K-pop boy group LUMINOUS debuts with first album, 'YOUTH'

K-pop boy group LUMINOUS / Courtesy of Barunson WIP

By Dong Sun-hwa

K-pop boy group LUMINOUS, comprising Suil, Steven, Youngbin and Woobin, has debuted with its first mini-album, “YOUTH.”

“YOUTH” hit multiple streaming platforms, including Melon and Bugs, at 12:00 p.m., Thursday. Led by the hip-hop-flavored single, “RUN.” The album offers four other tunes of various genres, including “Home alone.”

According to the quartet's management company, Barunson WIP, the lead track centers on the theme of youth, which can be both “tough and beautiful.” It is an anthem for youngsters feeling lost in their lives, the agency added.

“The four-piece act will convey a message of hope and comfort to young people of this era,” it said in a statement Thursday.

LUMINOUS is the first K-pop act to be launched by Barunson WIP, an entertainment company run by vocal coach Kim Sung-eun, who has taught big-name stars, including: BTS, TWICE and Kang Daniel.

Like many other K-pop acts, the group also has its own fictional “universe,” where all members symbolize different elements. Suil and Steven represent thunder and fire, respectively, while Youngbin represents light and Woobin symbolizes moonlight.

Prior to its official debut, in August, the group dropped the pre-debut album, “Dreaming LUMINOUS,” which carries the lead single of the same name and four other tracks composed by the members: “ROD (ride or die,)” (Suil), “Up all night” (Steven), “Star” (Youngbin) and “Orbit” (Woobin).

“We thought it would be great to offer people a glimpse into LUMINOUS ahead of our debut,” Suil said in a recent email Q&A, explaining the rationale behind the release of “Dreaming LUMINOUS.” “Through this album, we want to display our synergy.”

Steven said, “Each member has his own style and character, but when we team up, we can still create great harmony.”

The rookie group was initially set to debut on Sept. 1, but had to postpone plans after Youngbin tested positive for COVID-19 on Aug. 23. Although the singer has now fully recovered, Barunson WIP still decided to skip an album showcase, which was expected to take place Thursday. Instead, it is planning to organize another event in the coming days to showcase LUMINOUS's music and performances to the public.

“We have so far spared no efforts to prepare for our debut,” Youngbin said. “Now, we are ready to embark on our journey.”

Woobin said, “We have just taken our first step… LUMINOUS has a lot of things to showcase.”