With much anticipation, K-Pop boy group NEWBEAT has officially made their debut! With an electrifying Y2K debut track that stimulates all of our senses, this boy group’s unique character background story is brought to life through their exciting album tracks.
The seven members, Park Minseok, Hong Minsung, Jeon Yeoyeojeong, Choi Seohyun, Kim Taeyang, Jo Yunhu, and Kim Riwoo, released their first pre-release title “JeLLo” on March 5th to spark fans’ interest and officially debuted on March 24th, 2025, under BEAT Interactive with their first full album RAW AND RAD. Equipped with an arsenal of fun tracks, NEWBEAT burn things up with “Flip the Coin” and aren’t holding back as they show their various sides with each song.
Now the group is ready to take over the K-Pop world by storm and met with ZAPZEE to talk about their feelings of success as rookies and how they plan to impress fans on a global scale. From their first album making to hilarious pre-debut stories and what they love most about K-Dramas, the boys of NEWBEAT openly shared their experiences and interests to build a closer bond with their new fans. Check out their exclusive fan greeting, debut MV and see how bright the members shine in front of the camera with ZAPZEE.
Q. How has NEWBEAT been preparing for their debut differently than others? What is the most exciting thing about finally debuting?
Park Minseok: We have been preparing for our debut through various experiences, such as a long training period, backup dancer activities, and with the busking tour we held in the U.S. Something that we looked forward to the most was definitely arriving on the stage. We were very excited to finally show what we have prepared so far in front of our fans.
Q. Tell us about your pre-release track “JeLLo” – why is it titled “JeLLo” and why is this song in particular so short?
Jeon Yeoyeojeong: “JeLLo” represents the special jelly that prevents the body parts (which each member is in charge of) from overstimulation in NEWBEAT’s universe story. We wanted to keep this track short because we hoped it would work as an introduction to the members and a trailer for our universe story, as the next pre-release track, “HICCUPS,” which unfolds and reveals a more detailed story.
Q. Tell us about your debut concept. It is very trendy and on par with Y2K trends. Is this a style you feel confident in debuting with?
Choi Seohyun: Yes, we definitely feel confident because we listened to and studied a lot of Y2K fashion and music despite being born past the time period. Therefore, we were able to immerse ourselves fully in this concept and express it with much focus.
Q. Each of the members have experience as either backup dancers or have participated in survival programs – what is something you learned from your past that helps you now?
Park Minseok: The biggest remark from those experiences was a thirst for the stage. The more I performed, I learned how much more I wanted to go on more stages and I think that desire kept me going until now. My passion for performances only grew bigger every time we met our fans.
Q. The group has many social media accounts – do you think being a 4th generation idol group is harder than a 1st generation idol because of the multiple social media platforms?
Hong Minsung: I actually think there are more advantages than difficulties. We can communicate with fans and share our content easily now with various social media platforms. I heard that in order to attend an event, the first generation idol seniors had to look at a map, while we can simply use a GPS. I think they had to go through more obstacles, which I greatly respect.
Q. Does the group have any funny stories they can share from their pre-debut days?
Kim Taeyang: We had an ‘end-of-day homeroom session’ where we would gather after practice and reflect on our day. I had a lot of fun during that time because we were joking, laughing, and sharing feedback. I still miss that session sometimes. I enjoyed our busking too. Not many idols get to busk in New York’s Times Square before they debut.
Q. If the group could go on a trip together anywhere, where would they like to go?
Choi Seohyun: I would like to visit Argentina! I’ve never been there, but it’s on my bucket list for travel as I heard there is delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere. I would love to enjoy delicious meals and relax comfortably with my members in Argentina.
Q. Are there any K-Dramas the members are watching lately?
Kim Riwoo: These days, I’m watching Reply 1988. Watching it makes me feel comfortable because of its warm, nostalgic mood. I also love the drama’s plot and OST. While the group is fairly new, NEWBEAT seems to still have plenty of memories to look back on and stories to share. Yet, before they wrapped thing up, the members left a warm-hearted message to welcome in their new fans.
Jo Yunhu: Thank you so much for always supporting us and leaving warm messages. Thanks to you, we can feel energized and prepare for better performances.
Park Minseok: We’re only beginning now, and NEWBEAT’s journey will continue. Please support us and show us lots of love.
Choi Seohyun: We’ll repay your love and support with great stage performances, so please walk with us on our journey!
What do you think of NEWBEAT’s sparkling performances and refreshing debut? Is their debut alum RAW AND RAD to your liking? Perhaps NEWBEAT can capture your attention even more in their future comeback! Follow the boy’s wondrous journey on their Instagram, Twitter (X) and TikTok and don’t forget to follow ZAPZEE on Instagram and Twitter (X) for more exclusive K-Pop interviews and new updates.
