Making Their Mark: Get To Know Rising P-pop Boy Group New:ID

As the popularity and influence of modern P-pop continue to soar, more and more groups are debuting left and right, ready to bring their unique brand of artistry to the flourishing genre. Debuting just last July, one of the young groups you should look out for are New:ID.

Brought together in 2023 by Dream Maker — the very same survival show that formed HORI7ON, the quintet composed of Thad, Wilson, L, Macky, and Jom are chasing and seizing their dreams as one. Together, they are prepared to prove that as long as they share a common goal, nothing is impossible for New:ID.

Backed by extensive training and preparation both in the Philippines and in South Korea, the rookie boy group are out to make waves, breaking into the scene with the emotional, upbeat debut single “Ghost.” Selflessly supported by a growing, united fandom of their own, the five look to consistently conquer more and more stages locally and internationally. Undoubtedly, while their journey has only begun, they are ready to make their own mark on the global stage as they proudly wave high the banner of P-pop.

With this, it is only fitting to get to know this promising unit of talented individuals even better. In order to do this, Billboard Philippines sat down to have a fun chat with New:ID. We discussed their time on Dream Maker and the group’s bond and experiences training in South Korea, their debut with “Ghost” as well as asked them to reveal fun facts about themselves, and more.

Billboard Philippines: First of all, congratulations on the release of “Ghost” last month!

New:ID: Thank you po!

So, how does it feel to finally make your official debut?

Thad: After a year of training in Korea, it’s been a tough journey po, actually. Kasi hindi lang dance, singing, and rapping lessons ‘yung natanggap namin. We also had other lessons. For example, mayroon po kaming selfie lessons, media training. And ‘yung gym talaga and health personal training! We had to run outside kahit winter! *laughs*

(After a year of training in Korea, it’s been a tough journey, actually. Because we didn’t just receive dance, singing, and rapping lessons. We also had other lessons. For example, we had selfie lessons, media training. And the gym and health personal training! We had to run outside even though it was winter!)

L: It was snowing!

Thad: [Even if it was] -5, -8 [degrees], we had to run to strengthen our stamina. Pero sobrang saya rin kasi maganda ‘yung kinalabasan!

(Even if it was -5, -8 degrees, we had to run to strengthen our stamina. But it was still so fun because the results were good!)

L: And we get to perform in front of our supporters. Kasi medyo matagal rin po kaming nag-training so sabik na sabik po kaming mag-perform in front of people. Ngayon po na nakapag-debut na kami, nagagawa na po namin siya ngayon. Sobra po ‘yung kilig na nararamdaman namin kasi sobrang gusto po namin ‘tong ginagawa namin.

(And we get to perform in front of our supporters. Because we trained for quite a while so we were very eager to perform in front of people. Now that we’ve debuted, we’re now able to do that. We feel so much joy because we really love what we’re doing.)

Let’s go back to the beginning for a bit. All five of you were contestants on Dream Maker. Looking back, what were some memorable moments you had with each other during your time on the show?

L: Ako po, siguro ‘yung pinaka-memorable kong experience is wala po talaga sa kanila. *laughs*

(For me, maybe the most memorable moment is not with them. *laughs*)

Kasi sumali po ako ng Dream Maker na hindi buo ‘yung loob ko. So parang, naiisip ko every round na matatanggal na ako. ‘Yun po ‘yung mindset ko everytime kaya hindi na ako nakagawa ng friends. Kapag na-attach din po ako sa mga tao, mahirap na rin po ako mag-detach. So, ganun po ‘yung mindset ko: hindi ako gagawa ng friends para hindi ako malungkot kapag natanggal na ako. 

(Because I enjoyed Dream Maker with my heart not completely in it. So like, I kept thinking during every round that I would get eliminated. That was my mindset every time so I wasn’t able to make friends. It’s because when I get attached to people, I find it hard to detach from them. So that was my mindset: I won’t make friends so I won’t get sad when I get eliminated.)

But then, nakaabot po ako ng finals at nakapunta ng Korea na kasama sila! So, doon na lang po nag-start ‘yung bond namin.

