Global pop group POW made an unforgettable debut in New York City this holiday season, captivating audiences with their electrifying performance at Z100’s All Access Lounge. The quintet—DONGYEON, HYUNBIN, YORCH, JUNGBIN, and HONG—shared their inspiring journey from aspiring artists to international sensations during an intimate gathering at Genesis House.

Unleashing Their Power: How POW is Transforming the K-Pop Landscape

From Inspiration to Reality

The story of POW begins like a modern-day fairytale. Just over a year ago, five passionate young men—YORCH, HYUNBIN, JUNGBIN, DONGYEON, and HONG—came together, united by their shared love for music and an unwavering desire to become idols. Each member had a pivotal moment that ignited their dreams. For DONGYEON, it was watching BTS perform "Idol" on stage in South Korea in 2018. The precision and musicality of the performance left an indelible mark on him. “That stage inspired me,” he recalled. “I wanted to be an artist who could inspire others and bring joy through music.”Similarly, HONG found his calling while watching BTS with his older sister. The vibrant energy of K-pop performances captivated him, sparking a dream to bring happiness to fans worldwide. “My sister’s passion for K-pop introduced me to this incredible world,” HONG said. “It became my own dream to create music that brings joy to others.”

The Universal Language of Music

K-pop is more than just a genre; it’s a global phenomenon that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. Industry giants like BTS, ATEEZ, SEVENTEEN, and SHINee have demonstrated how music can foster connections and spread positivity across the globe. JUNGBIN drew inspiration from IU’s ability to comfort listeners through her songs. “IU sunbaenim taught me that music has the power to heal and provide solace,” he explained. “I aspire to write songs that offer comfort and healing.”HYUNBIN echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the universal nature of music. “Music is a language everyone understands,” he remarked. “Seeing artists connect with audiences, even when they don’t share a common tongue, is nothing short of magical. I hope to build that same deep bond with our fans.”

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Success

The path to stardom wasn’t without its challenges. POW faced countless obstacles, including grueling training sessions and relentless travel schedules. Yet, their unwavering dedication propelled them forward. The group credits much of their success to their fans, whom they affectionately call POWER. “Our fans are our strength,” HYUNBIN said. “Seeing them wave our lightsticks at concerts is an unforgettable experience.”DONGYEON vividly remembers the moment he realized his dream had come true. “Standing on stage and seeing POWERs in the crowd was surreal,” he said. “It felt like all the hard work had finally paid off.” YORCH added, “Our fans are the spark that lights us up. They inspire us every day.”

A New Chapter Begins

POW’s journey took a significant turn in September 2023 with their pre-debut and first EP [Favorite]. The release of their single “Valentine” marked the beginning of their explosive rise in the K-pop charts. Despite the challenges, the group remains grateful for the support of their fans. “We’re still on the journey of achieving our dreams,” JUNGBIN said. “Sharing Korean culture and spreading our music globally is both an honor and a privilege.”Performing in New York City was another milestone for POW. The group wowed audiences at Z100’s All Access Lounge with their distinctive vocal style and infectious energy. “Performing in New York was a dream come true,” they agreed. “We’re excited to continue reaching new audiences and inspiring more people through our music.”