Sweater, pants, all Onitsuka Tiger; Ear cuff, necklaces, all Swarovski
An upbeat, dance track titled “BOY” marked the world’s first introduction to THE BOYZ. In just three minutes of their debut release, the fresh-faced rookies of then addressed the dreams of their youth, the passion-driven urgency compounded by their position at the starting line of their careers, and a fervent desire to break down any barriers that stood between them and their fans. It was a commitment framed in the same rosy optimism as promising “forever” to one’s first love. For the group’s youngest member, ERIC, those vows were meant to be kept. In his quick-tempo journey as a K-pop idol, ERIC of THE BOYZ has lived up to his promises, charging ahead with his fans, his family-like bonds, and the ones who matter at the centre of his view.
Eight years on, ERIC’s worldview has only expanded exponentially. The 25-year-old is now into his fourth world tour alongside THE BOYZ, and he is ready to take the next step ahead in the relentless, yet deliberate, incubator that is the K-pop industry. Taking everything in his stride, the far-reaching world tours, the artistic and musical progress, and even the critics, ERIC courses steadily on his path and never gets lost in the limelight. What grounds him are the constants: the brotherly bond he shares with his members, the unwavering affection he bears for his fans, and his artistic pursuits. “I’m most grateful that they’ve become the reason I live, and that they always support me with their love,” says ERIC of THE Bs — THE BOYZ’s legion of fans — in reflection. “I think I’ll forever be thankful for that.”
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This gratitude continues to fuel his momentum, laying the grounds for the steady rhythm that is distinctly his own. If you did not already know, ERIC is inexhaustibly energetic by nature. And maturing is not a concept that sullies his sunshine or dampens his spirits into a more pragmatic perspective of the world. Instead of boxing himself into the usual stoic restraints that come with age, he still upholds his “mood-maker” status in the group, something that THE Bs will attest to. Arising from the performer is a constant quality of comforting lightness, be it in the high-shine spotlight of the stage or quiet online exchanges on chat platforms like Fromm, Weverse, and late-night livestreams. This very tempo of connection has become another constant, especially for his fans. Like a pulse that keeps him in step with those who have been there from the beginning, ERIC always keeps the energy high, even when the journey grows demanding.
This energy appears once again, consistently, on set with ERIC. As effervescent as he is on stage, his unmistakable vibrancy fills the room. The space grows in dimension as if his energy charges, and then transforms the studio. But in between takes, it is obvious that his true charm lies in the quiet that speaks of the duality he wields as an artiste. It is in this delicate balance of energies that ERIC welcomes Men’s Folio into his creative world, ready to speak on the journeys that have shaped him, the rhythms that sustain him, and the vision he bears for what’s to come.
Vest, Moschino; Ear cuff, necklace, rings, bracelet, all Swarovski
Hi ERIC! It’s great to chat after meeting on set for your shoot with Men’s Folio. How was your experience today?
To be honest, I was so thrilled that I could hardly sleep the night before. It’s my first solo photoshoot since my debut, which explains my happiness and excitement!
That’s great to hear! Were there any highlights for you?
The most memorable moment was when, at a certain point, everyone on set gasped in awe at the same time. I was really proud!
Sweater, pants, belt, all Onitsuka Tiger; Ear cuff, necklaces, all Swarovski
While we were on set, I noticed how excited you got in discussing the looks and chatting with our team! What keeps you so energetic?
I believe that a very important part of our job is our communication with those around us. That’s why I was discussing looks and poses on set to get the best outcome! And about my energy…“you only live once,” right? My motto is to live to my fullest.
Generally, you’re known to be someone who radiates happiness and good energy. Is there a personality trait of yours that helps you see past negative times?
Being positive and having trust in yourself is the key to success, for whatever you do. It’s not always easy not to look back on the past, but I will always try to move forward.
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Does it ever get tiring to be the one who is always thinking positively and encouraging others — not just THE BOYZ, but THE Bs too. Is there someone who motivates you like how you motivate others?
To be honest, there are times when it makes me a little sad if I feel like others aren’t being encouraged… But in those moments, it’s always THE Bs who give me strength. They’re not only the reason I cheer others on; in fact, I find myself motivated by them, too.
I guess this is one takeaway from your idol journey. Have you discovered anything else about yourself in being an idol?
I feel I found the real “me” and discovered what kind of person I am. I definitely gained more self-confidence too.
