AEN Debuts with X to Z (Next to Me) and Launches Fandom Aneee

AEN, a Korean‑Japanese boy group created by Starship Entertainment and Japan’s Amuse, officially entered the music market on August 5, 2026. The group released the extended play A New Era Of Now and its title track, “X to Z (Next to Me),” in both Korea and Japan at the same time.

The single blends electronic rock elements with a traditional rock foundation. Producers layered electric guitar riffs with synth‑bass lines, creating a sound that the group describes as a “fusion of power and melody.” The chorus is designed to be memorable, with a hook that repeats the phrase “Next to me” in both Korean and Japanese.

AEN’s debut performance was highlighted by a suit‑dance video posted on 1theK. In the clip, the seven members wear black suits and perform a restrained, synchronized routine that emphasizes the group’s sharp choreography. A separate practice‑room video shows the members rehearsing in casual attire, showcasing individual styles while maintaining overall cohesion.

On August 6, the group announced the name of its official fan club: Aneee (stylized as A.Nee). The name means “those who always share eternity with AEN.” Membership for the fan club will open on August 10 at 2:00 p.m. KST through the fan‑community platform Berriz. New members will receive digital membership cards, exclusive merchandise‑purchase rights, access to behind‑the‑scenes content, and priority tickets for solo performances.

AEN consists of seven members: Jiyong, Bomin, Kyuhyun, Haru, Haruto, Junseo, and Kyla. Four members are Korean and three are Japanese, reflecting the group’s cross‑national concept. The members’ ages range from 18 to 22, and the group’s name is an abbreviation of A New Era Of Now, signaling a commitment to redefining the present moment.

The joint venture between Starship Entertainment and Amuse positions AEN as a global act from the outset. Starship, a major Korean agency known for groups such as Monsta X and Ive, brings experience in K‑pop production and international promotion. Amuse, a Japanese company that manages a wide array of artists, provides access to the Japanese market and a network of local media outlets.

AEN’s debut strategy mirrors a growing trend of cross‑border collaborations in the music industry. By releasing the EP simultaneously in two major markets and offering bilingual content, the group aims to build a fan base that spans both countries. The simultaneous release also allows for coordinated marketing campaigns, including music‑video premieres, live‑streamed performances, and social‑media promotion on platforms popular in each region.

As of the latest reports, the EP has entered the Korean digital charts within the top 20 and has begun streaming on major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Kakao M. In Japan, the single has appeared on the Oricon daily chart, reflecting early traction among listeners.

AEN’s debut marks the first major joint project between Starship Entertainment and Amuse. The partnership demonstrates a continued effort by both companies to expand their influence beyond domestic borders and to cultivate artists capable of competing in the global music market.

The group’s next steps will include a series of promotional appearances on music shows in Korea and television programs in Japan. The fan‑club launch on August 10 will also provide a structured way for fans to engage with the group’s content and upcoming events.

In summary, AEN’s debut with “X to Z (Next to Me)” and the launch of the Aneee fan club establish the group’s presence in both Korea and Japan, while the joint venture between Starship Entertainment and Amuse positions the act for sustained international activity.