Get to know 82MAJOR in this roundtable interview.
82MAJOR, the first rookie boy band under GREAT M Entertainment, launched their official debut with the release of their first single album, ON, on October 11, 2023. The exhilarating moment marks the beginning of 82MAJOR's journey, a journey they are eager to share with their dedicated fans.
Comprised of six talented members ready to conquer the music scene with their diverse talents and infectious energy, 82MAJOR includes:
Nam Seong Mo: Unleashing fiery rhymes as the group's dedicated rapper, Nam Seong Mo brings a dynamic edge to 82MAJOR's sonic palette.
Hwang Seong Bin: Another force on the mic, Hwang Seong Bin adds his unique flavor to the rap game, contributing to the group's powerful and charismatic presence.
Kim Do Gyun: The youngest but certainly not to be underestimated, Kim Do Gyun takes on the role of vocalist, lending his soulful voice to 82MAJOR's melodic journeys.
Cho Seong Il: Leading the pack both on and off the stage, Cho Seong Il showcases his dance prowess as the group's leader, ensuring that 82MAJOR moves to the rhythm of success.
Park Seok Joon: With a flow that's as smooth as it is impactful, Park Seok Joon rounds out the trio of rappers, infusing the group's sound with versatility and attitude.
Yoon Ye Chan: Meet the triple threat of 82MAJOR—Yoon Ye Chan—who seamlessly weaves between rapping, singing, and dancing, proving that there's no limit to his artistic prowess.
The upbeat and refreshing vibes of the first title track, “SURE THING,” resonate with the group’s eager anticipation of meeting their fans in the future. On the other hand, “FIRST CLASS,” the second title track, exudes the group’s unwavering determination and mutual reliance to ascend together.
In their recent media roundtable, we're treated to an up-close and personal look at the rising stars as they dive into their musical aspirations, share insights into the debut album's creation process, embark on the thrilling journey to their debut, and much more. Keep reading to know more about 82MAJOR!
As a newcomer diving into the vibrant world of K-pop, 82MAJOR emerges with a distinct sound and a vibrant energy. When asked to summarize their music in three words, the group shared a dynamic mix of descriptors. Hwang Seong Bin chose "powerful, energetic, and amazing," while Kim Do Gyun emphasized "confidence," a sentiment echoed by Yoon Ye Chan, indicating that it's a hallmark of their music. However, Park Seok Joon playfully exclaimed, "O.M.G.," embodying the excitement of their musical journey.
Reflecting on the recording process of their debut single album, the members recounted memorable moments. Cho Seong Il hilariously recalled a comical incident during a teaser filming, where Seok Joon cheekily praised his own scene by saying, “I did great,” eliciting laughter from the group. Yoon Ye Chan, in contrast, reflected on the intense yet rewarding preparation for "SURE THING," revealing how his limited practice time transformed into a stellar recording session.
The anticipation and emotions leading up to their debut were a mix of nerves and excitement for the group. Park Seok Joon admitted, “Until about 5 days prior to our debut, it didn't feel like I was going to debut at all. I kept asking myself, "Am I really going to debut?" I was somewhat nervous, but I think the uncertainty played a role in that feeling. During the debut showcase, the presence of all the people in front of me washed away any nerves I had.” Cho Seong Il found a constant source of motivation in their debut song, highlighting, “Listening to the same song repeatedly can lead to fatigue, but as we prepared for our debut and kept listening to what our members had created, I never grew tired of it. The song sounded great, which boosted my confidence and helped to calm me down.”
Contributing to the songwriting process, members shared insights into their creative endeavors. Nam Seong Mo drew inspiration from the positive melody in “SURE THING” to craft lyrics as if he was directly communicating with fans, the end result like a guiding light for them. Hwang Seong Bin aimed to express the group’s ambition through "FIRST CLASS," while Yoon Ye Chan highlighted the ease of writing lyrics reflective of their group's confidence and skill that they are first class.
Delving into the lyrical messages, Yoon Ye Chan dissected the line “떠오르는 별 at the night sky, No parachute when I sky dive” from their song “SURE THING,” sharing “떠오르는 별 translates to ‘a rising star,’ so combined with the line “No parachute when I sky dive” means to me that ‘I am a fearless rising star.’ I’m going to do whatever I can to grab onto the opportunities that are in front of me. For us, we are just starting out, but we’re going to rise and how you how fearless and strong we are.” Hwang Seong Bin expressed sincerity, saying, “I wrote with confidence, expressing the things we wanted to convey to them.” Nam Seong Mo imagined talking directly to their fans in “SURE THING” however, he focused on delivering their passion and eagerness to perform on stage in “FIRST CLASS.”
