Ones to watch: LNGSHOT
Photo Courtesy of More Vision
The South Korean music industry may be known for the bright lights of K-pop, sharp choreography, and visually pleasing aesthetics, but on the surface level there’s more to it than that. With various sub-genres that are fast rising amongst fans and that many are loving: hip hop. Many groups debut in the current 5th generation, and while it can be hard to keep up to date with who's shining and making moves, there is one group right now that is dominating and has all eyes on them: LNGSHOT.
Just who is LNGSHOT?
As the first boy group under American rapper and singer-songwriter Jay Park’s label MORE VISION, the four-member group is under a leader who knows the industry well. The group consists of Ohyul, the leader; Ryul, the main rapper; Woojin, the group's creative; and Louis, the main vocalist. Together they’ve released their debut EP, SHOT CALLERS, alongside the official music video for their lead single, “Moonwalkin’.” Both the release and visuals have made people stop, talk, and want to know more about a rookie group this polished.
Photo Courtesy of More Vision
LNGSHOT (롱샷) began their pre-debut journey in November with the 4SHOBOIZ MIXTAPE. The pre-debut single “Saucin’” followed on December 22, 2025. LNGSHOT officially debuted on January 13, 2026, with their EP SHOT CALLERS.
The EP: SHOT CALLERS
Not one to hang around, the group have released their 5-track EP, which includes the much-talked-about track, “Saucin’”. The song drew attention during a performance at the Melon Music Awards last month and has since set the internet ablaze with a music video that has racked up nearly 3 million views in just two weeks. Rooted in hip-hop and R&B, the EP reflects Jay Park's long-established musical tastes. The album includes five tracks: the lead single "Moonwalkin'" and the B-sides "Saucin'," "Backseat," "FaceTime" and "Never Let Go.
The SHOT CALLERS EP serves as a bold introduction to members who took their name from “long shot”, a statement about defying the odds. The members participated in writing lyrics and composing all the songs except the lead track, with Jay Park also taking part in the songwriting and composition of most of the tracks.
The "Saucin'" music video featured Jay Park in a humorous role acting as a CEO scolding the group over a controversial middle finger photo – a nod to earlier criticism. Meanwhile, “Moonwalkin’” draws a metaphor between youth pressing forward through uncertainty and the iconic dance move. In live performances, LNGSHOT avoided a common trait for some hip-hop-leaning K-pop acts; it was here they presented an identity grounded in genuine talent. With subtle nods to pop icons like Michael Jackson and Beyoncé, giving a track purpose while paying homage to the stars who they have been inspired by.
The only way is up
In less than a month since their first public appearance, the group has become one of the most talked about new acts in South Korea’s music scene. Already carving out their own unique lane, LNGSHOT aims to move beyond traditional K-pop frameworks, choosing to build a sound and creative world shaped by each member’s authentic contributions and coming-of-age stories. The group performed at the 2025 Melon Music Awards to rave reviews, accompanied by Jay Park and artists from H1ghr Music.
The mentor: Jay Park
As the first K-pop-focused group under Jay Park’s label, MORE VISION, LNGSHOT has been a dream project for Jay Park. Over the past 17 years, he has built his own lane—breaking every mould in both hip-hop and K-pop. Now, the global superstar and industry powerhouse is dedicated to guiding the next generation to carry that same spirit forward.
“The name LNGSHOT means the odds might be slim, but you take the risk anyway. That’s the spirit behind it,” Jay Park shared.
Ahead of their official debut, LNGSHOT released 4SHOBOIZ MIXTAPE, a self-produced project. shared exclusively on YouTube. It offered an intimate look into LNGSHOT’s creative instincts and chemistry. As the four members prepared for their debut at the start of 2026, they continued to showcase their potential. The track “Saucin’”, written by all members alongside Jay Park, serves as an introduction to the group’s charisma and sets the tone for the movement they aim to build.
In a recent interview with The Korea Times, Jay Park shared that he thinks that K-pop has lost some of its "romantic spirit" and "authenticity". His answer to that is with LNGSHOT. He said LNGSHOT differs from other traditional idol groups because of how the group was put together from the start.
“Rather than forcing idols into a specific concept, this team was built around people who share my mindset, people I genuinely wanted to give everything to,” Park explained. “Instead of squeezing the members into the frame of a group, their identities shaped LNGSHOT itself.
Get to know LNGSHOT :
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Written by Kirsty Bright
