[Hanteo News = Reporter KANG SUYOUNG] LUN8 CHAEL revealed a funny episode in which he was stopped by the members 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, CHAEL said, “Since we prepared this comeback with the motto of breaking away from set frameworks and showing a free side, when we were matching the choreography, we said, ‘Let’s unfold each of our dreams and show a lot of our own styles.’ But I added a bit too much of my own style, and the dance turned into a completely different dance, so the members told me, ‘Hyung, please hold back a little,’” drawing laughter. When asked which part it was, JUNWOO answered, “The overall chorus,” and CHAEL added, “Every moment.”

 

There was also a funny episode during the recording process. JUNWOO said, “While recording this time, there were moments when we all recorded sounds like ‘ho’ and ‘hey’ together, and IAN’s voice cracked on that high part, so everyone found it so funny that the recording had to stop for a moment.” He continued, “After that, my voice cracked too, so it did not work for about 10 minutes, and I remember finally pulling myself together and finishing it quickly,” adding, “CHAEL hyung, TAKUMA, IAN, and I were in the recording booth together, and all four of us burst out laughing, so we could not continue recording anymore.”

 

CHAEL also recently showed a new side through his appearance in a drama. CHAEL said, “Even recently, a few people recognized me, and I think people definitely recognize me more than before,” adding, “Someone once asked me, ‘Aren’t you the person who played Manager Kang?’ and I remember correcting them by saying, ‘It was Manager Kim,’” making everyone at the scene burst into laughter. He continued, “I still cannot believe such a big drama was my first project, and even now, when I see myself in it, I feel deeply moved to the point where I think, ‘This is my first project?’” He also expressed his desire to continue acting. CHAEL said, “I had always wanted to be active in acting as well,” adding, “A role I would like to try is a villain you cannot hate, something like Choi Young-do, the role Kim Woo-bin sunbaenim played in 'The Heirs.'” He continued, “I also think I might be able to do well in school or youth dramas.”

 

TAKUMA shared his thoughts on being Fantagio’s first foreign idol. TAKUMA said, “When I was a trainee, I was not the only foreigner, but since I was the first to debut, I had the mindset that I had to do better, and I think that mindset helped me now.” Regarding adapting to life in Korea, he said, “I liked Korea so much from the beginning, so I really enjoyed learning about the culture one by one,” adding with laughter, “The only thing I felt was a cultural difference was that I could not eat perilla leaves.” He continued, “When I first came here, I had a fever of 38 degrees and was alone in the dorm, but the friends who were with me helped me a lot. That was when I felt that Korea has a culture of affection and a culture of helping one another when things are difficult.” As for Korean foods he likes, he chose samgyeopsal and hanwoo, saying, “I like meat,” and added, “I also really like soup dishes like stews and gukbap.”

 

IAN, a former soccer player who was also active on JTBC’s 'Let’s Play Soccer 4,' expressed his affection for sports variety programs. IAN said, “I want to appear on more variety shows centered around sports and entertainment, and if I get the chance, I want to appear on a soccer variety show again and show more things I could not show on 'Let’s Play Soccer 4.'” The comparison of athletic ability with CHAEL, a former volleyball player, was also interesting. CHAEL confidently said, “Because our physical abilities are a bit different, and because my physical condition is overwhelmingly better, I think my athletic ability is quite high.” In response, IAN said, “CHAEL hyung also complimented me a lot, but if he is going to say it like this, I have no choice but to be honest too,” adding, “I play volleyball pretty well, to the point that CHAEL hyung acknowledged it, but when I saw CHAEL hyung playing soccer, he had absolutely no talent.” CHAEL said, “I do not really like sports with physical contact, so my motivation tends to disappear a bit,” but drew laughter by saying, “I once won first place in track and field at ISAC, so if you look at the results, it proves that I am quite superior.”

 

YUMA, who joined the team in February last year, honestly shared the nervousness he felt when he first joined. YUMA said, “At first, it was awkward, and since they were all so handsome and tall, I worried whether it was okay for me to join them,” adding, “The members taught me the choreography and approached me first, so I was able to make it this far.” He continued, “It has been about a year and a half since I joined, and now, without the awkwardness I felt back then, we joke around and spend time together like friends.”

 

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