Jay Park says K-pop lost its romantic spirit, introduces LNGSHOT as his answer

Members of LNGSHOT perform during a press event for the group's debut mini album “SHOT CALLERS” at MyungHwa Live Hall in Seoul’s Yeongdeungpo District, Tuesday. The four-member group, consisting of Ohyul, Ryul, Woojin and Louis, is the first boy band launched under Jay Park’s label, More Vision. Yonhap

R&B singer Jay Park says K-pop has lost some of its "romantic spirit" and "authenticity," and his answer is LNGSHOT, a four-member boy band that made its debut Tuesday with the release of its first mini-album, "SHOT CALLERS."

Introduced under Park’s label, More Vision, LNGSHOT consists of Ohyul, Ryul, Woojin and Louis. The group’s name refers to a "long shot," a decisive play with slim odds that can flip the game entirely.

Just hours before the album’s release, the group held a debut showcase at MyungHwa Live Hall in Seoul’s Yeongdeungpo District, where they performed tracks from the album and spoke about its production process.

Woojin admitted that the group name initially felt unfamiliar.

“It wasn’t a term commonly used in Korea, so it felt strange at first,” he said. “But as we started promoting, I realized there isn’t another word that could replace LNGSHOT or capture its meaning. Now I’m very attached to it.”

K-pop boy band LNGSHOT attends a media showcase for the group's debut mini-album “SHOT CALLERS” at MyungHwa Live Hall in Seoul’s Yeongdeungpo District, Tuesday.

The band's debut album, "SHOT CALLERS," is mainly built on hip-hop and R&B foundations, reflecting Park’s long-established musical tastes. The album includes five tracks: the lead single "Moonwalkin'" and the B-sides "Saucin'," "Backseat," "FaceTime" and "Never Let Go."

In particular, “Moonwalkin’” likens youth pressing forward through uncertainty to the iconic dance move. In its live performance at the event, LNGSHOT avoided sounding too derivative, a common pitfall for some hip-hop-leaning K-pop acts, instead presenting an identity grounded in talent.

At the same time, subtle nods to pop figures like Michael Jackson and Beyoncé give the track a sense of lineage without imitation.

“The theme itself comes from an iconic move Michael Jackson made famous,” Woojin said. “This song is what started the LNGSHOT project, so it carries a lot of meaning for me.”

R&B singer and producer Jay Park attends a media showcase for boy group LNGSHOT at MyungHwa Live Hall in Seoul, Tuesday. LNGSHOT is the first boy group launched under his label More Vision. Yonhap

Park himself made a surprise appearance at the event, speaking candidly about producing the group despite having no prior experience creating idols.

“I honestly just followed my instincts,” he said. “I knew it would be difficult, and I knew it would cost me a lot of money,” he said with a laugh. “But I still wanted to try.”

He said LNGSHOT differs from other idol groups because of how the project was conceived from the start.

“Rather than forcing idols into a specific concept, this team was built around people who share my mindset, people I genuinely wanted to give everything to,” Park said. “Instead of squeezing the members into the frame of a group, their identities shaped LNGSHOT itself.”

He added that idol production often reflects different priorities across companies.

“For me, romanticism still exists, and that was the foundation,” Park said. “My priorities are different. Rather than doing what everyone else does, I want to pursue what I love, persuade people through that, and earn respect."

Singer Jay Park, left, addresses the media during the debut showcase of boy group LNGSHOT at MyungHwa Live Hall in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

While Park’s involvement helped bring LNGSHOT to the stage, the group now faces the task of establishing an identity independent of his name. Ohyul acknowledged the advantage while stressing the group’s long-term goal.

“We can’t deny that we’ve been given great opportunities and a strong environment thanks to our CEO,” he said. “But we will work hard until the day we are known simply as LNGSHOT.”

Woojin said authenticity remains a core value for the group.

“I learned from our CEO that sincerity means staying true to what you love and not being shaken by what others say,” he said. “I know it can be painful if you fail to persuade people, but I will stay steady and keep aiming for the goal.”

The four members of K-pop boy band LNGSHOT perform during a debut showcase for its first mini-album “SHOT CALLERS” at MyungHwa Live Hall in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap