As they close out their latest era, K-Pop boy band 82MAJOR talk their mini-album ‘Trophy,’ performing and what we can expect from them this year.
There’s always something exciting when it comes to rising contenders in the ever growing world of K-Pop, and when it comes to the trophy, 82MAJOR is gunning for the gold.
Emerged amid 2023’s dynamic wave, the six-member South Korean boy band has been making noise since their debut single, ‘Sure Thing.’ Formed by group members Nam Seongmo, Park Seokjoon, Cho Seongil, Hwang Seongbin, Kim Dogyun and Toronto’s own Yoon Yechan, 82MAJOR is the very first all-male music group created and developed by Great M Entertainment, with their name paying homage to South Korea’s calling code “82.”
Just three years into the game, 82MAJOR has already cultivated a dedicated fanbase and have found themselves soaring on the Billboard charts – a feat made possible with their hype-inducing hit single ‘Stuck’ from their 2024 project, ‘X-82,’ which marked their very first Billboard debut. With their heavy hitting choreography, their seamless fusion of pop, hip-hop and R&B, and overall powerful presence both in the studio and on the stage, it’s no surprise that they have found themselves on the radar, quickly becoming the boy band to watch, not only within the Korean music industry but also as one of the most promising and rising global K-Pop sensations.
Proving that they’ve got the golden edge, 82MAJOR kept the momentum high with the release of their 4th mini-album ‘Trophy’ last fall, accompanied by the music video for its title track. With visuals including high fashion, intense choreo and explosive special effects, the video for ‘TROPHY’ easily stands shoulder to shoulder with some of today’s top Korean acts, firmly establishing them as major players in the current K-Pop landscape. The 4-track project plays like an ode to 82MAJOR’s strong ambition into becoming a true global K-Pop powerhouse, and showcases an even bolder, experimental sound and presence.
“This album is about meaningful moments created by walking your own path without being shaken by other people’s standards,” shared Seongil on the inspirations behind their latest project, ‘Trophy.’ “Through the music, we wanted to deliver the message that everyone can create their own “trophy” in their own place.”
Building on the success from ‘Trophy,’ 2026 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for 82MAJOR as they get in their feels, with the drop of their forthcoming, highly anticipated 5th mini-album ‘FEELM.’ “We’re planning to show a lot of new music and a different side of ourselves this year,” Seokjoon shared on what fans can expect this year. “Please look forward to it!”
A combination of ‘feel’ and ‘film,’ we can imagine that the rising K-Pop group is about to give their feelings the visual treatment for ‘FEELM.’ With all members playing their roles in front and behind the scenes for this mini-album, from songwriting and production, 82MAJOR’s ‘FEELM’ is poised to be their most exciting project to date.
‘Trophy’ is out now. ‘FEELM’ is set to be released on April 28th, 2026.
I had the chance to catch up with 82MAJOR as they’re about to close out their ‘Trophy’ era, and talked their latest mini-album, performing, what we can expect this year and much more. Read our interview with 82MAJOR and stream ‘Trophy’ below.
XMPL: To new listeners, how would you describe the overall 82MAJOR sound?
Yechan: Very experimental—especially considering the time we debuted. While a lot of groups were going for cuter concepts back then, we were just rapping our hearts out, lol.
Seongbin: We want to share music that you can feel the energy from the moment you hear it—music that naturally makes your body move. I think people can really feel our unique energy both on stage and in our music.
Seongmo: In one phrase, I’d call it “polished hype.” It’s music built on a trendy sound that naturally lifts your energy as you listen.
“This album is about meaningful moments created by walking your own path without being shaken by other people’s standards.”
XMPL: What were some of the inspirations behind your latest release, ‘Trophy’ and what is the story behind the name for this project?
Seongil: This album is about meaningful moments created by walking your own path without being shaken by other people’s standards. Through the music, we wanted to deliver the message that everyone can create their own “trophy” in their own place.
XMPL: The music video for your song ‘TROPHY’ went crazy! Can you talk to us about some of the work behind the visuals?