(But then, I reached the finals and I got to go to Korea with them! So, that’s only when the bond between us started.)

Thad: Okay lang ma-attach ka kasi…

(It’s okay for you to get attached because…)

L: Kasi?

(Because?)

Thad: Kasi mayroon tayong mahabang contract together!

(Because we have a long contract together!)

Wilson: For me, I also didn’t have that many memorable moments with all of them because there were so many contestants on the survival show. I didn’t get to meet every single one of them. But I actually got to meet Jom because we worked together on the first mission!

You, Macky?

Macky: Ako naman po is ‘yung finals kasi nagkasakit po ako noon. *laughs* Ubo saka sipon. Three days lang po namin pinaghandaan ‘yung finals. Nasa isip ko, “Kaya ko ba ‘to? Kaya ko bang mag-perform?” Tapos ‘yun naman po, nakapag-perform naman po!

(For me, it was during the finals because I got sick back then. *laughs* I got a cough and a runny nose. We had only three days to prepare for the finals. What was on my mind was, “Can I do this? Can I perform?” But then, I was able to perform somehow!)

Thad: For me, ‘yung every single time na i–a-approach ako ni Wilson just to talk. Kasi we were groupmates po when we were still training pre-show. And then, every time, lumalapit lang po talaga siya tapos natatakot ako!

(For me, it’s every single time Wilson would approach me just to talk. Because we were groupmates when we were still training pre-show. And then, every time, he would just approach me and I’d get scared!)

Thad: Kasi ang laki ‘nya pong tao! And that time, ako po ‘yung leader [ng group]. E ang liit-liit ko po. Sino naman ba ako para pagsabihan ‘yung napalaking tao, ‘di ba? *laughs*

(Because he’s a huge person! And that time, I was the leader of our group. But I’m such a small person. Who am I to tell off such a huge person, right? *laughs*)

Thad: He’s kind but he was just tall and scary. But now na groupmates na [kami sa New:ID], he’s a gentle giant po pala!

(He’s kind but he was just tall and scary. But now that we’re groupmates in New:ID already, he’s apparently a gentle giant!)

How about you, Jom?

Jom: Memorable experiences with them [during the show]? Wala rin masyado pero nung first two weeks ng training namin, ka-close ko po noon sina Thad. And then, eventually, si Wilson po. And then Macky. Feeling ko po nakausap ko naman po silang lahat.

(Memorable experiences with them during the show? Not that much as well but during the first two week of our training, I was already close with Thad. And then, eventually, Wilson. And then Macky. I feel like I got to talk with all of them somehow.)

Thad: Social butterfly!

Jom: Hindi po!

(Not really!)

Ano lang talaga, talagang hindi lang po ako namimili kung sino po ‘yung sasamahan.

(It’s just that, I’m not really picky with who I hang out with.)

Thad: Pero thankfully, kahit wala po kaming history during the show, ngayon, grabe na po ‘yung bond [namin] because of the training in Korea!

(But thankfully, even though we didn’t have history during the show, now, our bond is something else because of the training in Korea!)

Jom: At saka sa pag-aaway din po.

(Because of our fights as well.)

Thad: Sino ba kasi hindi naglinis nung CR?

(So, who didn’t clean the restroom?)

Fast-forward later on, after it was announced that the five of you will form a group and debut together, you underwent training and other preparations, as you’ve mentioned, in Korea. You also released two pre-debut singles, “E.R” and “Deja vu.” So, what was it like preparing for your debut? During this time, what were the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?

Thad: For us, during pre-debut, siyempre, trainees lang po kami. Sanay kami na kami-kami lang. But then once they announced that we we’re gonna have a pre-debut song, parang na-pressure po kaming lahat na in this span of time, kailangan sanay kang kantahin lahat while running or while dancing full-out.

(For us, during pre-debut, of course, we were just trainees. Sanay kami na kami-kami lang. But then once they announced that we we’re gonna have a pre-debut song, parang na-pressure po kaming lahat na in this span of time, kailangan sanay kang kantahin lahat while running or while dancing full-out.

