Meet TRENDZ – the dynamic K-pop sensation that’s all set to lead the Gen Z trend!
Consisting of the all-rounded members HAVIT, LEON, YOONWOO, HANKOOK, ra.L, EUNIL, and YECHAN – TRENDZ kicked off their journey on January 5, 2022 with the debut mini album, Blue Set Chapter 1. TRACKS. Their name says it all – they’re not just following trends but shaping them.
Their incredible talents haven’t gone unnoticed either. At the 2022 Asia Artist Awards, they proudly received the esteemed AAA Focus Award, cementing their influence in K-pop. Yet, TRENDZ, being true to its name, extends its reach beyond music. In March 2022, they were honored as Red Cross Youth ambassadors for the Korean Red Cross, and later that year, they embraced the role of Global Eco-Friendly Public Relations ambassadors for the Sustainable World Network. They’re truly leaving a lasting impact, to say the least.
TRENDZ recently returned with its third single album, STILL ON MY WAY, picking up the narrative from their previous release, Blue Set Chapter: New Dayz. This new album tells the gripping tale of the members as they chase their dreams with unwavering determination.
To celebrate their latest release, TRENDZ joined Hellokpop to discuss STILL ON MY WAY, how the album connects to their universe story, member contributions, and more! Keep reading to know more about the septet.
Hellokpop: Nice to meet you, TRENDZ! Thanks for speaking to Hellokpop. Please introduce yourselves individually to our readers and share what one keyword best describes you.
HAVIT: Hi, This is HAVIT, back with the autumn vibes! My keyword would be “a sense of dreaminess,” which is what I focused the most on expressing while preparing this album.
LEON: Hello, this is LEON, the choreography director and main dancer of TRENDZ. I think the keyword that best describes me is “cat.” Not only does my face resemble that of a cat, but I also believe my personality shares some similarities with that of a cat.
YOONWOO: Hello, I’m YOONWOO, the vocalist with a ‘model-level visual’ of TRENDZ. Despite my intimidating and sharp image, I have a very friendly personality and a humble charm, so I think “reverse charm” would be my keyword.
HANKOOK: Hello, this is HANKOOK, the leader of TRENDZ. I think my keyword would be “visual leader.” It’s a bit embarrassing to say that myself… but I promise to continue showing the better side of me!
ra.L: Hello, my name is ra.L, and I’m a rapper at TRENDZ! The word that best describes me is “charming,” so come and witness my diverse array of charms!
EUNIL: Hello, this is EUNIL, the visual and main vocalist of TRENDZ. A keyword that best describes me would be “all-rounder.” I aim to excel in everything I do, and I believe I’m capable of doing just that!
YECHAN: Hello! I’m JUNG YECHAN, the youngest member of TRENDZ and little hexagonal gentleman😆 My keyword would be “hexagon!”
HANKOOK
HKP: Congratulations on your third single album, STILL ON MY WAY. Can you tell me more about the title track? What message or feelings do you hope fans take away from the song?
HANKOOK: I hope that many people will find strength after listening to our title song. Since the title is “MY WAY,” everyone, follow your own path and move towards your dreams!!
ra.L: This title song is packed with energy, driven by drum and bass. It reflects TRENDZ’s determination to keep pushing forward even in the face of adversity and to follow their own path without giving up. The song showcases the unique voice tones of each member and conveys feelings of nostalgia, hope, and the freedom of youth.
We hope that when people listen to our music, they’ll feel liberated and experience the essence of youth.
YOONWOO: Our title song carries a positive and confidence-boosting message, so we hope it can provide energy and inspire courage to carry on to those who are feeling tired and going through tough times.
HKP: What do you think is the killing part or the highlight of the title track, “MY WAY?”
