This week, to coincide with our TOMORROW X TOGETHER cover story, we’re shining a personal spotlight on each member of the K-pop show.Yesterday I was interviewed by Soobin, today Yeonjun is the focus. Don’t forget to grab the limited edition magazine collector’s box, containing six exclusive TXT covers and more, available for pre-order now at the Consequence Shop.
Part of TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s ongoing world tour titled “ACT: SWEET MIRAGE” here!), the spotlight fell on Yeonjun as he staggered down the catwalk across the center of the arena. The solo was preceded by a choreography by his bandmates Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun and Hueningkai; however, in the next moment, all eyes were on Yeonjun – he was selling every moment.
Flashback to the morning before the concert, Yeon Joon sits down to talk about this particularly extraordinary Tomorrow X TOGETHER moment. “My day-to-day life is all about practicing and preparing for performances,” he said, his voice still deep and husky from sleep. “Imagine how the MOA would appreciate our performance? That’s the driving force.”
While MOA has certainly been the focus of late, Yeonjun has always had a certain passion for him. During his training at the former Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE), he earned a reputation for always pushing himself to be at his best.in a BTS SUGA’s recent interviewAfterwards, Yeon-joon and Taehyun revisit the nickname the former earned for perfecting the vocal, dancing, and acting skills needed to debut: “Big Hit’s legendary trainee.”
The mentoring period that young people go through to become a K-pop idol is notoriously strict, and Yeonjun has spent more time in this world than any of his fellow TXT bandmates. If he had a message for Yeon-joon, who is struggling to debut, he would be telling his younger self to keep going because brighter days are coming: “You’re doing great. Just hang in there a little longer.”
Aside from Soobin’s responsibilities as a leader, there is no fixed “role” for any member of TXT. (Typically, K-pop groups will strictly designate members as singers, dancers, or visuals, but TXT is fluid in that regard). Like his bandmates, Yeonjun is also known as an “all-rounder,” a performer who can sing, rap, and captivate as a performer.
“There were a lot of times I had to dance myself, represent the team, and it was a pressure,” he recalls. “But I think those pressures actually helped me grow into who I am now, so I try to think about it in a very positive way.”