Six months after the release of their second mini-album, ‘X-82,’ 82MAJOR is back with the hip-hop-influenced mini-album, ‘Silence Syndrome.” The mini-album’s title track, “TAKEOVER,” possesses heavy trap influence with its booming 808 bass and recurrent melody while blending mellow R&B synth keys and gentle rhythmic drum patterns before returning to the heavy trap sound in the chorus. This hip-hop inspiration carries over into the next tracks, “Heroes” and “Passport,” before arriving at the last song, “Promise You”—a fan dedicated soft indie pop song led by sweet vocals and an acoustic guitar.
The group previously showcased all the tracks (except for the title track, “TAKEOVER”) at their standalone concert 82MAJOR BOOM and will head on their North American tour in June to bring the songs to their global audience. We caught up with 82MAJOR ahead of their comeback to dive into the album, comeback preparations and more!
POP TOKKI: If you could describe your new album in three words, what would you choose and why?
NAM SEONG MO: “Music video” “Challenge” “Chow Yun-fat”
I chose Chow Yun-fat because I wrote the line, “walking like Chow Yun-fat,” in our song ‘HEROES.’ I really like the line. “Challenge” represents how this album involved a lot of bold challenges in terms of both concept and visuals. Lastly, I chose “Music video” because our music video for this album turned out so cool!
HWANG SEONG BIN: “Rebellion” “Hero” “82DE”
These three words represent three of the four songs on our album. “Rebellion” reflects the concept of our title track, ‘TAKEOVER,’ “Hero” is the main keyword for the track ‘HEROES,’ and “82DE” refers to the main character of our fan song, “Promise You.”
POP TOKKI: All the members contributed to the writing and composition of ‘SILENCE SYNDROME.’ How did you each approach the creative process this time?
PARK SEOK JOON: I worked on the verses, focusing on adding stylishness, and aimed to create our own unique vibe in the chorus.
CHO SEONG IL: No matter what the concept is, I try to reinterpret it in my own style.
NAM SEONG MO: I try to create songs that feel different from anything I’ve done before. I want to keep challenging myself with different genres!
HWANG SEONG BIN: I try to work in a direction that we genuinely find fun and interesting.
KIM DO GYUN: I put in a lot of effort and try different things so that my part fits the mood and the beat.
YOON YE CHAN: I try to make it as cool as possible, something that really makes you go, “Wow, this is cool.”
82MAJOR(82메이저) 3RD MINI ALBUM [SILENCE SYNDROME]
— 82MAJOR (@82MAJOR_231011) March 31, 2025
𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐄 #𝟐
2025. 4. 14. 6PM (KST)#82MAJOR #82메이저 #에이티투메이저#SILENCE_SYNDROME #사일런스_신드롬 pic.twitter.com/aNz8IQMJPK
POP TOKKI: What is the biggest inspiration behind ‘SILENCE SYNDROME,’ and how do the influences shine throughout the album?
PARK SEOK JOON: I think our previous ‘X-82’ promotions were a big source of inspiration. We tried to improve on the things we felt were lacking during the “Stuck” promotions. I was motivated by the love we received from our fans at that time to prepare even harder for this comeback.
CHO SEONG IL: We were inspired by the letters our fans wrote to us, which led to the creation of “Promise You.” We only thought about our fans while working on it, and tried to fill it with our gratitude and love. Including our very first fan song in the album really added sincerity to the project.
YOON YE CHAN: It might not be direct inspiration, but I always work with the mindset of making good music. I think this album captures a more mature version of 82MAJOR really well!
POP TOKKI: With this comeback, you aim to portray a polished sound and performance; can you share how you guys prepared to achieve that goal?
CHO SEONG IL: We practiced a lot! The members gave each other feedback, and we stayed late at the rehearsal studio to keep working. I also kept up with running regularly to improve my live performance skills.
NAM SEONG MO: I worked out hard to get in shape and build up my physical strength!
POP TOKKI: You guys recently completed your sold-out 82MAJOR BOOM concert; tell us how it felt to know so many fans were eager to watch you perform.
HWANG SEONG BIN: I got emotional. When I heard that tickets for our 82MAJOR BOOM sold out as soon as they went on sale, I was truly overwhelmed and touched.
NAM SEONG MO: I was really happy! It gave me more motivation to work harder in preparing for the concert. Since so many fans were coming, I wanted to put on an amazing performance.
[📷]#에이티투데이_250117
— 82MAJOR (@82MAJOR_231011) January 17, 2025
누가 제일 잘 나가?
└ 묻지도 따지지도 말고 82MAJOR
에티들이
투게더 하면서
메(매)일매일 사랑을 주셔서 에투메
붐이 왔습니다!
<에투메붐> 을 밝게 빛내주셔서 감사합니다! 🤍#82MAJOR #82메이저 #에이티투메이저#82데이 #82TODAY#에투메붐 #82MAJOR_BOOM pic.twitter.com/nRxHzuN21b
POP TOKKI: What are some pre-show rituals you have to prepare for a show?
YOON YE CHAN: Before we go up on stage, I pray for a great performance.
CHO SEONG IL: All members come together and shout ‘Fighting!’
HWANG SEONG BIN: I drink 1~2 cups of coffee sometimes. Caffeine is supposed to wake you up, so this is my routine to concentrate on the performance!
POP TOKKI: What 82MAJOR song is your favorite to perform on stage and why?
NAM SEONG MO: My favorite is “Choke,” the title track from our album ‘BEAT by 82’. The fans have the best reaction to that song, and I think they also do the fan chant the loudest when we perform that song. So I love performing that one on stage!
CHO SEONG IL: My favorite is “Promise You.” It’s the first fan song that we’re releasing this time, and I like it because the song expresses our gratitude toward our fans. The song is our sincere gift to our fans!
POP TOKKI: As idols, you all have a hectic schedule; what is something the members enjoy on their day off?
NAM SEONG MO: Taking a nap
HWANG SEONG BIN: Playing games
CHO SEONG IL: Soccer
POP TOKKI: Anything else you would like to share with your fans and readers?
PARK SEOK JOON: We prepared a lot to show an even cooler side of 82MAJOR through our new album ‘SILENCE SYNDROME.’ Not just the song but the music video and the album pictures are super cool! I hope you enjoy this album in many ways~
YOON YE CHAN: First of all, I’m so happy to meet the readers of POP TOKKI! I hope you love “TAKEOVER,” and I hope you will look forward to and love our “TAKEOVER” promotions as well!
Be sure to check out 82MAJOR’s new EP ‘SILENCE SYNDROME,’ on all streaming platforms! Don’t forget to follow POP TOKKI on Instagram and X for more K-music content!
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Featured Image Credit: Great M Entertainment