EUNIL: I think the highlight of our title song is the introduction. It’s the first time among our title songs that the intro has a somewhat nostalgic tone, but unlike the beginning, the song’s overall mood is about running and moving forward with determination. The subtle introduction really enhances that sense of momentum, so I’d choose the introduction as the highlight. Plus, I put a lot of effort into singing that part, so I hope you enjoy it!
YECHAN: I’d like to choose the “Still on my Way” part sung by HANKOOK and ra.L. The reason is that this part directly includes the title of the song, “MY WAY,” and it’s a very impactful and memorable part that stands out when you listen to the song.
LEON: I think the HANKOOK’s rap in the second verse is really impressive. It has a way of making my heart race when I hear it!
HKP: How does this album connect with your universe story?
ra.L: I believe that STILL ON MY WAY marks a significant departure from the BLUE SET universe that has ended in the album BLUE SET Chapter. [NEW DAYZ].
This album reflects TRENDZ’s unwavering pursuit of their dreams. While the BLUE SET universe has come to a close, the journey of TRENDZ continues. Stay tuned for what’s to come.
HKP: HANKOOK, ra.L, and YECHAN participated in writing lyrics for this album. How did things go? Could you please explain the creative process to us?
HANKOOK: This time, I wrote lyrics during our schedule overseas, and I have vivid memories of nightly lyric brainstorming sessions with ra.L and YECHAN when we got together in a room to write exceptional lyrics. I take great pride in the lyrical content of this album, believing it has turned out beautifully.
ra.L: For the first verse of our title song, “MY WAY,” I was responsible for writing impactful rap lyrics. It was a bit challenging because I had to deviate from my usual rap style, and I recall feeling somewhat perplexed during the writing process.
Nevertheless, I was determined to show our fans great lyrics, so I persevered through numerous revisions until I believed it was perfect. Although it was a tough journey, now I see it as a stepping stone for my personal growth. In the end, just as the song’s title, “MY WAY,” suggests, I managed to create “my way” lyrics that I’m proud of. This makes me become really fond of this album.
YECHAN: Participating in writing lyrics for this album was a great opportunity for me. I made a lot of effort to complement the aspects that I found lacking in our previous album. To ensure cohesion and harmony with the vocals, I shared my work with EUNIL for his feedback, and we both felt satisfied with the outcome, which further boosted my confidence.
HKP: Which member do you think perfectly fits the album concept the best?
HAVIT: I want to say it’s me, but I think ra.L killed it this time. When I first listened to his rap in the title song, I thought he absolutely nailed it. Also, the album jacket photo was so beautiful that I couldn’t help but think that ra.L truly shined in this album.
YECHAN: I would choose me! This album represents TRENDZ’s youth, and when it comes to youth, I’m the one who best fits the age range.
EUNIL: I chose myself! I believe I have a wide range of facial expressions, and I think I effectively conveyed the sense of dreaminess in the introduction and the spirit of youthful determination through my expressions. I believe it suits this song very well. Well, to be frank, this album encapsulates the youth of all seven of us, so I think I think all of us have pulled it off well.
HAVIT
HKP: Do you have any specific goals for this comeback? Are there any long-term goals you’d like to achieve for your group?
HANKOOK: I hope our songs make it to the charts with this comeback, as this would mean that many people are listening to our music. We want to empower you with our songs by having them on the music charts.
YOONWOO: My long-term goal is to host a solo concert for TRENDZ, so we’ll continue to work diligently to make that a reality.
LEON: I think our biggest goal is to introduce our group, TRENDZ, to people who may not know about us yet. We want more and more people to listen to our music and get to know TRENDZ. In the future, we hope to grow to the point where we can host our own exclusive concert.
HKP: For you, who is TRENDZ?
HAVIT: I see TRENDZ as a group with many layers, like an onion! I’m sure there is a big difference between the first impression of us and how people see us as they get to know us better. I believe the more you get to know us, the more you’ll appreciate our unique and endless charms.
TRENDZ is now a part of my life. I’ve spent so much time being a part of the group that it’s become a significant part of my life now.
