82MAJOR turns up the heat with their most recent single album.
The six-member group has been establishing a global footprint with their music since debuting in 2023. Consisting of four tracks, “Like Fire”, “wyd?”, “TROPHY (Spanish Ver.)”, and a remix of “Sign”, the release of HEAT marks their newest chapter.
Just as the album title suggests, the focus track, “Like Fire”, builds on the sizzling, explosive energy 82MAJOR is already well-loved for. The song meshes together a groovy bass line and relaxed vocals. In unique juxtaposition, the accompanying music video is full of cinematic, action-flick-style visuals, courtesy of creative director Lee Su-ho (who has previously worked with BTS and IU). The track gave 82MAJOR their first first-place win in September on the South Korean music program Show Champion.
“wyd?” is rooted in a Pastel Bounce hip-hop rhythm, with lyrics that capture the playful energy of crushes and confessions. The music video was shot entirely on location, highlighting the members against the picturesque beaches and cityscapes of Hong Kong. “Sign” is immersively remixed with Korean artist Viann, and “TROPHY” is revamped in Spanish, adding another dimension to two of their most popular songs.
“‘TROPHY’ received so much love from our international fans,” CHO SEONG IL shared with The Knockturnal, “so we thought a Spanish version would be a fun way to show fans a different side of the song. We’re really glad they’ve enjoyed it.”
The release of HEAT was soon followed with their 2026 [82CLUB : out of control] tour announcement. They are set to perform in cities across the United States, with performance dates running between November 17 and December 19. Tickets are being sold via TicketWeb.
82MAJOR spoke with The Knockturnal about making HEAT, shooting the music video for “Like Fire”, what they take away from the successes of 2026, and more. Read our full conversation with them below.
Photo Credit: Great M Entertainment
Great to speak with you guys again for The Knockturnal and congrats on another set of bangers with HEAT! This one’s all about turning up the intensity. How would you say this theme connects with the way you’ve grown and where you are as artists and individuals right now?
CHO SEONG IL: Through all the hard work and thought we’ve put in together, I think our performances have gained greater depth and maturity. HEAT captures the exact temperature of 82MAJOR’s growth today.
KIM DO GYUN: For me, focusing on the nuances of my vocals and learning how to control my tone and dynamics really helped me push past my own limits.
Of course, we know 82MAJOR is all for self-producing—what was your guys’ approach this time when contributing to “Like Fire” and “wyd?”
NAM SEONG MO: We wanted to build on the sound we established with “Sign” while carrying our signature hip-hop and R&B style into “Like Fire.” By adding more depth and broadening our sonic spectrum, I think we were able to show how much we’ve grown as artists.
YOON YE CHAN: I built “wyd?” around a beat I produced, aiming for that laid-back, chill 2000s vibe. I directed not only my own recording but the other members’ sessions as well. We stayed up late in the studio, constantly bouncing ideas and feedback off each other to bring out each member’s unique strengths.
You all always know how to make a music video with pure creativity, and you do it yet again with “Like Fire”. Tell us about making it! You get to have all sorts of fun with the pyrotechnics and visual effects to the fight sequences. What were some cool moments from shooting this?
YOON YE CHAN: In the “Like Fire” music video, you’ll see fireworks going off right behind us. Those were live pyrotechnics on set! Pretty wild, right?
PARK SEOK JOON: There’s also a scene where only our heads are sticking out of the grass. They had laid down real dirt around us, so whenever anyone moved, it would spill everywhere. I remember all of us saying, “Nobody move!” between takes.
The MV was also directed by Lee Su-ho, who has worked with artists like BTS and IU. What was it like getting to work under his visual direction?
HWANG SEONG BIN: We trained at a stunt school for the fight sequences, and Director Lee Su-ho went out of his way to visit us there. He explained the overall concept and personally guided us through the process. I was blown away by his dedication.
CHO SEONG IL: He had such a sharp eye for the moments that would make each shot stand out, and I think that helped us capture some really compelling footage.
Your fanbase has been continuing to expand and I think this new version of “TROPHY” will certainly be exciting for all your Latin fans. What made you want to do it in Spanish? Did you find the language a bit difficult to take on for the first time or was it easy to grasp?
CHO SEONG IL: “TROPHY” received so much love from our international fans, so we thought a Spanish version would be a fun way to show fans a different side of the song. We’re really glad they’ve enjoyed it.
KIM DO GYUN: It was literally my first time ever learning Spanish. Adapting the lyrics meant changing quite a few of the vocal lines, which made it trickier than I expected. But we practiced a lot beforehand, so the recording actually went pretty smoothly. I’m really happy with how it turned out.
2026 has been quite the year for 82MAJOR with all of the projects and successes you’ve had so far. Do you guys have a message for your 82DE? What can fans continue to look forward to?
HWANG SEONG BIN: Thanks to 82DE, 2026 has been an absolutely unforgettable year for us. We scored our first No. 1 on a music chart and earned our first music show win. We can’t thank you enough for always standing by us and believing in us. We promise to keep bringing our energy and passion to the stage and giving you performances you’ll love!
PARK SEOK JOON: For sure. When we hear 82DE screaming our fanchants wherever we go, it makes us want to keep growing. We’ll be back with an even better version of ourselves throughout the rest of this year and into 2027, so please stay tuned!
HEAT is now available on all streaming platforms, with the music video for “Like Fire” and “wyd?” out on YouTube.
