BOYNEXTDOOR Explore Being “19.99” Years Old in Third EP
The sentiment behind BOYNEXTDOOR’s third EP, 19.99, can best be described by a quote from their trailer film: “20, the number where hope and fear coexist.” BOYNEXTDOOR is a six-member K-pop boy group under KOZ Entertainment consisting of members JAEHYUN, SUNGHO, RIWOO, TAESAN, LEEHAN, and WOONHAK. Released on September 9, the EP features seven tracks, with the title track “Nice Guy” and pre-release “Dangerous.”
19.99 captures the highs and lows of entering adulthood, the turbulence right before you enter your twenties. BOYNEXTDOOR has been involved in writing their own music since debut, and this EP is no exception. TAESAN, WOONHAK, and JAEHYUN are credited in the lyrics and composition in six of 19.99’s tracks. TAESAN shared this was the most difficult album to write as the members sought to express their own lived experiences. The seven tracks take listeners on a musical journey through the complexities of early adulthood.
Watch Out, We Pop Out
19.99 starts off strong with the pre-release, “Dangerous.” Released a week beforehand on September 2, “Dangerous” kicked off BOYNEXTDOOR’s promotions. “Dangerous” is a more hip-hop focused sound for BOYNEXTDOOR, with boosted bass and trap elements. The verses and chorus are also more rap-centered. The singing comes in during the pre-chorus, where SUNGHO and RIWOO’s vocals build up to an explosive chorus.
The Korean title, “부모님 관람불가,” is a viewer discretion for parents. The song starts as TAESAN warns in a whisper, “Everybody, be quiet / Mom and dad should not hear this song.” The boys share the thrill of being disobedient — missing curfew, wearing your parent’s designer clothes, and partying until the sunrise.
The music video visualizes this rebellion as the boys engage in mischievous antics. TAESAN takes his parent’s car keys, LEEHAN cuts his hair, and WOONHAK breaks the karaoke’s explicit rules. There are also plenty of “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” moments, like JAEHYUN playing jazz with a fire extinguisher.
However, the music video also emphasizes the innocence behind their mischief. The car TAESAN drives isn’t a luxurious sports car, but a minicar that doesn’t even fit all of the members. When RIWOO tries to coolly toss the car keys, it lands into the dumpster. Even the strong BOYNEXTDOOR we see in the 90’s inspired choreography shots are canonically idols on the karaoke screen. After a long night of fun, they end it by warm heartedly sharing a barbecue meal. Looks like BOYNEXTDOOR’s intentions weren’t so “dangerous” after all!
The “Nice Guys” Next Door
BOYNEXTDOOR’s duality shines in their title track, “Nice Guy.” After playing the bad boy in “Dangerous,” BOYNEXTDOOR are fresh-faced and lovestruck in “Nice Guy.” “Nice Guy” is a feel-good track representing what it’s like to be smitten by young love. “Nice Guy” is the third track on 19.99, which additionally features an English version as the closing track. The sextet charms listeners in a groovy, jazz funk symphony. In true BOYNEXTDOOR fashion, they woo their love interest by appealing their charms.They sing, “Nice guy, fresh guy, am I right? / There’s no use in trying to resist.” The track starts off slow, with WOONHAK and RIWOO’s soulful vocals on a dialed down instrumental. As the track progresses, the tempo picks up with bright brass and percussion. As a final tug on the heartstrings, TAESAN ends the song in a whisper, “Goodnight, baby.”
The music video leaves no room for boredom, with dynamic cinematography and witty moments. The bouncy and confident choreography is shown during the song’s chorus, matching the track’s upbeat vibes. Keen-eyed ONEDOOR, their fanbase, might also catch a glimpse of some fun references!
The team’s “boy next door” image is on full display in the music video, as BOYNEXTDOOR romanticizes early adulthood. During the day, they are energetic part-time workers. At night, they share their declaration of love and crash through an apartment in performance. The video ends in a sequin studded party with the boys and the tenants, accompanying the outro’s cheerful energy.
19.99 Years Old
For those left misunderstood after a sudden breakup, the second track, “Gonna Be A Rock” will speak to you. BOYNEXTDOOR cleverly sings about their desire to be a rock through a rock influenced track. The rock is not only a symbol of violence, but a standstill object without emotion. The lyrics convey the juxtaposition between acting on their heartache, versus feeling nothing at all. They sing over the chorus’ guitar and synth heavy beat, “I’m gonna be a rock / and break your boy, your love.” The heartache is so devastating that it has them reprising, “L-O-V-E, I hate this word.”
“Gonna Be A Rock” demonstrates the team’s vocal chops, with a chorus in falsetto and tight rap verses. WOONHAK carries the bridge with his raspy and angsty vocal delivery, extending the end of his notes. Carrying the theme of new experiences, the track hits differently for those undergoing an unresolved, first heartbreak.
A lost art in K-pop albums is the skit, a musical break where the artists chat. 19.99’s “SKIT” is an interview with BOYNEXTDOOR’s youngest, WOONHAK, over a retro funk track. WOONHAK being on the cusp of 20, like the title of the EP, is asked what he wants to do when he becomes an adult. WOONHAK being “19.99” years old is a recurring theme throughout this album’s promotions. He is the protagonist of the “Mysterious 20” trailer film, and is also interviewed about the matter in “Starting Your 20s.”
Growing Pains
BOYNEXTDOOR reflects on the reality of adulthood in the fifth track, “20.” The track’s opening lines give a taste of what’s to come lyrically, “When I was younger, I was foolish.” “20” speaks about the complicated feelings that come with entering our long-awaited twenties. The song’s sincerity is accompanied with a simple guitar riff in the chorus and almost conversational delivery. The outro lifts up the mood with an upward shift in tempo. The members all join together to chant “My youth is free” and “Ugly twenty / Rude twenty / Glory twenty.” The track ends in a sense of acceptance for the aforementioned turbulence.
Navigating adulthood is no easy feat, and BOYNEXTDOOR reassures listeners that no one should conquer it alone. “Call Me” follows “20” on the tracklist, and is a jazz track to comfort those who feel exhausted. BOYNEXTDOOR console listeners over a light melody carried by an electric organ. The song is full of heartfelt reminders, such as “Love yourself, please” and “I’m here, my friend.” They encourage listeners to embrace their emotions and setbacks, as healing and growth is a nonlinear process.
19.99 demonstrates BOYNEXTDOOR’s kaleidoscopic identity as artists — diving into a variety of genres whilst remaining cohesive in its storytelling. Six out of the seven tracks managed to chart within Melon’s Top 100 within the first 24 hours of its release. Additionally, 19.99 already surpassed their previous first-week sales record with 609,666 copies on the first day. With 19.99’s heartfelt relatability, it is no surprise that BOYNEXTDOOR is resonating with even more listeners.
Stay up to date with BOYNEXTDOOR and their promotions for 19.99 by following them on X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube!
Looking for more recent K-pop boy group releases in your heavy rotation? Check out our coverage of xiker’s fourth mini-album, HOUSE OF TRICKY : WATCH OUT, here!
