NEXZ Sets Its Sights on a Music Show Win with 'Mmchk' and a Stronger Self-Produced Identity

NEXZ returned with its second single, 'Mmchk,' holding a media showcase at Blue Square in Yongsan District, Seoul. The seven members—Tomoya, YU, Haru, So Geon, Seita, Hyui and Yuki—introduced a three-track release comprising the title song 'Mmchk,' the B-side 'HYPEMAN' and 'Mmchk (English Version).' The title refers to the sound of the group making its presence known and asking listeners to notice its energy. Built on bass house, the brisk dance track combines playful rap, an addictive beat and a powerful synchronized performance. So Geon said that although the crowded comeback season initially brought pressure, anticipation grew as the group prepared to show what it had learned.

The members expanded their role in creating the single. Yuki, Hyui and Tomoya are credited with writing lyrics for 'Mmchk,' while Yuki and Tomoya wrote 'HYPEMAN.' Tomoya said the title song conveys the idea of following NEXZ's own standards rather than a fixed framework and enjoying free choices without regret. Yuki said the line 'Because you shine, I can shine too' in 'HYPEMAN' was inspired by fans he saw sparkling from the stage. Hyui acknowledged the difficulty of writing in Korean for members whose first language is Japanese, but said they consulted dictionaries because they wanted their own thoughts and stories to reach listeners directly.

That hands-on approach also extends beyond music. All seven members took their first group vacation together, spending four days and three nights on Jeju Island, and turned the trip into content by filming and editing it themselves. They said the positive response from fans made them proud. Through projects such as 'NEXZ Archive,' which includes dance videos and self-planned material, the group has continued to widen its connection with fans. The members also said they contributed ideas to choreography so that each person's individual dance style could be seen more clearly.

NEXZ was equally direct about its goal for the promotion. Seita said the group wanted to receive more love and attention and earn its first music-show win after previously reaching the list of nominees. Hyui offered a playful promise for that milestone: during the lyric 'Crackers picked up with chopsticks,' the members could sing live while holding their microphones like chopsticks. The pledge reflected the cheerful confidence at the heart of 'Mmchk.'

The comeback arrives as NEXZ approaches its second debut anniversary. YU said his debut memories remained vivid and that he hoped 'Mmchk' would introduce the group to a wider audience, while Tomoya felt its musical identity and ability to enjoy the stage had become clearer over the past two years. The group's schedule is also expanding overseas: NEXZ is set to begin its first arena tour in Japan in May and then hold its first Asian tour later in the year.

NEXZ said those experiences, together with rookie awards and appearances alongside other artists, have made the members more confident and relaxed onstage. Their second single follows 'Beat-Boxer' by about six months and was released on digital music services at 6 p.m. on April 27. With member-written lyrics across the release and a performance designed to showcase all seven members, the group presented 'Mmchk' as a clearer statement of the distinct NEXZ style it has been building since debut.

Support from senior labelmates also gave the group encouragement. As JYP Entertainment's first boy group in roughly six years after Stray Kids, NEXZ said it feels a responsibility to follow the path its seniors opened while showing a different appeal of its own. Yuki recalled filming an 'Mmchk' challenge with Stray Kids member I.N, who checked on him, praised the song and offered warm words ahead of the comeback. Hearing I.N call him by name at the end of the shoot was especially moving, Yuki said, and the encouragement gave him strength for the new promotion.