L: [There was] pressure din from our audience. Kasi, siyempre, feeling po namin mayroon po silang sine-set na expectations kasi, ayun nga po, we trained in Korea. So, ayun. Medyo na-pressure din po kami that time. 

(There was also pressure from our audience. Because, of course, we had a feeling that they had expectations they were setting because, again, we trained in Korea. So, there. We were a bit pressured at that time.)

Thad: But we still had so much fun preparing for our debut!

In relation to the last question, when comparing when the group was first formed last year to now that you’ve finally debuted, in what ways do you see that you have improved as artists and as performers?

Jom: Dati po talaga, before Dream Maker, I was just a dancer. Then, nung natapos na po [‘yung show], nag-training kami and pinag-rap po ako. Now, I can say that I can rap [as well]!

(In the past, before Dream Maker, I was just a dancer. Then, when the show ended, we underwent training and they made me learn how to rap. Now, I can say that I can rap as well!)

Macky: Ako naman po, nung sa Dream Maker po, tinesting ko lang po talaga na sumali kasi gusto ko pong matutunan na magkaroon ako ng confidence sa sarili. Hindi rin po ako kagalingan kumanta; hindi po ako marunong sumayaw. Pero nung nag-training po kami dito sa Philippines at sa Korea po, marami po akong natutunan, hindi lang po sa skills. Natuto rin po kaming maging patient and hardworking. Tinuruan din po nila kaming maging responsible. 

(As for me, during Dream Maker, I really just joined as a test because I wanted to learn to have confidence in myself. I’m not that great at singing; I didn’t know how to dance. But when we trained in the Philippines and in Korea, I learned a lot, not just in skills. We also learned how to be patient and hardworking. They also taught us how to be responsible.)

Wilson: I can honestly say that, compared to when we started training in Korea, there’s a very very big difference. Because the training in Korea was honestly the most important part that really shaped our personalities, our dancing skills, our vocal skills. We’re actually very thankful that we had so many people — our mentors — help us improve much more. I think all will agree with me that we really changed so much during our time in Korea and we’re super thankful for that.

With that, let’s get to know you all even better individually. For each member, what is one fun fact you can share about yourself that your fans probably don’t know yet?

Thad: Sobrang open kasi natin, so alam na nila lahat! *laughs*

(We’re so open, so they know everything already!)

Well, then that’s the challenge for you today!

Jom: Ako po, kahit ano pong drinks, kahit kape — kahit na matapang po na kape — parang binu-buko juice ko lang po siya. Mabilisan lang po talaga!

(For me, no matter what drink it is, even if it’s coffee — even if it’s strong coffee — I just drink it like it’s coconut juice. Like, really quickly!)

Thad: Ah yes!

L: Parang, wala pang three minutes, ubos na ‘nya!

(Like, he can finish it in three minutes!)

Jom: Opo, kahit matapang po na kape.

(Yup, even if it’s strong coffee)

L: Kasi po ‘di ba? Minsan, lalabas po, bibili ng kape. Kami, inaalog pa lang namin. Siya, naririnig mo na ‘yung ilalim ng cup. 

(Because, right? Sometimes, we’d go out, buy some coffee. Us, we’re still shaking ours. With him, you’d already hear the bottom of the cup.)

Jom: Akala ko po kasi normal lang ‘yung ganung kabilis! Sanay po talaga ako. Ubos kung ubos agad!

(I thought it was normal to drink that quickly! I’m really used to it. Down to the last drop!)

Thad: Ako po, [a] fun fact about me is, kasi, given na sobrang tangkad po ng members namin, I always have to wear platform boots na may insoles na tatlo sa loob!

(For me, a fun fact about me is, because, given that our members are so tall, I always have to wear platform boots with three insoles!)

So, for our one year training in Korea, araw-araw po akong naka-insoles para masanay akong may suot! Kasi ang tangkad po kasi talaga nila and kung hindi po akong mag-insole, ang cute cute ko po namang leader!

So, for our one year training in Korea, I was wearing insoles everyday so that I’d get used to wearing them! It’s because the rest of them really are tall and if I don’t wear insoles, I’d look like a really cute leader.)

Araw-araw masakit paa ko pero it’s for you guys!

