LUN8 says new single "Sneakers" gives group confidence for breakthrough

SEOUL, July 22 (Yonhap) -- K-pop boy group LUN8 says its new title track, "Sneakers," has given the members fresh confidence that the group is ready for a breakthrough.

"The moment we heard 'Sneakers,' we thought, 'This is it,'" member Jin Su said in a recent interview with Yonhap News Agency in Seoul. "It's the perfect song for summer. It also gave us confidence that LUN8 can succeed with this track."

The group said it has traded last year's darker concept for a brighter, more refreshing image.

"All of us have a lot of affection for 'Sneakers,'" the members said. "We felt it could become a song that represents youth."

▲ K-pop boy group LUN8 poses ahead of an interview with Yonhap News Agency at the agency's headquarters in central Seoul on July 22, 2026. (Yonhap)

The group's return comes 10 months after its second single album, "Lost," released in September last year.

Although the hiatus was longer than expected, the members said the time allowed them to improve their skills through vocal lessons and dance practice.

"Thanks to that, we were even able to participate in creating the choreography for the new song," they said.

LUN8's fourth EP, "Off the Grid," due out at 6 p.m. Wednesday, conveys the youthful spirit of breaking free from fixed standards and carving out the group's own path.

The album contains four tracks, including the title song "Sneakers," "To the Moon" and "My Head of the Family."

"Sneakers" opens with the sound of a beverage can being opened and features whistles throughout the song, emphasizing a bright, addictive summer vibe.

Known for an average height of over 180 centimeters, the members dismissed the notion that taller idols are unsuited for refreshing concepts.

"Some people might think a refreshing concept doesn't fit tall members, but we're confident," they said.

Member Kael said the group also paid close attention to styling and choreography.

"The choreography is on the cute side, but because we're tall, our movements look even more dynamic on stage," he said.

The B-side tracks offer a different side of the group.

The members singled out "My Head of the Family" as their favorite.

"It's a song about fathers," Jin Su said. "Now that we've become adults ourselves, it expresses the realization that we finally understand our fathers' time and love. I especially liked the lyric, 'My most beautiful world.' It's a modern rock ballad, so I even changed my singing style for it."

Kael said the song resonated with him emotionally.

"When I first heard it, I felt overwhelmed," he said. "I practiced imagining our parents listening to it, and all of us told each other we had to do our best during the recording."

The members come from diverse backgrounds.

Kael was a volleyball player, Ian played soccer, Jin Su enjoyed singing as a hobby, Takuma dreamed of becoming a K-pop idol after attending BTS' concert in Japan, Yuuma pursued the dream after coming of age in Japan, and Junwoo began learning dance at his parents' recommendation.

▲ K-pop boy group LUN8 poses ahead of an interview with Yonhap News Agency at the agency's headquarters in central Seoul on July 22, 2026. (Yonhap)

Despite their different starting points, they said they are united by a shared dream of becoming outstanding performers.

"If I had to describe LUN8 in one word, it would be 'sponge,'" Junwoo said. "We've all had different experiences, so we're good at adapting to various concepts. We're a team that absorbs everything, and I'm really excited about our future."

Ian added that the members are also devoted to their families.

"We're all good sons, and we want to become a group that's also good to our fans," he said. "That's why we're holding our first fan concert for free on Aug. 8. We hope many people will come."

Meanwhile, Kael is appearing in the SBS drama "Manager Kim," which has recorded a peak viewership rating of 23.1 percent, according to Nielsen Korea.

Drawing on his experience as a former volleyball player, he plays Kim Nam-hoon, the ace of a high school volleyball team. He previously appeared on the MBN volleyball variety show "Spike War."

Yuuma praised Kael's dedication, saying he studied his script until dawn despite preparing for the group's comeback.

"I sincerely cheered him on," Yuuma said. "Thanks to Kael, more people seem to be getting to know LUN8."

Kael said balancing acting and music had been demanding but rewarding.

"I cut back on sleep to prepare, and I'm touched that my efforts seem to have paid off," he said. "I worked even harder because I didn't want to let the production down. It's an honor to be part of such a great project."

"It's still hard to believe I'm acting alongside So Ji-sub, whom I've admired since I was young," he added. "People have even started recognizing me at restaurants these days. I hope everyone will continue to support both LUN8 and 'Manager Kim.'"