Who is the Korean group challenging Vietnam’s rookies?

This is a Gen 5 K‑pop group visiting Vietnam for the first time, boasting many impressive achievements such as an album surpassing 100,000 copies, international performance awards, and a world tour.

Who is the K‑pop group challenging the 11 young artists?

On the evening of 4/10, “Tan Binh Toan Nang” goes on air with the participation of 11 young Vietnamese artists. The big surprise is that right in the first episode, the rookies face off against an international guest - the Korean group 8TURN. This is the first time a Gen 5 K‑pop group appears in Vietnam in the role of “opponent” to domestic newcomers.

8TURN is an eight‑member boy group under MNH Entertainment, debuting in January 2023 and positioned as part of K‑pop’s Gen 5. In less than two years of activity, the group has set impressive milestones in sales and performance quality.

According to @TOP100KPOP, 8TURN ranks 36th among 50 Gen 5 groups. This is the cohort of idols emerging since 2023, a generation shaping the K‑pop game with distinct characteristics and marking a new chapter for the Korean music industry.

Instead of the complex concepts of the previous generation, Gen 5 focuses on “easy listening” music to bring freshness and accessibility to the public with relatable stories. Gen 5 is also the cohort of idols oriented globally right from debut, with multinational members. Their promotion strategy makes full use of short‑video platforms like TikTok, turning “dance challenges” into viral tools.

Amid the fierce rookie wave, 8TURN is gradually asserting its position, having been voted among the top 36 standout rookies in Korea. This is also the generation arriving just when K‑pop needs to renew itself.

What do they bring to the challenge?

8TURN’s selection strategy focuses on members with professional experience who have gone through grueling survival shows. Leader Jaeyun was a contestant on Boys24 and Mix Nine, while Kyungmin took part in I‑Land. This foundation helps 8TURN build standout style, performance ability, stage energy, and striking choreography.

8TURN’s focus on skills has been recognized. The group won the “Blooming Performance Group” (“Rising Group”) award at the 2023 Hanteo Music Awards.

8TURN “challenges” the “Tan Binh Toan Nang” group at “1st Performance Stage.”

8TURN also has a loyal fanbase that regularly helps the group achieve impressive commercial results. Their third EP, Stunning (released January 2024), surpassed 100,000 copies sold in its first week. This is considered a significant milestone for a group not under a Big 4 company (YG, SM, HYPE, and JYP), and a solid expansion of its global fandom.

Artistically, the group is shifting toward the “artist‑idol” direction. The members have stepped up creatively, contributing lyrics on the Stunning album, including the title track “RU‑PUM PUM.” This autonomy helps the group convey messages of confidence and their own distinctive style.

8TURN’s strategy is global‑focused - aligned with the broader K‑pop Gen 5 trend, where domestic digital charts are no longer the priority.

The fact that “8TURN 1st World Tour 2025” dares to perform in major cities across the U.S., Canada, and Europe shows the group has a solid international fanbase - a global following strong enough to “threaten” Vietnamese groups.

At present, the news that 8TURN is the first international group to join the challenge against the “Tan Binh Toan Nang” rookies at “1st Performance Stage” is drawing the attention of the fan community. This is an important move that sets an international competitive standard for Vietnamese artists.