(My feet hurt everyday but it’s for you guys!)

Macky: Ako naman po, mahilig po akong manggulat. 

(As for me, I like scaring people.)

L: Sino number one magugulatin? 

(Who’s the number one scaredy cat?)

Macky: Si Thad!

L: Kasi kape nang kape!

(Because he drinks coffee all the time!)

Macky: Kapag may naririnig po akong footsteps, kunwari, sa may elevator, aabangan ko na po sila tapos gugulatin ko po!

(Whenever I’d hear footsteps, for example, at the elevator, I’d wait for them and scare them!)

L: Buti na lang hindi mo nagugulat ‘yung mga staff.

(Good thing you haven’t done it to the staff yet.)

So, Jom isn’t the one who gets surprised easily?

Macky: Magugulatin din po siya! Silang dalawa! *points to Thad and Jom*

(He also gets scared — both of them!)

Thad: Mga kape nang kape!

(Coffee drinkers!)

How about you Wilson?

Wilson: A fun fact about me that I’ve never mentioned before is I love animals, especially baby animals. I really love baby cats. When I see baby cat videos, I can’t stop watching them because they’re so cute!

Another fun fact about me, I don’t like pineapple on pizza.

L: No!

How about the rest of you?

Jom, Thad, Macky, L: We like pineapple on pizza!

Wilson: Ew!

L: Okay, about pizza na lang din ‘yung sa akin! Fun fact, hindi ako kumakain ng crust!

(Okay, mine can be about pizza as well! Fun fact, I don’t eat the crust!)

Thad: What?

L: Bakit? ‘Wag ‘nyo ako awayin!

(Why? Don’t fight me!)

Wilson: Whoa, I’m shocked.

L: Kakainin ko lang po ‘yung may flavor, ‘yung may cheese, ganun. Pero hindi ko po kakainin ‘yung crust.

(I’ll only eat it if it has flavor, like, the ones with cheese. But I don’t usually eat the crust.)

Does it depend on the kind of pizza?

L: If it’s cheese[-stuffed] crust, I will eat. But if it’s just the crust I won’t eat it. But, andiyan naman po si Thad para kainin ‘yung crust ng pizza [for me].

(If it’s cheese-stuffed crust, I will eat. But if it’s just the crust I won’t eat it. But, Thad’s there to eat the crust of the pizza for me.)

Thad: Fun fact din po! *laughs*

(Another fun fact!)

Moving on, currently, you officially have four songs out since the group was formed: “E.R.,” “Deja vu,” “The Day We Meet Again,” and “Ghost.” For each member, among these four songs, which one is your favorite and why?

Macky: Sa akin po, “The Day We Meet Again.” Kasi, unang una po, para po siya sa mga fans, family, at si L po ‘yung nag-compose. 

(For me, it’s  “The Day We Meet Again.” Because, first and foremost, it’s for our fans, our family, and L was the one who composed it.)

L: Ako dapat magsasabi nun e! *laughs*

(I was supposed to say that!)

So, ako rin po, “The Day We Meet Again.” Kasi, ayun nga po, para sa fans ‘yun and ako din po ‘yung nagsulat ng kanta. I’m a huge ballad boy kasi I started off as a soloist na puro ballads lang po ‘yung kinakanta. So, sobrang love ko ‘yung kantang ‘yun everytime ipe-perform po namin, like for mall shows. Even kahit sa CR, nasa playlist ko po siya at kinakanta ko po siya. *laughs*.

So, for me as well, “The Day We Meet Again.” Because, again, it’s for the fans and I was the one who wrote it. I’m a huge ballad boy because I started off as a soloist who only sang ballads. So, I love that song so much everytime we perform it, like for mall shows. Even in the restroom, it’s on my playlist and I sing it.)

Have you written other songs already?

L: When we have free time in Korea, nagta-try po talaga ako magsulat. Kahit for fun lang [or] kapag walang ginagawa. Pero ayun nga po, sobrang thankful po ako [to] MLD [Entertainment] for giving me the freedom para magbigay ng ambag sa debut namin. 

