Ethermac|K-pop group The Boyz talk 'Sixth Sense', album trilogy and love for The B

The Ethermacidea of fantasy is deeply personal and changes from person to person. This is the concept K-pop group The Boyz are exploring in their second studio album, "Phantasy."

The 11-member group has revealed different facets to their talents with each release, and "Phantasy" is allowing them to dive deeper. Members Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Juhaknyeon, Sunwoo and Eric, have fortified their abilities by expertly tackling diverse concepts since debut in 2017.

At the time of their debut, The Boyz won several new artist awards, including Best New Male Artist at the Melon Music Awards and Next Leader at the Fact Music Awards. The Boyz' releases have consistently peaked in the top three of South Korea's Circle Album chart, and they've been certified platinum several times. The group also won the competition show "Road to Kingdom."

Through its trilogy release format, "Phantasy" underscores The Boyz' essence as multifaceted performers. And its second part "Sixth Sense", out now, is showing their darker, more mysterious side.

"This album is a more upgraded 'dark fantasy' of The Boyz," Eric, 22, told USA TODAY. 

'Phantasy' expands The Boyz' sonic identity

The Boyz' second studio album "Phantasy" is divided into three parts with each installment highlighting distinct angles to their artistry. The album's format and its namesake go hand-in-hand to expand who The Boyz are.

"We were able to show more concepts, and we wanted to show our limitless concept ability," said Kevin, 25. "We decided on the theme of 'fantasy,' which can represent many meanings, colors and genres within one word."

In each part, the members showcase their sonic range and individual aptitude.

"I think we're going to be able to show a lot of different sides of us with this second album, and I want you to think of the second album as a compilation of The Boyz. It's a compilation of what we've shown and what we haven't shown," said New, 25.  

Several of the members were involved in the writing of the album.

Sunwoo, 23, said it was fun to interpret the concept in his own way to make a song. "I think it was fun to approach it a little more while imagining the concept of a fantasy album," he said. 

The first part "Christmas In August" released Aug. 7. It spotlights the energetic, fresh quality of The Boyz, featuring single "LIP GLOSS." The second part, however, is edgier.

"While 'Christmas In August' is an energetic, exciting, and loving fantasy, this album, 'The Sixth Sense,' is dark and mysterious," said Jacob, 26.

'Sixth Sense' underscore The Boyz' duality

"Sixth Sense" dropped Nov. 20 and its six tracks highlight The Boyz' allure through hypnotic and enticing tones.

"'The Sixth Sense' has a mysterious, dreamy and dark appeal that stimulates the senses," said Jacob.

The comeback focuses on a "two-faced love," said Kevin. Its single "WATCH IT" spotlights this, underscoring The Boyz' charming duality.

"You can see the two sides of 'WATCH IT': one as a warning to be careful not to fall into a fatal attraction, and the other as a spell to focus on me (The Boyz)," he said.

This section of the album also marks the first English-language track for the group: a rap unit song from Eric and Sunwoo. Eric participated in writing the lyrics, saying he hopes their fans – who they lovingly call "The B" – enjoy "Honey."

"I think it's a song that doesn't get tired even after listening to it dozens of times, and I hope that many people will like it as much as I am happy with it," he said.

The B makes The Boyz who they are

Through the years, the members have evolved. They continue to try new things, in turn, growing as performers and as individuals.

For Juyeon, 25, his mindset has shifted and his nerves have gone away, learning to enjoy every performance and moment.

The members credit The B as a source of strength and energy. "There are so many things that The B gives us, no matter where we go, there is always The B," said Younghoon, 26.

Hyunjae, 26, said the members try to express their love for The B whenever they get the chance. Others echoed this sentiment, with Q, 25, saying he hopes they can be a comfort to The B.

"It's the The B that makes The Boyz who we are. We're always grateful to The B for making us able to be on stage," said Sangyeon, 27, the group's leader.