Fresh off their first-ever European tour, rising K-pop group 8TURN is proving that their global momentum is only just beginning. Throughout seven cities, including London, the group delivered superb performances that showed their technical precision and natural charisma.

While still early in their journey, 8TURN have shown impressive growth since debuting in 2023. Their most recent release, LEGGO, brings out that evolution perfectly. Co-written by members YUNGYU and SEUNGHEON, the single combines a light-hearted attitude with sharp production, reflecting a group that’s increasingly hands-on with their creative direction.

In our candid and wide-ranging conversation, 8TURN opens up about the moments that led them to pursue music, the process behind LEGGO, lessons learned from tour life, and what’s next. They even dish out some chaotic fun by assigning song titles to one another, revealing just how closely knit this team has become.

So grab a snack – this one’s a real behind-the-scenes adventure with 8TURN.

“LEGGO” is a fun, high-energy hip-hop track. When performing it on stage, we made a conscious effort to create a free and playful hip-hop vibe by making strong connections with each other on stage. – KYUNGMIN

View of the Arts: Being a new K-pop group, do you feel that music was always your calling? Can you share a moment when you realised you wanted to pursue a career as an artist?

명호MYUNGHO: I wouldn’t say it felt like destiny, but ever since I was young, music has always been a part of my life thanks to my parents. It naturally became something I grew up with and liked, like a close friend I could always turn to [smiles]. I’d always had an interest in music, but I kept it to myself for a long time. The turning point came in high school when I had the chance to perform at a school event. The cheers from the audience, the excitement in that moment, and the sense of fulfillment from sharing something I had prepared; those feelings were incredible. That’s when I decided to seriously pursue this path.

재윤JAEYUN: Yes, I do feel that music has always been my calling. Music is essential when it comes to dancing and singing, so it felt only natural to like it from the very beginning. And right now, we’re in the process of finding our unique colour and identity within that world. What led me to this path was simple: I just genuinely love dancing and singing. It makes me happy when I do it, and even when I’m not, I find myself constantly thinking about it. That’s why choosing this path felt so natural and obvious to me.

민호MINHO: When I was in high school, I went through a tough time, and during that period, music gave me a lot of comfort. That experience made me truly understand the power and meaning of music. Because of that, I made up my mind to become someone who could offer that same comfort and strength to others through my own music.

VOA: Before we chat about your European tour, I’d love to discuss LEGGO. It’s such a good song about self-assurance. The lyrics and production are also very good. With such a dynamic team behind the song spanning international producers like Joseph K, Thru, and members of THE HUB, as well as lyricists including WUTAN, You Jisang, Kim Soo Min, and your members YUNGYU and SEUNGHEON – was there a particular experience, either as a group or individually, that shaped the message at the centre of this track? How much of your identity and growth did you channel into this performance, and what does LEGGO mean to you now that it’s out in the world?

윤성YOONSUNG: LEGGO is our new single album, which we released a year after our 3rd mini album, and also our first release after the survival show Road to Kingdom. Because of that, we knew many people would be watching, and we felt a strong sense of responsibility, so we put in even more effort during the preparation process. Going through Road to Kingdom helped us rediscover what makes 8TURN special. That realisation pushed us to choose a track full of energy like LEGGO, and it inspired us while writing the lyrics as well. We also contributed a lot of ideas, not just for the lyrics, but for the album’s overall concept and production. That kind of creative involvement gave us more confidence when promoting it. In many ways, this album represents our ambition to keep growing and moving forward as 8TURN.

경민 KYUNGMIN: LEGGO is a fun, high-energy hip-hop track. When performing it on stage, we made a conscious effort to create a free and playful hip-hop vibe by making strong connections with each other on stage. That chemistry and energy helped us grow performance-wise, and it really enhanced our stage presence and unity as a team.

For me, I realised that to nurture creativity, I absolutely need personal space. I work best, whether it’s dancing, singing, or songwriting, when I’m alone. I think it’s because there are no distractions, and I can be fully focused. -YUNGYU

VOA: If you could tell me a bit more about the creative and the song-writing process, that would be great.

