The first rookie launch of the year, boy band 8TURN made its debut on Monday with “TIC TAC,” proudly proclaiming it is now their turn to take over the K-pop scene.

The eight members — Jaeyun, Kyungmin, Myungho, Minho, Yoonsung, Haemin, Yungyu, and Seungheon — introduced their first EP “8Turnrise” during Monday’s debut showcase at the Ilchi Art Hall in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. They premiered the music video and stage performance for lead track “TIC TAC” and also performed B-side track “WE.”

Initially dubbed BOM (Boys of MNH), the band was highly anticipated as MNH Entertainment’s first male act. MNH Entertainment’s chief Lee Ju-seop also attended the showcase to explain his ambitions behind producing 8TURN.

“This project started in 2019 when we cast Jaeyun,” he said. “We considered some 40 trainees for this group and eventually finalized this lineup of eight. They are rookies, but they’re already complete in terms of skills.”

“Our goal is to create a group that makes your heartbeat race,” Lee continue. “'Don’t try to compare us to another’ is our slogan. We refuse to follow one set path.”

The group’s name signifies its ambitious start, meaning it is now the eight members’ turn shine in the K-pop scene. It is also derived from the fact that the number 8 turned sideways is an infinity symbol, signifying the possibilities for the group’s future.

“We were literally shaking back in the waiting room,” said the band’s leader Jaeyun, opening the main session of the showcase. “But now that we're here on the stage with each other, I feel so happy and excited [...] ‘Tic Tac’ is am anthem for the MZ generation who want to break free from set rules and simply live the present moment.”

“We faced a lot of pressure as the first idol group to debut in 2023,” said Yungyu. “I would be so afraid alone, but I think the eight of us can join forces and get this done.”

“I’m nervous but also cannot wait to show you what we’ve practiced,” Minho said.

Minho also shared his experience of fracturing his rib during rigorous dance practice.

“Our choreography is really powerful,” he said. “There are a lot of movements lifting each other up. I actually didn’t even notice at first. I thought I was just tired, but found out a few days later at the hospital.”

Nonetheless, members shared that the lead up to their debut was full of excitement.

“My best memory preparing for the debut was when we filmed our music video,” said Yungyu. “I remember being so surprised because there were so many cameras. We also participated in filming the documentary ‘K-pop Generation’ on set, and it didn’t feel real that we were being interviewed.”

8TURN performed its debut songs with eccentric fashion choices: all of the members' jeans were back to front.

"When I was first told about this concept, I was like, 'What is this?'" Haemin said.

"But when we learned that it was an expression of breaking the rules and going our own path, we understood and tried our best to make the fashion ours," Yungyu said.

Members revealed that they look up to boy band Seventeen as their role model, in terms of their stage performance and tight-knit teamwork. But in the saturated market of fourth-generation K-pop idols, 8TURN says it aspires to forge its own path and unique identity above all else.

“Since before debuting, the members have been discussing what the right path for us is,” said Jaeyun. “We each have various charms and all have strong willpower. So we want to aim for things that haven’t been done before, and incorporate that novelty into our performance and songs.”

“We talk about this among ourselves a lot; that when our name comes up in people's conversations, we want them to say, ‘No one can beat 8TURN in that,’” said Seungheon, the youngest member who is just 15 years old. “We don’t know what that certain field will be, but we will do our best to develop our specialty that gets acknowledged by the public.”

“Our goal for this year is to receive a new artist award,” said Kyungmin wrapping up the showcase. “And because I grew up watching amazing artists, I want others to see 8TURN and also start dreaming of becoming artists.”

The EP, also featuring tracks “We,” “Wonder,” “Say My Name” and “Heartache,” will be available for streaming from 6 p.m. Monday.

BY HALEY YANG [yang.hyunjoo@joongang.co.kr]