Yeonjun Embraces Musical Freedom with Debut EP ‘No Labels’

Yeonjun, a member of the K-pop group Tomorrow x Together (TXT), has launched his first solo EP titled No Labels: Part One. The 26-year-old artist emphasizes a newfound artistic freedom, focusing on creating music that reflects his true self rather than conforming to external expectations. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, conducted via Zoom from Seoul, Yeonjun expressed his desire to explore diverse musical genres and share personal stories through his work.

Having debuted with TXT in 2019 as the oldest member, Yeonjun has witnessed both himself and his group evolve over the years. The transition from youthful exuberance to more mature artistry is evident in their sound. As he explains, “Rather than trying to meet everyone’s expectations, I just try to focus on making music that I truly love and believe in.” This philosophy is at the heart of his latest project, which features six tracks that blend various musical styles without adhering to a single label.

Exploring Creative Independence

Yeonjun’s album title, No Labels, holds significant meaning for him. It represents not only his artistic exploration but also a journey of self-discovery. He shares, “Before working on this album, I wonder if I was a person who could be described as someone with no labels. Through this album, I was able to know more about myself.” The EP captures his personal growth, allowing him to embrace his individuality in a way that was not always possible in a group setting.

With No Labels, Yeonjun takes creative control, actively participating in writing lyrics and composing music. He notes that this involvement is essential: “I think it’s more fun and good to actually write the lyrics, compose and tell the story myself.” The process of creating the album has been transformative, leading him to discover aspects of himself that were previously undisclosed.

The artist faced challenges during the production of his EP, noting the physical demands of being responsible for lyrics, choreography, and direction. “Physically there was so much to do,” he recalls. Yet, he views the experience positively, describing it as “almost another youth for me.”

Innovative Music Video Concept

In a bid to present his music uniquely, Yeonjun has opted for an innovative approach in his music video, showcasing three tracks—“Coma,” “Let Me Tell You,” and “Talk to You.” This decision is intended to create an engaging visual experience, diverging from traditional narrative-driven formats. “I wanted to try something different and new,” he explains, indicating that the focus was on performance and imagery rather than a cohesive story.

On the lead single “Talk to You,” Yeonjun reflects on the creative process, stating that while the song is not autobiographical, it draws on a mix of personal experiences and imaginative storytelling. He believes that being involved in the music-making process allows for greater personal expression, saying, “With ‘Talk to You,’ it was more of an imaginary project.”

Despite the intense workload and lack of downtime, Yeonjun chose to navigate this journey independently. He did not rely on others for creative support, instead focusing on self-reflection and growth. “Through that process I learned a lot, felt a lot, and ultimately I made it on my own,” he states.

As Yeonjun embarks on this new chapter as a solo artist, he remains committed to authenticity. He acknowledges that while he hopes audiences will appreciate his music, the most important aspect is his own satisfaction with the work. “Ultimately, I would like to be perceived as a person who makes music as he wants,” he concludes.

The release of No Labels: Part One marks a significant milestone in Yeonjun’s career, showcasing his determination to carve out a distinct identity in the music industry while remaining true to his artistic vision.