"From start to finish, this is music touched by my hands."
Yeonjun of 'TOMORROW X TOGETHER' will release his first mixtape 'GGUM' at 6 PM on the 19th. Ahead of the new release, Yeonjun shared his thoughts on the release, the preparation process, listening points, and a message to fans.
GGUM)
'GGUM' is a hip-hop track characterized by its electro sound. Yeonjun likened his confidence and aspirations on stage to gum in this track. He participated in overall production, including the concept, lyrics, and performance.
Yeonjun said, "I'm excited and overwhelmed as this is a moment I've long dreamed of. Though there's pressure, anticipation overshadows it. I wanted to show my unique color and what I'm best at," he shared.
Yeonjun took the lead in the entire production process of 'GGUM'. He mentioned, "From start to finish, everything has my touch. It is literally 'Yeonjun's music', so I had great affection for it and wanted to write the song well."
He continued, "Since it was my first time creating music and the stage alone, there were quite a few challenging and tough moments. It wasn't easy, but I prepared by pouring all my energy into it," he emphasized.
Yeonjun also pointed out the highlights for listeners. Particularly, he daringly placed the simple and unique lyrics "chewing gum" in the chorus. He added freshness by utilizing his vocals transformed with a vocoder.
The performance is also something to look forward to. It features moves infused with Yeonjun's hip energy and point choreography mimicking chewing gum. Yeonjun added, "I think I chewed almost 50 pieces of gum while shooting the music video," sharing an episode.
Finally, Yeonjun expressed, "I hope many people feel 'it's a new taste.' 'GGUM' can be summed up as 'Yeonjun'. I also want to hear people say 'Yeonjun did Yeonjun'," he wished.
<Q&A with Yeonjun>
Q. How do you feel about releasing your first mixtape, 'GGUM'?
I feel excited and overwhelmed as this is a moment I've long dreamed of. Though there's pressure, anticipation overshadows it. I wanted to show my unique color and what I am best at, which I could not fully express while working with the team. I worked hard with the mindset that whatever music I do, I should make music with a clear color and story of my own, and I am satisfied with how this has turned out.
Q. Were there any difficulties during preparation?
From start to finish, everything has my touch. It is literally 'Yeonjun's music', so I had great affection for it and wanted to write the song well. Creating music and the stage alone for the first time, there were quite a few challenging and tough moments. It wasn't easy, but I poured all my energy into writing, recording, and performing without missing anything.
Q. What are the listening points of 'GGUM'?
I want to highlight the addictive chorus and performances that match the piano sounds in between the song. The lyrics "chewing gum" came to me while I was actually chewing gum during a schedule, and I remember people around me saying that the phrasing was interesting.
Q. Why did you plan a high-level dance challenge?
Although it's not disclosed yet, there are two versions of the 'GGUM' challenge. Just like how games get more challenging but also bring great satisfaction as one progresses, I thought people would find enjoyment in high-level challenges, so we prepared several versions. Of course, I believe there's no well or poorly done in challenges. Please challenge yourself freely with your style and enjoy together!
Q. Any memorable episodes while shooting the music video?
As the song is titled 'GGUM,' I chewed a lot of gum. I think I chewed nearly 50 pieces of gum. Also, in the music video, there's a scene where I spit water, and I remember getting an OK sign after succeeding in one take.
Q. What reactions do you want to hear through 'GGUM'?
I hope many people hear this song and see the stage and feel 'it stays on my mind and is addictive. It’s a new taste.' 'GGUM' can be summed up as 'Yeonjun', so I also want to hear, 'Yeonjun did Yeonjun'. I'm confident about it.
Q. Any final words to your global fans (MOA)?
To MOA who waited ever since I said I wanted to do a mixtape, thank you and I love you. I prepared very hard, so I will show you properly. Please look forward to it!
<Photo credit=Big Hit Music>