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Congratulations on the new chapter with THE BOYZ’s agency, new album a;effect, and new world tour! How has it been juggling all the preparations, and what are some hopes you have for this new era of THE BOYZ?
These days, I’ve been focusing on my own growth and the happiness I share with THE B. As always, I look forward to the future that awaits us, a future we’ll share together!
Are there any exciting things you’re looking forward to for the rest of the year?
I’m most excited to meet our THE Bs from all around the world, up close! THE Bs have supported, loved, and waited for THE BOYZ! I’ll make you fall for us all over again with more high-energy performances.
Vest, pants, all Moschino; Ear cuff, necklace, all Swarovski; Belt, Onitsuka Tiger
Was it challenging to transition from growing up in the US to finding new roots in Korea? Do you ever feel like you live between two worlds?
Not really! Growing up in Los Angeles helped me to become ERIC of THE BOYZ. I was very energetic and loved to meet and bond with new people. I played a lot of sports too, which made me a “teamwork” kind of guy! When I first came to Korea from the US, a lot was different, and I had to adapt to many things, but the members very kindly helped me to get used to them.
I was just about to ask, as the youngest of the group, would you say that you felt like your members have raised you in some way?
Yeah, I actually do feel like my members raised me! It may sound funny, but it’s for real [laughs]. I first got to know them when I was 14. I feel like we grew up and matured together. JUYEON hyung especially helped me to mature; he influenced me to see the world differently.
So what does “home” mean to you now?
To me, home is THE BOYZ. And my best friend’s house would be “THE Bs”. Both of them make me feel comfortable and let me be myself!
Jacket, shirt, shorts, all Moschino; Necklace, Swarovski
It’s been more than a decade since you began your journey as a K-pop idol, and so it seems fitting that you’ve recently evolved from an artiste to a mentor on iQIYI’s Starlight Boys. What was it like to mentor the next generation of the industry?
Having the chance to be a mentor to the next generation was an absolute honour. I wanted to share with them what I’ve already experienced. I also learned a lot from the trainees. I think you could say that they motivated me!
As a public figure, what kind of legacy do you hope to be remembered for?
I don’t want to be merely remembered as an artiste, but instead as a person who was sincere and loving to others.
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Growing up also means becoming more independent and experimenting with your own sounds and creative visions. Is there anything you’d like to try as a solo artiste?
If I were to do a solo project in the future (and I will), I want to try everything! When I say everything, I literally mean everything [laughs], from hardcore and dance and K-pop to R&B to rap and more. Everything.
Are you the kind of person who revisits the past often, likes to live in the present, or moves ahead with the future in mind?
I do look back on the past from time to time, but I try to stay focused on the present, because I believe that’s what makes the future possible. Revisiting the past helps me to reflect on my former self; to learn from the parts that need improvement, and to learn again from the parts worth revisiting.
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THE BOYZ has been through a lot as a group — different phases, changes, and challenges. What has kept you going through it all?
This may sound cliché, but it’s our fans, THE Bs. If it weren’t for them, THE BOYZ and I would not be here doing what we do.
The way you interact with THE Bs is charged with affection. Is there a moment with THE Bs you look back on fondly?
Rather than any particular moment that stands out, I cherish and hold every single moment I share with my fans dearly.
Sweater, Onitsuka Tiger; Ear cuff, necklaces, all Swarovski
I guess this is what adds to the sentimentality that we see, especially during encores of your world tours. What motivates you to authentically share that side of you?
I believe it’s important for artistes and fans to share their feelings honestly. Maybe that’s why at the end of our concerts, I always try to convey my genuine thoughts and emotions to The Bs.
Finally, on the note of genuine thoughts and emotions, “Always remember that ERIC loves you” is a beloved catchphrase that you often use with THE Bs. How did this come about?
I hope for every single one of THE Bs, all around the world, to know that they are loved by so many people. The phrase “Always remember, ERIC loves you” came up a while ago when a fan told me she feels like she isn’t loved by anyone. So, of course, I also hope that THE Bs always know and remember that I love them.
Jacket, shirt, all Moschino; Necklace, Swarovski
Photography Kim Yoonoo
Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Interview Vanessa Grace Ng
Fashion Coordination Manfred Lu
Grooming Lee Lee Won
Hair Kim Jeong Hyun
Production Seoyul Oh
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our September 2025 issue.