FAST DOWNLOAD
Yeonjun of popular K-pop group Tomorrow X Together isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. Over the last five years, the Korean performer has built a reputation alongside his four bandmates as a versatile all-rounder who can execute any choreography or genre thrown his way.
“When I was young, I just purely loved music and dance, and that love is all I had. After it became my career, music became a source of both joy and sometimes stress for me,” Yeonjun tells USA TODAY. “Still, I feel like music takes such a big part of my life. I think music is what allows me to be really free and really express myself as I am.”
Now, the 25-year-old is taking a new step his evolving career. Yeonjun released his first solo mixtape, “GGUM,” Sept. 19.
“I’m super excited, but at the same time, I’m kind of nervous,” he says. “This is my first time doing a solo project, I do feel a bit of a pressure, and I feel responsible for doing a good job.”
Curating ‘GGUM’ and its concept
“I’m always looking for opportunities to expand my artistry, expand my different musical performances,” Yeonjun shares. “During the middle of the US tour, we started talking about this project, and we slowly built on that.”
“GGUM” and its feature track highlight Yeonjun’s vibrant tonality. The hip-hop inspired song is bold and dynamic, commanding attention from the second you hit play. So how’d it get its name?
“I was actually chewing on gum when I was in the car, and it just came to me all of a sudden,” Yeonjun reveals.
When you’re chewing gum, you can exude a certain swagger and confidence, he says. “I think that vibe really suited me well, and I thought it was a perfect concept for my first solo project,” Yeonjun adds.
“GGUM” is striking in its lyrics, sonics and performance – “Blow and spit out a banger, this song’s now stuck in your head,” Yeonjun raps. His flow is fierce and unfaltering, while the choreography is kinetic and intense. Yeonjun helped develop the track’s dance.
Facing challenges solo: ‘It was no walk in the park’
Yeonjun’s first solo project tested his mettle.
“Honestly speaking, I thought I was ready for this, but then I realized after working on it, that it was no walk in the park,” he shares.
