8TURN Takes the "World" by Storm -- Making Their U.S. Debut!

A chilly April 11th at Atlanta’s Buckhead Theatre, gets a sudden blast of heat as the red and white lights strobe and pan to the sounds of ‘WORLD’ – bringing 8TURN to the stage.

8TURN debuted only 2 years ago and embark on their first world tour named for their debut album ‘8TURNRISE.’ Fans, known as TURNING, attend the show anticipating a great setlist and the show is proven to be so much more. 

The eight-member boy group consisting of Jaeyun, Myungho, Minho, Yoonsung, Haemin, Kyungmin, Yungyu, and Seungheon, kept the party alive as they opened the show with ‘RU-PUM PUM’ and ‘WALK IT OUT.’ It is clear, the moment they stepped on stage, regardless of any nerves they may be feeling– this group exudes confidence and fun.

The members, taking a breather, each chose questions from the fans. TURNING were able to learn things as simple as whether the members preferred light or dark mode on their phones to little moments that were more meaningful like spreading Happy Birthday wishes, favorite snacks and songs. It wasn’t just 8TURN answering, they also wanted to hear from TURNING. Of course, in true Atlanta fashion, Waffle House and the Georgia Aquarium were recommendations for the members to visit while in town.

Unit performances can be some of the most highly anticipated moments of a K-Pop show; It is a time for only a handful of the members to highlight their talent. It can also be one of the more nerve-wracking parts for the members themselves. 8TURN mentioned how preparing a performance without all 8 team members can be intimidating, but anyone in the crowd would never know if there was any difficulty in preparing since each unit made the stage their very own! Thunderous applause met Jaeyun, Minho, & Yoonsung for their R&B style cover. Seungheon & Yungyu were met with surprise and excitement as the familiar sound of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ burst through the speakers but the lyrics were that of the Maknae/Rap Duo’s own story. And last but not least, Haemin, Myungho, & Kyungmin take the stage barefoot and in all black as they cover BTS’s ‘Black Swan.’

When asked what made them fall in love with 8TURN, fans had answers ranging from “I found you because of an iHeart Radio interview” to “It feels like watching my best friends perform and pursue their dreams.” The members were touched by learning about each way fans found them, including ROAD TO KINGDOM 2, which they effortlessly used as a transition to their next stage: a RTK medley.

Keeping on theme of a seamless transition, the members later bring up how this first world tour is “unfamiliar and exciting” like back in their debut days, leading them to perform ‘WE’ and ‘TIC TAC’ from their first mini album ‘8TURNRISE.’

In every stage, it is notable and impressive how synchronized they are, not just in choreography but in true joy expressed in every note they sing and smile they share with one another. Sharing the sweetness with the crowd, members joined the crowd to pass out candy before closing the night. 

K Fuse would like to thank the team at MMT, MNH, and the members of 8TURN for this unbelievably surreal opportunity! Please credit photographer (Cheyenne C. and K Fuse when sharing photos.