윤규 YUNGYU: When I’m working on a song, I usually sit in the practice room and start by writing down the ideas I’ve already had floating around in my head. It’s kind of like creating a mind map; certain keywords start to grow, and as they connect, the concept of the song becomes clearer as I go. Personally, I find that I’m more creative at night. I often get ideas while walking back to the place we live together, or even in the shower. Right before bed, I usually just watch anime, so I don’t think too deeply then, but the next day, I revisit those thoughts and keep building on them at work. Bit by bit, the pieces fall into place.

승헌SEUNGHEON: When I’m writing lyrics, I start by listening to the track over and over again. I focus on capturing the atmosphere of the song and thinking about the message we want to deliver as 8TURN. 

VOA: You’ve just wrapped up your European tour, including an exciting stop in London. Looking back, were there any moments – on stage or off – that stayed with you? How did meeting international TURNING in person shape your connection to your global fanbase?

재윤 JAEYUN: We toured around Europe for about three weeks, and I think these memories will stay with me for a very long time. Each country and city had its own vibe, and the audience’s energy was so different from Korea. That mix of local atmosphere and fan enthusiasm impressed me a lot. The crowds were incredibly expressive and interactive. As an artist, that kind of response is moving. It actually gave us more energy, and I felt genuinely happy on those stages.

윤성 YOONSUNG: We performed in a total of seven cities, and while TURNING’s energy was great from the start, it somehow kept growing with each show. I remember thinking, “Is it even possible for the energy to get higher than this?”, and then it actually did! It was amazing. Even though we’re physically far apart and speak different languages, being able to meet, lock eyes, and share joy on stage meant so much to me. This was my first time in Europe, so everything I saw felt new and exciting [smiles].

해민HAEMIN: Since our debut, it was always the biggest sounds and movements on stage that stayed with me the most. But as we’ve gained more experience, I’ve started to remember even the smallest moments too. I was especially moved when I saw fans crying tears of joy; it made me truly realise that we’re becoming a source of comfort and strength for someone out there. Every moment of the tour is unforgettable. And through this tour, I think we also came to better understand what makes an 8TURN concert so special, and what we can bring to our global fans in the future.

VOA: Touring looks exciting from the outside, but it also requires a huge amount of behind-the-scenes effort. How much preparation goes into planning and executing a tour like this, and what part of that process surprised you the most as performers?

명호MYUNGHO: For many people on this tour, it was their very first time seeing us perform live right in front of them. Knowing that, we felt a huge responsibility to make every moment count. Even though we were performing songs we’ve done many times before, we completely reworked the setlist, prepared new cover stages to show different sides of ourselves. On top of that, there was an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes planning, scripts for the show, special segments, lighting, stage layout, outfits, and constant communication with the staff. Through this first tour, I really realised just how many things need to be prepared and how much attention every little detail requires. Honestly, it wasn’t easy at all, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make it happen. And one thing that truly surprised me, in the best way, was the passionate cheers and support from international TURNING. It was beyond what we ever expected.

승헌SEUNGHEON: We actually prepared for our first tour at the same time as our promotions for LEGGO, so it was a very busy period of nonstop practice. For me personally, I worked with YUNGYU to create a new version of Not Like Us, with our own lyrics and flow. That made the experience feel really different from a typical performance. In fact, it was even more fun because that stage allowed us to express everything we wanted to as artists. It was a performance that felt 100% like us.

VOA: Was there a funny or unexpected moment during the tour – maybe something that happened backstage or while exploring a city that still makes you laugh when you think about it?

민호MINHO: One funny moment was when YOONSUNG and I went to a Korean restaurant and decided to film a vlog while we were there. The owner saw us filming and asked, “Are you guys YouTubers?” So I told him we were actually K-POP idols. Usually, when we say that, people respond with things like “Oh really? Which group?” or “Wow, that’s cool!” – so I expected something like that. But this time, the owner just said, “Ah, okay,” super casually, and went straight back to work. I didn’t really know how to react; it was kind of awkward but also really funny. It’s a moment I still laugh about.

윤성 YOONSUNG: One night, I rode a bike alone to see the Eiffel Tower. I really wanted to take some photos, but there was no one around to ask, so I was about to give up and head back to the hotel. Just then, I ran into our staff members, and they helped me take a bunch of great pictures and even film some TikToks! That little unexpected moment made the night really memorable.