With dreams of achieving accolades and leaving an impression, the group shared their goals for this debut single. Cho Seong Il set his sights on the Rookie of the Year award and grand prize award through their next album, while Nam Seong Mo aspires to claim the top spot on a music show. Park Seok Joon aims to showcase their group's diverse vibes through performances to highlight their ability to pull off any and all concepts.
Linking songs to their personalities, each member connected with a specific track. Cho Seong Il resonated with the bright and optimistic vibe of "SURE THING," while Yoon Ye Chan found his personality mirrored in the confident aura of "FIRST CLASS." Park Seok Joon acknowledged how both tracks captured different facets of his personality.
Discussing the challenges faced, Cho Seong Il highlighted the demanding choreography of "FIRST CLASS," emphasizing, “The choreography for "FIRST CLASS" required more power and speed than "SURE THING." Also, we had to sing live while dancing to a very rigorous choreography, which made "FIRST CLASS" more difficult than "SURE THING." I think we were able to really show our improvements and what we can really do, so that’s why I enjoy “FIRST CLASS” so much.” Yoon Ye Chan elaborated on the relentless dance moves in "FIRST CLASS," stating, “The one characteristic of “FIRST CLASS” that makes it more difficult is that there are no break times in between dance moves. Usually, with dances, even if it’s really hard, there’s a bridge part where it calms down, so you aren’t moving as much. There are not any pauses to take a breath in “FIRST CLASS,” so that is why you see us the way you do after we finish.”
Moments that made the group feel "first class" ranged from an honor like being interviewed by reporters to the electrifying fan chants they could hear through their inner ears during their last broadcast, fostering a sense of validation and success.
Transitioning from trainees to rookie idols, the group noticed shifts in their schedules and a newfound confidence in their abilities. The increased interaction with fans stood out as a delightful change for Cho Seong Il, providing a fresh and rewarding experience. Park Seok Joon added, “Now that we've made our debut, I want to show a better side of us, and it motivates me to do well during practice sessions as well as lyrics writing.”
The members' passion for music stemmed from personal connections and inspirations. Yoon Ye Chan shared his family's deep-rooted history in the music industry, sharing that his older brother, mother, and two of his uncles work or have worked in the music industry. Cho Seong Il expressed his love for singing and dancing, while Hwang Seong Bin shared, “When I was 16, I was mesmerized by Post Malone's stages, which eventually inspired me to take the path of an idol. I found solace in his music, and it inspired me to pursue a path as an artist.”
Embracing their debut, the members eagerly anticipated performances and songwriting. Park Seok Joon looked forward to discovering the songs they will perform in the future, while Hwang Seong Bin expressed excitement about potential collaborations with other artists.
Exploring the origin of their group's name, Cho Seong Il explained how they aimed to represent Korea through the country code 82, He shared, “As K-pop comes from Korea, we pondered over elements representing the country. That's when the idea of using the country code came up; the number 82 instantaneously makes you think of Korea,” immediately evoking the essence of their home country.
Demonstrating a keen interest in skill development, Park Seok Joon set his sights on enhancing his vocal capabilities, while Cho Seong Il harbored a wish to explore the realm of musical instruments. Yoon Ye Chan, one of the group's producers, revealed a fascination with audio engineering, eager to delve into intricate aspects like automation, basic mastering, and other cool details.
Imagining a significant global impact, the team collectively defined it as achieving global recognition. Cho Seong Il further explained, "It's about being a group that inspires others," while Kim Do Gyun emphasized, "Being a group that brings comfort to people, whether they're sad or happy." However, Park Seok Joon playfully shared, "It’s selling out arenas worldwide and going on a year-long tour around the world in places across Asia, North America, South America, and Oceania. "
Setting their sights on future aspirations, the members sought to establish a lasting legacy by self-producing albums that truly encapsulate their distinct identity through their music.
Looking ahead to 2024, Cho Seong Il shared, “ We're still in the planning stages, but for 2024, we anticipate launching a new album and actively promoting it. With a solid fanbase, we're aiming to expand our audience, gaining more fans who'll hopefully offer their love and support. And for sure, we're gearing up to deliver an even more engaging performance!”
Finally, expressing gratitude and love for their fans, the group collectively extended heartfelt thanks, acknowledging the unwavering support from their dedicated fanbase and expressing their eagerness to connect with fans worldwide.
82MAJOR's journey into the K-pop world is not just about music but also about resilience, camaraderie, and a sincere connection with their fans. As they forge ahead, their passion and dedication promise an exciting and promising trajectory in the realm of music.
CONNECT with 82MAJOR on X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Fan Cafe.
Listen to their discography on Spotify and Apple Music.
*Special thanks to the members of 82MAJOR, Great M Entertainment, and Helix Publicity for inviting me to participate in this media roundtable.
Photo and Video Credits: Great M Entertainment