Global K-pop act BOYNEXTDOOR have marked a new chapter in their musical journey with their latest EP The Action, showcasing a blend of striking storytelling and energetic musicality.
Painting an authentic portrait of youth unafraid to take chances, each track on the project leads us into a new emotional point spanning tender realisations to free-spirited confidence.
In conversation with Earmilk, the six-piece consisting of SUNGHO, RIWOO, JAEHYUN, TAESAN, LEEHAN, and WOONHAK, deliver a track-by-track breakdown of the EP.
1.What’s the overall message/vibe of The Action?
[RIWOO] The Action is all about taking on challenges and growing through them. It was a challenge and a big step for us too, and we wanted to tell people not to hesitate. Just go for it, experience things, and grow along the way.
[TAESAN] Among all the tracks on The Action, I think our lead single “Hollywood Action” best captures the message. It really shows our confident and bold side, and I think it reflects the teamwork and creativity that define BOYNEXTDOOR.
2.“Live In Paris” is sprinkled with French and Spanish lyrics. What sparked the inspiration behind this track and was it challenging to weave in foreign language into the track?
[TAESAN] “Live In Paris” likens the nights we spend working on music to the time difference with Paris. It’s about those moments when things don’t go smoothly, but you keep pushing through. We used the idea of French art and creativity as a metaphor for that process.
[WOONHAK] The time difference with Paris was actually what sparked it. Paris feels like a city that represents art and inspiration, so we thought it fit the mood perfectly. That’s why we decided to bring that image into the lyrics. It just adds a bit more of an artistic vibe and depth to the song.
3.The lead single is bold and confident, how would you say it captures the group’s sonic signature? What was the creative process behind it given that several members had input in it?
[LEEHAN] “Hollywood Action” really shows our confident, raw energy. We all shared ideas and built on each other’s thoughts, and I think that teamwork made the song richer and more distinctly “us.”
[JAEHYUN] While working on the lead single, we spent a lot of time playing with rhymes and word choices. It took effort, but that process made the lyrics more playful and unique.
4.“JAM!” is described as being more spontaneous. How do you think the minimalist hip-hop style of this track suits this vibe?
[WOONHAK] Yeah, I think it fits perfectly. We wanted listeners to feel like we’re actually jamming together, just vibing and connecting through the music.
[LEEHAN] “JAM!” is about that carefree energy you feel when you’re freestyling or dancing with your friends. We wanted the song to capture that raw sense of fun and spontaneity, so listeners can feel as if they’re right there with us.
5.“Bathroom” is the one of the more emotive tracks in the EP. Would you say it’s more emotive because it’s lyrically-driven or is it the rock sensibilities that give it a raw edge?
[SUNGHO] Both the lyrics and the sound play a big role in expressing that raw emotion. I hope listeners can picture the different scenes and emotions that unfold within the space of a “bathroom” as they listen.
[RIWOO] “Bathroom” is about that honest, explosive emotion that comes from conflict in a relationship. You can really feel it through both the lyrics and the rock sound.
6.“As Time Goes By” is also emotionally charged but it’s more gentle, was it a conscious choice to follow up the gritty feel of the previous track with the restrained styling of this one? What makes this track a good closing number?
[JAEHYUN] “As Time Goes By” is about a couple who’s fallen out of love and is finally saying goodbye. It’s a calm ballad that captures those complicated emotions in a more mature way. “Bathroom,” on the other hand, is raw and intense. It shows all the confusion and explosive feelings that come with a breakup. Both songs deal with separation, but in different moods. We wanted to close the album with something softer so listeners could take a breath and really sit with those emotions.
[SUNGHO] I think “As Time Goes By” is something people can really relate to just from the lyrics alone. Since The Action centers on “taking action,” I feel like the “action” described in this song, having the courage to let go, is the most difficult of all. That’s why it felt fitting as the final track, giving the album a sense of closure and emotional weight.
Connect with BOYNEXTDOOR : Instagram
