19.99
BOYNEXTDOOR releases the 3rd mini album ‘19.99’ a coming-of-age story
the raw emotions of being on the cusp of twenty, expressed through music.
a fun, easy-listening title track ‘nice guy’ & a pre-released track bursting with mz energy, ‘부모님 괸람불가 (dangerous)’
BOYNEXTDOOR (Sungho, Riwoo, Myung Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak) is set to release their third mini-album, ‘19.99,’ on september 9 2024.
after making waves on the billboard 200 and topping japan’s oricon charts, BOYNEXTDOOR is now taking a bold step toward becoming a group that resonates across generations.
the album’s title, ‘19.99,’ reflects the uncertain yet exhilarating moment right before turning twenty. it candidly portrays the impulsive thoughts and intense concerns of youth standing at the border between teenage years and adulthood. with some members having just entered their twenties and Woonhak set to turn twenty next year, the group poured their personal experiences into the songwriting process, creating music that every 19.99-year-old in korea can relate to.
everyday stories of 19.99-year-olds – ‘daily life reality-based music’
this album stems from the members’ fears about becoming adults. it encapsulates their loneliness, freedom, confidence, and anxieties during this transitional phase.
the songs reflect the journey of youth, a rebellious last adventure before adulthood (dangerous), a heart-wrenching breakup and youthful immaturity (gonna be a rock), brimming confidence about the next chapter in life (nice guy), the realization that turning twenty isn’t as glamorous as imagined (20), finding a unique way to comfort others who are struggling (call me). additionally, a ‘SKIT’ track offers a humorous glimpse into the members’ candid thoughts about turning twenty.
BOYNEXTDOOR’s music mirrors everyday experiences. they drew inspiration from real-life moments, such as revisiting childhood playgrounds to sketch song ideas or incorporating conversations with family into lyrics. this real-life storytelling goes beyond their generation, creating music that resonates with listeners of all ages.
title track: ‘nice guy’ – a playful take on youthful confidence
the title track ‘nice guy’ was crafted as an effortlessly enjoyable song that anyone can sing along to. with an instantly catchy groovy rhythm, it’s designed for maximum replay value. members Myung Jaehyun, Taesan, and Woonhak contributed to the lyrics, while Taesan and Woonhak participated in composing the track. Zico (executive producer) and Pop Time (main producer) ensured that the song balances musicality and mainstream appeal, delivering a track worthy of a year-end chart-topper.
lyrically, ‘nice guy’ captures the fearless self-confidence of 19.99-year-olds, portraying an unshakable belief that they can charm the world if they set their minds to it. lines like “seoul is mine tonight” and “guess that natural talent is my fate” reflect this bold self-assurance.
the performance embraces this playful self-belief with sophisticated movements that highlight each member’s charm. their expressive gestures and facial expressions bring to life the ‘nice guy’ persona that today’s youth aspire to be. the performance, packed with natural charisma, even exudes a subtly flirtatious energy without trying too hard.
the music video humorously follows BOYNEXTDOOR’s chaotic experiences at their first-ever part-time jobs. armed with high hopes and overconfidence, they soon face reality checks, their meticulously crafted flower-shaped pizza gets rejected, and their attempt to read books to dogs at a pet daycare hilariously backfires as the dogs run away. despite these setbacks, the members shrug off failures and embrace each moment with optimism, radiating infectious positive energy. the video also features dynamic cinematography, including 360-degree rotating dance scenes and smooth perspective shifts, making it visually captivating.
pre-release track: ‘dangerous’ – overflowing with MZ energy
BOYNEXTDOOR pre-released ‘dangerous’ is a track that highlights their signature wit and MZ-generation appeal.
this hip-hop track captures the thrill of a secret late-night adventure, featuring a minimal yet quirky beat that allows the members’ rhythmic groove to shine.
what makes ‘dangerous’ stand out is its high relatability for those in their late teens. lyrics like “i tell him i'm almost home but I'm goofing around” and “i've ignored my mom's nagging when i was little. counted the patterns on the floor instead” evoke nostalgia among older listeners while resonating deeply with younger fans. additionally, a narration mimicking a sibling secretly taking a call “oppa, mom’s really mad” adds an extra layer of realism.
the music video is a hilarious depiction of BOYNEXTDOOR’s midnight escapades, which are as clumsy as they are rebellious. their attempt at sneaking out involves stealing their parents’ car keys, only to drop them into a passing garbage truck, leading to a frantic and comedic retrieval mission. the video is infused with sns live-stream elements, meme-worthy moments, and quirky cinematography, making it a true Gen Z visual treat. set in familiar locations like family homes, karaoke rooms, and rooftops, it captures the essence of youth in an effortlessly relatable way.
