On July 7, 2025, fast-fashion giant 8seconds announced ENHYPEN’s Kim Sunoo as their new global brand ambassador.
8seconds, owned by Samsung C&T, has been a go-to for trendy, affordable pieces since its launch in 2012. True to its name, the brand aims to catch your eye in just eight seconds and keeps young shoppers hooked with fresh styles every week. Alongside Spao and Topten, it’s one of Korea’s most popular picks for casual, everyday looks that keep up with fast-changing trends.
While Filipino ENGENEs celebrated Sunoo’s new role, no one knew he would show up in Manila for the opening of 8seconds’ new flagship store. For years, local ENGENEs have watched ENHYPEN endorse Filipino brands through screens and billboards, but never dreamed of seeing them up close at a store launch.
Rumors spread quietly, and fans held onto the smallest chance that the ENHYPEN member might really come.
That hope turned into reality before dawn on July 9, when RNX TV dropped a video of Sunoo at Incheon Airport. By then, any doubt disappeared; Sunoo was indeed on his way to the Philippines.
It was an ordinary weekday in the Philippines, made more difficult by heavy rain and flooding in some areas. Still, Filipino ENGENEs didn’t think twice. Many skipped school or left work early, all for a chance to see Sunoo’s first event as an official brand ambassador.
From morning until late afternoon on July 10, the SM Mall of Asia overflowed with fans. As soon as the doors opened, the first three floors quickly filled with ENGENEs holding banners and chanting his name over and over.
The event even drew high-profile guests like the South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines, Lee Sang Hwa, Samsung C&T Fashion Division executives Junseo Lee and Hee Jin Ko, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and more.
Looking ahead, 8seconds will expand further in Manila, opening its second store this month on the first floor of Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City. A third branch is set to open this October at Robinsons Manila in the city center.
Meanwhile, ENHYPEN made a successful comeback with their 6th EP, Desire : Unleash, on June 5 following their buzzworthy Coachella performances.