Being surrounded by people who all came from different backgrounds is a huge source of inspiration for me. When all our perspectives and ideas come together, it leads to the best outcomes. – HAEMIN

VOA: Now that you’ve conquered Europe, is there another country or region you’re hoping to visit next on tour? Any dream destinations on your wishlist, either for performing or just enjoying some local food and culture?

명호MYUNGHO: I really want to perform in Japan. I’d love to experience all the different aspects of Japanese culture in person. And since I absolutely love Japanese food, I’m excited to try as many dishes as I can while we’re there on tour. But more than anything, I just want to meet more TURNING and connect with our fans. 

재윤 JAEYUN: I would love to do an Oceania tour. New Zealand will always have a special place in my heart since I was basically raised there till 15. It’s been exactly 10 years now since I left New Zealand, so to be able to go back not as a random Kiwi-Korean but as a K-pop idol would be a dream come true.

윤성 YOONSUNG: For me, it’s Thailand! It was actually the first country I visited after debuting, and I still remember how warmly the TURNING there welcomed us. We haven’t had a solo concert in Thailand yet, so I’d really love to go back, perform, and of course, eat a lot of my favorite Thai food!

민호MINHO: I really want to visit Switzerland. Of course, the cities are beautiful, but I’m especially drawn to the natural landscapes, so going there would be really special for me. 

해민HAEMIN: If it’s for a performance, and for TURNING, I’m ready to go anywhere in the world. I also hope we can one day do concerts on a bigger scale. And as for traveling, I’d really like to try living in Japan for a month, just experiencing life there, enjoying the culture.

경민 KYUNGMIN: Wherever TURNING is, that’s where I want to go. But if I had to pick a travel destination, I’d say Italy. My parents love Italy, and I’d love to experience the culture there for myself one day.

윤규 YUNGYU:  Ever since I was young, I’ve often imagined traveling to Italy with my family. There are so many countries I’d love to visit, but for some reason, Italy has always stood out in my mind. We didn’t get a chance to visit during this tour, but someday, when the time is right, I really hope to go there with my family.

승헌SEUNGHEON: Actually, I’d really love to go back to Paris. We visited during the tour, and both the concert and the city itself left a lasting impression on me. I was genuinely happy during our time there—the atmosphere, the scenery, and especially the memories I made with the members. It’s a place I won’t ever forget.

VOA: Coming off such an energetic tour and with LEGGO freshly released, how do you balance the adrenaline of live performances with the process of creating and promoting new music? Has touring influenced how you approach your sound or stage presence moving forward?

재윤 JAEYUN: I don’t think there needs to be a balance when it comes to live performances and the album-making process. It may vary from person to person, but when it comes to me, I think it gives both a positive and creative impact to each craft. And touring has definitely influenced us in our upcoming comeback for sure. We learnt so much during our tour, and I think that’s what makes our comeback more exciting. Previously, without the touring experience, we were solely focused on camera work for our stages, inevitable considering the K-pop system at the moment, but now we have learnt to really enjoy and live the moment while being on stage and really engage with the audience. That being said, I can’t wait to see how these experiences will impact our comeback stages in the future.

민호MINHO:  Through this tour, I really felt that I’ve grown in terms of live performance skills. I also gained a lot more confidence in how I put together a performance, not just as someone on stage, but as someone who helps shape the overall show experience.

경민 KYUNGMIN: In Korea, we usually perform new songs on music broadcast programs, which means we’re often performing to cameras rather than directly to fans. But during the tour, it felt like TURNING’s eyes were the cameras. We could make eye contact and really connect with the fans in real time, which made the performances feel so much more alive and enjoyable. That kind of emotional connection and energy I felt on tour has become a huge source of inspiration. I think it will definitely influence how we prepare our next album. And I hope we can bring that same feeling, even on music shows, to everyone watching or attending in person.

Since becoming an idol, I think my metacognitive skills have really improved. I’ve become more aware of my surroundings, and that’s helped me visualise the stage more clearly in my head. – MINHO

VOA: Looking at your life, and since you became an idol group, to what extent do you think your surroundings shaped you, creatively speaking, and in what way?

