All-Chinese K-pop Boy Group AM8IC Debuts: "We Dream of BTS and Stray Kids"

First EP "LUKOIE" Released on November 10
Building a K-Universe With Five-Part Novel Series

MBC. Provided by Tobe Entertainment

A K-pop boy group composed entirely of Chinese members has made its debut. The five-member group AM8IC held a showcase at MBC in Sangam, Mapo-gu, Seoul on November 10, marking the start of their activities.

AM8IC was produced by Yoon Beomno, CEO of Tobe Entertainment, a Korean choreographer who has worked in China for a long time. Since 2015, Yoon has participated in survival programs such as "Youth With You 2," the Chinese version of "Produce 101," and the Chinese version of "Unpretty Rapstar." Over approximately seven years, he has trained more than 800 trainees at 50 different agencies in China. He also contributed choreography to programs produced by major platforms such as IQIYI and Tencent, establishing his career in the local industry.

Yoon stated, "Although this is a Korean company, we established our foundation in China to reach this point. It was my wish to create a group with all Chinese members." He added, "K-pop has now become more than just music; it is an entire system. From the beginning, my goal was for Chinese members to grow and achieve results in the K-pop market." He explained, "We invited our company team and Korean instructors to China to apply the K-pop system as it is, and then moved the debut preparations to Seoul."

The group name AM8IC is a combination of "AMBI-" meaning "bidirectional," and "CONNECT." Their universe is based on the story of lost boys who experience growth and salvation through genuine connections with one another. The members-Saho, Mingkai, Chengyi, Lu, and Chen-shared their thoughts and aspirations about their debut. Chen said, "Debuting has been my dream for a long time, so I am deeply moved. I will do my best to show a good side of myself." Lu commented, "I have wanted to be a singer since I was a child."

MBC. Provided by Tobe Entertainment

Saho, who spent five years as a trainee, shared his thoughts on debuting: "K-pop encompasses a variety of genres that people around the world can enjoy, and its music has a unique energy."

AM8IC defines themselves as a "5th generation dark fantasy idol group." Their first EP, "LUKOIE," includes six tracks, with the title song "Link Up." Yoon explained, "When the members, who each came from different regions, first met, the atmosphere was not bright. That feeling is reflected in the group's universe. One of K-pop's key features is its strong universe. While dark fantasy can be a barrier to entry, we made flexible adjustments during the songwriting process to ensure mass appeal."

He added, "Since the main theme is 'connection,' the music and universe will be intertwined. We have already prepared a novel spanning five volumes. This album presents the major events of those five volumes through music first, and the next album is already in preparation. We will show even more intriguing elements."

The members also expressed their determination to make their mark as a K-pop group. Chen said, "I am a fan of Stray Kids. I hope to have a chance to meet them." Other members mentioned Seventeen, BTS, Big Bang, and Enhypen as their role models and said, "We will work hard."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.