An unassuming Korean dish, Budae Jjigae, known as “army base stew,” may not seem to have any connection with K-pop boy band, 8Turn. However, Jaeyun, the group’s South Korean-New Zealander leader, makes a fascinating comparison. Much like the stew, which harmoniously combines various ingredients, the members of 8Turn possess different characteristics, yet blend seamlessly to form a strong team.
The band comprises eight members – Jaeyun, Myungho, Minho, Yoonsung, Haemin, Kyungmin, Yungyu, and Seungheon – each with unique personalities and interests. For instance, Kyungmin is enamored by fantasy movies and dramas and is a Harry Potter aficionado. In contrast, Minho spends his time engrossed in world news, particularly around culture and entertainment.
After making their debut in January, the group released their second mini-album “Uncharted Drift” in June. Fronted by the lead single “Excel,” a captivating mix of old-school hip-hop and hard rock, the album manifests the group’s resolve to carve out their unique path.
The youngest member, 16-year-old Seungheon, describes “Excel” as an energetic song representing the group’s musical style. Jaeyun adds that the song is more audacious than their debut track “Tic Tac,” reflecting their growth as a group.
The album, focusing on the theme of escape, resonates with the group members. Yoonsung shares a personal anecdote from his school days when he left a cram school due to its strenuous schedule. Similarly, Kyungmin remembers a childhood adventure when he secretly had a sleepover at his friend’s place.
For those new to 8Turn’s music, Myungho suggests starting with “Tic Tac,” which encapsulates the group’s confident, free-spirited identity. Once familiar with that, Yungyu recommends “We,” a song showcasing the group’s boundless energy.
The band’s immediate goal is to earn recognition as an emerging K-pop group. Their ambition is inspired by Seventeen, a K-pop group they admire for their music, performances, and team chemistry. As Yoonsung says, they wish to bring joy to the world with their music, aiming for a long and active career in the industry.
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