명호MYUNGHO: Compared to when I was preparing for this career alone, being in a group with others who share the same goal has made a huge difference. I’ve learned so much from my members, just by watching them, working alongside them, and growing together. Emotionally and creatively, they’ve had a really positive influence on me.

재윤 JAEYUN: I became a trainee straight after I finished year 7, so it isn’t an exaggeration when I say I was solely shaped by K-pop and its relations. But as I grew older and older, I realised that just chasing your dreams and doing what makes you happy isn’t enough. That’s why I try to experience things outside of K-pop, like making new friends who are not related to K-pop or reading books, currently reading East of Eden, or trying new sports. And I believe these things can also bring a positive and creative effect on my work as a K-pop idol.

민호MINHO: Since becoming an idol, I think my metacognitive skills have really improved. I’ve become more aware of my surroundings, and that’s helped me visualise the stage more clearly in my head. It’s also made me more creative overall. I’m able to approach performances from a more thoughtful and intentional place.

윤성 YOONSUNG: I feel like I live inside the world of media now. After debuting, I started connecting a lot of what I see in the media to our group. Even when I’m watching movies or dramas, I often find myself thinking, “This concept or visual could be interesting to use in an album. I also get a lot of inspiration from monitoring other groups and seeing what’s happening around us.

해민HAEMIN: Being surrounded by people who all came from different backgrounds is a huge source of inspiration for me. When all our perspectives and ideas come together, it leads to the best outcomes. We fill in each other’s gaps, and that synergy definitely shows on stage.

경민 KYUNGMIN: Since debuting as an idol, I’d say my environment has influenced me almost entirely. Living in a shared space with the members has changed not just my physical surroundings, but also the way I think and feel. We all come from different backgrounds, and being together has naturally shaped my personality and mindset. All of these experiences have had a deep impact on me, both creatively and personally.

윤규 YUNGYU: For me, I realised that to nurture creativity, I absolutely need personal space. I work best, whether it’s dancing, singing, or songwriting, when I’m alone. I think it’s because there are no distractions, and I can be fully focused. After debuting, I started spending more time alone in the practice room or vocal booth. The more time I spent reflecting inward instead of focusing on what’s around me, the more creatively productive I became.

승헌SEUNGHEON: In my experience, it’s important to see and hear a lot of things, but nothing has influenced me more than standing on stage. Performing live has had the greatest impact on me, more than anything. Since our debut, every stage has meant the world to us. We dreamed of this for so long, and each performance is a meaningful experience that continues to shape who we are as 8TURN.

VOA: Let’s shake things up a bit – if you had to describe each other only using song titles from your discography, which ones would you choose and why? No explanations like “because it’s catchy” – we want the deep or chaotic truths. Go wild!

명호MYUNGHO: If I had to describe MINHO using one of our song titles, it would definitely be LEGGO. The bright, high-energy, and slightly mischievous vibe of that track really reminds me of him.

민호MINHO: During the tour, my favorite track changed to Say My Name, and I think it fits SEUNGHEON perfectly. Maybe it’s because he’s the only underage member, but there’s something really playful and bouncy about him that matches the song so well. 

윤성 YOONSUNG:   I’d choose 이럴거면 다음생에, Like a Friend for KYUNGMIN, not because of the lyrics, but because I kinda want to be him in my next life. His physique is insane, and honestly, I’m a little jealous sometimes.

해민HAEMIN: I think YUNGYU is the embodiment of THE GAME. From the way he owns the stage with confidence and power to his presence in every performance, that song captures his whole vibe better than anything else!

윤규 YUNGYU: I think LEGGO suits SEUNGHEON really well, mainly because he loves Ninjago.

VOA: What’s next after the tour? Any new music on the horizon?

해민HAEMIN: Yes, we’re getting ready for a comeback! And this time, we’re bringing a completely new side of 8TURN. We’re genuinely excited to share it with TURNING. Please look forward to it. We can’t wait to see your reactions!

윤규 YUNGYU: We’re working hard again and preparing to come back with a brand-new song. We’re excited to meet you with something special soon!

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Translated by Kim Sang Yeon

Featured image courtesy of MNH Entertainment

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to films, music, and the 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.}