(When we have free time in Korea, I really try to write. Even if it’s just for fun or if we aren’t doing anything. I’m so thankful to MLD Entertainment for giving me the freedom to contribute to our debut.)

Wilson: It’s hard to choose but my favorite two songs are definitely “Ghost” and “Deja vu.” But if I had to pick only one of these two, then, I would go for “Deja vu.” Because, yesterday [at the Watson Playlist 2024 concert], when I took off my shirt, all the people were screaming.

Wilson: There was a picture also [of me] kinda going viral.

Thad: I think your abs are more famous than you now.

Jom: For me, sa apat na [songs] na ‘yun, pipiliin ko “Deja vu” kasi feeling ko ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-may angas po talaga. Kasi mahilig po talaga ako sa maangas na songs, so, yeah, “Deja vu” po sa akin.

(For me, among those four songs, I would pick “Deja vu” because I have this feeling that it’s really the coolest one. It’s because I really like songs with a cool factor so, yeah, it’s “Deja vu” for me.)

Thad: Akin po, “Deja vu” din. Kasi nung finale [ng Dream Maker], naalala ko sinabi ko lang sa sarili ko, “Whoever [becomes] my groupmate, tutulungan ko sila mag-debut,” kasi tinanggap ko na po na, “Okay, hanggang finale na lang ako. Sobrang satisfied na ako rito.” But, ayun, after [the] finale, binigyan kami ng second chance to debut. Kaya, ‘yung song po talaga na ‘yun tumatak na po talaga sa akin and sa mga tao. Kaya, “Deja vu” is such a memorable song for us, not only for me but for the whole group po. 

(For mine, it’s “Deja vu” as well. Because during the finale of Dream Maker, I remember saying to myself, “Whoever becomes my groupmates, I’ll help them to debut” because I’d already accepted that, “Okay, I’ll only make it until the finale. I’m so satisfied with this already..” And, there, after the finale, we were given a second chance to debut. That’s why, it’s that song that really left an impression on me and other people. That’s why, “Deja vu” is is such a memorable song for us, not only for me but for the whole group as well)

As a brand-new group, we’re sure you have a lot of artists whom you look up to and are inspired by, especially here in the Philippines. With this in mind, who are the artists you want to collaborate with someday and why?

New:ID: SB19 and RIIZE!

L: [For SB19], alam naman po kasi namin kung gaano sila kahalimaw sa stage. Napanood din namin po sila for the first time [at the Watsons Playlist 2024 concert] nang live. Sobra po talaga kaming nagfa-fanboy! Ganung levels po!

(For SB19, we already know how they are monsters on-stage. We got to watch them for the first time at the Watson Playlist 2024 concert  live. We were really fanboying so much! It was at those levels!)

So ayun, sobrang surreal po ng feeling na we got a chance to meet them. Kaya ayun po, nagusap po kami, na sana soon maka-perform [ulit] namin sila nang ganun. Kasi, lalo na po sa vocals, sobra po talagang iba po ‘yung talent nila. So, gusto po namin na ipakita rin po sa mga tao na kaya rin po namin ‘yun.

(So there, It’s such a surreal feeling that we got a chance to meet them. Which is why, we talked, hoping that we can perform with them like that again soon. Because, especially with their vocals, their talent is something else. So, we want to showcase it as well to the people that we can be like that as well.)

Thad: Aside from that, nung nakita po namin sila sa personal, makikita ‘nyo po talaga kung gaano sila ka-humble. While we might consider them as the Kings of P-pop, parang normal na tao pa rin po sila dahil sobrang bait po nila towards the newbies. Sobrang humble!

(Aside from that, when we saw them in person, you’d really get to see how humble they are. While we might consider them as the Kings of P-pop, they’re still normal people because they’re so kind towards the newbies. So humble!)

L: Like, them mentioning our name kahit pre-show [performers] lang po kami.

(Like, them mentioning our name even though we were just pre-show performers.

Thad: That meant a lot as [a group] who are aspiring to be like them. That’s why we would like to collaborate with them in the near future!

Macky: For RIIZE, sila rin po ‘yung idol namin ngayon kasi sobrang galing nila overall. Magaling po silang sumayaw at kumanta. Saka, astig po sila!

