With ‘FEELM’ 82MAJOR Stages Their Riskiest Comeback

At a fan showcase, the group performed new songs from their self-produced EP and made a case for why they continue to be K-pop’s sharpest group.

One thing about 82MAJOR is that you never know what their next move is. They’re also a major, upcoming K-pop group, and those two qualities are what sustain them among a highly crowded market.

The boy group debuted only 2 years ago, but the members have established themselves as risk-takers who don't follow what’s trending. I was a big fan of “TAKEOVER”, released almost one year ago, and the absolutely bonkers video, directed by their frequent collaborator MOTHER. Last summer, I attended their SILENCE SYNDROME North American tour and found their stage show to be just as exhilarating and freewheeling as their music. The group is remarkably synchronized onstage, but they’re also looser than most K-pop groups. They can make some movements feel improvised and, in turn, induce the audience into a state of chaos.

That same level of chaos and ferocity was on stage last night in Seoul at the group’s fan showcase for their new EP FEELM. The concept for this comeback is more muted than previous ones: The group wears suits, and the colors are a deep crimson red compared to the bright, loud looks (including those pink pajamas) that represent “SILENCE SYNDROME”.  

“Sign”, the title track, is also a swerve for the group. If 82MAJOR is known for their hard-hitting production (think “TROPHY” or “CHOKE”), then “Sign” is the most mature and sophisticated song in their discography. By playing against type, the title track is a surprising left turn for a group that has staged several audacious comebacks, and it’s a remarkably smooth listen. Like their best tracks, “Sign” proves that 82 excels at intense, highly choreographed performances, but it’s sleeker than anything they’ve released to date.

This change could be attributed to the members' direct involvement in the artistic direction of this comeback: Led by YE CHAN, they arranged every track on the EP, and all members participated in topline writing as lyricists. This has made some of the lyrics meatier. “W.T.F”, the EP’s opener, might sound like a traditional 82 track, but YE CHAN’s biting and playful lyrics calling out others who think they’re better at rapping or dancing than him (“I don’t even know what he’s talking about/ So what the fuck”) capture how sharp and funny the members can be in livestreams or on stage.

Elsewhere at the showcase, the group played fan favorites that still pop off when performed live: “CHOKE”, a standout from 2024, still goes off as one of their darkest productions. But I also loved the frenetic energy of the B-side “NEED THAT BASS” from their last comeback. That performance was so fun, so full of energy that the group performed it again – and the second time was even louder. ​

82MAJOR’s biggest ace is that they are a group who looks – and sounds – like they’re having fun. That is what makes “FEELM” such an exciting and compelling listen, and it is also what keeps me following their live performances. At times, especially last night, I saw traces of BIGBANG in their performance.

Throughout their career, 82MAJOR has always prioritized subverting K-pop conventions over following trends. While many groups play it safe, 82 stands out by embracing a roughness and aggressiveness in their performances. They are unafraid, channeling a tough masculinity reminiscent of G-Dragon, and consistently challenge expectations. At a time when K-pop companies typically play it safe, 82MAJOR’s willingness to defy norms makes them a vital group to watch.