Interview: Meet KO1KEYZ, The Newest Japanese-Korean Group Ready to Unlock Your Heart
Updated: 2 hours ago
Taking the stage for the first time abroad back in August at KCON LA, newcomers KO1KEYZ began their set with “SHINSEKAI 新世界,” the opening theme of the survival show that united them as a group. It was a significant moment that marked the start of their careers as artists. Full of anticipation, fans lined up at the barricades with encouraging signs in bright neon colors, holding up their names.
The 12-member group formed on Produce 101 Japan Shinsekai, a survival show that brought together 123 trainees who spent three months competing for the chance to debut, now join the franchise’s growing roster of groups alongside JO1, INI, and ME:I. In the end, Daiki, Siyoung, Yura, Yoshiki, Shinhaeng, Ryuji, Issa, Yuki, Towa, Kosuke, Ryoga, and Keito became KO1KEYZ.
Now, months later, they made their first official appearance overseas on the first day of KCON LA 2026. Just before their 11 AM debut showcase on the TOYOTA DEN STAGE at the Los Angeles Convention Center, dressed in all white, keeping a fresh concept, the group huddled up backstage—but rather than feeling nervous, they were enjoying everything. “We’re all so grateful to have the opportunity to perform at KCON LA, and it’s our very first stage,” says the soft-spoken Shinhaeng. “So, we just want to make everyone smile and feel excited.”
With a big smile, Towa reflects on the moment he was announced as the final member of the debuting lineup. “I was really happy that I was going to debut, and then, well, it was my biggest dream,” he says. “I want to try my best and be a top idol.”
The story behind the name KO1KEYZ combines the two Japanese meanings of “koi” as in “love” and “come”; it translates into their greeting of “Unlock Your Heart,” welcoming listeners to “'come here and fall in love' as we are the key to our fans’ hearts. We want to make them fall in love with us,” as Daiki, the group’s leader, adds.
The group’s foundation has been built around an international focal point, comprising Korean and Japanese members who speak both languages as well as English. Separate debut dates for Japanese and Korean releases are usually months or even years apart. However, KO1KEYZ are the first from Lapone Entertainment, amongst others in the K-pop and J-pop sector, to have a joint debut on October 7. “I see it this way, the strength of our group is that we can be a connecting point or a bridge point between the two cultures of Japanese and Korean,” Siyoung says. “Also, we can grow as a global group; that’s an advantage that we have.”
Many obstacles were faced during the airing of Produce 101 Japan, but with those experiences behind them, they’re now learning to navigate their different personalities. “What we anticipate the most is that we will be able to see a lot of our fans [and] another thing is performing on stage,” says Yura, with his usual reserved confidence. “And because we have 12 members in our group, before and during the preparations, it was a challenge for us to reach a consensus often. So that’s something we encountered during our practices.”
Each member has a unique attractiveness that highlights their individuality as well as their role within the group. The youngest member, with a delightful smile, Yuki, brings cheerful vibes. Quiet and observant, Ryoga brings a powerful impression to the group. Keito, the oldest member, depicts the process of evolution. Always challenging himself, Kosuke’s spirit is full of hard work and drive. Yoshiki, with his soft pink hair and endearing look, wants his vocals to push KO1KEYZ further into the global sphere. Issa captured the hearts of fans and viewers with his unique voice and sweet aura. Ryuji, who isn't afraid to show his emotions, does so with ease through his vocals.
As they continue to share new experiences, Siyoung, whose artistry was apparent early on, expects that their eagerness and determination to do well won’t go unnoticed on and off stage. “More than anything, I hope we can stay healthy, hold on to the mindset we had when we first started, and keep doing what we love without getting hurt, physically or emotionally,” he says. “There may be difficult moments along the way, but I hope we always remember to take care of ourselves and stay grateful.”
“I [also] hope the 12 of us can continue growing even closer, like family, and remain incredibly important to one another no matter what,” he adds. “I just want us to keep walking this path together the way we are now.”
During KO1KEYZ's showcase, fans got to learn the key to each member’s appeal, and the audience got a sneak peek of their debut single, “KO1KEYZ,” which would be heard later on at their M COUNTDOWN stage that night. They also planned a surprise performance of “Soda Pop” from the popular movie Kpop Demon Hunters, joined in on singing and dance challenges, and closed out by giving three lucky fans special gifts at the end.
As their trip to KCON LA 2026 concluded, emotions were positively high, as Shinhaeng explained. “I was genuinely so happy that we were able to stand on stage as KO1KEYZ and introduce ourselves to fans from around the world,” he says. “We hadn’t even officially debuted yet, so the fact that we were already being given the opportunity to perform on such a huge global stage meant so much to me,” he says.
“From being chosen as one of the 12 members through the audition program to receiving so much love from our fans and eventually making it all the way to KCON LA, I felt grateful for every step that brought us there,” he elaborates. "I remember thinking, ‘We have to make the most of this incredible opportunity and give it everything we have.’”
Siyoung shares that his personal goal for the group is to create a lasting connection with each other and their fans. “There’s something very special I’d love to give our KO1KEYZ members one day,” he says. “What exactly that is will have to stay a secret for now! Whatever experiences and opportunities come our way, I want us to approach them all with gratitude. There might be some ups and downs along the way, but I hope the 12 of us can stay together and keep making happy memories with [our fans], KO1LY, who made it possible for us to be here. I’m excited for us to keep writing our own story together.”
Even as new artists embarking on uncharted territory, they have already made a statement about who they are: A group that embodies gratification and, most importantly, values a strong bond.
Did you get to witness KO1KEYZ's debut stage at KCON LA? What are you most excited about KO1KEYZ's music? Let us know in the comments below or connect with us over X or Instagram.
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Edited by Martina Yee
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