The Boyz' tour diary on second US tour, performing: 'It feels like a dream'

It's been two years since 11-member K-pop group The Boyz have toured the U.S., and their energy to be back is palpable.

"We're feeling very good," Kevin, 26, tells USA TODAY backstage at Radio City Music Hall on July 19. "Last year, we weren't able to tour North America, but we're so glad that we're able to do it this year."

This tour is extra special for one member: Eric, who hails from Los Angeles and didn't participate in The Boyz' 2022 U.S. tour due to a health hiatus. So "ZENERATION II" marks his first time touring the States.

"It kind of feels weird that I'm on it right now, it feels like a dream," the 23-year-old says.

Members Sangyeon, Jacob and Juyeon are sat alongside the two. Younghoon, Hyunjae, New, Q, Juhaknyeon and Sunwoo were absent, getting final touches for hair and makeup before the concert.

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"I'm really happy to be back in New York, looking forward to tonight's show," Juyeon, 26, says with a smile.

On the day of our interview, it's the tour kickoff and it's been busy. The Boyz touched down in New York City the day prior, so jet lag hasn't kicked in quite yet. Their latest Japanese album "Gibberish" also dropped that morning.

"I feel like 'Gibberish' is a very new concept to us. We haven't really done (something) like that hardcore," Jacob, 27, says of the new release.

One thing does ring true for everyone in the venue – The Boyz are eager to hit the stage and see their fans, who they loving call The B.

Reflecting on 'ZENERATION II' tour

The Boyz are set for five stops on the "ZENERATION II" U.S. tour, which wraps in San Jose, California on July 28.

Since their first tour, the group has leveled up. Not only have the venues grown in size, but the members have upgraded their skills.

"From my perspective, especially, I think all of the members have improved a lot in live vocals and rapping. I think a lot of fans have noticed that too," says Eric. In turn, this has amped up the excitement and passion for both The Boyz and the fans.

Another notable change is the setlist, which Juyeon calls "unique."

"We have a lot of songs that might be unpredicted by the fans, as well as songs that are throwbacks," he says.

"We went way back in our catalog and dug up our repertoire, and we hope the OG fans will like it, as well as the new fans," adds Kevin.

The concert opens with "Diamond Life" off the "BE AWAKE" album, and it sets the tone for the high-energy performances to follow.

"Ever since that album came out, we always thought this is concert-opening material, and so we were hoping that one day it would become (that), and it finally happened," Kevin says.

The guys also perform "Bite Back," an unreleased track from The Boyz' upcoming album.

"It's our first time showing an unreleased song that has a dance to it. We worked really hard on that, and I feel like a lot of the fans have enjoyed it," Jacob says.

Some of the members have been practicing their English for tour as well. Namely, Sangyeon (the Boyz' leader) and Juyeon have been taking English classes.

The "tour makes me happy" says Juyeon. "Touring and performing, in general, is the epicenter of what our career is, and seeing the fans around the world, that gives me a lot of motivation."

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The Boyz' tour diary

The Boyz were off to an early start on the first day of tour. Eric says he got a coffee and sandwich that morning and went for a walk before the work began.

"We booked a space, just to go over final details, and then came here (to the venue), started hair and makeup, did our rehearsals," adds Kevin.

Touring is busy for The Boyz, but they do try to find free time. "I like to make most of my time by shopping, going around, taking in the scenes and just enjoying whatever city I'm in, even on the day of the show," says Juyeon.

When they arrived in New York, the members did some exploring. Sangeyon says he went to Little Island in Hudson River Park. As a group, they went shopping in SoHo, says Eric.

"After that, we came back to Times Square, and then we went out for a nice dinner," he adds.

Working out is key on tour, so "we could get pumped up," says Eric. Some of The Boyz even like to workout after a show.

Winding down looks different depending on the member.

"I like to take warm- to- hot baths and then rinse it off with a cold shower," Kevins says. "It's good for the muscles; it's good for your body. It makes the blood flow."

A post-concert meal is also a must-have for The Boyz.

"When I get back to my room in hotel, I always ask my manager for hot, spicy ramen," says Eric. Juyeon usually grabs a hamburger or pizza and sometimes, Korean food, like kimchi jjigae or bibimbap.

The members try to immerse themselves in the local cuisine, but they often get homesick for Korean food after a couple days, says Eric.

"Because our bodies are used to it and our tastebuds are used to it." Kevin adds.

And on Kevin's pre-show playlist is, of course, Beyoncé.

"For 'ZENERATION,' we did three days in Seoul. I set a timer so I could listen to the entirety of 'Renaissance' before hitting the stage" he says. "Because it's a work of art. I can't just listen to one song."

What performing means to The Boyz

Performing is integral to The Boyz, and all the members agree.

"I personally started this career seeing live performances, and so this is when I feel like I'm fulfilling my dream the most," says Kevin.

"It gives me motivation because that's when you realize that there are so many fans all over the world that are rooting for me, that are very supportive and give continuous love from so far away," says Eric. "When we go on tour, that's when I'm get more motivated to work harder as an artist."

"Just seeing our fans and to see how precious that moment is to them, and to us, makes me happy," Jacob adds. "I tell the fans we want to be this safe place, just like they are to us, and I can really feel that during the concerts."

The Boyz feel that the time is precious when they are touring and they want to bring "energy (and) powerful performances," says Sangyeon, 27.

"I want to let them feel our powerful performances and have that kind of energy left over, even after they leave the show," he says.