When Fantagio announced they’d be debuting a brand-new boy group in 2023 – their first since ASTRO in 2016 – many of us were excited. Enter LUN8, an eight-member group whose name means “eight boys embracing the moonlight that brightens the dark night.” Dreamy, right? And with their blend of slick visuals, decent vocals, and youthful energy, LUN8 has been shining ever since.

The group originally debuted on June 15, 2023, with their first EP, Continue? – a confident introduction featuring dual title tracks Voyager and Wild Heart. The playful name of the album hinted at exactly what fans could expect: this was just the beginning.

LUN8 was formed under Fantagio’s i-Teen program, a training platform for rookies. Member Ian might have caught fans’ eyes even before debut thanks to his appearance on Mnet’s survival show I-LAND in 2020. Though he didn’t make it to the final lineup back then, it was clear he had more to show – and now, he’s doing just that alongside his mates: Yuma, Chael, Jinsu, Takuma, Junwoo, Dohyun, and Ji Eun-ho.

By the time they debuted, LUN8 had already set their sights globally, signing with Japanese agency HIAN just days before Continue? dropped. From there, the pace didn’t slow down. In November 2023, the group launched its first sub-unit, LUN8wave, featuring members Takuma, Junwoo, Dohyun, Ji Eun-ho, and Eunseop (a former member), releasing the laid-back single Playground. In March 2024, they returned with their second EP, Buff, and their Japanese debut came in June with the single Evergreen. By August, they dropped their third EP, Awakening, and few months later, their second Japanese single Together Forever closed out a busy and successful year.

But 2025 brought both new beginnings and bittersweet changes. In January, Fantagio announced that Dohyun and Ji Eun-ho would be taking a break from group activities to prioritise their health, and that Eunseop had officially parted ways with the group. Still, LUN8 pushed forward. February saw the release of their first single album, Butterfly. And just when fans thought the group couldn’t surprise them more, Fantagio introduced a new addition: Yuma, a contestant from Fantasy Boys, who joined LUN8 ahead of their first European tour in April 2025.

Now, with a refreshed lineup and a growing global fanbase, LUN8 is stepping confidently into the spotlight. Their story is still being written, but one thing’s certain: this group of moonlit dreamers is here to stay. And we were lucky enough to witness their perfomance live in Warsaw, Poland.

As part of their The Beginning tour, there was a lot of pressure on LUN8 to deliver. As a rookie group, anything can happen – and with a relatively small repertoire, one couldn’t help but wonder how they’d keep the audience entertained. Luckily, they came through, turning the night into a dynamic and well-executed showcase.

While there was no staging whatsoever, the group’s energy and sharp choreography kept the fans fully engaged. They started their set with Wild Heart from their 2023 debut release Continue?, followed by Super Power from their 2024 second mini-album BUFF.

What truly made an impression, though, was their sweet aura and warmth. From the moment they stepped on stage, LUN8 glowed friendliness, smiling brightly and interacting with fans a lot. Their kind and approachable demeanour made everyone in the venue feel seen, appreciated, and part of something special. After their first ment, LUN8 kept the energy high with Live in the Moment from their first EP Continue?, before taking a breather to chat with the crowd again. Midway through the show, they surprised fans with covers of Rose and Bruno Mars’ APT, which added a playful twist to the setlist. While the covers were fun, you couldn’t help but wish they’d chosen songs that better displayed their vocal power – because these boys can sing. The mood quickly lifted again with Butterfly and Pastel. Before jumping into those tracks, the members loosened up the vibe with some light-hearted games.

After their fourth ment, LUN8 wrapped up the set with Whip and Love Trailer, closing the night with a wonderful Life is a Movie. There’s no denying these boys have talent – from vocals to visuals and stage presence, it’s all there. But with only 10 songs on their setlist and jam-packed European schedule, you can’t help but wonder if this tour came a little too soon.

Yes, it was a showcase, and yes, the crowd was loving it – but moments of lip syncing during their first-ever international performance felt a bit disheartening, especially knowing the group can deliver live. While the decision to go live or pre-recorded usually isn’t in the artists’ hands, it’s frustrating to see rookie groups held back by this industry norm. Audiences deserve to witness their real potential from the get-go – and LUN8 definitely has plenty to offer.

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Featured image courtesy of Asya Photoart for View of the Arts

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to films, music, and arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. With rich content already available to our readers, we aim to expand our reach and grow alongside our audience by delving deeper into emerging platforms such as K-pop and Asian music more broadly. At the same time, we remain committed to exploring the vibrant and ever-evolving global landscape of film, music, and the arts, celebrating the immense talent and creativity that define these industries worldwide.}