LUN8 are Fantagio Entertainment’s first new group since Weki Meki in 2017, succeeding Astro as the agency’s second boy band. Astro’s debut year will always be a sterling example of a new group debuting with their own sound and musical perspective. LUN8 have a big legacy to live up to, and Wild Heart shows potential.
The song is at its best when it lets LUN8 explore musical territory of their own. Its punchy rock chorus feels fresh for K-pop, even if we’ve heard it often in Western pop. I appreciate its breadth, sewing two distinct refrains together to create a centerpiece that feels satisfying. Neither melody moves beyond “generic radio pop,” but the energy is nice and the layered vocal arrangement gives the chorus heft.
I’m less enthused by Wild Heart‘s verses, which feel like K-pop Boy Group 101. They’re solid and well-delivered, but feel perfunctory. Verse two is especially aimless, cratering in a dull “na na na” that simply kills time. I was also hoping to hear a voice or two that stood out from the pack, but that could yet reveal itself in future comebacks. For now, Wild Heart is a good first step for LUN8 and one of the stronger debuts of 2023.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I like it! I think the song could’ve had more buildup to the chorus (the last one especially), but as a whole it’s still pretty good
LikeLike
I’m probably seeing this through an SVT lens because of the racetrack but this reminds me in tone and spirit of BSS Fighting? I like the slowed-down tempo in the second part of the chorus but could have used less whistling. Overall I think it’s pretty solid, especially for a debut…I thought this was their first comeback but then realized I got them mixed up with 8Turn.
LikeLike
I’m so overwhelmed by all the kpop coming out, I can’t keep up
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can’t remember a single word from the verses but that chorus is great. I was singing it from the first listen. Jinsu (who I assume does the high notes)reminds me of jinho and jongho from Pentagon and ateez respectively
LikeLike
Love at first listen!!
LikeLike
They did a live performance for a showcase and the vocals were much better. I think they have a lot of potential.
LikeLike
Some parts really remind me of Sucker by the Jonas Brothers.
LikeLike
As soon as it started, I thought the sound, the whistling especially, is not for me. I was ready to click it off when the chorus started. But hey, I finished the whole music video. And that’s saying something. The song grew on me on first listen, and I must say, I like it. The song may not be something I would seek out for, but I appreciate its energy, its briskness, and especially the post-chorus “wild heart”s.
LikeLike
So I guess Fantagio are taking Lun8 through the bright shiny poppy Astro route. Not a bad idea.
This song is above average bright theme boy band. As such, of course there are parts that remind me of several others in the same subgenre, but on the whole this song does it well enough for a good debut.
I like the whistle.
LikeLike
I didn’t even know fantagio debuted a new group lol
but I’ll check it out later and hear what they delivered on their first release
LikeLike