YOONWOO: I see TRENDZ as a treasure chest filled with my cherished and joyful memories, to the extent that it feels like a second life to me.
HANKOOK: TRENDZ is like a second family to me! Let’s stay together forever!
ra.L: To me, TRENDZ is not just a group but a family and friends I want to see thrive and be happy for the rest of our lives. I truly hope we can continue growing and achieving great things together, enjoying every moment along the way.
EUNIL: TRENDZ is a very versatile group!! Whether it’s about songs, performances, or visuals, we excel in every aspect! We are a group loved by the public, and we want to continue going higher together for a long time.
YECHAN: For me, TRENDZ is like winning the lottery. It feels like we all hit the jackpot! I went through auditions, was accepted into the company, experienced a long and sometimes challenging trainee period, and finally had the privilege to debut. I believe we’ve come this far because we were not only fortunate but also put in a lot of hard work and passion, so I think being on the team is like winning the lottery.
LEON
HKP: We can’t believe it’s almost been two years since TRENDZ debuted – time flies! How have you grown since your debut album “BLUE SET Chapter 1. TRACKS”?
HAVIT: I’ve certainly become more comfortable with the camera over time! When I first debuted, I was camera-shy and often tried to avoid it or got nervous when it was close. I also had trouble finding the camera while performing on stage. However, now I actively seek out the camera and have become more natural in front of it, even during performances!
LEON: One noticeable change is my better-looking appearance. Also, I’ve gained composure after performing on numerous stages, but my passion for each performance remains as strong as when I first debuted.
YOONWOO: While I do feel that I’ve matured a bit and grown more accustomed to the camera, I still have a long way to go. I’m committed to continuous improvement and hard work in this regard.
HANKOOK: I believe I’ve experienced significant growth since my debut. Over time, as I’ve accumulated more experience and composure, my senses and abilities have improved almost unconsciously. I’m excited to continue showing fabulous sides of me in the future!
ra.L: I think my overall mindset and thinking have expanded since I first debuted. Even though I’m still quite young, I’ve gained more courage and developed the ability to organize my thoughts quickly. Moving forward, I want to learn and grow through the promotions to become an even better version of ra.L, consistently presenting my best self to our fans.
EUNIL: There’s no doubt that I’ve grown in many aspects since my debut, especially when it comes to singing live or performing. However, I know that there’s still room for further growth, and I’m committed to demonstrating continuous improvement. I’ll continue to work earnestly to showcase my development.
YECHAN: I can definitely see significant improvement in my skills. When I initially debuted, and during my trainee days, I never imagined I’d be responsible for a crucial vocal part in the title song. I’m genuinely surprised at how much I’ve grown and developed.
ra.L
HKP: For new fans, what do you think your charm is as a group? As an individual?
HAVIT: Our charm lies in the contrast between our on-stage and off-stage personas! If you’re captivated by our performances, make sure to check out our behind-the-scenes videos or related content; you’ll discover even more layers of our charm. My personal charm is quite unexpected, and it holds many surprises that you wouldn’t want to miss!
LEON: I believe the charm of TRENDZ is our performance on stage. The energy we bring to our performances makes us stand out.
YOONWOO: As a group, we’re incredibly fun to be around, with a fantastic sense of humor and chemistry among us. Personally, I think our individual and collective charm is full of unexpected surprises, and our visuals are better when seen in person. Come see me in person, and you’ll definitely fall in love!
HANKOOK: I think the charm of our team lies in the incredible chemistry between our members! We have a naturally humorous dynamic, and I believe our content reflects that. As for my personal charm, I like to think it’s a combination of my visuals and my keen sense of humor.
ra.L: TRENDZ is like a rainbow. Even though we may appear as one, each member shines in their unique color. Personally, my charm lies in my unwavering passion for learning and growth.
