It has been revealed that TBS will be broadcasting a drama series set in the world of K-POP in the Friday 10pm slot starting in January 2026. The drama, titled "DREAM STAGE," will feature a seven-member boy band before they make their debut as artists, and will launch a large-scale project that goes beyond the scope of a drama, including music distribution and live events as pre-promotional activities aimed at expanding Japanese live-action content overseas.
"DREAM STAGE" is a K-pop version of a sports drama, in which a Japanese male producer who was expelled from the industry for causing trouble in the past and seven dropout trainees belonging to a small Korean talent agency work together to pursue their dreams, transcending generations and nationalities. The series will be produced by Takahashi Masanao, known for "TOKYO MER: Running Emergency Room," and Yagi Ami of Daiei TV. The main cast, including the protagonist, the Japanese producer who forms a strong bond with the members, will be announced at a later date.
The seven-member boy band "NAZE" was selected from various Asian countries over a three-year period by CJ ENM Japan, the Japanese subsidiary of CJ ENM, one of Korea's largest comprehensive entertainment companies that has produced numerous K-pop groups, and the Korean talent agency C9 Entertainment. The group is made up of seven members: Ato, Yoongi, Kim Gun, and Dohyuk, all from Korea; Tarn from Thailand; and Kaisei and Yuya, all from Japan.
Kaisei, from Osaka, is the oldest member of the group and is known for his handsome features and gentle demeanor. Yoongi is from Korea and has a bright and lively personality. He has trained at two major Korean entertainment agencies and is fluent in English. Ato is from Korea and is known for his beautiful singing voice. With his cute looks and positive personality, he is a leader who leads the team and is skilled at playing the piano. Tan, who is from Thailand, is an all-rounder who excels in singing, dancing, and rapping, and is said to have had 1 million followers on TikTok while he was in Thailand.
Yuya is from Hokkaido and has been learning breakdancing since he was a child. He is a talented dancer and has even won awards in competitions. Kim Gun is from South Korea. He is the mood maker who brightens up the team and has charming innocent expressions and gestures. Dohyuk is also from South Korea. He is the youngest member of the group and leaves a strong impression with his visuals that combine youthfulness and beauty. He is a member who is expected to show great growth in the future.
It has also been decided that "NAZE" will be launching various activities and content, including music distribution and live events, as pre-season activities prior to the drama's broadcast. While living together and aiming for their debut, they are devoting themselves to rigorous daily lessons in dance, voice training, language practice, and even trying their hand at full-scale acting for the first time. The members' growth as they undergo a series of first-time experiences will be a highlight, but the streaming content "Nazedori? ~NAZE? DREAM STAGE~," which will allow viewers to watch the members' growth and true selves, will be streamed on TBS's official YouTube channel "YouTuboo" and "TVer" (full version) every Friday from August 8th at 11pm (no streaming on August 15th, streaming on the 16th).
◇Comment from Masanao Takahashi
Just like Hollywood films, Korean dramas, and Japanese manga and anime, I want to one day deliver live-action Japanese content to people all over the world... I've always shoved such naive thoughts to the back of my throat, thinking they were just fantasies. But just as "Godzilla 1.0" achieved its "dream" of winning an Academy Award thanks to the dedicated efforts of its staff, even we drama makers can surely see something if we reach out desperately. This time, I see this as a challenge to turn that "fantasy" into a "dream." Using K-POP, beloved by people all over the world, and with the help of everyone at NAZE, our superstars in the making, I'll do my best to create entertainment that can be enjoyed on a global scale.
