Biography
THE BOYZ is a unique and innovative 4th-generation K-Pop boy group from South Korea consisting of 11 members: Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Joo Haknyeon, Sunwoo, and Eric. The group officially debuted on December 6, 2017.
In 2025, THE BOYZ found themselves at the center of multiple controversies that threatened to overshadow their music and identity as a group. From internal conflicts to sudden member suspensions and withdrawals, the group’s image took repeated hits in the public eye.
As the scandals piled up, fans and the general public alike began to question whether the group could recover its original charm. What was once a promising act with strong performance skills and growing global popularity became increasingly defined by headlines about legal battles, broken trust, and image damage. The chaos has left even loyal fans disillusioned, as controversy continues to eclipse the talent and hard work that once made THE BOYZ stand out in the crowded K-pop landscape.
Biography
- Group name: THE BOYZ (더보이즈)
- Debut date: December 6, 2017 (Korea) / November 6, 2019 (Japan)
- Company: IST Entertainment / OneHundred Entertainment
- Number of members: 10 (as of June 2025)
- Members: Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Juhaknyeon (withdrawn June 2025), Sunwoo, Eric
- Former members: Hwall (withdrawn in 2019), Juhaknyeon (withdrawn in 2025)
- Fandom name: THE B (더비)
- Lightstick: THE BOYZ Official Light Stick
SNS
- Youtube: THE BOYZ
- Facebook: 더보이즈(THE BOYZ)
- Instagram: official_theboyz
- Twitter: @IST_THEBOYZ/ @WE_THE_BOYZ
- V Live: THE BOYZ
- TikTok: @istent_theboyz
- Official Website: http://www.theboyz.kr
- Fan Cafe: http://cafe.daum.net/officialTHEBOYZ
- Official Website (Japan): theboyz.jp
- Twitter (Japan): @THEBOYZJAPAN
THE BOYZ Members Profile
Current Members
- Sangyeon (November 4, 1996 – Korean): Leader, Lead Vocalist
- Jacob (May 30, 1997 – Canadian): Vocalist
- Younghoon (August 8, 1997 – Korean): Vocalist, Visual
- Hyunjae (September 13, 1997 – Korean): Lead Vocalist, Visual
- Juyeon (January 15, 1998 – Korean): Main Dancer, Vocalist, Visual
- Kevin (February 23, 1998 – Canadian): Main Vocalist
- New (April 26, 1998 – Korean): Main Vocalist
- Q (November 5, 1998 – Korean): Main Dancer, Vocalist
- Sunwoo (April 12, 2000 – Korean): Main Rapper, Vocalist
- Eric (December 22, 2000 – Korean-American): Lead Rapper, Vocalist, Maknae
Former Members
- Hwall (March 9, 2000 – Korean): Lead Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper (left in 2019)
- Joo Hak-nyeon (March 9, 1999 – Korean): Lead Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper (left in 2025)
Career
The Blueprint: Crafting a Super-Rookie
The formation of THE BOYZ was a meticulously planned endeavor by Cre.ker Entertainment (which later merged into IST Entertainment), signaling a significant strategic shift in how K-pop groups were introduced to the public. Announced initially in July 2017 as “Cre.kerz,” the group was built on a hybrid model designed to maximize pre-debut interest and mitigate the inherent risks of launching a large ensemble.
Joo Hak-nyeon had been a popular contestant on the highly-rated Mnet survival show Produce 101 Season 2, which gave him a substantial pre-existing fanbase. Sunwoo had showcased his lyrical prowess and confidence on High School Rapper, establishing his credibility as a formidable rapper before he even debuted as an idol. Similarly, Kevin Moon’s appearance on K-pop Star 6 highlighted his vocal talent and artistic potential to a national audience.
While leveraging this individual recognition provided a strong foundation, Cre.ker Entertainment understood that a successful group needed more than a collection of known faces; it required a unified identity and palpable chemistry. This was achieved through their pre-debut reality show, Flower Snack (꽃미남 분식집), which aired from August to October 2017. The show centered on the members running a pop-up snack bar, a format that compelled them to work together and allowed their distinct personalities and group dynamics to shine through organically. It was through
Flower Snack that the public was formally introduced to the full 12-member lineup, transforming them from individual trainees into a cohesive team in the eyes of their burgeoning fanbase.
The culmination of this pre-debut strategy was the release of the special music video “I’m Your Boy” on October 11, 2017. More than just a song, it was a declaration of identity and a gift to the fans who had followed their journey on
Flower Snack, solidifying the bond between the group and their supporters before their official musical debut.
The Debut and Early Years (2017-2019)
THE BOYZ officially debuted on December 6, 2017, with their first EP, The First, and its powerful lead single, “Boy”. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number 3 on the domestic Gaon Album Chart—a strong showing that validated their extensive pre-debut hype. This initial success was followed by a period of consistent releases that solidified their fanbase and steadily grew their commercial footprint.
