In this image released on December 12, 2024, The8 of Seventeen performs at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images)
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SEVENTEEN’s unit era is in full swing. PLEDIS Entertainment officially confirmed that members Vernon and The8 will release their first album as unit V8 on June 29. The announcement comes as the group’s five remaining members prepare for military enlistment later this year, making V8 one of several duo units SEVENTEEN has launched to maintain creative output during the hiatus period.
What Is V8 — And What The Name Means
The unit name “V8” combines the “V” from Vernon and the “8” from The8. Much like a powerful V8 engine that generates intense acceleration, the unit represents the duo’s unstoppable drive powered by their unique artistic energy, per PLEDIS Entertainment’s official statement . Both members are actively involved in writing and composing the album rather than working from label-directed material, an important point given Vernon’s established credentials as a songwriter and The8’s track record of producing self-directed solo work.
Who Vernon And The8 Are
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – MAY 27: Vernon of SEVENTEEN attends SEVENTEEN’s 4th Album ‘Face the Sun’ Release Press Conference at Conrad Seoul Grand Ballroom on May 27, 2022 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images)
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Vernon, born Choi Vernon Hansol, is one of SEVENTEEN’s main rappers and one of its most prolific behind-the-scenes contributors. He has participated in songwriting across the group’s discography since their 2015 debut, became a full member of the Korea Music Copyright Association in 2024, and joined the Recording Academy’s voting membership in 2025, granting him eligibility to vote at the Grammy Awards.
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – JUNE 18: The8 of SEVENTEEN attends SEVENTEEN’s 8th Mini Album ‘Your Choice’ Release Press Conference at Intercontinental Seoul Coex Harmony Ballroom on June 18, 2021 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images)
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The8, born Xu Minghao, is a main dancer in SEVENTEEN known for his contemporary art practice alongside his music career. He has released several solo projects in China, most recently the EP Stardust in 2024, which incorporated dance film and visual art elements under his “The 8 Contemporary Art” project. The two previously collaborated on “54321 (Lift Off),” included on Stardust, giving V8 an existing creative foundation rather than starting from scratch.
V8’s Place In SEVENTEEN’s Unit History
SEVENTEEN has previously introduced several units, including BSS, comprising Seungkwan, DK, and Hoshi, which produced hits including “Fighting,” “CBZ (Prime Time),” and “Just Do It.” As members began their mandatory military enlistment, additional duo units were introduced: JxW (Jeonghan and Wonwoo), HxW (Hoshi and Woozi), CxM (S.Coups and Mingyu), and DxS (DK and Seungkwan). V8 is SEVENTEEN’s sixth official subunit. The units have served a dual purpose throughout the enlistment period: giving members creative outlets and solo recognition while keeping SEVENTEEN’s output active for the Carat fanbase ahead of the full group’s 2028 reunion.
The V8 Concert Tour
Following the album’s June 29 release, SEVENTEEN’s V8 will immediately move into live performances. The “2026 Vernon The8 V8 Live” concerts are scheduled for July 11 and 12 at Hall 1 of KINTEX Exhibition Center 1 in Goyang, South Korea, before heading to Hong Kong for shows on July 18 and 19 at AsiaWorld-Expo Hall 10.
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