A simple yet powerful funky track infused with bright energy and charisma. This is LUN8’s SUPER POWER - the title track that leads their latest EP, BUFF.
Born under Fantagio, the K-pop powerhouse that created Astro, the eight-member group comprising Chael, Jin Su, Takuma, Jun Woo, Ian, Do Hyun, Ji Eun Ho, and Eun Seop is ready to take over the music industry with their first comeback since their debut last year.
Panorama.it spoke with them.
Nice to meet you boys and thank you for being here. Can you please introduce yourselves to Panorama’s readers?
Jin Su: Hello, we are LUN8, who’ve made a comeback with our second mini album. "BUFF" is full of stories of youth and we hope you’ll show it a lot of love and support!
Let’s start by talking about your music. What inspired LUN8 to choose "BUFF" as the title for their second mini-album?
Takuma: This album contains many stories about the dreams and aspirations of youth, much like the title "BUFF" suggests. The word 'BUFF' symbolizes the synergy created when young people with dreams come together, making it a fitting title for our album that showcases the hopes and ambitions of our members.
Ji Eun Ho: Since our first mini album's title “CONTINUE?” was related to video games, we wanted to follow a similar theme for our second mini album. Among various options, we chose "BUFF" because it carries a positive meaning of synergy and empowerment, which aligns with our group's values and the messages we want to convey.
How does the message of LUN8's comeback align with your previous releases and overall concept?
Do Hyun: Our debut album title, 'CONTINUE?,' conveyed our determination to keep challenging ourselves, while the title of our latest album, 'BUFF,' represents our growth and our desire to move forward. Both albums contain youthful and energetic vibes, so we hope you will give them lots of love and support.
How does LUN8's new title track "SUPER POWER" differ from your debut title tracks "Wild Heart" and "Voyager"?
Jun Woo: If our debut album marked the beginning of LUN8's journey, our second mini album signifies our growth as a group. We view it as an album that showcases our development, and we're determined to present many amazing aspects of ourselves in this new release.
Can you describe the concept behind your pre-comeback performance of "PASTEL"?
Jun Woo: "PASTEL" is a refreshing yet sweet song that delicately expresses the feelings of falling in love. I believe that if you watch the performance along with the song, you'll be able to understand the concept better, since it provides additional context and enhances the overall experience.
What do you think sets you apart from other 5th-generation boy groups in terms of musical style and performance?
Chael: We are continually striving to challenge ourselves with various genres. Each member brings his unique personality to the table, and we work hard to blend our individual strengths, practicing and researching ways to create the best synergy possible.
Ian: Our strength and uniqueness lie in the fact that our albums contain a variety of songs with different concepts, allowing listeners to experience diverse sounds and stories within a single album. I believe this versatility sets us apart from other groups.
You came from a powerhouse company Fantagio. Do you have any role models or did you get any suggestions from your sunbae?
Jin Su: Although there are many role models, the person who has had the greatest influence on our practice lately is Lee Changsub sunbaenim from our company. During our last practice session, he listened to us singing live and advised, 'If you lighten your voice a bit, it'll be easier to sing.' His advice was incredibly helpful.
Do Hyun: ASTRO gave us a lot of advice on various aspects, from having the right mindset on stage, even before our debut, to what kind of image we should present as artists. I want to express my gratitude once again using this opportunity, as their guidance has been invaluable to us.
Did you face any challenges during the production of your second mini-album "BUFF"?
Eun Seop: For our new album "BUFF", we prepared two different performances: "SUPER POWER" and "PASTEL". Since these songs have different charms and moods, it was quite challenging to decide how to express ourselves on stage.
If each member of your group were a different flavor of ice cream, what flavors would they be and why?
Jun Woo: I would choose cherry flavor, which can make you feel better even when you're feeling down.
Ian: I would choose my favorite, green tea flavor.
Eun Seop: I would also choose my favorite, blueberry flavor.
I also have a signature question; if each of you had to describe himself in one word, which would it be?
Jin Su: A ‘small hexagon’. I'm determined to do well in everything I'm doing, but I feel there are still many areas where I fall short. However, I'll work hard to expand this hexagon until it becomes a huge one.
Chael: ‘SEXY’.
Takuma: ‘Charisma’.
Jun Woo: I would like to describe myself with the word ‘passion’.
Do Hyun: If I were to express myself in one word, it would be ‘Clean’.
Ian: I would choose ‘PASTEL’, since it can represent various colors.
Ji Eun Ho: I hope many people recognize my charm, so I choose the word ‘RIZZ’.
Eun Seop: I would choose ‘giant baby’. Although I'm the youngest, I believe I have a good physique.
Who are LUN8 now?
Jin Su: I want to say we are a group that has grown a lot and will continue to grow.
Chael: A group that can master any concept.
Ji Eun Ho: A group of saplings with infinite growth potential.