Throughout 2018, the group released their second EP, The Start, which climbed to number 2 on the charts, and their first single album, The Sphere, which peaked at number 4. They closed out the year with their third EP,
The Only, continuing to build momentum. Their hard work was recognized with a string of “Rookie of the Year” awards at major ceremonies, including the Asia Artist Awards and the Melon Music Awards, cementing their status as one of the most promising new acts of their generation.
A significant milestone arrived on May 7, 2019, when the group achieved their first-ever music show win on SBS MTV’s The Show for their song “Bloom Bloom”.
The Kingdom and The Crown (2020-2021)
The year 2020 marked a turning point for THE BOYZ, largely due to their participation in Mnet’s competition show, Road to Kingdom. This program, which pitted several rising boy groups against each other in a series of performance battles, became the platform where THE BOYZ’s artistic identity was fully realized. Their stages were lauded for their creativity, theatricality, and technical precision. Performances like “Sword of Victory,” which featured a now-legendary sword-catching stunt, and their dramatic reinterpretation of Taemin’s “Danger,” showcased a level of stagecraft that set them apart from their peers.
Their consistent excellence throughout the show, culminating in a powerful finale performance of their original song “Checkmate,” led them to be crowned the winners of Road to Kingdom. This victory not only earned them a spot in the main competition,
Kingdom: Legendary War, but also had a tangible and immediate impact on their popularity and commercial success.
The “Road to Kingdom effect” was undeniable. Their subsequent EP, Chase, released in September 2020 with the lead single “The Stealer,” sold over 368,000 copies, more than doubling the sales of their first studio album, Reveal, released earlier that year. “The Stealer” also brought them four music show wins, their most for a single title track at the time.
In 2021, they entered Kingdom: Legendary War, competing against more established acts like BTOB and iKON. They continued to deliver breathtaking performances, ultimately finishing in second place and further cementing their reputation as unparalleled performers. This momentum carried directly into their music releases. Their sixth EP,
Thrill-ing (August 2021), became their first album to sell over half a million copies, earning them the “half-million seller” title. The title track, “Thrill Ride,” secured five music show trophies. They repeated this success just a few months later with their third single album,
Maverick (November 2021), which also sold over 650,000 copies and garnered another five music show wins, solidifying their position in the top tier of K-pop.
Evolving Sound and Global Expansion (2022-Present)
Building on the foundation of their competition show success, THE BOYZ entered a new phase of artistic evolution and global expansion. Their subsequent albums, including the EPs Be Aware (2022) and Be Awake (2023), showcased a maturing sound that explored different facets of their musical identity while maintaining their signature performance-oriented style.
In 2023, they embarked on their most ambitious musical project to date: the three-part studio album Phantasy. The album was released in installments—Pt.1 Christmas in August, Pt.2 Sixth Sense, and Pt.3 Love Letter—allowing the group to explore a range of concepts and sounds within a single overarching narrative. Their commercial power continued to grow, with their 2025 studio album
Unexpected setting a new personal record with over 740,000 copies sold in its first week.
This period also marked their aggressive expansion into the global market through extensive world tours. Their 2022 tour, “THE B-ZONE,” saw them perform across the United States, Europe, and Asia, culminating in encore concerts at Seoul’s prestigious KSPO Dome. Their 2024 “ZENERATION II” tour continued this global push, with stops at iconic venues like Radio City Music Hall in New York, demonstrating their significant and growing international appeal.
The 12th Member: THE B (더비)
The official fandom name for THE BOYZ is THE B (더비), a clever and meaningful moniker that encapsulates the deep bond between the group and their supporters. The name has a dual significance: it is an abbreviation of “The Boyz’s Vitamin,” signifying that the fans are a source of energy and vitality for the group. The letter ‘B’ is also used in place of ‘V’ to imply that the fans are “The Best”. In Korean, the name is pronounced “Deobi,” a term of endearment frequently used by the members and understood by the international fandom.
This relationship is not merely transactional; it is a core component of the group’s identity. THE BOYZ have consistently demonstrated their appreciation for THE B through dedicated content, fan songs, and frequent communication on platforms like V Live, repaying the support that has fueled their journey.
Scandals/ Controversies
V LIVE Broadcast Incident
The controversy involving New, Sunwoo, Joo Haknyeon, and Hwall began after a V LIVE broadcast on September 23, 2018. During a drive back from their schedule, New and Sunwoo, who were sitting in the front seats of the car, were accused of ignoring Joo Haknyeon and Hwall, who were seated in the back. The incident led to a backlash from fans on Twitter and other online platforms, where some started criticizing Joo Haknyeon and Hwall.
The situation worsened when the members’ past behavior, which was previously a point of contention before their debut, resurfaced. This sparked further discussions, and a statement from The Boyz Gallery, a fan community, called for the withdrawal of the two members, Joo Haknyeon and Hwall. The controversy escalated, with fan support split into two factions: one supporting New and Sunwoo, and another defending Joo Haknyeon and Hwall.
This created division among fans and led to harassment of both camps online. Cre.ker Entertainment, the group’s agency, initially refrained from commenting but issued an official statement on September 27, 2018, after the matter gained significant media attention. Despite the tension, the agency emphasized the unity and good relations among the members.
