DAVIDE K-POP

It has been nearly a year since I last sat down with the seven-member powerhouse known as TRENDZ (트렌드지), and the growth they have shown in that time is nothing short of meteoric. Since their debut in early 2022, Havit, Leon, Yoonwoo, Hankook, ra.L, Eunil, and Yechan have been on a mission to live up to their name—not just following trends, but leading them.

When we first spoke during their ‘GLOW’ era, the group was preparing to make their mark on London. I had the pleasure of covering their show on June 4th last year, and I can still vividly recall the raw energy and the deafening cheers of the UK FRIENDZ. It was a night that proved TRENDZ aren’t just studio artists; they are true masters of the stage.

Now, in February 2026, the group is officially back and moving faster than ever. Their latest digital single, [Kart Racer], dropped on the 13th of February, showcasing a high-octane, competitive spirit that feels like a natural evolution from the grit of their 2025 hit, ‘Chameleon’. What makes this comeback even more special is the creative involvement of the members themselves—with ra.L, Eunil, and Hankook contributing to the lyrics and composition, and Yechan lending his signature precision to the choreography.

As they embark on their 2026 European tour, ‘ON THE MOVE’, TRENDZ is set to bring a more intimate, artistic experience to fans across Germany, Italy, and the UK. While we eagerly await their return to the London stage, the group is currently gearing up to bring their new “artistic surprises” to life in Edinburgh and beyond.

I caught up with the boys to discuss the “Next Gear” for TRENDZ, their memories of the UK, and how they stay “race-ready” for their global FRIENDZ.

Davide: 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo), TRENDZ! It is so wonderful to speak with you all again. I still have amazing memories of your London show last year—the energy was truly incredible! For any new readers joining us today, could you please introduce yourselves and share one thing that has changed about you or your personality since our last interview?
Havit: Hello! I’m Havit, the eldest member and happy virus of TRENDZ. The London concert is truly an unforgettable memory. During the European tour, I received so much energy and emotion from our fans that I think I’ve become more of an “F” on the MBTI scale and more outgoing. Personally, I also feel like I’ve matured even more as the eldest member!
Leon: Hello, this is Leon. The London concert was one of the most unforgettable moments of 2025 for me. The heat and excitement I felt at the venue gave me strength and a sense of ease. I look forward to the day we meet again.
Yoonwoo: Hello, I’m Yoonwoo, and I take on the “dad role” in TRENDZ. As we’ve entered our fifth year as a group in 2026, I think we approach everything with a more serious mindset. But in front of FRIENDZ, I still want to show a slightly quirky, lovable, and sweet side of myself, so I think you’ll get to see more of our charming duality.
Hankook: Hello! I’m Hankook. Honestly, not much has changed. I think I’ve gained a bit more peace of mind. In the past, I was always rushing through schedules, but now I can take care of the small things I couldn’t before. Even in short moments, I’ve learned to enjoy each day I’m given. I’m filling my days by finding small happiness.
ra.L: Hello, I’m ra.L, the producer of our new song “Kart Racer.” One thing that changed between our last visit to London and this European tour is that I participated in the survival program “Show Me The Money 12.” Although I made it to the second round and was unfortunately eliminated, it was a very meaningful experience where I learned and gained so much. Thanks to that, I’ve grown musically.
Eunil: Hello, this is Eunil of TRENDZ. I’m so happy to greet Davide K-pop readers once again. The London concert was a time when I received so much inspiration and powerful energy. Through the support and love I received then, I think I’ve become someone who can share even greater energy on stage.
Yechan: Hello, I’m Yechan, the youngest member of TRENDZ. Thanks to the great energy I received at last year’s London concert, I’ve become more relaxed and able to enjoy myself on stage. At our performances in Europe this year, I’ll deliver even bigger energy to you all!

Davide: Congratulations on your new digital single, [Kart Racer]! The title itself suggests something fast-paced and competitive. You also took full creative control in creating the song and the choreography. Can you please tell what inspired this song and how the overall creative process was?
Eunil: After receiving the “Kart Racer” track from ra.L, I started imagining visuals that matched the song, and the image of a cute kart racing car came to mind. That’s how we decided on the kart racing theme. Then we added melodies and lyrics that suited the concept. It was my first time participating in composing, but the process went more smoothly than I expected. ra.L and I exchanged many musical ideas and had a lot of fun working on it together.
Yechan: Since the theme of the song was very clear, it wasn’t too difficult to create the choreography. The members made such a great song that I focused on making a fun and exciting choreography that really felt like “Kart Racer.”

Davide: And would you compare this new song with some of your previous songs? For example, last year, you showed us a very different side with ‘Chameleon’, which had that cool, old-school hip-hop grit. How would you compare the ‘vibe’ of [Kart Racer] to ‘Chameleon’?
ra.L: In some ways, “Kart Racer” and “Chameleon” might feel similar. However, with “Kart Racer,” we tried to express the beat and melody lines in a smoother and more upbeat way. Lyrically, we captured the determination of a strong kart racer.

