Photo credit: KOZ ENTERTAINMENT (HYBE)
Like their name, BOYNEXTDOOR, is a K-pop group that runs on the concept of being casual, friendly and relatable.
Debuting in 2023 under the HYBE subsidiary label KOZ Entertainment, the band is the creation of rapper and producer ZICO.
ZICO, who comes from the K-pop world himself, is a member of Block B. This is a third generation group known for their high energy performances, rebellious attitude and theatrical, genre-bending sound. Listening to BOYNEXTDOOR feels a bit like the fifth generation version of Block B.
Perhaps it was ZICO’s plan all along to create a little brother version of his group all along?
Despite those comparisons, BOYNEXTDOOR—composed of members Jaehyun, Sungho, Riwoo, Taesan, Leehan and Woonhak—have developed their own distinct identity and a loyal fanbase known as ONEDOOR.
Within three years of debut, BOYNEXTDOOR has had six albums entering the Billboard 200. In 2025, the group performed a set at Lollapalooza in Chicago. So when the group announced they would be touring in Toronto and Vancouver as part of the North American leg of the KNOCK ON Vol. 2 Tour, fans quickly jumped at a chance to buy tickets to see them. After all, HYBE groups rarely come to Canada. Though in 2026 alone, we somehow saw three come to Toronto!
Photo credit: KOZ ENTERTAINMENT (HYBE)
Unlike many K-pop shows that are usually seated, the BOYNEXTDOOR concert in Toronto was held in a general admission standing room venue at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. That gave the show an intimate club vibe.
Kicking off the show with “06070”, each of the members take the stage alone to sing a verse, setting the atmosphere for what’s to come. Soon after, the band launch into a high energy set of their hits like “VIRAL”, “But Sometimes” and “I Feel Good.”
Jumping from genres like hip hop, jazz, funk and show tunes, the setlist was filled with songs that showcase the versatility of BOYNEXTDOOR’s musicality. Particular crowd pleasers included the Broadway-esque “Hollywood Action”, pop-rock anthem “ADIOS!” and the maximalist, electropop banger “ANIMAL.” There was also more than vocals and dancing on display, however. During a performance of “Nice Guy”, Taesan broke out the bass guitar, showcasing his endearing personality and guitar-playing skills.
Throughout the show, I was particularly charmed by the band’s youthful spirit, giving off the vibe of a group of friends hanging out on stage with over 2,000 fans.
As is tradition at many Canadian shows, BOYNEXTDOOR were also sure to personalize the experience with lots of mention of Canadian things. Woonhak discussed his excitement of trying maple syrup, and practicing the pronunciation of “Toronto” (it’s “Turonno” without the “T”).
Canadian pop star Justin Bieber, an idol for many K-pop artists, also received a few shout-outs. Riwoo wore a furry red cap by the Italian fashion brand PDF Channel, mentioning it was the same one Bieber wore during a visit to Seoul. And Taesan, a longtime Belieber, broke out an acapella version of “Beauty and a Beat”, encouraging fans to sing along. In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Taesan mentioned Toronto was the city he was most excited to visit because of Justin Bieber. Glad he was able to live out his dreams through us!
The group also wore matching “I LOVE TOR” T-shirts for the Canadian crowd, and waved a number of signed Canadian flags thrown on stage by fans. While lots of fan service was on display by the BOYNEXTDOOR members, Toronto ONEDOOR also delivered a banner project for the group.
“They say nothing lasts forever, but let’s stay together for 400 years!” leader Jaehyun said, referencing the banner and the band’s song “400 years.”
“We were so touched by your message and it was so sweet and lovely.”
By night’s end, the energy only continued. BOYNEXTDOOR delivered two encores, encouraging fans to jump and party until the end on a random November Tuesday night.
I will admit that I came into the BOYNEXTDOOR concert as a casual fan of their songs, but I left the show feeling warm and fuzzy.
BOYNEXTDOOR is a group that reminds you that K-pop doesn’t have to run on elaborate concepts and personas. Rather, they are a group that thrives on their relatability. They sing about growing up, chasing dreams and their love of their family and fans.
BOYNEXTDOOR is a reminder that you don’t have to be anything but yourself. And that’s what makes them such a lovely group to watch.
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