Luminous (Korean: 루미너스, stylized in all caps) is a South Korean idol group signed with SE Group Entertainment (formerly Barunson WIP). Consisting of members Youngbin, Suil, Steven, and Woobin, the quartet released the pre-debut mini-album Vision in August 2021 before launching its first mini-album Youth the following month. The group has since released a second mini-album entitled Between Light and Darkness (Self n Ego) and its first full-length album Luminous in Wonderland in 2022.
Luminous was originally set to begin releasing music with a different name and company in 2019, but the group's debut was delayed.[1] Vocal trainer Kim Sung-eun, who had previously worked with numerous artists including BTS and Twice, founded the music agency Barunson WIP and took in the ensemble with members Youngbin, Suil, Steven, and Woobin.[2][3] The name of the group was decided by vote and given the meaning of "a light shining brightly even in the dark".[2] A fictional universe was introduced as part of Luminous's concept and the members symbolize the elements of thunder (Suil), fire (Steven), light (Youngbin), and moonlight (Woobin).[4]
On August 17, 2021, Barunson WIP announced its plans to debut the four-member group produced by Kim and Barunson E&A, with its debut album slated to be issued in early September.[3] Luminous released a surprise pre-debut album entitled Vision and "Dreaming Luminous" two days later. The album also included solo songs composed by each member.[5] Luminous' debut mini-album Youth was scheduled to be released on September 1, but was postponed following Youngbin's COVID-19 diagnosis.[6] It was released along with the lead single "Run" on September 9.[7] The quartet made its first live performance on SBS MTV's music chart program The Show on September 14.[8] Luminous held a mini fan concert on October 4 called Youth: You and I.[9] A music video for the album track "Home Alone" was released later that month.[10]
Luminous released its second mini-album Between Light and Darkness (Self n Ego) and lead single "All Eyes Down (Advance)" on January 20, 2022.[11] Inspired by the fictional supervillain Joker, the album delves into the "confusion between the real self and the created self" as the lyrics try to determine, "Who am I?".[1][12] Announced one day prior, the group made the mid-tempo pop song "Wish You Were Here" available on online music platforms on May 21.[13] Luminous released their first studio album Luminous in Wonderland and its two single "Engine" and "Creature" on August 17.[14]
Luminous's lyrical theme revolves around youth.[15] The group aims to "convey a message of hope and comfort" to that audience through the songs lyrics.[4] Upon its debut, Luminous laid its music foundation in hip hop integrated with R&B and pop.[7] Luminous's first few singles comprised a dark atmosphere, but the group's music shifted to a "clear, bright" direction with "Engine".[16]