Davide: Your upcoming European tour is titled ‘ON THE MOVE’. You’ve mentioned that this tour will feature ‘artistic elements’ that will be gradually revealed. Without giving too much away, how does the preparation for this tour differ from the ‘GLOW’ tour we discussed last time? Should we expect a more experimental side of TRENDZ?
Hankook: Each tour always has a main song. In previous tours, “NEW DAYZ,” “GLOW,” and “Crime” were the main tracks. This time, “Kart Racer” is the main focus. We usually build the setlist and stage production around that central song. Since our music spectrum is quite diverse, we put a lot of thought into creating a setlist where all the songs blend harmoniously. Through cover songs and dance medleys, we also try to show sides of ourselves that we haven’t been able to show before. We think a lot about how to present something new and put in a lot of effort.

Davide: I am writing to you from London, and while we are sad you aren’t stopping here this specific time, the memories of your last London show are still very much alive! Yechan, I remember you mentioned being a Chelsea FC fan—have you managed to keep up with the Premier League lately? And for the rest of the group, is there a particular British snack or landmark you’ve been craving since your last visit?
Yechan: Of course! I’m a huge fan of Chelsea FC, so I watch every single match live without missing one and cheer them on. Even though I’m watching through a broadcast and not at the stadium, I enjoy it as if I’m there in person.
Yoonwoo: Our schedule in London last time was so tight that we couldn’t visit many famous spots, which was a bit disappointing. If we get another chance to visit London, I’d love to go to Tower Bridge. I like looking at water, whether it’s the sea or a river, and I’d really like to see Tower Bridge opening in person.

Davide: Being “On the Move” can be exhausting. With your busy schedule of digital releases and international touring, how do you manage your mental and physical energy? Do you have any new “tour essentials” or rituals that help you stay focused before hitting the stage?
Havit: My must-have items on tour are a massage gun, foam roller, braces, and workout support equipment. I try to exercise consistently every day, even just a little. I also take half-body baths and stretch to improve blood circulation and relax my muscles; that’s my way of managing both mental and physical energy. Before going on stage, I pray, take deep breaths, and do light jumping in place to boost my concentration.
Leon: Recently, I try to maintain my mental and physical energy by eating delicious food. When I eat my favourite foods or something really tasty, I feel recharged. One of my essential pre-stage routines is drinking water continuously so my mouth doesn’t get dry.

Davide: The concept of [Kart Racer] feels very Gen Z—energetic, competitive, and visual. As a group that aims to “lead the trend,” how do you feel your musical style is evolving to match the global music scene in 2026?
Hankook: Our team’s name contains the meaning that “seven members of Gen Z will lead the trend.” So rather than following trends, we try to carve out a path that’s uniquely TRENDZ. We want to focus on what we do well, what suits us, and what we haven’t shown before. Without limiting ourselves to any particular genre, we want to present good music in many different styles.

Davide: ra.L, you previously mentioned your love for composing. Did any of the members have a hand in the creative process or the “artistic surprises” for this tour? We’d love to know how much of the “TRENDZ DNA” is in the stage production this time.
ra.L: Thankfully, since our debut, we’ve consistently been given opportunities to participate in album production and choreography creation. Through that process, I believe the members, including myself, have grown artistically and creatively. For the tour stage production as well, we discuss as many ideas as possible among ourselves before making decisions. We prepare and practice to deliver the coolest performance while also being able to respond flexibly to on-site situations. In my case, besides producing “Kart Racer,” I’ve prepared a surprise stage that will heat up the European shows. I hope all the audience members enjoy it together and create great memories with us!

Davide: This tour is described as a “pivotal phase” for the group. Looking forward, what is the “finish line” for TRENDZ this year? What is one goal you are determined to cross before the end of the ‘ON THE MOVE’ era?
Yoonwoo: Until last year, it felt like we were focused on introducing TRENDZ as a team. Now, we want more people to recognise that there are truly many great members within TRENDZ. All of our members are full of talent and potential, so we would be grateful if you continue to watch over us and support us.

Davide: Finally, do you have a message for the UK FRIENDZ who are planning to travel across Europe to see you, or those waiting for your return to London?
Eunil: Thankfully, we’re able to meet our European FRIENDZ again in 2026. Since we’ve been given this wonderful opportunity once more, we want to show an even more improved and perfect performance than before. Especially this time, we’ll do our very best to present a stage that we ourselves can feel truly satisfied with.

Davide: Thank you so much for your time today! It’s always a pleasure to see your growth and passion. I’ll be cheering for the success of [Kart Racer] and the tour from here in London. Stay healthy and keep shining! 감사합니다 (Gamsahabnida), 화이팅! (Fighting!)

TRENDZ are currently touring Europe! Make sure to grab your tickets now!