NEXZ Talk SAUCIN', Studio Roles Backstage at Hong Kong Awards
NEXZ used a backstage break at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium to talk through their fourth mini album, SAUCIN', and who keeps the mood light when they record.
The conversation took place backstage at the second annual TMElive International Music Awards, where the group spoke to Billboard about the release and their in-studio dynamic Billboard.
NEXZ are a Seoul-based South Korean and Japanese boy band. They were formed through Nizi Project Season 2, a Japanese reality show run jointly by JYP Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment Japan.
SAUCIN' is their fourth Korean mini album, a shorter release with fewer tracks than a full album. The record shares its name with its title track, "SAUCIN'". JYP Entertainment opened pre-orders and posted an album preview on August 4, 2026, and listed the release for August 24 at 6PM KST JYP Entertainment. An official music video for the title track has also been released.
Fans in the United States heard the song live early. Billboard named NEXZ's first-ever performance of "SAUCIN'" as one of the best moments from KCON LA 2026 Billboard.
Backstage in Hong Kong, the members described clear studio roles. Member Yu said SO GEON is the most serious person in the studio. Yu named leader TOMOYA as the member who jokes around the most.
Asked to pick a favourite beyond the title track, Yuki chose "20 NOW". He described it as TOMOYA's song. SO GEON picked "Beat-Boxer", the group's 2025 single, saying it captures NEXZ's momentum and power.
For fans, this means two entry points. New listeners can start with the title track and its video. Those following the group's live run can compare the studio versions with the KCON debut.
The awards show itself ran from August 22 to August 23, 2026 at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, China, with CTF Life as title sponsor Kai Tak Sports Park. NEXZ had announced they would take part on August 23. The event was also live-streamed on Weverse.
