Celebrity Travel: Go away with NOWZ

A couple months after celebrating their group’s first anniversary, NOWADAYS changed their name to NOWZ, indicating that they’re ready for a fresh start. This summer marks an important time for the five-man K-pop group. They recorded a new song, "Fly to the youth,” which features their label mate YUQI, from the girl group i-dle. And the group is eagerly looking forward to visiting Los Angeles in August to perform at KCON – which has been likened to the Coachella of Korean culture.

This interview was conducted in Korean and translated into English. It has been edited for length and clarity. Fans may follow NOWZ on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nowz_official/).

Q: What can you share about working with YUQI of i-dle?

HYEONBIN: I learned so much from working with YUQI, not just during the recording sessions, but also about what it means to carry yourself as an idol. It was such a valuable experience.

YOON: It was such an honor to work on a song produced by YUQI. That made the song even more meaningful. She directed the recording herself, with great attention to detail, which helped me record the music much better.

Q: You recently celebrated one year together as a group. What are your goals for the next year?

YEONWOO: My goal is to create a unique style for NOWZ that truly represents us, and to become even more well known for it so that many people can recognize us.

SIYUN: To win first place on [Korean] music shows, rank within the Top 20 on album charts, and meet even more [of our fandom] DAY_AND!

Q: Have you been to the United States before?

YOON: We’re scheduled to perform at KCON LA, and since it’ll be my first time in the United States, I’m really excited! There are so many famous landmarks there that I want to experience them myself. I can’t wait to see the scenery with my own eyes.

JINHYUK: This will be my very first time going to L.A., too. I’m already feeling so thrilled and looking forward to it. [Smiles]

SIYUN: I’ve never been to the U.S., so I want to go and learn more about the dance, music and the free-spirited vibe there.

Q: Have you had the opportunity to travel more since you've been in NOWZ?

YEONWOO: Since our debut, we’ve had more and more schedules overseas, so I’ve been to quite a few countries. There were always new experiences each time.

JINHYUK: We travel to many countries for our performances, so we often find ourselves going abroad. Over time, those trips have started to feel a bit like vacations.

Q: What is a memorable concert that you attended as a spectator?

HYEONBIN: I’ve been to BTOB’s concert before, and seeing them perform those difficult songs live for such a long time was truly impressive. Their performances were amazing.

SIYUN: I once went to i-dle’s concert, and their lively performances left the strongest impression on me.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

YOON: Japan! I love the atmosphere there and there are so many great places to shop.

YEONWOO: I’ve been to Jeju Island once and I loved how relaxing it was. The scenery of nature was so beautiful, which is my favorite part of Jeju Island.

Q: What was a trip you took as a child that stands out?

JINHYUK: I have strong memories of going to Jeju Island with my family. It was especially memorable because it was the first time I ever flew on a plane.

SIYUN: The first time I went to Jeju Island is what I also remember the most. It was the first time on a plane for me as well, and I was so excited to fly on a plane. The deep blue sea of Jeju also left a big impression on me.

Q: What's the most important thing you've learned from your travels?

HYEONBIN: I think traveling gives a feeling of relaxation and romance. I felt like that might be what my life is all about.

YEONWOO: Through experiencing different countries and cultures, I learned how the world is so big, and that there are so many different and new things out there.

Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?

HYEONBIN: If I could only pick one place to eat during my travels, I’d choose a food truck. Sometimes, when a restaurant's interior is too fancy, it distracts me from actually enjoying the food.

SIYUN: Definitely a food truck! I’m a big fan of romance, and I think there’s something more romantic about eating at a food truck while traveling.

Q: If you've ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?

YOON: I’ve been to Japan for my holiday before. Visiting Disneyland there is still a vivid memory for me.

JINHYUK: I love going to the beach on holidays. Every trip has such great memories, I’d honestly regret picking just one.

Q: Do you speak any foreign languages? And in the same train of thought, do you pick up new languages easily?

YEONWOO: I can speak Japanese, and I’m also studying Chinese. Learning a new language is challenging, but it’s fun to learn a language along with experiencing a new culture.

SIYUN: I can speak a little English. I never really thought I was good at languages, but I find them fun and interesting, so I’d love to keep learning more from different countries in the future.

Q: What are your five favorite cities that you have been to?

HYEONBIN: I think Daegu, Seoul, Busan, Hanam and Paju [in South Korea]. To be honest, aside from Daegu and Seoul, I haven’t spent much time in the other [cities], but they were places I’ve been to and enjoyed.

JINHYUK: Out of so many beautiful cities, it’s hard to pick. But my favorites are Busan, Yangyang, London, Shanghai and Yokohama.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

YEONWOO: I think it would be Bluetooth earphones. I love listening to music while enjoying new scenery.

Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you're on the road?

HYEONBIN: Probably my phone. I know I should focus more on the trip, but sometimes I just want to zone out and scroll on my phone to get distracted.

YOON: Shopping! I love clothes so much that I can’t miss out whenever I travel. Every trip has different styles and stores I want to check out.

========

(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and journalist. You can reach her at www.jaehakim.com, follow her on Instagram and X @goawaywithjae, or read more from her on Substack (jaehakim.substack.com).)