcement by the agency.
Each member plays a distinct role within the group. Sangyeon serves as the leader, while members like Juyeon and Hyunjae became especially popular for visuals and performance ability. Kevin and Jacob, both originally from Canada, are also widely recognized for helping connect the group with international audiences through English-language interviews and content.
The group’s fandom is officially called “The B,” often stylized as “Deobi.” The name represents the idea that fans are the reason THE BOYZ exist and grow artistically.
Before debuting officially, THE BOYZ introduced themselves through a reality show called Flower Snack in 2017. The series followed the trainees running a snack shop while preparing for debut activities.
The group officially debuted on December 6, 2017, with the mini album The First and title track “Boy.”
Their debut immediately attracted attention because of the group’s synchronized choreography, youthful image, and unusually strong visual lineup. Songs like “Giddy Up,” “Right Here,” and “No Air” helped establish THE BOYZ as one of the most promising rookie groups of their generation.
During their early years, the group focused heavily on bright and energetic concepts common among rookie K-pop boy groups. However, their sound and visual identity gradually evolved into more mature and experimental territory over time.
THE BOYZ Became Much Bigger Through Survival Shows
One of the biggest turning points in THE BOYZ’s career came through Mnet’s competition programs Road to Kingdom and Kingdom: Legendary War.
In 2020, THE BOYZ competed on Road to Kingdom against other rising boy groups and eventually won the show. Their performances became widely praised online for cinematic staging, difficult choreography, and creative storytelling. The victory dramatically expanded their popularity in South Korea and internationally.
The following year, the group competed on Kingdom: Legendary War alongside groups such as Stray Kids, ATEEZ, iKON, SF9, and BTOB. Although they finished second overall, many fans and critics viewed the show as proof of THE BOYZ’s elite performance abilities.
Their performances on both shows frequently trended online because of the theatrical production quality and precision choreography. Songs like “Reveal,” “The Stealer,” and “Kingdom Come” became especially associated with the group’s rise during this era.
Many K-pop fans consider these competition shows the moment THE BOYZ transitioned from rising rookies into top-tier performers.
Their Music Style and Biggest Songs
One reason THE BOYZ stand out in K-pop is their versatility. Over the years, the group experimented with multiple styles, including bright pop, EDM, hip-hop, synthpop, R&B, and darker performance-heavy concepts.
Their earlier songs leaned toward youthful concepts, while later releases became more dramatic and cinematic. Tracks like “The Stealer,” “Maverick,” and “Reveal” showcased a darker and more intense side of the group.
Meanwhile, songs such as “Bloom Bloom,” “Thrill Ride,” and “Whisper” highlighted brighter and more playful concepts.
Some of their best-known releases include:
“Boy”
“No Air”
“Bloom Bloom”
“Reveal”
“The Stealer”
“Thrill Ride”
“Maverick”
“Roar”
“Watch It”
The group also built a strong Japanese discography with albums like Breaking Dawn and Delicious.
As of 2025, THE BOYZ have released multiple studio albums, EPs, and Japanese projects while consistently charting strongly in South Korea and internationally.
Why THE BOYZ Became So Popular
THE BOYZ’s popularity comes from several factors beyond just music.
Performance quality is arguably the biggest reason. Their choreography is frequently described by fans and critics as some of the strongest among fourth-generation K-pop groups. Complex formations, acrobatics, and theatrical storytelling became major parts of their identity during competition-show performances.
Fashion and visual concepts also helped them stand out. Interviews with Allure and Teen Vogue highlighted how the group became known for constantly reinventing their image between comebacks.
International appeal played another major role. English-speaking members Kevin and Jacob helped the group communicate directly with overseas fans, while social media and TikTok expanded their global visibility.
The group also earned praise for adaptability. They successfully handled bright concepts, dark concepts, emotional ballads, and aggressive performance tracks without appearing limited to one identity.
That versatility helped THE BOYZ remain competitive in an extremely crowded K-pop market.
THE BOYZ entered a new era recently after leaving IST Entertainment and moving under One Hundred. Their 2025 studio album Unexpected became their first major release under the new label.
The group also experienced major lineup changes. Sangyeon temporarily paused activities for military enlistment in 2025, while Ju Haknyeon officially departed the group the same year.
Despite those changes, THE BOYZ continue to maintain strong album sales and international touring power. Their fandom remains highly active online, and the group consistently trends during comeback periods.
Recent reports also show the group continuing to expand globally through tours, streaming growth, and international media coverage.
Why THE BOYZ Matter in Modern K-Pop
THE BOYZ occupy an interesting position within modern K-pop because they represent both performance excellence and long-term adaptability.
They may not always dominate global headlines the way BTS or Stray Kids do, but within K-pop communities, THE BOYZ are widely respected for consistency, choreography, and concept execution.
Their rise through Road to Kingdom also became one of the clearest examples of how survival programs can completely transform a group’s career trajectory.
Today, THE BOYZ remain one of the defining fourth-generation K-pop groups. Whether through high-energy performances, evolving musical concepts, or strong fan engagement, the group continues building a legacy that extends well beyond their original rookie image.
