“Our Story Isn’t Over Yet”: TRENDZ Opens Up About Growth, Friendship, and the Meaning Behind On My Knees
- K Fuse
- 22 hours ago
- 7 min read
For some artists, a comeback is simply a new release. For TRENDZ, On My Knees feels like something much deeper: a reflection of everything they have experienced, every challenge they have faced, and every reason they continue moving forward. After years of building their identity one step at a time, the group returned with a release that captures the emotions behind their journey — the moments of exhaustion, the uncertainty, the determination to keep chasing their dreams, and the gratitude they feel toward the fans who have remained beside them through it all.
TRENDZ is a seven-member boy group consisting of Hankook, ra.L, Eunil, Yechan, Leon, Havit, and Yoonwoo under Global H Media. The group officially debuted on January 5, 2022 with their debut mini album BLUE SET Chapter.1 TRACKS, introducing fans to their powerful performances, intricate choreography, and storytelling-driven music. Since then, TRENDZ has continued expanding their musical identity through the BLUE SET series, exploring different emotions and concepts while developing a strong connection with their global fandom FRIENDZ. Known for their intense stage presence and willingness to experiment with different sounds, the group has steadily grown through each comeback, leading them to their latest release, their 6th single album On My Knees.
With this comeback, TRENDZ wanted to share not only their growth as performers but also the honest emotions behind their journey. From discussing the meaning behind the album to reflecting on their European tour, the importance of FRIENDZ, and the hopes they have for the future, TRENDZ sat down with K Fuse for a conversation about the story behind On My Knees.
Congratulations on your latest release, On My Knees. Before we dive into this new chapter, we first want to thank you for taking the time to speak with us here at K Fuse. Could you please take a moment to introduce yourselves to our readers who may be discovering TRENDZ for the first time?
Hankook: Hello to all the readers of K Fuse! We are TRENDZ, a group that debuted in 2022. We recently made our comeback with our 6th single album, On My Knees, and we’re actively promoting it. We hope you’ll enjoy getting to know us through this interview!
This release shows another side of TRENDZ. What makes On My Knees different from your previous albums and eras?
Eunil: I think what makes this album different from our previous releases is that it reflects the members’ opinions more than ever before. From the very beginning of the preparation process, we spent a long time discussing what kind of genre we wanted to pursue and what message we wanted the lyrics to convey. Since the songs were created based on those discussions, this album feels especially meaningful and personal to us.
Every album tells its own story. What emotions, experiences, or moments from your journey did you want to capture and share with fans through this comeback?
ra.L: With this album, we wanted to tell the story of TRENDZ. We’re now in our fifth year as a group, and while we haven’t achieved the kind of breakthrough success people might expect, we’ve continued to push forward. There have definitely been times when we felt exhausted or discouraged. But whenever that happened, we looked at FRIENDZ, who have always supported us, and reminded ourselves, “We can overcome this too. Let’s not stop here.” those emotions and that determination are what we wanted to express through On My Knees.
Every song has its own personality. If FRIENDZ could only listen to one song from this release besides the title track, which song would you recommend and why?
Yechan: I’d recommend Kart Racer! It’s a song that ra.L and Eunil participated in writing and composing, and I also took part in creating the choreography, so it means a lot to me. It’s a fun, energetic track with a playful vibe, and I hope everyone gives it a listen.
Yoonwoo: I’d recommend Crime. It’s been a long time since we’ve released a darker, more intense song, and it’s a style that I personally really enjoy. I hope everyone checks it out!
Looking back at your previous releases, from BLUE SET Chapter. 1 to On My Knees, what do you think this album shows about how TRENDZ has grown?
Eunil: I think this album showcases both our musical growth and our personal growth. Compared to when we first debuted, everyone’s vocals and rap skills have improved a lot, which allows us to express songs in a much wider variety of ways. At the same time, after going through so many comebacks, we’ve come to understand just how precious each opportunity is. That sense of urgency and gratitude naturally found its way into this album.
If you could describe the On My Knees era in three words, what would they be and why?
Yechan: Nostalgic, Youth, Mature. I think all seven members have returned with a greater sense of maturity this time. Through this comeback, we were able to experience youth once again, and because the song expresses TRENDZ’s bittersweet yet heartfelt emotions, I chose these three words.
You recently completed your European tour and had the opportunity to meet FRIENDZ across different countries. Was there a particular city, venue, or fan interaction that has stayed with you even after returning home?
