SEVENTEEN Expands Subunits With Vernon and The8

• Vernon and The8 of SEVENTEEN will debut as a new subgroup this summer, with Pledis Entertainment targeting a June release of the album.
• The duo becomes the group's sixth formal subunit, joining ventures like BSS and other pairs within the 13-member act.
• This decision comes while the group continues their New_ world tour, which is set to conclude in Incheon this April.

SEVENTEEN duo, Vernon and The8, are set to debut as a new subunit this summer, with the 13-member act expanding its lineup of smaller units amidst an active touring cycle. Pledis Entertainment confirmed the news this Thursday (March 12, 2026) while highlighting a potential June release period for the album. Reportedly, both artists will have direct involvement in the production process.

The latest pairing is SEVENTEEN's sixth official subunit, adding to a portfolio that encompasses energy-packed trio BSS (Seungkwan, DK, and Hoshi). In addition to BSS and the newly formed subunit, the group also has other duos, including JxW (Jeonghan and Wonwoo), HxW (Hoshi and Woozi), CxM (S.Coups and Mingyu), and DxS (Dokyeom, a.k.a DK and Seungkwan). Notably, DK and Seungkwan's winter ballad, Blue, hit No.1 on YouTube.

SEVENTEEN’s Vernon and The8 Form New Subunit After Past Collab

Vernon, one of the rappers of the group, has worked on songwriting and composition since Seventeen's debut in 2015. In 2024, his expanding portfolio won him membership in the Korea Music Copyright Association, which recognizes consistent songwriting activity. In 2025, he was also named a Recording Academy voting member alongside band-member Woozi, allowing him to vote in the 2026 Grammys.

On the other hand, The8, a Chinese member of the band, is noted for his performance style and dance. Notably, he has also established a solo career of his own, with his 2024 EP Stardust in China. His lead track Orbit was co-written and produced by Vernon, while 54321 (Lift Off) featured both of the artists. These highlight one of The8 and Vernon's older creative collaborations, raising expectations for their new project together.

SEVENTEEN's Subunit Strategy Expands Amid Tour and Enlistments

The current duo launch comes as a strategic move, as many group members joined the mandatory military service of South Korea. Additionally, such a modular unit structure provides members with creative liberty through specialized genres and shorter promotional cycles.

Furthermore, the entire group, at the moment, is on a global tour that is titled New_. Following previous performances in Bangkok (Thailand) and Bulacan (Philippines), SEVENTEEN will end the tour with encore concerts at Incheon, South Korea, on April 4 and 5. 

The expansion of unit projects mirrors the brand's commercial scale as well. SEVENTEEN remains one of the industry's greatest names as global demand for K-pop grows. Remarkably, IFPI named SEVENTEEN amongst the 2025's top-selling artists, with their album HAPPY BURSTDAY selling approximately 2.63 million units, while securing the third position in the rankings.