K-pop boy group NEXZ has proudly taken home the coveted trophy from KBS 2TV’s ‘Immortal Songs’.
During the second part of the ‘Immortal Songs’ special featuring lyricist and composer Joo Young-hoon, which aired on May 9th, NEXZ (comprising Tomoya, Yuu, Haru, So Geon, Seita, Hyui, and Yuki) delivered a high-caliber performance. They reinterpreted Turbo’s debut song ‘My Childhood Dream’ with dazzling choreography and powerful vocals, ultimately emerging as the winners of the episode.
This particular ‘Immortal Songs’ episode brought together 10 top teams representing various genres, all tasked with reinterpreting the numerous hit songs created by K-pop’s renowned hitmaker, Joo Young-hoon. The stakes were incredibly high, as it was the final opportunity to secure a spot in the prestigious 2026 King of Kings Battle. NEXZ clinched a thrilling victory by a single vote after an intense competition, solidifying their advancement to the grand finale.
Making their debut appearance on ‘Immortal Songs,’ NEXZ recreated Turbo’s iconic look from their era, donning vinyl outfits, goggles, and bandanas. As artists under JYP Entertainment (JYP), known for groups like 2PM and GOT7 who excel in acrobatics and diverse dance forms, NEXZ impressively showcased a range of dance techniques, including b-boying. Their dynamic stage garnered standing ovations from both the judging panel and fellow senior artists, proving their worth as a “next-generation performance powerhouse.”
The performance of NEXZ, a group of seven talented dancers who have mastered various genres since childhood, garnered immense praise from their fellow performers. Comments included, “I was surprised by how good they were, it made me imagine Turbo when I was young. NEXZ’s energy brought out a standing ovation.” Joo Young-hoon himself showered them with compliments, saying, “How do they dance so well and captivate people with their performance in just 3-4 minutes of singing? They truly stood out.”
In a rare feat for an idol group on ‘Immortal Songs,’ NEXZ’s victory in their very first appearance is a remarkable achievement. Through their agency JYP, the members shared their excitement: “It’s truly an honor and a joy to appear on ‘Immortal Songs,’ a show we’ve dreamed of since our trainee days. Throughout the filming, many senior artists offered warm words and encouragement, making the entire recording session filled with laughter and creating happy memories that will last a long time.”
They continued, “It was even more meaningful to prepare a stage with a song created by our respected senior, Joo Young-hoon. We were able to reinterpret Turbo senior’s performance in our own style. The preparation process itself was incredibly fun and became a valuable opportunity for all members to grow further. It was challenging to deliver a continuously intense performance within a single song for the first time, but it was a great experience, and achieving this valuable victory still feels like a dream.”
NEXZ also expressed their determination for the upcoming 2026 King of Kings Battle. “We are grateful to have earned the chance to stand on the King of Kings stage, and we will prepare even harder to showcase NEXZ’s fantastic performance. We ask for continued love and support for NEXZ in the future,” they requested, raising expectations.
Globally debuted in May 2024, NEXZ is currently enjoying a phenomenal trajectory. Following their first music show win with the title track ‘Mmchk’ from their second single album, they have now conquered the long-running music variety program ‘Immortal Songs.’ The K-pop group’s unwavering sincerity and passion for their stages are earning widespread warm encouragement from music fans and the general public alike, solidifying their position as a rising force in the industry.
