“Every moment was special”: BZ Boys reflect on their first tour
BZ Boys backstage before their last date in LA; courtesy of CODE1
BZ Boys knew this tour would be special. Although they debuted in 2019, the members had yet to meet any of their fans, called Blueness, until this week as they jetted across the United States for their first fan meeting.
“This was the first time we’ve met our fans in person,” Seunghyun, the group’s macknae and vocalist, told me the afternoon of their final date in Los Angeles. “All of the fans were so polite and followed staff instructions well so we were pleasantly surprised by how well the tour went.” The members’ all agreed: This would be something they’d never forget. At every date, from New York to Los Angeles, the group was finally able to place faces to fans that, for so long, they could only see as usernames on their VLives or in Instagram comments. And Blueness showed up for them: Supporters traveled far, hopping on planes and requesting time off work, to meet the boys and to share their appreciation for them.
“It was so wonderful,” reflected Double D, the group's rapper.
“Every moment on this tour was special,” Bon, the group’s leader, told me in English. “But I think today [was my favorite day]. It was the end of the tour so I was almost crying but I tried not to because I promised myself I wouldn't cry.”
COURTESY OF CODE1
This was a tour that might have felt inconceivable two years ago when the pandemic began and concerts were canceled indefinitely. But it was especially meaningful for BZ Boys, a group from a small company named CHROME, who spent the pandemic working as hard as they could to release music they were proud of and to connect with new fans. In a K-Pop landscape where a new group debuts almost every week, it can be difficult to pierce through the noise. Despite a delayed comeback, the group released “Close Your Eyes” in 2021, which I consider one of the best songs of the year. Throughout the last three years, BZ Boys’ story is one of persistence; the fact that they were able to tour North America is a testament to their commitment to their music.
I found the boys because of Bon’s vulnerability: In 2021, the singer wrote a post on Pann asking for people to support their group. “I want to be an idol for a long time,” he wrote, but he would need the support of fans for this to continue to be a reality. “Please.” he sincerely asked, “just give us one chance.”
They were met with support from the K-Pop community, and new fans, like myself, found them.
This winter, the group released “Find You”, their follow-up single to “Close Your Eyes”. The video was their first to hit 1 million views, nearly doubling the views for “Close Your Eyes”. Their stages at every music show were dynamic and visually gorgeous, while the song itself was one of their most mature singles yet.
This tour, which took the boys through five North American cities, included a physical album release with photocards and exclusive merch, like a t-shirt and postcards. On forums before the tour was even over, fans worked to trade photocard pulls so they could collect a full set of selfie cards that featured BZ Boys. Blueness who couldn’t attend were also eager to find a proxy who could purchase an album or other pieces of merch for them.
The fan meeting, produced by CODE1 Entertainment, was also intentionally intimate: Blueness were given exclusive access to the group during the event, from cozy Q&As that allowed the group display an easy sense of humor to 1 on 1 photo sessions that didn’t feel rushed. Staff, all fans seemed to agree, let Blueness mingle with the boys and get to know them. BZ Boys also worked hard to improve their English skills before meeting the fans. “We really want to come back to the States,” Hanmin told me. They wanted to thank each person for sticking by them.
In every group, members are brought together across different backgrounds and levels of strength to create a team that, together, can create a synergy of magic. The stories of these idols have always interested me: Who were they before they became an idol?
“Each member has their own part which they’re able to fulfill really well and each member has their own individual charm,” Hamin, who grew up in Seoul, explained to me before I met everyone. “So whoever you bias as a member, you won’t regret it.” For Hamin, exercise is his passion alongside music. On days when he has a break, he likes to go snowboarding or swimming.
I was curious, though, how the group continued to believe in themselves throughout the worst of the pandemic, when they couldn’t see fans or feel the impact of their work. For many K-Pop groups, it is the leader’s responsibility to lift up their members and advocate for them, particularly in times when they don’t feel heard – which Bon did without ever being asked.
“My job is to unite the members,” he explained. But he also worked to create a bond between each of them so they could support each other. “We are there to take care of each other.” But he stopped short of calling himself a great leader, as I would. “I wish I could be good,” he said humbly with a soft laugh.
But I know that there is strength in Bon’s dedication to speaking up for himself and the boys. Perhaps it has always been in his nature to be this way: At fifteen he left his hometown of Incheon, Korea to study in Thailand, where he stayed for ten years. While there he studied in an international school and learned how to speak English. Six years ago, he hosted his first fan meeting there with fans because of a large following he gained on social media.
“I gave up a lot to be an idol,” he told me. Taewoong, the group’s rapper who is currently on hiatus because of military service, was the member who encouraged him to audition for BZ Boys. With Taewoong’s help, Bon was accepted into CHROME’s training program and would debut shortly after.
In Cheongju, Korea, Seunghyun was studying to be an actor when he decided he wanted to try music. “Originally it was my dream to be an actor,” he explained. “But as I was auditioning for roles, I also auditioned to be a singer.” He, too, was offered a spot as a trainee at CHROME. The opportunity felt poignant: He could always return to acting, but he could only be an idol once. “I wanted to go ahead and take on something I could only do at this age. Luckily I was able to debut after all the training.”
Seunghyun has dreams for the future of his group. “Big picture wise, I want to win a Grammy,” he shared. “But in Korea, I want to place first in a music show.” First place on a music show like Inkigayo or Music Bank ensures a group’s legacy. It’s a monumental moment in an artist’s career, one that affirms all of their hard work. I’m holding that hope close to my heart.
Double D was thinking of Blueness when we ended our conversation. He shared a song that he felt reminded him of the fans he would be leaving behind. I imagined him listening to it as he left Los Angeles on a plane headed for Korea. “The song is about a breakup because they’re not able to forget a past ex,” he explained. “My feelings are similar right now because we are wrapping up this tour and I won’t be able to forget the fans.”
As the boys look to the future, they are planning new music and a tour, all of which will be shared in due time. In the meantime, they hope that this article will allow you to get to know them better. They want others to know that they are a group worth listening to and that they will work hard to be a group worthy of your support. Like all of us, they have aspirations that I hope will be fulfilled.
“There’s a lot of fans who came from far away so I’m really thankful they came to cheer us on. I think personal time is so valuable to someone and I’m so thankful they chose to spend their personal time with us,” Double D said when I asked what he wanted his fans who attended the dates to know. “I won’t be able to forget it.”
“We will continue to do our best,” Bon said as we wrapped up our conversation. For a moment, we had reflected on the past few years of his career, where he never stopped trying to break through. Then he added with a nod, “Always.”
I’d like to say special word of thanks to Sean Kim of CODE1 for making this story possible; the BZ boys for giving me the time and trust to share their stroy; and the CODE1’s translator, Sara, who so kindly worked with me and the boys so we could communicate easily and clearly.
CODE1 will hold new events soon, including a tour for NOIR. You can join the BZ Boys Facebook page and meet other Blueness from across the world.