[TRACK LIST]
1. 부모님 관람불가 (dangerous)
a hip-hop track with a sharp, intense beat, unraveling the secrets we don’t want our parents to find out. Myung Jaehyun, Taesan, and Woonhak took the lead in writing and composing, capturing a late-night adventure that every generation has fantasized about at least once. with mischievous yet irresistibly charming energy, BOYNEXTDOOR delivers their signature playful vibe.
[boynextdoor said...] “oppa, mom is really mad.” “so what?” everyone, shh, quiet down. we absolutely cannot get caught by mom and dad. tonight, until the moon sets and the sun rises, we're planning to go all out in our secret hideout. whether it’s just mischief, rebellion, or maybe a memory in the making, our time starts now. sorry, mom and dad, but you can’t deny it. it runs in the blood!
2. 돌멩이 (gonna be a rock)
a pop-rock track that compares the devastation of an unexpected breakup to a rock. the track features a melancholic yet sharp electric guitar sound, reflecting the duality of emotions, wanting to become a rock to shatter an ex-lover’s next romance, yet also wishing to be as emotionless as a lifeless rock. the raw band sound and straightforward lyrics amplify the heartbreak.
[boynextdoor said...] “i’d rather be a stone instead.” you threw a rock called ‘breakup’ at me as a birthday gift, cracking the peace i once had. every night, i toss and turn from the pain you left, but i know you’re not even thinking about me, which makes it even worse. i wish i could become a stone, either to crush your next love or to feel absolutely nothing. if this is what love is, then i don’t want it.
3. SKIT
a fun skit where all six members gather and share their own thoughts on turning twenty. styled like a radio show, this track is a lighthearted interlude.
[boynextdoor said...] “my youth is free!”
4. nice guy
a song packed with justified confidence, expressing the belief that, if they wanted to, they could charm everyone in the world. the groovy bass, lively brass, and catchy, easy-to-sing-along chorus create an upbeat atmosphere. Myung Jaehyun, Taesan, and Woonhak participated in the lyrics, while Taesan and Woonhak also contributed to the composition.
[boynextdoor said...] “let me introduce myself—nice guy, fresh guy of the night.” people say they can’t take their eyes off me. i only glanced their way, but somehow, everyone i lock eyes with ends up falling for me. sounds unbelievable? just listen to this song, and you’ll find yourself drawn in too.
5. 20
a mid-tempo pop track that candidly captures the emotions surrounding turning twenty. Myung Jaehyun and Taesan, who have just experienced being twenty, wrote the lyrics based on their own stories, while Myung Jaehyun, Taesan, and Woonhak contributed to the composition, creating an honest and heartfelt track. though many say that twenty is the best time of life, the reality of being twenty isn’t as beautiful as one might think. the delicate, sentimental vocals and lyrics of BOYNEXTDOOR make this song highly relatable.
[boynextdoor said...] “ugly twenty, rude twenty, glory twenty.” what kind of power does the number ‘20’ hold? too old to be a kid, yet too young to be an adult. i was just living day by day in a blur, but before i knew it, i had become a twenty-year-old adult. embarrassing memories from the past keep coming to mind, and my head is still full of worries. i hope that even a life as flawed as mine can be called a shining youth.
6. call me
the closing track of 19.99, offering a warm conclusion to the album. it’s a song that comforts those going through hard times, reassuring them that “things don’t have to be perfect or go as planned, it’s okay because we’re in this together.” the jazzy melody and warm-toned guitar harmonize with the song’s message, creating a sense of reassurance. the vocals feel as if a longtime friend is speaking directly to the listener, full of sincerity. Taesan and Woonhak wrote the lyrics, while Myung Jaehyun and Taesan composed the song.
[boynextdoor said...] “please call me, if you’re lonely.” hey, you. listening to this song! i hope only good things happen to you, but life doesn’t always work that way, does it? don’t let it bring you down. if you’re struggling, then struggle; if you’re feeling down, embrace it. just live in the moment. and we always want to be by your side. so, wanna stay friends forever? :)