(Photo courtesy of MEOVV's YouTube channel)

[Hanteo News = Reporter KIM YEONWOO] South Korea's 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) is scheduled for November 19. With less than a month remaining until the national college entrance exam, a special video cheering on high school students has caught the public's attention.

In a video titled ‘MEOVV Cheers Hard for High Schools Nationwide’, released on October 19, MEOVV showed its support for students by calling out the names of high schools across the country one by one. Running approximately three hours and 40 minutes, the video generated buzz as viewers enjoyed searching for the moments when their own schools were mentioned.

Interestingly, ELLA, one of the MEOVV members cheering on students nationwide, was also born in 2008, the same year as many high school seniors preparing for the CSAT. Despite being born in the same year, some are studying for major exams while others are meeting fans on stage. These idols born in 2008 are each experiencing their youth in their own way. What are they up to today?
 

(Photo courtesy of THEBLACKLABEL)

MEOVV's ELLA

MEOVV's ELLA is a Korean-American from Los Angeles who first gained recognition as a model during her childhood. Having spent much of her early life in front of the camera, she debuted as a member of MEOVV in 2024 and has since showcased a different side of herself on stage. With her doll-like visuals and distinctive aura, ELLA has attracted attention while adding to the group's unique appeal.

 

(Photo courtesy of THE MUZE ENTERTAINMENT)

RESCENE's ZENA and MAY

RESCENE has been attracting attention not only through its music but also through content that highlights the members' individual personalities. In particular, ZENA and MAY caught viewers' attention with their distinct charms during appearances on the YouTube channel ‘Hello, I'm Woni, Nice to Meet You’.

Originally from Gyeongju, ZENA showcased her hometown dialect and friendly personality on the channel, earning the nickname "Silla Princess". Her connection to her hometown became even more special when RESCENE was subsequently appointed as a tourism ambassador for Gyeongju. She also generated buzz with a medley video featuring familiar trot songs, revealing a different side of herself beyond the stage.

Fellow 2008-born member MAY brings positive energy to the group with her bright and cheerful personality. Known for her playful charm, she brings a lively atmosphere to both her fellow members and fans. After appearing on the YouTube channel alongside LIV, the duo also earned the nickname "Lit and Met". By drawing attention to the members' personalities and their chemistry in addition to their music, RESCENE continues to showcase its diverse appeal.
 

(Photo courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC)

CORTIS's JUHOON and MARTIN

CORTIS members JUHOON and MARTIN are involved not only in the group's stage performances but also in music production. JUHOON, in particular, was scouted as a child model in first grade, gaining experience on professional sets from an early age. He once dreamed of becoming a soccer player and even devoted himself to the sport before choosing to pursue a career as an artist while reconsidering his future. His journey from a student focused on academics to a debuting idol marked a major transformation in a relatively short period.

Since debuting, JUHOON has continued participating in the group's music production, expanding his abilities as a creator. MARTIN, meanwhile, is a Korean-Canadian member born to a Korean mother and a Canadian father. He has songwriting and composition credits on several tracks, including ILLIT's ‘Magnetic’ and TOMORROW X TOGETHER's ‘Deja Vu’. With the members actively involved in creating music, performances, videos, and other content, CORTIS embodies its identity as a "young creator crew" that works together to bring its creative projects to life.
 

(Photo courtesy of BELIFT LAB)

ILLIT's IROHA

ILLIT's IROHA is a Japanese member who reportedly began dancing at around the age of three. Building on the skills she developed through years of dance training, she went on to debut through the audition program ‘R U NEXT?’. Her polished stage performances reflect the extensive practice and experience she has accumulated since childhood.
 

(Photo courtesy of SM ENTERTAINMENT)

Hearts2Hearts' JUUN and A-NA

Hearts2Hearts members JUUN and A-NA were also born in 2008. JUUN was reportedly scouted by SM ENTERTAINMENT after attracting attention through dance videos and other content. Her interest in dancing and performing helped fuel her dream of becoming an idol.

A-NA connects with fans through her bright and candid personality. Beyond her stage performances, her genuine reactions and cheerful energy are among the qualities that fans appreciate. Although they are members of the same group, JUUN and A-NA each bring their own distinctive charm to Hearts2Hearts, contributing to the group's diverse appeal.
 

(Photo courtesy of ADOR)

NewJeans' HYEIN

NewJeans' HYEIN debuted at a young age and quickly attracted public attention. Through debut tracks such as ‘Attention’ and ‘Hype Boy’, she helped establish the group's distinctive musical identity while drawing recognition for her stage presence and individuality. With the group having undergone various changes in its activities since then, attention is turning to how HYEIN will reconnect with fans in the future.
 

(Photo courtesy of YG ENTERTAINMENT)

BABYMONSTER's RORA

BABYMONSTER's RORA gained early experience performing in a children's group before training as an idol and eventually making her debut. Having built up stage experience from a young age, she has established her presence in BABYMONSTER through her vocal abilities. Her journey is particularly noteworthy for how the musical experiences she began accumulating in childhood have led to her career on stage today.

 

(Photo courtesy of WAKEONE)

izna's JEONG SAEBI

izna's JEONG SAEBI first gained recognition through the audition program ‘I-LAND2 : N/a’. One of the defining moments in her journey was being selected by the producers to join the debut lineup, regardless of her final ranking. Known for her tall stature and fresh, youthful charm as the group's youngest member, she has also earned the nickname "Giant Baby", attracting attention from fans.
 

(Photo courtesy of UNCORE)

CLOSE YOUR EYES' SEO KYOUNGBAE

CLOSE YOUR EYES' SEO KYOUNGBAE earned his opportunity to debut after finishing fourth in the audition program ‘PROJECT 7’. Having secured his place in the group through fierce competition, he is now performing on stage as an official member. Fans are eager to see how the trainee who demonstrated his potential during the audition program will continue developing as an artist through his activities.

Although they were all born in 2008, these young people are experiencing their youth in very different ways. Some are devoting themselves to their studies ahead of the CSAT, while others are meeting fans on stage and pursuing their dreams as artists. Whether preparing for exams or performing as idols, they are each giving their best in their respective paths.

Meanwhile, it has not yet been officially confirmed whether any of these idols will take the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test. As these young stars born in 2008 continue along their different paths, we wish them all bright and promising futures.

 yeonwoo38@hanteo.com