"Lively and Comfortable" LUN8 Jumps Higher in 'Sneakers' [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Group LUN8 has returned after about 10 months. Having deepened their musical considerations and broadened their vision for the stage, they conveyed their determination to showcase their own free energy beyond set frameworks through this album.

LUN8 (Jin-su, Kael, Takuma, Jun-woo, Ian, Yuuma) recently held an interview at StarNews headquarters in Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the release of their fourth mini-album 'Off the Grid'.

LUN8 presented 'Off the Grid' about 10 months after their second single album 'LOST' last September. This album embodies the team's spirit to "draw a new starting line beyond established standards and frameworks." It includes four tracks: title track 'SNEAKERS', 'TO THE MOON', 'BACK', and 'My Most Beautiful World'.

Jun-woo said, "During activities, I learn a lot amidst busy schedules and grow by watching the stages of various artists. While the activities themselves are enjoyable, I worried a lot about what kind of image to show given how long fans have waited during this long preparation period," adding, "We prepared hard to show our unique color as LUN8."

Jin-su revealed that his thoughts on the stage changed while preparing for this album. He stated, "During the break, I went on a European tour and watched performances by many seniors, which made me feel a lot. In the past, I focused on showing perfectly prepared images, but now I think it is also important to communicate naturally and enjoy comfortably on stage."

He continued, "It was truly wonderful to see senior Lee Chang-seop of BTOB communicating with fans while singing, and senior Yoon San-ha of ASTRO's comfortable enjoyment on stage left a deep impression. While we were previously within set frameworks, this time we wanted to show a freer and more comfortable image."

Notably, LUN8 directly participated in creating the key choreography for this year's title track 'Sneakers', adding their own individuality. Takuma said, "We tried various things because we wanted to show a good album to fans who waited for 10 months," and added, "I also directly participated in choreography creation, which was even more meaningful as I received positive evaluations from the choreographer. The preparation process was enjoyable, and I wanted to show it to fans as soon as possible."

This activity will proceed with a six-member lineup, excluding Do-hyun who stopped activities due to health reasons. Additionally, member Ji-eun-ho left the team after taking a break earlier this year due to persistent poor physical condition.

Jin-su revealed that members supported each other and prepared for comeback amidst member changes. He said, "It would have been nice if Do-hyun could have participated in activities together; I feel regretful," but added, "However, the members talked a lot with each other as usual, worried about one another, cheered each other on, and worked hard to show an even better image."

He continued, "We thought a lot about how to make the stage feel no empty space with six members and how to create a fuller stage," emphasizing, "Rather than being shaken by member changes, it became an opportunity for us to become even stronger."

He also conveyed that his relationship with Do-hyun remains unchanged. Jin-su said, "I am still in casual contact with Do-hyun," adding, "We check on each other about preparation and well-being, and he is also cheering for this activity."

LUN8 members accumulated new experiences through individual activities during the break. Kael and Takuma challenged acting through SBS drama 'Manager Kim', while Ian appeared on JTBC variety show 'Let's Play Together' to showcase unique charm.

Kael played the role of Kim Nam-hoon, a promising volleyball player at Songin High School in the drama, embarking on his first acting challenge. He said, "It was good just to audition, and I prepared hard because I really wanted to do it," adding, "I think that desire led to good results, allowing me to appear."

He continued, "When I went to the filming set, I felt like 'Can I really be here?'," and stated, "It was truly an honor to work with many seniors including senior So Ji-sub. I want to greet fans in various ways in the future."

Takuma, who appeared in the same work, also revealed that he directly experienced the difficulties of acting. He said, "The amount wasn't large, but it was a tense and nervous moment for me," adding, "There were also directions received spontaneously on set, and I felt that expressing even a short line is not easy. I thought Kael hyung was truly amazing."

Ian conveyed the special meaning of appearing in a soccer variety show. He recalled, "Since I originally lived as a soccer player, there was some regret, but while doing idol activities, I always thought I wanted to appear on a soccer variety show someday," adding, "It was a good opportunity for us to come together; although I felt burdened as the youngest, my desire to do well was great."

Along with comeback activities, LUN8 will continue meeting fans in the second half of the year. They plan to expand their activity areas through various contents including their first solo fan concert 'OFF-ZONE' and a European tour.

Notably, this fan concert attracted attention as a special event inviting all fan club members for free. Kael said, "We are preparing for the fan concert and European tour," adding, "If given the chance, I want to appear on variety shows a lot. All members like sports, and I also played volleyball, so if there is a 'Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-kyung' season 2, I hope they would invite us."

Jin-su said, "We are preparing a lot of original content," and added, "If you invite us anywhere, we will show confident, lively, and fun images."

They also stated their goals they want to achieve through this album. Kael said, "Since this is a comeback in the second half, I want to reach number one on music shows, top the digital charts, and perform at year-end stages and AAA," adding, "I want to earn the title of 'LUN8, a versatile team representing youth'."

Jin-su revealed that he wants to become a team that settles into the public's daily life rather than just achieving visible results. He said, "It makes me truly happy when I hear that our songs are playing in stores or people heard them around," adding, "I want to become a team that naturally permeates many people's daily lives."

Takuma also expressed a special wish regarding the title track 'Sneakers'. He said, "Since this is a song with choreography utilizing shoes, I hope we can create good synergy with shoe brands," and emphasized, "Through this activity, I want to clearly show LUN8's unique color and energy."

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*This content was translated by AI.