The Mini Album “THE ONLY” Music Leak (2018)
A week before the release of their third mini album The Only, a significant music leak occurred. Songs, including the title track “No Air,” were reportedly heard by fans, including some who were believed to be sasaengs (obsessive fans). These individuals even wrote the lyrics to unreleased tracks that were not part of the album’s highlight medley. This raised suspicions that some fans might have had access to the music beforehand, leading to rumors about noise marketing. Cre.ker Entertainment responded with a legal notice, announcing their intention to take action against those responsible for the leak.
Q and Eric’s Tavern Sightings and Dating Rumors (2019)
In June 2019, members Q and Eric were spotted at a bar in Konkuk University with Nancy from Momoland and Jiwon from Cherry Bullet. The sighting led to rumors of a romantic relationship between Q and Nancy. Fans speculated that the two were dating, which caused a stir online. Q, visibly upset, tearfully apologized to fans at a fan signing event in Busan on June 8, explaining that it was simply a gathering among friends. Momoland’s agency denied the dating rumors, asserting that the group was simply meeting as friends, and dismissed the speculation. The incident was later brought up on the TV show TMI NEWS, where Q was ranked 4th in a segment about “FAKE LOVE Idols Who Stray Away,” further fueling public attention and gossip.
Hwall’s Departure (October 2019)
On October 23, 2019, Cre.ker Entertainment announced that he would be leaving the group due to health reasons. In a personal letter, Hwall explained that his chronic ankle injury and the resulting “mental burden” of being unable to perform perfectly had led to his decision, which was made after extensive discussions with his family, the members, and the agency. The departure was framed as a mutual and supportive decision focused on his well-being, and he has since pursued a solo career.
Discrimination Against The Boyz
Frustration is growing among The Boyz’s fandom over IST Entertainment’s neglect and perceived bias, especially after the merger. Fans criticize the lack of proper promotions—particularly during the 2022 comeback with BE AWARE—and favoritism toward rookie group ATBO, who received more visibility. Disparities in content uploads, declining production quality, and poor styling have deepened concerns. During their overseas tour, the agency faced backlash for allegedly mistreating both Korean and international fans, yet failed to respond, further straining its relationship with the fandom.
Mistaking Condoms for Pepero (November 2024)
THE BOYZ’s Eric unintentionally stirred controversy on Pepero Day after posting a photo of what he believed were chocolate sticks, only to realize they were actually condoms with similar festive packaging. Embarrassed by the mix-up, he apologized to fans, saying he was so mortified he wanted to “hide for a week.” The incident drew mixed reactions online, but many fans responded with humor and support, saying it was an honest mistake. The product manufacturer later issued an apology, clarifying that the packaging may have caused confusion.
Sunwoo’s “Impolite Behavior” Controversy (April 2025)
In a stark example of the intense scrutiny placed on idols, Sunwoo became the center of an online debate after a video clip went viral. The footage showed him dropping his wireless earbuds, which a security guard then picked up and returned to him. Sunwoo accepted them with one hand and without a visible bow, an act that some viewers interpreted as disrespectful. The backlash prompted Sunwoo to address the situation directly with fans, explaining that he was distracted and had said “thank you” but acknowledged that his actions could be misinterpreted. He apologized for causing a misunderstanding and vowed to be more mindful in the future.
Juyeon’s Dating Controversy (June 2025)
THE BOYZ’s Juyeon has officially denied dating rumors with actresses Shin Si-ah and Roh Yoon-seo after speculation spread via leaked social media accounts and “lovestagram”-style clues. On June 10, his agency One Hundred Label and Shin Si-ah’s representation both confirmed that there’s no truth to the allegations. Juyeon also issued a heartfelt apology to fans, acknowledging their concerns and vowing to act with greater care moving forward.
June 2025 Party Allegations
In June 2025, THE BOYZ, along with several other prominent K-pop groups like ASTRO, Stray Kids, and ATEEZ, were named in unconfirmed rumors that spread online. The allegations stemmed from leaked chat screenshots purportedly from female influencers who claimed to have partied with various idols. While these rumors generated significant online chatter, they remained unsubstantiated and were largely seen as part of a wider, speculative scandal targeting multiple artists.
Joo Hak-nyeon’s Departure (June 2025)
The most abrupt and controversial lineup change occurred in June 2025. On June 16, the group’s new agency, One Hundred, announced that Joo Hak-nyeon would take a temporary hiatus for “personal reasons”. Two days later, Japanese media reported that Hak-nyeon had been photographed in a private bar in Tokyo with former Japanese adult video actress Kirara Asuka, with images showing close physical contact. The news caused an immediate stir. That same day, One Hundred released a second, definitive statement announcing Joo Hak-nyeon’s departure from the group and the termination of his contract. The agency cited the “severity of the issue” and a loss of trust as the reasons for the swift and decisive action, stating it was an “unavoidable measure” to protect the remaining members and the team.