Seokjoon: The trophy—symbolizing victory and gold medals—transforms into crystal, representing the idea of moving on to the next level. Gold represents the “achievement” earned through competition, while the transparency of crystal symbolizes “our true selves who’ve achieved our dreams.”
We also used the trophy prop in dynamic ways—holding it, spinning it—to create powerful visual moments. Another key point was the symbolic reference to the Korean flag: red and blue lighting represented the Taegeuk symbol, while the track lines expressed the Geon-Gon-Gam-Ri trigrams, adding a distinctly Korean aesthetic.
XMPL: Out of the four tracks on this project, which would you say is your personal favorite?
Seongmo: ‘TROPHY’ — everything about it, from the vibe of the song to the performance, is totally my style.
Seokjoon: ‘Need That Bass’ — I was hooked from the very first listen! It gets me hyped every time.
Yechan: Definitely ‘Need That Bass.’ It’s the one song we made at our LA song camp, and it was mixed by a hyung I really respect—so honestly, it’s one of my favorite 82MAJOR songs, period.
Seongil: ‘TROPHY’ — I really love the choreography style, and even though it was our first time trying tech house, I think we pulled it off well, which makes me even more attached to it.
Seongbin: ‘Need That Bass’ — it instantly gets you excited. It’s a song you can really let loose and enjoy.
Dogyun: ‘TROPHY’ — I love how refined the overall mood is. It’s personally one of my favorites.
XMPL: You just wrapped up shows in South Korea and are preparing for Brazil and Europe. Do you have any pre-show routines or rituals?
Seongil: I work out to pump my body up and shout “fighting” really loudly. It helps warm up both my body and my voice.
Dogyun: I do shadow boxing out of habit—it helps loosen my body and sharpen my focus before going on stage.
XMPL: Lately, which song has been your favorite to perform on stage?
Seongbin: ‘Need That Bass.’ We worked on it at an LA song camp, and collaborating with new producers was really fun. The song is so energetic that we naturally enjoy the stage more, and when the audience responds, it gives us even more energy.
Seongmo: ‘Need That Bass’ as well. When we performed it at our recent concert, the energy was insane. Both us and the fans were completely hyped—it’s a stage I’ll always remember.
XMPL: K-pop is known for explosive collaborations. Are there any global artists you’d like to work with?
Seongil: Bruno Mars. I grew up listening to his music, and he’s an artist I’ve admired for a long time. I’d love to collaborate with him someday.
XMPL: Yechan, as a Canadian, are there any Canadian artists or producers you’d like to work with?
Yechan: There’s the obvious choice of JB [Justin Bieber], but I’ve also been really tapped into the underground R&B scene back home. Recently, artists like Pino and Sean Hamad have really caught my attention, so I’d definitely love to connect with them.
XMPL: Are there any artists you’ve been listening to lately?
Seongil: JayDon. I’ve been listening to his music a lot lately. He’s an artist who excels at both singing and dancing, and his expression of R&B—one of my favorite genres—really inspires me.
Yechan: To list a few: Malcom Todd, FLO, Jean Dawson, James Savage, Chase Shakur, onlywoke, Givēon, KAIRO, and a whole lot more.
XMPL: Since your debut, what’s something surprising you’ve learned on your journey?
Yechan: Honestly? Nothing is really surprising. Everything is planned, and everything I learn is a result of that planning. For example, I always wanted to DJ, and I made that possible through preparation.
Dogyun: I realized that we’re receiving way more love than I ever imagined. It made me want to never take that love for granted and to give back through better stages and better music.
Seokjoon: I learned that while showing versatility is important, confidently owning one strong color can also be a powerful strength.
XMPL: What do you hope listeners take away from ‘Trophy?’
Seokjoon: I hope they feel the grand, heavy energy of the project and can fully let themselves move with the beat.
Seongbin: I hope people feel and appreciate the refined atmosphere of the songs—that would mean a lot to us.
XMPL: Is there anything fans can look forward to this year?
Seokjoon: We’re planning to show a lot of new music and a different side of ourselves this year—please look forward to it!
Dogyun: Fans can expect more stages and new sides of us that we haven’t shown before. We’re working hard, so please stay excited!
