On September 2, 2021, 4-member boy group LUMINOUS debuted with the song, Run, from their mini-album Youth. The group is under BarunsonWIP. They are the first K-pop group for the company but never fear because the CEO Sung Eun Kim is a legendary vocal coach known for training BTS, TWICE, NU’EST, Kang Daniel, and guest judging on MNET’s I-Land and PRODUCE 101. LUMINOUS members are leader Young Bin, rapper Suil, sub-vocalist StevenV, and main vocalist Woo Bin. Ahead of their debut, the group increased their popularity and garnered new fans by partaking in various viral TikTok challenges, vlogging on their Youtube, and covering other group songs like BTS’ Butter.
Their unique dance style is highlighted in their pre-debut cover of Baby Keem& Travis Scott’s Durag Activity. The video was filmed by the world-renowned videographer Anthony King, who has been known to film all of BLACKPINK LISA’s solo LILI Dance Performance Films.
Aewen Radio had the chance to sit down with Luminous to discuss their debut, their plans for the future, and what they like doing when they aren’t working on their craft.
How did you come up with your group name?
LUMINOUS: There was a group name contest within our company. There was a team name called ‘Golden Circle,’ and a team name called ‘Dragon the Beat.’ We took a vote, and that’s how we became LUMINOUS (laughs).
How did each member start their music career? Have you always wanted to be a singer?
Youngbin: When I was 20, I watched a music show and grew my dream.
Suil: Ever since I was little, I had a vague idea of becoming a singer. As I grew up, that dream became more certain, and I started music when I went to high school.
Steven: When I was in Australia, a Korean entertainment company contacted me first, and I think I developed my dream of becoming a singer while living as a trainee.
Woobin: I had a dream since I was young by watching WINNER’s Kang Seungyoon hyung.
How would you describe the concept of Youth?
LUMINOUS: ‘Youth’ is the most painful, but we believe it's the most beautiful time.
Did any of the members write lyrics for the album? If not, do you have any plans to write lyrics for your songs in the future?
LUMINOUS: Although we did not participate in our mini-album, all the members wrote the lyrics for our pre-debut album ‘Luminous Dreaming,’ and we will do our best to show our producing ability in our future albums.
Some members have previous experience with being in groups while being on a competition program. How did those experiences help prepare you to debut with LUMINOUS?
Steven: Meeting various people made me feel the meaning of the team more.
Everyone is such a good dancer! How long does it take for the members to learn the choreography?
Suil: Each one is different, but I think Youngbin hyung learns the fastest, and Woobin seems to be the member who doesn’t forget the most once he learns it.
We know you are active on Tiktok. What do you like watching on there?
Woobin: I like to watch various subjects such as dance, funny videos, and pets, and I think that is the charm of TikTok.
What do you like to do when you are not creating music?
Youngbin: We all like games, so we all play games together on days we don’t practice at the dorm.
Can you describe LUMINOUS in three words?
LUMINOUS: ‘'Light', 'Darkness', 'Cute'
What can fans see from LUMINOUS in the future?
LUMINOUS: Although it is still difficult for us to give you a definitive answer, we promise you that we will show you a more mature version of us.
Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?
LUMINOUS: Please give a lot of love and interest to our debut album ‘YOUTH.’ We love you!
Thanks to Luminous for taking time out of their busy schedule to talk to Aewen Radio. Please get to know more about LUMINOUS by following them on their social media!
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