(For RIIZE, they’re also our idols because they’re so great overall. They’re great at dancing and singing. In addition, they’re so cool!)

Since your formation, your fanbase has been steadily growing, both here in the Philippines and abroad. What message do you have for your fans, especially those who have been supporting the five of you since the beginning?

Thad: Considering na galing po kami sa survival show, hindi po mawawala ‘yung individual fandoms. So, we’re just so happy na, kahit ngayon na formed na kami as a group, talagang nagtutulungan sila. Every mall show, mayroon silang banners for each other. Sabi nga po ni L habang pauwi po kami from one mall show, “Kahit na sa tingin mo na wala masyadong [may] bias [sa ’yo] in that city—”

(Considering that we came from a survival show, there’s bound to be individual fandoms. So, we’re just so happy that, even now that we’re formed as a group, they’re really helping each other.. Every mall show, they’d have banners for each other. Like what L said while we were on the way home from one mall show, “Even though you might think that you don’t have that many people who have you as their bias in that city—”)

L: Kunwari, wala kang masyadong individual fandom [members] na dumating, ang nasa isip [namin] naman po, “Ang fan ng isa, fan na ng lahat!”

(For example, you don’t have that many individual fandom members who came, what’s on our minds is that, a fan of one is a fan of all!)

Thad: ‘Yun po ‘yung maganda sa mga nabuo po naming mga fandom. Nagtutulungan po talaga sila. Kaya, sobrang salamat. 

(That’s the beautiful thing about the fandoms we formed. They help each other. So, thank you so much.)

L: Narinig din po namin na nag-aambagan din po sila para makagawa ng hand banners, mga photocards. So, ‘yun pa lang po, nafe-feel po talaga namin ‘yung love, na kapag sinuportahan ‘yung isa, susuportahan ‘yung lahat.

(We also hear about them pitching in so that they can make hand banners, photocards. So, even with just that, we really feel the love, that if they supported one of us, they’ll support everyone else.)

Wilson: We love all our fans. We appreciate every single one of you guys! Without you guys, we wouldn’t even be that motivated to keep on pushing. Thank you so much. We will give our best to make you all proud. 

We know you just made your official debut but we want to ask, what are the goals that New:ID want to achieve within the next year?

Thad: We’re planning to release another single and hopefully, after that, magkaroon din po kami ng sarili po naming album for the first time. And once that album gets released, we’re hoping na magkaroon po kami ng sarili po naming fan meeting po! 

(We’re planning to release another single and hopefully, after that, we’d also get to have our very own album for the first time. And once that album gets released, we’re hoping that we’d also have our own fan meeting as well!)

‘Yun po talaga ‘yung pinaka–nilu-look forward po namin. Also, mga big school events! Those would be a possibility din po within the next year. 

(That’s what we’re really looking forward to. Also, big school events! Those would be a possibility as well within the next year.)

L: Ang goal po namin talaga, siguro, for now, is mag-perform lang po nang mag-perform; ipakita lang po nang ipakita ‘yung kaya po naming gawin. Kasi, eventually, magro-grow din po ‘yung family ng New:ID — ‘yung supporters — dadami rin po. And doon po magsisimula lahat ng p’wede pang mangyaring ganap for us. 

(Our real goal, for now, maybe, is to just keep performing and performing; just keep showing them what we can do. Because, eventually the family of New:ID — the supporters — will also grow in numbers. And that’s where all the opportunities for us will begin.

So, wala po kaming masyadong ine-expect na gustong mangyari but alam po namin na mangyayari po ‘yung goal namin which is ‘yung makilala po. Hindi man po namin sure kung kailan but we know that it will happen. As long as iisa lang po ‘yung goal namin, I think hindi po siya imposible. It’s not gonna be easy but we’re prepared and we’ll work hard for it!

(So, we’re not really expecting anything to happen that much but we know that our goal of being recognized will happen. We’re not sure when but we know that it will happen. As long as we share a single goal, I think it’s not impossible. It’s not gonna be easy but we’re prepared and we’ll work hard for it!)