EUNIL: The most significant charm of TRENDZ is our distinct personalities, and at the same time, we are all humorous when combined. When we’re together, we share many laughs, making our group dynamic truly charming. Personally, I think my charm is also my personality. I’m outgoing and cheerful, which may come as a surprise to those who’ve only seen my stage persona. I think this aspect can serve as a twist to my personal charm.
YECHAN: TRENDZ’s charm is our never-ending energy and excitement. When we’re together, things get loud with high tension, and you won’t find one single dull moment. On a personal note, my charm lies in being friendly and having the adorable qualities of a younger brother. I believe my roles as “jokester” and “all-rounder” are my secret charms!
EUNIL
HKP: If you could switch positions with another member during your next comeback, who would you choose and why?
HAVIT: I choose YECHAN because I want to experience what it’s like to be the youngest member of the group.
LEON: YECHAN. He recently started singing, so maybe I will try rapping.
YOONWOO: I’d like to switch roles with HANKOOK for a change. I have a low-pitched voice like HANKOOK, so I’d want to try rapping in his style.
HANKOOK: I’d like to take on the role of the youngest, so I chose YECHAN because I want to experience what it feels like to be loved by many people!
ra.L: I’d like to switch positions with our main dancer, LEON. I want to dance as freely as he does and enjoy the stage.
EUNIL: I want to switch with our youngest member! As the main vocalist, I don’t often have the chance to make cool and free gestures like rappers do. When I watch YECHAN perform on stage, I get the sense that he’s the complete opposite of me, so I’m curious to try it out.
YECHAN: I choose EUNIL. I’ve always been curious about singing the high-pitched parts that EUNIL handles on stage, so I’d like to give it a try.
HKP: What excites you to talk about these days, or what do you wish people asked you about more?
YOONWOO: I’ve been delving into fashion brands and perfumes lately, so I think it would be fun to discuss these topics with my fans.
LEON: I’m really passionate about dancing, and I enjoy talking about it a lot. When people ask me questions about dancing, my eyes light up, and I feel confident in answering them.
YECHAN
HKP: Can you give us a spoiler about any future activities?
HANKOOK: The future plan for TRENDZ is to meet FRIENDZ around the world! We’re preparing some really cool stages, so please look forward to them and come see us!
HKP: Lastly, please leave a message for fans around the world.
HAVIT: To our FRIENDZ all over the world and to all K-pop fans! We appreciate your support from afar, and with this world tour, we’ll have the chance to come to you and give back with our performances. Please stay tuned!
LEON: To FRIENDZ all around the world! Please give your support and love to the promotion of “MY WAY.” We will be doing more work abroad in the future, so please hang in there a little longer. I love you all!
YOONWOO: We are genuinely thankful for the love that all FRIENDZ have shown us. We will persistently work hard to give back that love and reveal even more impressive aspects of ourselves. I love you all dearly.
HANKOOK: Hi, FRIENDZ from all corners of the world. This is HANKOOK, the leader of TRENDZ! Once this “MY WAY” promotion concludes, we’ll be on our way to meet all of you, so just wait a bit longer! You will be surprised when you see us in person! I love you!
ra.L: Thank you for your unwavering support! Whenever we hear such encouraging words, we are filled with energy and motivation, so we approach the stage and practice with the anticipation of meeting FRIENDZ as soon as possible! Just as you support us, we will certainly pay it back with extraordinary memories. I love you endlessly, FRIENDZ!
EUNIL: We have returned with our third single album, packed with amazing songs! These are songs that everyone across the globe should listen to, so please enjoy them and be on the lookout for our endeavors. I love you always, and thank you!
YECHAN: Hello, FRIENDZ! TRENDZ will soon be making our way to wherever you are, so please hold on just a little longer! We will diligently prepare and be there in no time!
Connect with TRENDZ on X, Instagram, Tiktok, and YouTube.
Listen to their discography on Spotify or Apple Music.
Special thanks to TRENDZ, Global H, and Helix Publicity for this exclusive interview.
