LUN8 weathers lineup chaos, returns with 'LOST'

K-pop boy band LUN8 poses for a press event held to commemorate the group's new album release at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Fantagio

In K-pop's cutthroat landscape, rookie bands almost never get a second chance, as even a minor lineup shift can derail the most promising acts. LUN8, a boy band under K-pop label Fantagio, seemed headed for that fate just two years after its 2023 debut.

But the group is now back with "LOST," a new three-track album that insists the group is not just surviving, but recalibrating.

In January, LUN8 members Dohyun and Ji Eunho temporarily stepped away from the group, citing health concerns, while another member, Eunseop, announced his formal exit. What began as an eight-piece unit quickly collapsed to five, threatening to cut short Fantagio's ambitious return to the boy band market after ASTRO.

However, instead of folding, the group added Yuma, a Japanese performer who appeared on MBC audition show "Fantasy Boys," as LUN8 stages a comeback as a six-member act. At a rain-soaked media showcase in Seoul's Gwangjin District on Wednesday, the members — Jinsu, Chael, Takuma, Junwoo, Ian and Yuma — seemed intent on putting the lineup turbulence behind them.

K-pop boy band LUN8 performs during a press event held to commemorate the group's new album release at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Fantagio

"I've prepared for so long to finally stand on stage, and I want to show fans the best of me," new member Yuma said, promising to "grow with every step."

Junwoo added that constant communication has helped the group bond quickly. "We're getting closer day by day."

Leader Jinsu added that the changes have only accelerated the group's progress. "With eight, our choreography formations were more versatile. With fewer members, we had to make up for it with skill. That pushed our growth faster, and seeing the results has been rewarding. The change wasn't as hard as it looked," he said.

K-pop boy band LUN8 performs during a press event held to commemorate the group's new album release at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Fantagio

According to Fantagio, the new album, slated for release at 6 p.m. Wednesday, "condenses the group's will to shine brighter through change." Its eponymous title track is a pop-dance song that leans on dark, dreamy sensuality, anchored by an earworm of a whistle motif.

In particular, American singer-songwriter Stephen Puth — the younger brother of pop star Charlie Puth — had a hand in writing it, adding a polished, minimalist pop sheen suited for global ears.

Takuma called it "an honor" to perform a track from the songwriter, while Ian leaned into its commercial appeal.

"The whistle sound is addictive. We're confident listeners will get hooked like we did," he said.

K-pop boy band LUN8 performs during a press event held to commemorate the group's new album release at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Fantagio

The rest of the album rounds out with two more tracks — "Bad Girl," driven by hip-hop drums and guitar riffs, and "Nauty," which incorporates moombahton grooves.

The momentum has already taken LUN8 beyond Korea. Now in their third year, the group recently staged its first five-city European tour and released its first Japanese full-length album, "Elevation."

Chael described those experiences as a turning point.

"Communicating with overseas fans in another language made me think hard about how to connect with them better. It made me want to perform on every stage we can," he said.

Takuma, for his part, vowed that this comeback would carry weight.

"It's been seven months since our last return, and that makes this stage even more precious," he said. "I want every performance to show our best."