Getting older comes with both beautiful moments and growing pains. Tomorrow X Together (also known as TXT), strives to encompass both the good and bad experiences through their music. Documenting childhood through teenagehood seems to be a Big Hit Entertainment kinda thing, as BTS also plays with this concept. However, Tomorrow X Together really took off with the idea of growing pains as they dabbled in different styles, created a storyline, and focused on different chapters within that storyline.
TXT was the first boy band since BTS to be introduced by Big Hit Entertainment, so they caused quite a splash in the K-pop world. The group debuted on March 16, 2019 with their EP The Dream Chapter: STAR. They debuted in 2020 in Japan with their single “Magic Hour.” Tomorrow X Together’s success wouldn’t be possible without its unique members and their backgrounds.
Soobin, the group’s leader, sent in an audition tape to Big Hit. He is represented by a bunny emoticon and his pet hedgehog Odi. The other members are Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Hueningkai, and Taehyun. Yeonjun is represented by a fox and is an incredibly skilled rapper and dancer. Beomgyu is the center of TXT, plays guitar, and is a producer, represented by a bear. Taehyun was a model when he was younger and is represented by a squirrel. Finally, Heuningkai— represented by a penguin—is half German-American and half Korean and plays piano and guitar. His sisters are also idols.
It’s often said that children are the hope for a better tomorrow. Through TXT’s growing-up storyline, they amplify this idea. Tomorrow X Together’s name means that despite their differences, the five members come together to create a better tomorrow. At least, that’s the dream.
TXT’s success with the growing-up idea is due to several factors. The group has a storyline that revolves around a fairytale version of the TXT members. Through different chapters—so far The Dream Chapter, The Chaos Chapter, and The Name Chapter—Tomorrow X Together explores different parts of growing up. And they do all of this as they dabble in new styles including disco-pop, punk, jazz, and indie rock.
In the beginning, with The Dream Chapter, TXT released three albums, which explore the carefree joy of being a kid. Their first song, “CROWN” is full of energetic choreography, fun animations, and bright colors, truly highlighting what it means to be a child. The chapter also dives headfirst into hard things like friendships falling apart.
The Chaos Chapter albums tackle the harsh realities of life. “LOVESONG” explores a toxic relationship and the heartaches tied to that. Thursday’s Child followed this chapter, going through the five stages of grief.
Most recently, The Name Chapter is about the brink of adulthood and all that this entails. The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION focuses on the difficult parts of being human, and FREEFALL shows the boys finally facing reality.
I think it’s incredible how Tomorrow X Together encompasses the good and the bad of childhood through adulthood. I look forward to seeing what else they do with their amazing diverse music.