K-EXPO INKIGAYO PARIS – In Conversation with 82MAJOR

Those who listen to K-pop non-stop know that new groups pop up like French croissants in a café – it’s honestly hard to keep up. However, among the chaos of all the rookie groups out there, there are always a few that catch your attention purely because of their talent and good music. One of those groups is 82MAJOR. I don’t think they need much of an introduction these days, simply because they’ve achieved so much over the past three years that only non-K-pop fans would need a lesson in 82MAJOR’s “history”.

Following the group since day one has really shown me that my time hasn’t been wasted. Despite their busy schedule, which has included tours across North America, Asia, and Europe, as well as releasing new music and holding fan meetings, the group still managed to come to Paris to take part in K-EXPO INKIGAYO PARIS. This K-pop concert was part of K-EXPO FRANCE, the biggest event celebrating 140 years of relations between Korea and France.

READ MORE: 82MAJOR Live in London

View of the Arts: This year marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France. 82MAJOR took part in celebrations honouring the occasion through music and culture. What did performing at such a meaningful event mean to you?

SEONGIL: It was a real honour to represent Korea at such a meaningful occasion. Performing there also gave us a sense of responsibility in a positive way. Like our name, 82MAJOR, we hope to continue sharing Korea with the world in the best possible way.

SEOKJOON: More than anything, I felt incredibly honoured and happy to stand on stage with the members at an event celebrating 140 years of Korea–France relations. It was such a valuable experience as an artist. I’m grateful that we had the opportunity to perform for so many people and show a new side of ourselves through our cover stages. We hope to continue showing even better performances in the future.

VOA: Although the K-EXPO concert lineup was relatively compact, it brought together some remarkable artists, including Taemin. Performing in front of a sold-out audience in Paris must have been both exciting and nerve-racking. How did it feel, and what stood out to each of you?

SEONGBIN: It really reminded me how much fans in Paris love K-pop. Watching the performances of our senior and junior artists also inspired me and gave me a lot of motivation. Making eye contact with the audience and sharing that moment together is something I’ll remember for a long time.

DOGYUN: It was an honour to share the stage with so many incredible artists. The atmosphere felt like a festival, with everyone enjoying themselves as one, and I think it will remain a precious memory for us.

SEOKJOON: The fans who filled the venue had so much energy, especially during our song Need That Bass. They jumped and sang along with us, and thanks to them, I was able to enjoy the stage rather than feel nervous. It was pure fun.

SEONGIL: When we visited Paris during our European tour in March, I remember receiving so much positive energy from the audience. This time was no different. Feeling the passion and incredible support from the crowd made me so happy.

SEONGMO: After experiencing the energy of Paris audiences during our last European tour, I had high expectations for this performance, and they exceeded them. The crowd’s reaction to our cover stages of BTS’s Boy in Luv, Stray Kids’ Chk Chk Boom, and BLACKPINK’s Jump was unforgettable. Everyone was shouting and jumping with us; it was such an exhilarating experience.

YECHAN: Honestly, everything was going perfectly fine, and I wasn’t really feeling nervous at all. But right before our cover stage, the nerves suddenly started to kick in. I don’t usually get as nervous as I used to, but walking out and seeing a sold-out venue was definitely a thrilling and exhilarating experience.

*82MAJOR delivered a wonderful show in Paris / Image © 2026 SBS / Courtesy of K-EXPO Inkigayo Paris*

VOA: Paris is a city synonymous with art and culture – and, admittedly, some of the finest pastries in Europe. Which member would spend the whole trip searching for the perfect croissant? And who would come home with an extra suitcase full of French sweets? Did you have time to enjoy them?

SEOKJOON: I think it would probably be Yechan. He’s naturally very romantic, so I can easily imagine him wandering around Paris in search of the perfect croissant. The schedule was busy, but we still managed to enjoy some great food whenever we had the chance.

DOGYUN: Yechan came to mind for me, too. During our last European tour, he actually bought me a croissant in Paris, and I still remember how delicious it was. Seongil and Seokjoon also love food, so I think the four of us would probably end up searching for the best bakeries together. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to explore this trip, but the croissants at the hotel breakfast were so good that I was perfectly satisfied.

VOA: I would love to chat about your latest release, FEELM. The title mini-album’s title combines “feel” and “film”, capturing emotional moments like scenes from a movie. What feelings or stories did you hope listeners would take away from the album?

SEONGBIN: Since “feel” is right there in the title, we hoped our emotions would come across clearly to listeners. The title track, Sign, carries the message, “Please understand how I feel.” It also encourages our fans to send us a sign if they feel the same way. We hoped the album would create a sense of connection and empathy between us and our fans.

*82MAJOR / Image © 2026 SBS / Courtesy of K-EXPO Inkigayo Paris*

VOA: All six members contributed to writing, composing, and producing the album. What did working on FEELM teach you about yourselves?

SEONGMO: While making FEELM, we discovered sides of ourselves we hadn’t fully recognised before. We focused on expressing a softer, more mature side of 82MAJOR, and realised that we could naturally convey more delicate and emotional expressions, not just powerful energy. That made us proud.

SEONGBIN: As we prepared the album, I often imagined the moments we’d share with our fans, and that excitement made the whole process special. It also made me realise that none of these experiences would have been possible without the members. Through making this album together, I not only grew musically but also came to appreciate them even more.

VOA: 82MAJOR have always explored different genres. Was there a song that proved unexpectedly challenging during the recording process?

DOGYUN: There was one part where I thought I needed to sing with more force to make it impactful, but I was actually directed to do the opposite – to relax and deliver it more casually. At first, that was difficult because it wasn’t what I had imagined. But once I heard the finished track, I realised that the softer approach sounded much more sophisticated and appealing. It taught me another way of expressing a song.

VOA: W.T.F is an impressive hip-hop track, especially the spoken-word intro. Where did that idea come from, and how did the song take shape?

SEONGMO: That intro actually started with Yechan. It was completely improvised. I happened to walk into the room, and he just started freestyling. When I heard the final version later, I burst out laughing.

YECHAN: It was a complete freestyle. Seongmo just happened to walk into the room at that moment, and I suddenly decided to playfully diss him on the spot. It wasn’t planned at all, but that spontaneous narration really brought out the raw and authentic hip-hop vibe of the track.

VOA: Yechan, You contributed to the composition, arrangement and lyrics of CIRCLES. The song’s rougher, rock-inspired sound is amazing. Do you see yourself exploring that direction further?

YECHAN: Honestly, my musical journey actually started with rock, so if anything, I feel most at home with it. Given the chance, I’d love to develop that side of our sound even further. Rock and hip-hop are closely connected in many ways, and I think there’s a lot more we can explore.

VOA: Finally, what can fans expect from the next 82MAJOR album?

SEONGIL: I think you’ll see a more mature version of 82MAJOR, both musically and in many other ways. We’ve never been afraid to try something new, so I hope everyone will look forward to discovering what kind of new colours and deeper music we bring next. Thank you.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to film, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. As we continue to grow, we aim to deepen our coverage of Asian music while remaining committed to exploring and celebrating creativity across the global arts landscape.}