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| New TBS Friday Drama “DREAM STAGE” Launches Alongside Ambitious K-POP Project |
TBS is kicking off 2026 with a big bang – and a whole lot of rhythm – as they officially announced their new winter drama DREAM STAGE, set to air from January in the coveted Friday 10 pm slot.
Billed as a “K-POP sports drama” of sorts, the series swaps stadiums for stages, telling the underdog story of a once-respected Japanese producer who gets expelled from the music scene after a scandal, and seven dropout trainees from a struggling Korean entertainment agency.
Together, they’ll defy the odds, push through the gruelling grind of the industry, and chase the dream they almost gave up on.
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But DREAM STAGE isn’t just another drama – it’s the centrepiece of a large-scale cross-media project that blends fiction with reality.
The seven-member boy group starring in the series, NAZE (short for New Adventure’s Zestyfull Echo), aren’t just acting. They’re an actual group, formed by CJ ENM Japan and C9 Entertainment after a three-year hunt across Asia for the perfect line-up.
NAZE will be rolling out plenty of pre-debut content – live events, behind-the-scenes videos, and special activities – long before the first episode even hits the airwaves, giving fans a front-row seat to both their real and fictional journeys.
Meet the Members of NAZE
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Kaisei (2004, Japan) – The Osaka-born eldest member, bringing maturity and charisma to the team.
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Younki (2005, Korea) – Trained at two major K-pop agencies, fluent in English, and brimming with ambition.
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Ato (2005, Korea) – Group leader with a stunning voice and serious piano skills.
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Turn (2005, Thailand) – A triple threat in singing, dancing, and rapping, already boasting over 1 million TikTok followers.
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Yuya (2006, Japan) – Hokkaido native and breakdance prodigy since childhood.
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Kimkun (2007, Korea) – The cheerful mood maker who keeps spirits high.
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DoHyeok (2008, Korea) – The youngest, but determined to prove age is no barrier to talent.
With its cross-border cast, high-energy theme, and blend of drama and real-world idol activities, DREAM STAGE is looking to be one of the most talked-about TV projects of early 2026.