There’s a particular confidence that comes from momentum rather than arrival. On “Trophy”, 82MAJOR – Seongil, Yechan, Seongmo, Seongbin, Seokjoon, and Dogyun – don’t sound like a group pausing to celebrate what they’ve achieved. They sound like one actively calibrating what comes next. The project, led by a glossy electro-dance title track, holds its nerve, presenting assurance as something practiced, controlled, and earned in real time.

That restraint feels intentional. While “Trophy” carries the language of success, the group frames it less as an endpoint and more as an accumulation of moments shared with fans. Seongbin describes a “trophy” not as an object or milestone, but as “a valuable moment created through music with our fans” – a telling distinction that reflects how this era is shaped.

Much of “Trophy”’s impact has come through performance. The now-recognisable killing part in the first chorus – sharp, runway-like movements – quickly became a defining image of the era. Built in collaboration with WeDemBoyz, the choreography was designed with intention rather than spectacle. Seongmo explains that it was imagined through the lens of a fashion show: movement that communicates confidence through posture and presence, not aggression. That visual language mirrors the song itself – controlled, minimal, and precise.

What’s notable is that the group didn’t stumble into that response accidentally. When the choreography first came together, they sensed its potential. “When we first saw the dance draft, we loved it because of its fresh and creative style,” Seongil says, noting that they believed fans would respond in the same way. On stage, that confidence translated into something shared. Seokjoon recalls that once the audience reacted, the group felt free to enjoy the performance alongside them – less a performance at the crowd, and more a performance with them.

Trophy, 82MAJOR’s fourth mini album, also marks a tangible shift in scale. The release became the group’s first to surpass 100,000 physical sales on Hanteo – a milestone that still hasn’t fully settled for them. Both Seongil and Dogyun describe it less with triumph than disbelief, repeatedly redirecting credit back to 82DE, their official fandom. It’s a response that feels consistent with the album’s tone: aware of growth, but not consumed by it.

That perspective extends to how the group thinks about pressure. While the choreography has raised expectations visually, Yechan is clear that performance alone isn’t the priority. “For it to be good, the songs need to be good,” he says, placing musical quality firmly at the centre of what comes next. Confidence, here, is about foundation.

We caught up with 82MAJOR over the holidays to reflect on Trophy, a year defined by growing visibility, and what comes next as they carry that momentum forward.

Trophy” feels like a confidence statement rather than a victory lap. At this stage of your career, what does the word “trophy” mean to 82MAJOR?

Seongbin Like Trophy, which literally expresses passion and confidence on stage, I think "trophy" for us is a valuable moment created through music with our fans.

The killing move in the first chorus became a major talking point. How did it feel during practice when that choreography first came together?

Seongil It was great when I first saw it. I've always been a fan of WeDemBoyz, and it was an honor to work with them for the first time.

Yechan That's right. I liked it because it was so cool!

Seongmo The choreographer said that he made the choreography while thinking about a fashion show. The point is to look like a model while walking in a fashion show! I think the choreography really goes well with the song.

Did you expect that part of the choreography to stand out, or was the strong reaction a surprise?

Seongil Actually, I expected it! When we first saw the dance draft, we loved it because of its fresh and creative style. So we thought carefully that the fans would like it, too.

When you first performed “Trophy” on stage and felt the audience’s reaction, what were you thinking in that moment?

Seokjoon It was great because the audience said it was cool, and I think they enjoyed it together, so we were able to enjoy it on stage.

Now that the choreography has been so well received, does it feel more like pressure or motivation for your next release?

Yechan I would be lying if I said no, but I'm not as worried about dancing as I am with the quality of our songs – although it is super important to make sure our next releases' dance is good. For it to be good, the songs need to be good. So right now, more than dancing, making good-quality songs is up on our priority list!

Seongmo It's a bit of pressure, but it's more positive. I will show you better performances in the future!

This is your first album to pass 100,000 physical sales on Hanteo. When did that number start to feel real to you?

Seongil I can't believe the big number of 100,000 copies. I think this is all thanks to 82DE. So we will continue to work hard to do better, show better music and performances to our fans.

Dogyun Actually, I don't think it's real yet. I'm just so thankful for the fans.

When you think back to your debut era, did you imagine reaching this milestone so soon, or does it still feel unreal?

Seongil Actually, I don't think it feels real even now. Haha, I'm grateful to the fans who support us and to everyone who works hard for us. We will work hard for good music as we have done so far!

The album balances confidence with control. How careful were you about not making it sound too aggressive or forced?

Seokjoon I think we were trying to find a midpoint to express the concept of the song, but not to overdo it. It clearly gives it to the parts that need to be highlighted, and takes out the other parts to control the strength and weakness.

Some tracks, like “Say more” and “Suspicious”, were shared earlier on SoundCloud. Why was it important to show parts of this era before the official comeback?

Seongbin It's a song that was released before the previous concert [82 SYNDROME]! Thankfully, thanks to the fans' love, both songs are included in this album.

Seokjoon Before every concert, we release songs through SoundCloud in advance and perform for the first time at the concert. I think that's the beauty of 82MAJOR concerts!

Lyrically, “Trophy” talks about belief and momentum. Was there a moment in 2025 when your confidence was tested, and did that experience influence the song?

Yechan Never. My confidence never wavers.

As a team, what changed the most between your last release and “Trophy”, either musically or mentally?

Seongmo The more experience I have working with the members, the more I know about each other's ways of working, so I think I've become more efficient when working on the song. And I've learned the choreography faster!

Seokjoon I worked on "Need That Bass" in this album at the LA Song Camp! Working with various composers in a new environment, I thought, "Oh, I can do this." It was an experience where I could grow musically by giving and receiving various feedback.

Seongil I think the relationship between the members has gotten stronger. Over the past two years together, we have already talked a lot, and naturally, we have more trust in each other.

When you perform “Trophy” now, is there any part of the performance that still makes you nervous?

Seongbin Rather than having a specific part, I tend to get nervous with the thought of doing well on every stage!

As the year ends, what is the biggest lesson 2025 taught 82MAJOR as artists?

Seongbin It's been a year where we felt that our fans were always there for us. This year, we met 82DE at various places through various activities ranging from music shows to concerts and tours. We got encouraged by the people who cheered for us so loudly every time we met!

Dogyun I feel it every year, but I feel that I should show you a great performance with the heart to love 82DE. We want to repay the fans who always support us with good music and performances.

Looking ahead to 2026, what is one area where you want 82MAJOR to grow that fans might not expect?

Seongmo I hope a lot of people listen to our music!

Seokjoon I want to show the growth of 82MAJOR through more diverse genres and concepts than this year.

If “Trophy” shows who you are right now, what kind of message do you want your next release to deliver?

Yechan Hmm, I've been thinking about maybe doing a super villain theme? Not sure about anything yet so far.

Seokjoon I literally want to show "82MAJOR's confidence." Rather than any specific message, I want to show you a strong mindset and a self-confident attitude toward ourselves.