SEVENTEEN sub-unit V8, comprised of member’s VERNON and THE 8, have released their first self-entitled mini album: ‘V8’. The new duo have branched out into a new chapter, fuelled by their youth and unique tastes in sound. In this, their first collaborative album, VERNON and THE 8 step away from traditional K-pop producers to take their artistry in a new direction.
The Artists
From popular K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN, members VERNON & THE 8 have come together to celebrate their unique creativity. Their unit name combines the “8” from THE 8 and the “V” from VERNON. It references the V8 engine that is known for its powerful acceleration. The duo use this likening to symbolise their relentless pursuit to race forward in their artistic progression.
Individually, both artists have already been building their solo identity for years. As a soloist, THE 8 has slowly been staking a name for himself. His works so far include his 2024 Chinese EP ‘Stardust’ and his art film series The 8 Contemporary ART, which blends music with contemporary dance. VERNON has also been establishing himself as a songwriter. He has contributed to many releases, not just for SEVENTEEN, but also artists YUGYEOM, BUMZU and Drunken Tiger. He also garnered much critical acclaim for ‘Black Eye’, his co-written and co-composed 2022 solo mixtape.
The Tracks
Released on June 29, 2026, the mini album ‘V8’ consists of 8 tracks, with a running time of 22 minutes. The album seamlessly blends EDM, hyperpop, UK garage, hip-hop and trap influences to create this special sonic experience. There are 6 tracks from the duo, with a solo track from each to add their own personal flavour to the album.
- Friend
- BEAT
- singasong
- mia (VERNON’s solo track)
- coloring
- girlsnboys
- 8DM (THE 8’s solo track)
- rat race
The lead single “singasong” features German DJ and producer Mechatok. It has already received an enthusiastic response from fans for its addictive melody and danceable beat. Watch the official music video for the track below:
The Themes
Thematically, the mini album represents different textures of youth. It encapsulates moments of wandering and chaos, as well as resilience and growth. Through this album, the boys have redefined their “wasted youth” not as lost time, but rather as raw fuel that has propelled them forward their entire careers.
Exploring how they shaped the album’s themes, V8 shared “We really wanted to tell an authentic story. Looking back on the times we’ve spent and how they’ve led us to who we are today, it naturally brought us to this theme—how our experiences of youth drive us forward.” They added, “We tried many new approaches, often choosing new directions over familiar ones, such as exploring diverse electronic sounds and using different languages in the lyrics.”
The Producers
To take their sound in a new direction and express the unique sides of themselves as artists, the duo decided they wanted to work with producers outside their usual circle. The album has a powerhouse line-up of producers, including 14-time GRAMMY Award winner Pharrell Williams, trailblazing artist Alice Longyu Gao and Dylan Brady of 100 gecs.
Additionally, THE 8 teamed up with Alice Longyu Gao, DPR CREAM and DPR ARTIC for his solo track “8DM”. Whilst VERNON’s solo track “mia” was co-written and arranged by KIRARA and Han Jung In, key figures in the local music scene. When reflecting on their hands on role within the album production alongside their producers, the duo shared “It wasn’t easy fine-tuning the meticulous details ourselves and exchanging different opinions with everyone involved, but that made the process all the more fun and rewarding.”
The Listening Party
Prior to the official release of the album, it was first revealed a day ahead at an exclusive pre-listening party. The event was designed as a DJ party that welcomed guests directly into V8’s distinctive sonic world. It showed how they were taking their approach beyond the typical expectations within K-pop, and delivered an immersive experience for all in attendance.
Alongside the album unveil and DJ sets from both VERNON and THE 8, there was featured performances by Mechatok, KIRARA, and Han Jung In. Videos from the event have gone viral online, with VERNON and THE 8’s infectious energy capturing hearts around the world. The duo are continuing this high momentum onto the stage with their concert series 2026 VERNON THE 8 [V8] LIVE, kicking off in South Korea on July 11–12.
What do you think of V8’s debut mini album? Do you have a favourite track? Let us know on Instagram and Twitter/X!
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Featured Image Credit: Courtesy of PLEDIS Entertainment (HYBE)
