[Interview] LUN8 comeback drops dark concept, straps on bright “Sneakers”… Chael shines with 23% viewership on “Kim Bu-jang”

LUN8 ditches its dark concept after 10 months… a twist in “Off the Grid”

LUN8 releases its 4th mini album on the 22nd and holds a free fan concert on the 8th of next month… a double celebration after hitting 23.1% viewership

Meeting at Yonhap News Agency’s headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul, recently, the group “LUN8” returns to the K-pop scene for the first time in 10 months with its 4th mini album, “Off the Grid” (Off the Grid), releasing on the 22nd. The group boldly breaks away from its former dark image and throws down a fresh challenge with its new song “Sneakers” (SNEAKERS), putting crisp, upbeat vibes front and center. In particular, member “Chael” is pulling up the group’s recognition while showing off her overwhelming presence in the SBS drama “Kim Bu-jang”, where she hit the peak viewership rate of 23.1%.

The refreshing energy forged over 10 months, “Off the Grid” goes beyond the limit

The members of LUN8 say they instantly sensed success the moment they first heard new song “Sneakers”. Jinsu said, “It’s a song that perfectly fits summer, and I found confidence that we would take a leap through this track.” The move this time—contrasting sharply with the dark concept during last year’s single 2nd album “Lost” (LOST) promotions—is more than enough to spark curiosity from the public. During the 10-month hiatus, they pushed their vocal and choreography skills to the limit, and they proved their growth as artists by taking direct part in the choreography production for the new song.

Unveiling its world at 6 p.m. on the 22nd, “Off the Grid” rejected standardized criteria and captured the ambitious dreams of youth to draw their own path. A total of four tracks are included, led by the title song “Sneakers” and also including “To the Moon” (TO THE MOON) and “My Most” and others. In particular, “Sneakers” delivers a strong addictive pull, blending the lively sound of popping a can with the whistle-like notes.

“Hyoja-dol” proven by an overwhelming physique averaging 180cm and a narrative, plus a free fan concert

LUN8, whose average height exceeds 180cm, dispels any mismatch between tall stature and bright, upbeat vibes with an overpowering performance. Chael said, “Thanks to my tall height, even cute choreography feels refreshingly fun on stage.”

Track “My Most” delivers a weighty kind of emotion that takes a different route from the title track. Jinsu said, “I expressed the sacrifice and love of my father, which I only truly understood after becoming an adult,” and hinted at a change in vocal style. Chael also shared behind-the-scenes stories from recording while thinking of her parents, emphasizing the sincerity contained in the song.

A former volleyball player, Chael, a former soccer player Ian, Takuma who grew her dreams by watching the stage of BTS, Yuma, a Japanese national who entered K-pop after becoming an adult, Junwoo who started dancing at their parents’ suggestion, and even Jinsu, who used to sing as a hobby. Having walked different paths up to now, they are now charging toward one shared goal. Junwoo compared the team to “a sponge” and showcased limitless potential that can absorb any concept. Going further, Ian said, “I want to remain a true ‘Hyoja-dol’ for my fans,” and shared news about the free fan concert to be held on the 8th of next month, driving fan expectations to their highest point.

Chael, the star behind “Kim Bu-jang” at 23.1% viewership, and the synergy with So Ji-sub

Another pillar driving the group’s upward momentum is Chael’s acting. In the SBS drama “Kim Bu-jang”, which sparked a syndrome after it achieved 23.1% viewership based on Nielsen Korea, she fully leveraged her background as an actual former volleyball player and perfectly portrayed the role of Kim Nam-hoon, the ace of the volleyball team.

Yuma praised a fellow member for contributing to the group’s rising name recognition, saying, “I was deeply impressed by Chael’s passion to study the script until dawn, even under a schedule where she was being worn down preparing for the comeback.”

Chael said, “It’s overwhelming to see the efforts I poured in while cutting into my sleeping time finally pay off,” adding, “Acting together with my senior, So Ji-sub, who’s been a longtime idol of mine, is a glory I’ll cherish for life.” With the public’s intense attention, his request for support for both LUN8 and “Kim Bu-jang” shows the group’s dazzling future ahead as it expands into many areas.