POW | Photo courtesy of Grid Entertainment

“Girlfriend” by Avril Lavigne, released in 2007, became iconic, a striking anthem reminiscent of many people’s youth. Almost two decades later, the track would resonate with a new generation, proving music’s timelessness and universal appeal. Rising global boy group POW—with members YORCH, HYUNBIN, JUNGBIN, DONGYEON, and HONG—reimagined the classic hit with the track “Boyfriend,” the sound, theme, and vibe appealing to a modern set of listeners.  

“Ever since we were trainees, we were huge fans of Avril Lavigne,” DONGYEON confessed. These power rookies debuted in October 2023 with the track “Favorite.” This was followed by singles “Valentine” and “Sunset,” with YORCH participating in composing and arranging, and all POW members contributing to the lyrics. 

This talented five-member group is steadily gaining attention in the music scene, expanding their discography with their latest offering, “Gimme Love,” which was released in February.

The song displays a different side of POW, an easy, heart-fluttering piece that revolves around the theme of confession. Unlike their previous high-energy drops, “Gimme Love” is whimsical and delicate, reminiscent of young love. “It was inspired by our fans and captured the feelings that I felt thanks to them,” YORCH told Metro.Style. After creating the song’s melodies, he began co-writing the piece with fellow member JUNGBIN. The two wrote the lyrics, aiming to produce something that clearly reflected their true feelings. 

“We spent most of our time thinking about how we should word our confession, and how we should confess, so that these feelings are conveyed,” JUNGBIN shared. They believe that the sentence “I love you” isn’t the only way to express love, so they came up with the perfect lyrics that capture that affection they have for their beloved POWER, their fanbase. 

This is where POW gets its strength—from its community of supporters who have been cheering for the group since day one. Despite their relatively new-kids-on-the-block status, the quintet has been receiving so much love that they, too, want to give back.

“They [their fans] were able to witness our growth,” DONGYEON pointed out. “It made me feel that they were with us from the beginning and loved us forever.” 

Reminiscing on one memorable moment in their almost two-year career, JUNGBIN recalled how fans who went to see them at the Rabbit to the Moon 2025 festival in Thailand told them how nice it would be for them to hold a concert in a big venue like that, filled with POWERs. “I realized that they were dreaming with us and imagining a bright future together,” he said.

The members also take inspiration from artists they look up to in the scene. While Avril Lavigne definitely tops their list, major K-pop artists like BTS, GOT7, SUPER JUNIOR, IU, and BIGBANG also serve as their role models. 

When asked about their future releases, they talked about being open to writing more songs themselves. “We would love to write more songs if we have the chance,” HYUNBIN shared, while JUNGBIN teased, “You will hear our music when the time comes.”

Meanwhile, HONG, who YORCH said gives them great ideas, expresses his desire to explore different genres for POW’s music. “But among these,” he pointed out, “I want to explore the topic of love—basically draw out a mind map of that feeling.” 

In 2023, POW visited the Philippines for a store opening and eagerly shared their positive experience in the country. DONGYEON said he was surprised to see fans waiting for them and chanting their names upon their arrival. “I told my mother that I was going to the Philippines, and she told me, ‘People are going to welcome you!’ and they really did! It made me want to go there again.”

Given the chance to visit the Philippines again, it is part of their bucket list to check out the beaches and indulge in Filipino cuisine. “I want to go there and eat delicious food with our members and run around the beach,” DONGYEON said.

As summer is here, you can expect more surprises from K-pop's newest “Boyfriends”—all set to turn the heat on with their powerful vocals and moves.

Photos courtesy of Grid Entertainment