Rookie Boy Group NAZE Set to Make Waves with Japanese Drama Debut

Rookie boy group NAZE is making headlines even before their official debut, as they announce their team name and reveal their participation in a Japanese terrestrial drama.

C9 Entertainment recently rebranded their official SNS channels from C9 ROOKIES to NAZE, unveiling the group's official name. On October 7th and 8th, NAZE began their pre-debut activities by releasing content through Japan's TBS official accounts.

NAZE, consisting of members Kaisei, Yoonki, Ato, Turn, Yuya, Kim Geon, and Dohyuk, is the first rookie boy group from C9 Entertainment in five years. The name NAZE signifies a geographical feature where the sea meets the land, and is also an acronym for 'New Adventure's Zestyfull Echo,' symbolizing their journey to find their true selves and deliver a vibrant resonance.

Starting January 2026, NAZE will appear in the Japanese terrestrial drama 'DREAM STAGE,' airing on TBS every Friday at 10 PM. The drama quickly became a hot topic, featuring prominently on major Hallyu platforms in Japan. 'DREAM STAGE' tells the story of a Japanese producer, previously ousted from the industry due to scandals, and seven Korean trainee-turned-artists pursuing their dreams. The drama is overseen by TBS's renowned producer Masanao Takahashi, with significant involvement from the 'TOKYO MER' production team.

Ahead of the drama's premiere, NAZE will also star in a reality show titled 'NAZEDORI ~NAZE? DREAM STAGE~,' available every Friday at 11 PM on TBS's official YouTube channel and the Japanese streaming platform Tver. The reality show will document the members' transformation from trainees to actors, promising a dramatic journey.

NAZE plans to engage with fans through various global online and offline promotions, starting with this drama.

Reported by Min-Kyung Lee, TenAsia 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr