The new boy group from C9 Entertainment officially begins its pre-debut activities.
The new boy group NAZE (네이즈) from C9 Entertainment revealed its group name and officially launched its pre-debut activities.
On August 5, C9 Entertainment changed the official channel name of their rookie group from C9 ROOKIES to NAZE. On August 7 and 8, various content related to NAZE was unveiled through the official accounts of the Japanese TV channel TBS, drawing significant attention.
NAZE (consisting of Ato, Kaisei, Younki, Turn, Yuya, Kimkun, and Dohyeok) is the first boy group produced by C9 Entertainment in five years. The name NAZE refers to a geographical formation where land meets the sea, known in French as a “promontory” or “cape.” It is also an acronym for New Adventure’s Zestyfull Echo, reflecting their ambition to deliver a vibrant resonance through an adventure in search of their true selves, at the place where the land ends and the sea begins, a place symbolizing infinite possibilities.
NAZE is generating global excitement: starting in January 2026, all members will appear in the Japanese drama “DREAM STAGE”, airing every Friday at 10 p.m. local time on the generalist channel TBS. Upon the announcement of their participation through TBS, the group made headlines on major Hallyu platforms and Japanese media outlets.
The drama “DREAM STAGE”, which will mark NAZE’s debut, tells the story of a Japanese producer banned from the industry due to causing problems and seven struggling Korean trainees affiliated with a small management agency. Together, they overcome generational and cultural barriers to pursue their dreams, showcasing the strong bonds between men. The project is led by Takahashi Masanao, the renowned TBS producer behind the hit TOKYO MER: Mobile Emergency Room, “Nankai Mission”, and involves top-tier Japanese drama production teams.
Before “DREAM STAGE” airs, NAZE will also launch a reality show titled “나제도리(ナゼドリ?) NAZE? DREAM STAGE”, starting August 8 and airing every Friday at 11 p.m. on TBS’s official YouTube channel and via the Japanese streaming service TVer. The program will follow their journey filled with challenges, illustrating their growth as a boy group and actors.
Even before its official debut, NAZE is launching an unprecedented global promotion through its participation in a Japanese drama themed around K-pop. The group also plans to actively engage with its international fans through various upcoming online and offline promotions.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS NAZE
