[Hanteo News = Reporter KANG SUYOUNG] LUN8 leader JINSU revealed that he took on the role of mood maker during preparations for the group’s comeback.

 

Ahead of its comeback, LUN8 met with Hanteo News at Whosfan Studio in Seoul and talked about its 4th mini album 'Off the Grid.' On this day, JINSU said, “In the practice room, it is just us, so it does not matter what kind of side we show,” adding, “We really just let everything go and did it only for the sake of laughter.”

 

As the leader, what he paid the most attention to during comeback preparations was the atmosphere. JINSU said, “Of course, it is important to practice properly with focus, but this time, I thought it was more important to keep bringing out what is ours and create a free atmosphere on stage,” adding, “I thought the atmosphere should not sink, so whenever things started to feel a little strange or low, I paid the most attention to making it fun first.” He continued, “The most important thing for this comeback was making sure that, rather than remembering the preparation period as something really difficult, we would remember it more as a time when we had fun and played together.”

 

He also shared the methods he used to bring the atmosphere to life. JINSU said, “We joke around with one another a lot, and we also do a lot of the physical roughhousing that high school boys usually do. I think we really let ourselves go with one another,” adding, “Since we really let everything go and did it only for the sake of laughter, the atmosphere naturally had no choice but to come alive.” He continued, “The practice atmosphere was really good, and it was also a time when I could feel each member’s individual charms and sense of entertainment a lot.” He also expressed gratitude toward the members. JINSU said, “It is easy to say, but there were times when we could not sleep and times when our bodies were tired. I was truly grateful that the members never showed it and always followed along while laughing together,” adding, “What I was most thankful for was that whenever I tried to lift the mood, all the members joined in and tried to make the atmosphere even better.”

 

They also introduced the new album. YUMA said, “We expressed the freedom of youth choosing our own path,” adding, “It carries the meaning of breaking away from set standards and frameworks and drawing a new starting line of our own.” Regarding the title track 'SNEAKERS,' IAN explained, “It starts with a rhythmic FM slap sound that captures the ear at once, and we made it more colorful by layering whistles and strings over trap drums,” adding, “The refreshing sound that bursts out in the chorus delivers a cool sense of liberation and strong addictiveness.”

 

LUN8 made meaningful use of its 10-month hiatus after its previous activities. JINSU said, “Last year, our albums had a slightly dark concept,” adding, “Since we had to come out with a concept that directly contrasted those two albums, we worked hard to show a dramatically changed side.” He continued, “Until now, we had a strong mindset of showing a prepared side, but this time, rather than a made-up side, we wanted to include more of our original selves in the album,” explaining, “A lot of our opinions were reflected, and because we thought the free mood of the songs and album was more important, the members also participated in the choreography.”

 

Main dancer JUNWOO chose the final part as the scene he hopes people will pay attention to on this stage. JUNWOO said, “At the end, there is a scene where we all just play around together, dancing hard, jumping, and really shaking everything off in excitement,” adding, “We get so excited that our expressions come out naturally without being made up, and because LUN8 laughs really widely from genuine excitement rather than smiling prettily, I think LUV8, the fandom name, will like that.” He also pointed to moments of contact with the members as something to look forward to, adding, “Sometimes the mischievous members deliberately make funny faces at each other even while the camera is filming, making one another laugh.”

 

Their goals for this promotion were also clear. CHAEL said, “Since we are making a comeback in the second half of the year, I hope this comeback does well so that we can win No. 1 on a music show, enter digital music charts, and continue on to year-end stages,” adding, “Since award ceremonies are held at the end of the year, I personally want to sing a carol song.” TAKUMA said, “There are many teams that debut or make comebacks with youth or refreshing concepts, and among them, LUN8 wants to be active as an idol group that represents youth,” adding, “I want us to earn the modifier of a versatile LUN8 that represents youth.”

 

LUN8’s 4th mini album 'Off the Grid' will be released through various music sites today at 6 PM. LUN8, which says it will break away from set frameworks and freely draw its own path, is now standing at the starting line with its sneaker laces tied tightly. Attention is focused on what speed and direction they will run toward from here.

 

grace@hanteo.com