Hello and welcome back to HallyuTones – always focused on sound, stage, and substance.
Those of you who have been following on HallyuTones know just how excited we were for ONE OR EIGHT’s newest single, as we discussed the teasers in the build up to the release.
On August 28th, 2025, ONE OR EIGHT unleashed their latest single, ‘Young & Reckless‘ to the world on streaming services. Shortly after, they released the official music video for the song on August 29th, 2025. This is their second landmark collaboration between Avex Music Creative Inc. (One of Japan’s premiere music labels) and Atlantic Music Group (one of North America’s biggest record labels).
True to the group’s spirit, ‘Young & Reckless’ manages to showcase all eight members well, but also builds upon their confident image as they take on the music world. Whilst many Asian pop releases focus on highly synchronised choreography, perfect visuals and polished vocals, this release dares to challenge the status quo. Instead of fitting into pre-conceived expectations, the members focused on their unrefined selves to deliver a raw performance. In this way, the track gives a fresh and rebellious vibe that makes it stand out.
Members NEO and SOUMA had more to say on this theme:
NEO: “When people listen to this song, I really want them to be taken back to their childhood—those moments when everything felt exciting, when we were endlessly curious and not afraid of failing. As we grow older, it’s so easy to get caught up in fear, doubt, or overthinking, and sometimes we stop ourselves from taking on challenges. This song is a reminder to embrace that fearless spirit again, to chase after new experiences with the same courage and curiosity we had as kids. I hope the fans not only enjoy the sound and energy of the track, but also take the message to heart, because that’s what makes the music meaningful for us.”
SOUMA: “I want people to feel playful about life. If I have the ability to navigate through situations where I’m faced with a lot of decisions, I believe that everything will be okay!”
Beyond the performance, the production team also have some unique creative inspirations that helped bring this song to life. Credits include Kavi (co-producer of the global hit ‘Million Dollar Baby‘) and Edwin Honoret (co-lyricist and former member of PRETTY MUCH). Together they successfully mixed mysterious melodies that draw upon R&B, Arabic scales, trap music, rap and vocals to create a song that refuses to be boxed into just one genre.
KAVI: “Seeing the energy from the One or Eight team, I knew we had to match it in the session. After a week of listening to SOPHIE, I was inspired to create something with that influence. I think the chemistry in the room helped the guys connect with that vision — and hopefully the fans feel that energy too.”
EDWIN: “I hope the fans can feel the excitement and work the guys put in — it really shows in the music. The song was inspired by their energy in the room. They meant business, but had this ‘young & reckless,’ fun, chaotic air. We wanted to show their youthfulness while keeping it high-end and tasteful. These boys are the truth, and I’m excited to be part of the journey.”
The music video for ‘Young & Reckless’ is similarly exciting and unique – reflecting the members’ comments above, the video takes viewers through their childhood and asks them to bring back the rebellious nature of their childhoods. As per their previous Billboard Japan Heatseeker’s chart #1 single, ‘365‘, the music video was directed by OSRIN of PERIMETRON – known for work with artists like Mr.Children, MILLENIUM PARADE and King Gnu.
With this release, ONE OR EIGHT want their fans and listeners to resonate with their rebellious side – reflecting on their youth, embracing the unexpected and charting their own path for the future. Charge into the unknown and bring back the fun by streaming ‘Young & Reckless‘ at the links below!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJtDdzdQEqE
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/one-or-eight/1758291632
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5bIttAFRf7URUmuuI9w7XA
ABOUT ONE OR EIGHT:
ONE OR EIGHT is an eight-member Japanese boy group consisting of members MIZUKI, NEO, REIA, RYOTA, SOUMA, TAKERU, TSUBASA, and YUGA. Their name is derived from the Japanese idiom “ichi ka bachi ka” (meaning “all or nothing”), and under the tagline “BET ON YOURSELF,” they boldly take on global challenges together in pursuit of their dreams.
ONE OR EIGHT debuted on August 16, 2024, with the single “Don’t Tell Nobody,” which was produced by Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic.
Their second release was “KAWASAKI (with Big Sean)” on December 6, 2024, peaking at No. 5 on the U.S. iTunes chart.
In 2025, they have already won numerous awards for their music. They have been named as one of Nikkei Entertainment!’s “100 Breakout Talents of 2025”. They also received the special “Upcoming Dance & Vocal Group” award at the MTV VMAJ. This shows the never ending potential of ONE OR EIGHT as they continue to go from strength to strength.
Further to this, on March 19, 2025, they released “DSTM‘. Notably, this song features a sample of Rihanna’s smash hit song ‘Don’t Stop The Music’, but reinterpreted into their own unique style. This refreshing collaboration landed them a spot on Mediabase Top 40 U.S. radio chart for the week of May 4–10, 2025.
For more ONE OR EIGHT, be sure to follow the members on their socials below:
CONNECT WITH ONE OR EIGHT:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | X | FACEBOOK | WEIBO | bilibili | DOUYIN | RED
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