K-Pop boy group 8TURN brought their first-ever world tour “8TURNRISE” to Chicago! The long-awaited tour was an exciting night for TURNING, as the tour has been teased since last year. The 8-piece, made up of Jaeyun, Myungho, Minho, Yoonsung, Haemin, Kyungmin, Yungyu, and Seungheon, brought their a-game to stop four of “8TURNRISE,” showing off their dance moves, vocals, and charisma. 

The Chicago stop took place at The Vic Theatre in Lakeview East, an energetic venue recently known to host K-Pop concerts. The venue was a perfect mix of grandeur and intimacy for 8TURN.  

The tour embarked in early April fresh off the release of their latest comeback LEGGO, a double-single that explores the hip-hop side of their discography. Since opening “8TURNRISE” in New York, 8TURN has made stops in Atlanta and Florida, with fansigns for lucky fans who won a special contest. TURNING were also presented with VIP opportunities at the venue, including a backstage tour, 1:1 photo, and special signed merch! 

“8TURNRISE” was energetic from start to finish. The first stage opened with fan favorite title-track “RU-PU PUM,” an upbeat song that swiftly captured the audience’s attention as the boys showed off their impressive well-rounded skills. The setlist was filled with songs from their young yet expansive discography, including performances from their debut 8TURNRISE, which heavily inspired the tour. 

Though 8TURN performed an impressive array of songs, they also prepared special experiences for the fans. Including a Q&A of questions submitted by fans in the audience - an excited fan even receiving a birthday shoutout - a dance battle between the members of 8TURN, as well as unit stages, which were a particular highlight of the evening. 

The boys performed in three different units for special cover stages. The first unit, which they dubbed “DivaTURN,” performed the sultry “Sugarcoat” by KISS OF LIFE, which allowed Jaeyun, Minho, and Yoonsung to show off their seductive side. The second unit, “MaknaeTURN,” was made up of the two youngest members performing an impressive cover of “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar featuring self-written raps by Yun Gyu and Seung Heon. The final unit, labeled “The Sexy Guys,” prepared an immaculate cover of “Black Swan” by BTS which allowed Myungho, Haemin, and Kyungmin to show off their impressive modern dance skills. 

Another highlight of “8TURNRISE” was a medley of songs 8TURN performed on the show ROAD TO KINGDOM : ACE OF ACE - a competition reality survival show where K-Pop groups would compete in special performances. This medley featured a smattering of fan favorites, including their viral cover of “Love Dive” by IVE.

The setlist closed with three bangers in a row - “WE” showing off impressive choreography featuring work with footballs, their debut song “Tic Tac,” and finishing off strong with their aforementioned newest comeback “LEGGO.” That was before, of course, coming back for an encore! In a huge surprise to the fans, 8TURN didn’t just return to the stage, but came out into the audience to greet fans, take selfies, and even hand out candy. 

The show officially ended with a bittersweet performance of “You Are My Reason,” a special track released to tell their fans they would always be by their side.

While the Chicago stop of “8TURNRISE” has passed, fans have many more opportunities to see them all across the US with stops in Colorado, Texas, Arizona, Utah, and California, before 8TURN departs on the European leg of “8TURNRISE.” Until then, make sure to check out their latest comeback LEGGO, and for fans of P1Harmony and 82Major, 8TURN is one to watch out for!