Exclusive Interview: 82MAJOR on ‘Trophy,’ Brotherhood, and Why the Stage Is Where Their Story Comes Alive

There’s a certain electricity that surrounds 82MAJOR—the kind that feels less like hype and more like inevitability. Made up of Yechan, Seongil, Seongbin, Seokjoon, Dogyun, and Seongmo, the six-member group has been steadily carving out their own lane, driven by a shared hunger to create, connect, and evolve in real time. With each release, they’ve sharpened their identity—not by chasing trends, but by trusting their instincts and one another. It’s this collective vision, paired with their individual voices, that positions 82MAJOR as one of the most exciting acts to watch in the industry right now.

That spirit comes into full focus with Trophy, a project rooted in celebrating the moments that define growth—the quiet decisions, the leaps of faith, and the belief that something bigger is being built together. Now, as they prepare for their 5th concert, “BEBEOM: BE THE TIGER,” set for January 24 in Seoul, that ethos will unfold onstage in full force. From collaborative songwriting sessions to live shows designed to feel immersive and immediate, 82MAJOR are proving that this chapter isn’t just about momentum—it’s about meaning.

Pop Culturalist chatted with the group about the making of Trophy, their creative evolution, and what fans can expect when they take the stage next.

PC: Trophy was inspired by your shared desire to celebrate meaningful moments where you carved your own paths. Looking back on this journey so far, what moment best exemplifies that ethos?
Yechan: Definitely our debut—or even the moment I chose to pursue music. That decision became the catalyst for paving my own career, that first spark of passion. And if we’re talking about moments, there are honestly too many to count; every comeback and every release feels like another step forward in our journey.

Seongil: For me, it’s the moment just before stepping on stage. We’re monitoring everything and continuing to discuss how we can make the performance even better. In that moment, it feels like all six of us are sharing one common aspiration.

PC: Since your debut, there’s been so much growth as a group. What do you feel has had the biggest influence on that evolution—both individually and as 82MAJOR?
Seongil: I think our growth has been influenced by the music of many artists, and especially by our fans, 82DE.

Seongbin: Personally, I’m influenced by the music of many artists and by conversations with the people around me. I learn a lot from listening to different kinds of music and thinking, “Oh, I could express it like this.” My perspective continues to expand as I learn from stories I haven’t experienced myself, but have shared with others through conversation.

PC: You all played a role in writing “Need That Bass.” What does that collaborative process look like when it comes to honoring each of your individual voices while creating something cohesive as a group?
Seongbin: When we work on music, we often approach it like a song camp. We play different beats, use the microphone, and take turns singing melodies while sharing our opinions. We discuss everything together and vote to select the songs we want to develop. Because we’re so involved in the creation process, I think the music naturally reflects the colors of 82MAJOR. The process itself is really fun, too.

Seokjoon: “Need That Bass” was created during an LA song camp. I really enjoyed collaborating with many producers in such a comfortable environment. We worked together to make the song more exciting by constantly discussing how to elevate and refine it.

PC: There’s so much chemistry within the group. What’s one fun fact that fans would be surprised to learn about one of your bandmates?
Dogyun: Yechan can’t whistle—but I actually saw him whistle once not too long ago! I was so surprised.

Seongmo: I have one about myself! I’ve been working out in my spare time lately.

PC: As a group, you’re drawn to challenges. Is there a challenge you haven’t encountered yet that you’re excited to explore?
Seongil: I want to challenge myself with the R&B genre. I think it would allow me to show a different side of myself than before—and it’s a style I really love. [laughs] Not just R&B, but I want to continue exploring new genres and showing many different sides of myself, so please look forward to what’s ahead.

Seokjoon: I especially want to try Afrobeats. I can’t wait to see what kind of colors the six of us will create through Afro-inspired music.

PC: You have an upcoming show in Korea. What is it like to experience an 82MAJOR live show, and what is it about the stage that brings out the best in each of you?
Seongil: I think the best way to experience 82MAJOR’s identity is through our live performances. From songwriting to stage composition, we take in a lot of opinions and think carefully about how to communicate with the audience through both direction and performance. Through live shows and broadcasts, we’re able to connect naturally with the audience and show our unfiltered charms.

Seongbin: I think it’s really special that all of us can perform live, and because we’ve been involved in the process ourselves, we’re able to enjoy it even more. 82MAJOR’s performances are built around having fun naturally—running around the stage and sharing that energy with the audience.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Seongmo: ONE OK ROCK. I don’t think fans would expect me to listen to rock music!

Yechan: Probably Tarika Blue. I’m sure most people don’t even know the band, but their music is mostly jazz/funk fusion. Even Erykah Badu sampled them on Mama’s Gun, and honestly, I’m tempted to do the same myself!

PC: First album you bought?
Seongbin: The first album I bought was by TWICE, when I was in elementary school. It was my very first album, and I remember feeling so happy—like I had the whole world in my hands.

PC: First concert you attended?
Seokjoon: My first concert was by THE BOYZ. Before my debut, I had the chance to see them live, and I was really impressed by their charismatic performances and the loud cheers from the fans. It was my first time experiencing a concert like that, and it made me want to debut soon and perform in front of a large audience myself.

Seongil: I went to a TWICE concert for the first time. When I was in middle school, my friend was a huge fan of TWICE and got two tickets, so I went with him. There were a lot of songs I already knew, and I remember having a really fun time together.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Yechan: It’s probably Hybrid Theory or Meteora by Linkin Park. When I was younger, I listened to a lot of rock and metal, and honestly, Linkin Park became my gateway into rap and a wide range of other genres. Especially because of Mike Shinoda—he really opened my eyes to hip-hop and changed the way I understood music as a whole.

Dogyun: ON by 82MAJOR. It’s our debut album, and I feel like I got to live a completely new life through it. Most importantly, it allowed me to meet 82DE, our official fandom, which means everything to me.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Seokjoon: Gocheok Sky Dome. I’ve been there before for ceremonial first pitches and batting events, and I remember thinking how incredible it would be to perform there with our fans someday. I want to show 82MAJOR’s own performance at Gocheok Dome, completely filled with 82DE.

Seongil: I want to perform at the Super Bowl. With the massive scale of the stage and its ever-evolving production, I think it would be an amazing opportunity to show a powerful performance to a huge audience.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Seongbin: Pajamas! I always bring my pajamas wherever I go.

Seokjoon: Earphones. I always bring them because I use my phone a lot while traveling or waiting, and they’re essential for me.

To keep up with 82MAJOR, follow them on Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music.