K-pop group The Boyz talk new single Maverick, Squid Game and who would win at it (it’s not Eric), and showing their darker, sexier side
- Unlike the cheery summery vibes of previous release Thrill-ing, The Boyz opted for a moodier concept and change of pace with the more intense Maverick
- Despite the music video’s Squid Game-esque storyline, they say they’d been working on it before the Netflix hit dropped, with Battle Royale the main inspiration
The Boyz have been busy in 2021, and they’re still not done: on Monday, the K-pop group released their new song Maverick, the latest addition in a year full of new music and promotions for the 11-member boy band.
“This has been quite a fast and furious ‘thrill ride’,” Kevin said, referring to the lead single from their August EP Thrill-ing, which followed January’s Japanese LP, Breaking Dawn. “It’s been only three months since Thrill Ride so it’s been a bit of a rushed process, but I think we’re all excited to try this new kind of dystopian, powerful vibe [with Maverick] after the bright, cheery summery vibes of Thrill-ing.”
The close releases reminded the team of their fast-paced prep for performances on this year’s K-pop boy band competition show Kingdom: The Legendary War, where they came in second place, and its precursor, 2020’s Road to Kingdom, which they won to gain a spot on the later show.
The Boyz rapidly grew in popularity between the two shows, something that has continued almost unhindered by the pandemic thanks to this year’s releases.
Maverick trended worldwide on Twitter ahead of its release as fans eagerly anticipated something new from The Boyz.
“Sadly, a lot of opportunities shut down [because of the pandemic],” Jacob said. “Of course, it’s not always going to be easy, but we’re just trying to go forward and hang in there. We did 14 new concepts for the Kingdom programmes. People got to see sides to us they had never seen before, so we’re grateful and excited to show a new side of us again through Maverick.”