Hankook: Honestly, every city and every venue left a lasting impression on us. The passion of our European FRIENDZ always amazes us. Seeing them sing along to our songs in Korean and enjoy every performance gives us so much strength. One memory that really stands out is when we’d be exploring a city on our day off and fans would recognize us and say, “Your concert yesterday was amazing!” Moments like that always made us feel incredibly happy and grateful.
Every tour creates special memories between members. Was there a funny or meaningful moment from the European tour that brought the members even closer together?
Havit: During this European tour, the seven of us had more conversations than ever before. We spent a lot of time discussing what kind of music we wanted to make for our next comeback. It was actually the first time we had talked in such depth about everything, from the overall concept to the musical direction. It helped us better understand each other’s thoughts, and it reminded us that every member is still incredibly passionate about what we do.
Each member brings something unique to TRENDZ. What is one quality or strength that another member has that you feel has helped shape the group?
Leon: The first member that comes to mind is Eunil. I think his vocal ability has played a huge role in shaping TRENDZ. While recording On My Knees, we met the producer who worked on MY WAY again, and he told us he was amazed by how much everyone’s vocals had improved over the past two years. I gave him the same answer I’m giving now — whenever we’re practicing new songs or cover songs, Eunil patiently teaches us and practices with us in great detail. I think that’s one of the biggest reasons we’ve all improved so much.
Yechan: I think the biggest reason TRENDZ continues to grow is that every member tries to use their own strengths for the benefit of the team. ra.L is constantly studying songwriting to create music that suits us, and Eunil works alongside him, contributing more and more to the songwriting process. Our rappers are always thinking about how to develop rap-focused songs as well. All of those efforts come together to make TRENDZ’s musical identity stronger and more distinctive.
As TRENDZ continues growing globally, what is something you hope new fans discover about the group through your music?
ra.L: I hope people discover that TRENDZ has a wide range of musical expression while also having depth. Just as each member has a unique personality, we all have different musical tastes and ways of expressing ourselves. Because of those differences, when we come together, we create a special kind of synergy that makes TRENDZ’s musical identity even stronger. I hope listeners continue to find something new and exciting every time they hear our music.
Many FRIENDZ have shared that TRENDZ brought people together and helped them create friendships within the fandom. What does it mean to you knowing that your music has created a community where fans can connect with each other?
Yoonwoo: I think it’s one more reason for us to keep working even harder. Seeing FRIENDZ build meaningful friendships because of TRENDZ is something we’ve always hoped for. It feels like they’re becoming closer not only with each other but with TRENDZ as well, and that makes us incredibly happy. We’ll continue doing our best so we can give everyone even more reasons to smile.
Many FRIENDZ have shared how much TRENDZ has grown, and they are incredibly proud of you. Is there any advice you would give to your younger selves or to trainees who are currently chasing their dreams?
Havit: As you work hard toward your dreams, there will be times when you’ll feel exhausted and lose your way, as if you’re surrounded by complete darkness. But if you refuse to give up and keep moving forward, you’ll eventually see the light waiting at the end of that long tunnel. We’ll always be cheering for everyone who’s chasing their dreams!
One of the things that makes TRENDZ special is the connection you share with FRIENDZ. What is something you appreciate most about your fans?
Eunil: The thing I’m most grateful for is that they’ve always stayed by our side. I truly believe the biggest reason we’ve been able to keep going is because FRIENDZ have continued supporting us. Whenever we’re exhausted, discouraged, or anxious about the future, we look beside us and see FRIENDZ telling us that they’ll always support us. That means everything to us, and it makes us want to repay all the love we’ve received.
After On My Knees and your European tour, what can fans look forward to from TRENDZ next?
Hankook: Our story isn’t over yet. We don’t know exactly how the next chapter will unfold, but we do know that there are still many new stories waiting to be written. We hope FRIENDZ will continue writing those stories together with us.
Lastly, thank you again for taking the time to speak with K Fuse. Is there anything you’d like to say to our readers and FRIENDZ around the world?
Leon: We’ve made our comeback with our new album, On My Knees! Since this album contains our most honest and heartfelt story, we hope many people will listen to it and connect with it. We’re always doing our best to meet FRIENDZ all around the world, and we hope the day we can see you again comes very soon. Thank you so much for your love and support! After five years together, TRENDZ continues proving that growth is not always about reaching a destination quickly. Sometimes, it is found in the courage to keep moving forward, the people who believe in you during uncertain moments, and the memories created along the way.
With On My Knees, TRENDZ shares a chapter that feels deeply personal — one built from perseverance, passion, and the unwavering support of FRIENDZ. Their story is still being written, and as Hankook shared, there are still many chapters waiting to be created together.
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