Japanese K-Pop members Miraku and Kenshin share their audition experiences and personal growth in their first interview together.

Two Japanese members who survived harsh survival in Korea have their first discussion! Miraku from NouerA and Kenshin from CLOSE YOUR EYES talked about audition secrets. The K-Pop music festival "Kstyle PARTY 2026" will be held at K Arena Yokohama over two days on May 9 (Saturday) and May 10 (Sunday). An interview discussion between Miraku from NouerA and Kenshin from CLOSE YOUR EYES, who performed on the 9th, took place. Miraku is a Japanese member who decided to debut from "MAKEMATE1" (broadcasting from May to July 2024), and Kenshin from "PROJECT 7" (broadcasting from October to December 2024), both from the same school year. Although they knew of each other's existence, they had not had the opportunity to speak directly until this interview, marking their memorable "first talk." -- First, please introduce yourselves. Kenshin: I am Kenshin from CLOSE YOUR EYES! I am from Aomori Prefecture, born on December 2, 2007. My MBTI is ENFP. My favorite food is... seaweed. I love Korean seaweed! Miraku: Hello! I am Miraku, the youngest (maknae) of NouerA. I am from Tokyo, born on February 13, 2008. My MBTI is... "CUTE"! ... Oh, just kidding (laughs). Actually, I am ENFJ. My favorite food is convenience store steamed buns! Kenshin: Oh! ENFJ? I was ENFJ when I was in Japan, but I changed to ENFP after coming to Korea. Miraku: Really? That's almost the same! I feel like I am currently in the process of "changing" (laughs). Since we are in the same school year, I am happy we have many common points! -- Today, it's your first time talking together, but what are your impressions of each other? Miraku: We have crossed paths on music programs, but there haven't been many opportunities. However, I thought Kenshin-kun had a lot of charisma and wanted to talk to him. I want to become friends today! Kenshin: I also met everyone from NouerA when I debuted, but I was so busy that I don't remember much... (laughs). Now that I have a bit more time, I am happy to talk like this. Miraku-senpai is very easy to talk to and fun to be with. -- Both of you have a common background in audition programs; do you have any memorable experiences or episodes that helped you grow during the program? Kenshin: When I went to Korea, I really couldn't speak Korean. I only knew three phrases: "Annyeonghaseyo," "Gamsahamnida," and "Ne (yes)." But I felt that all the Japanese trainees, Korean members, and kids from other countries helped me a lot. I don't think I would be here now without that mutual support. I am really grateful. Miraku: Since "Nizi Project Season 2" was my first audition program, I had a strong feeling of "I must seize this opportunity" when I challenged myself in "MAKEMATE1." -- Are there any common experiences during audition programs? Miraku: The waiting time for group filming scenes is really long, and there were times when I got so sleepy that I almost lost consciousness... (laughs). Kenshin: That's common, right? (laughs). In "PROJECT 7," there were 200 participants in the first stage, so filming continued for a long time until everyone's performance was over, which was tough...! Miraku: Actually, I watched "PROJECT 7." I had acquaintances participating, and when I saw Kenshin-kun performing "MANIAC" (original song by Stray Kids), I thought, "He's Japanese! Amazing, I hope he does well," and cheered for him in my heart. Kenshin: What!? You were watching? I'm happy! -- How did you learn Korean? Kenshin: I brought a book to study Korean, but talking a lot with Koreans was the best way. I like to talk, so I kept asking the hyungs (older brothers), "Teach me!" Miraku: I initially memorized words related to body parts that I might use in dance lessons by writing them down repeatedly. I tested myself every day, and when I heard those words during lessons, I had moments of connecting, thinking, "Oh, I know that word!" -- What do you focus on in communication with your members? Kenshin: At first, I didn't understand Korean and spoke casually to the hyungs. Now I think it was rude... (laughs). Now, even with close friends, I try to maintain proper etiquette. I have a hyung (Jeong Minuk) who is 8 years older than me in my group. Miraku: I am originally a friendly person, so I try to be bright and initiate conversations. I think, "The other person might be lonely (in a foreign country), so let's be cheerful!" -- Do you have any role models or artists you look up to? Miraku: I have loved G-DRAGON since I was young. Also, as a fellow warrior of the same era, I think of Kenshin-kun! When I see videos of CLOSE YOUR EYES on social media, I check them out and feel motivated to "do my best." Kenshin: I also look up to Miraku-senpai! When I see him on TikTok, I think, "Oh, he's cool! Cute!" -- Finally, please give a message to the fans who have been watching you through the audition programs on ABEMA. Miraku: Thank you for always supporting us! We will continue to work hard together and make the Japanese K-Pop scene even more exciting. We appreciate your interest and support! Kenshin: We are based in Korea, but Japanese members are working hard. We want to be active in Japan as well, so please support us. See you again! -- Thank you! This year marks the third K-Pop music festival "Kstyle PARTY 2026" presented by Kstyle, which is available for free catch-up streaming on "ABEMA" until May 31 (Sunday). On DAY 1, May 9 (Saturday), BOYNEXTDOOR, TAEMIN, TWS, NouerA, CLOSE YOUR EYES, and SAY MY NAME performed. On DAY 2, May 10 (Sunday), luxurious artists such as RIIZE, SUPER JUNIOR-D&E, AHOF, YENA, Chang Hanum, and Royal 44 gathered.