TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Yeonjun Is Perfecting the Art of Cool
The post TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Yeonjun Is Perfecting the Art of Cool appeared first on Consequence.
This week, in compliment with our TOMORROW X TOGETHER cover story, we’re shining individual spotlights on each member of the K-pop act. With Soobin’s interview running yesterday, Yeonjun takes centerstage today. Don’t forget to get your copy of the limited edition magazine collector’s box featuring six exclusive TXT covers and more, available for pre-order now at the Consequence Shop.
There’s a part of TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s ongoing world tour, titled “ACT: SWEET MIRAGE” (snag tickets here!), where the spotlight hits on Yeonjun as he staggers down the catwalk that runs through the center of the arena. The solo is preceded by choreography featuring his bandmates, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai; in the moment that follows, though, all eyes are on Yeonjun — and he sells every second of it.
Flashback to the morning before the concert, Yeonjun sits for a conversation about this particularly extraordinary time for TOMORROW X TOGETHER. “My everyday life is about practice and preparing for performances,” he says, his voice still low and gravelly from sleep. “Imagining how MOA will be enjoying our performances? That’s the driving force.”
While MOA are undoubtedly the focus these days, Yeonjun has always had a certain fire to him. Always pushing himself to the best he can be, he developed a reputation during his time spent training at the former Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE). In a recent interview with SUGA of BTS, Yeonjun and Taehyun revisited the nickname the former earned in the years he spent perfecting the vocal, dance, and performance skills required to debut: “Big Hit’s Legendary Trainee.”
The instructional period young people undergo in the hopes of becoming K-pop idols is notoriously rigorous, and Yeonjun spent a longer stretch in that world than any of his TXT bandmates. If he were to pass a message to the Yeonjun working so hard to debut, he’d tell his younger self to keep going, because brighter days are coming: “You’re doing a good job. Just hold on a little longer.”
None of the members of TXT have hard-set “roles” within the group, besides Soobin’s responsibilities as the leader. (Often, K-pop groups will designate members rigidly as vocalists, dancers, or visuals, but TXT are fluid on that front). Like his bandmates, Yeonjun has become known as an “all-rounder,” a performer who can sing, rap, and captivate as a performer.
“There are a lot of times where I’ve had to dance by myself, representing the team, which served as a pressure,” he recalls. “But I think those pressures actually helped me grow into who I am right now, so I’m trying to think of it in a very positive way.”
The members of the band have existed in the public eye for over four years now. In that span, Yeonjun’s personal Instagram account has amassed a following of 13.7 million users. The idea of being perceived by this many people is dizzying, and it’s easy to wonder how Yeonjun himself would prefer to be seen by others.
“I think it’s very important to try and be a good person,” he offers. “I also like when people describe me as a cool person — or someone to be proud of.”
Yeonjun, whether chatting casually like this in a hotel room or charming an arena of thousands, does feel like the very definition of cool. In conversation, he’s confident and content with who he is. He loves movies, vlogs, and photography, and mentions that he’s interested in purchasing a film camera.
TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Yeonjun, photo courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC
“I think what sets TOMORROW X TOGETHER apart from other groups is their willingness to challenge the stereotypes and standards that people often associate with the K-pop industry,” HYBE producer Slow Rabbit says of the members. “Whether it’s through genderless outfits or groundbreaking concepts, TOMORROW X TOGETHER fearlessly break down barriers and open up new possibilities for what a K-pop group can be.”
Yeonjun made his New York Fashion Week debut in 2021 walking for Concept Korea’s FW21, a collaboration between three South Korean designers. He has a particular affinity for the world of fashion and, out of the group, is perhaps most known for those genderless outfits Slow Rabbit mentions; when Yeonjun throws on a skirt or cropped shirt, it doesn’t feel performative.
TXT are bringing their distinct energy back to Lollapalooza this summer, and when Yeonjun received the news that TOMORROW X TOGETHER would be headlining, he called his family, friends, and even people he trained with prior to debuting in the group. “I think I actually have a lot of friends that I can share things with,” he says. “It’s such a relief and such a nice, nice thing that I have so many good people around me. I can really open up to them.” He describes his ideal day off as a time spent in the sunshine with his trustworthy inner circle.
At the end of the day, though, it does feel like TXT’s loyal fans are always top of mind for Yeonjun. “I’ve said this so many times, so it’s nothing really special, but we receive so much love from so many MOA,” he says earnestly. “I’m just so thankful, and I want to keep working to provide good music and good performances to a lot of people.”
Yeonjun, for as sharp and professional as he is onstage, is equally present and authentic offstage, too — and at the end of the day, what could be cooler than that?
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TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Yeonjun Is Perfecting the Art of Cool
Mary Siroky
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