Rookie boy band Be Boys, now nearing the first year anniversary of its debut, is charging ahead against the odds — much like a basketball star fighting through defenders for a soaring slam dunk.

“We wanted to show a bolder, more hip side of ourselves with this single,” member Hakseon said during a press showcase held in western Seoul on Wednesday for the group’s first single, “BE: 2.”

“I hope people will see that we’re a team that never gives up and always keeps pushing ahead.”

Be Boys, managed by Oak Company, consists of Goohyun, Minjoon, Yunseo, Hakseong, Takuma and Woncheon. Hakseong is a North Korean defector who fled from the regime in 2017.

The group’s latest single, “BE: 2,” dropped on Wednesday, following its debut EP, “BE: 1,” released in June of last year, and digital single “Earth and Moon,” released last November.

The single features one track, “Slam Dunk,” a boom-bap hip-hop song with lyrics reflecting on the group’s determination to aim high and press forward, according to the agency.

“Since it’s been a while since we last released a new song, we’ve really given everything,” said Minjoon.

“We came to work at 11 a.m. and trained until 5 a.m., and have been watching our diets and going to the gym,” he said, jokingly adding, “The two things that kept us going were our fans, Beaver, and something we kept repeating to each other — ‘We will finally get to eat samgyeopsal [pork belly] after this.’”

As the group’s latest track, “Slam Dunk,” shares its title with the legendary 1990-1996 Japanese sports manga by Takehiko Inoue, the members drew comparisons to its characters, including main protagonist Hanamichi Sakuragi, an inexperienced newbie whose raw talent sets him apart.

“The main character might be lacking in skills, but he is fearless — and when it comes to confidence, he never falls behind,” said Woncheon. “I learned a lot from that character, and drew much inspiration when preparing for ‘Slam Dunk.’”

“Our strength comes from how different and distinctive each member’s personality and style is,” said Minjoon. “When we come together, I believe we can create explosive synergy.”

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]