YEONJUN on his debut album ‘NO LABELS: PART 01’: ‘I was working on showing who I am’

CHOI YEONJUN was put on this earth to perform, possessing a super-human ability to move like liquid-gold when he dances. The twenty-six year old K-pop idol’s talents are, of course, not limited to one discipline- after all, you cannot get through the rigorously-tough K-pop trainee system with just one ace up your sleeve. Along with occupying the position of main dancer in his group, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, he’s also the main rapper. Completing the triple-threat is his distinctive and strong vocal style. His voice is so signature that his bandmate BEOMGYU often playfully mimics him, with a caricature version of his singing.

When he released his bolshy first solo single ‘GGUM’ back in 2024, it was clear that YEONJUN relished playing with creative boundaries. This is not overly surprising, as he is part of a group where experimenting with a kaleidoscope of musical genres is in their DNA. YEONJUN is often involved with the song-writing and production process on TOMORROW X TOGETHER songs. As a group, their music often leans towards a euphoric, ethereal sound, regardless of whether they’re trying out pop, RnB or indie-rock. His first solo endeavour ‘GGUM’ however, was a hip-op electro hybrid song which cranked and swirled with a much tougher vibe that MOA (the name fanbase of TOMORROW X TOGETHER) were used to. This was just an initial spark before the fireworks of his first solo record. 

“This album, NO LABELS: PART 01, is simply me.” YEONJUN explains. “It encapsulates me without any labels or definitions and I wanted to step away from all the boundaries and limits and show who I am in the most honest and natural way.”

The lead-track of the album ‘Talk to You’ is an explosive, stomping rock song, with swirling guitar riffs and playful drumming as the K-pop idol’s  tangy vocals leap around to match the songs’ energy. It’s a song that explores the magnetic pull between two people, and the inevitable bubbling hot tension that’s borne out of an intense connection between two people.

It’s quite fitting that the twenty-six year old picked this as his lead song, as there is also an incredibly electric and magnetic quality to YEONJUN as a person. His factory setting, whether he is performing, or simply sitting there, minding his own business, is an intense look with a furrowed brow and naturally pouty lips that give him a brooding, model-like aura. His expressions, which can go from serious to a beam of sunshine remind me of a cat. Similar to a feline, his pensive and aloof appearance can easily burn away like a supernova when he connects with others.

Just like on stage and with fans, during the interview he is quick to flash a glittery-eyed smile and enthusiastic energy my way. He’s always been there to offer a hug to a fellow member TAEHYUN or a shoulder of comfort on stage when the leader of the group SOOBIN is feeling emotional. There is definitely a softer, affectionate, older-brother side to him, especially towards the maknae HUENING KAI and the princess of the group BEOMGYU (YEONJUN is the Tom to BEOMGYU’s Jerry, constantly affectionately tussling and bickering with each other, but showing up for each other in each other’s moment of need.) 

When I meet YEONJUN, he is sitting in an oversized quilted, shiny black beanbag chair. His wet-look, dyed blonde hair is slicked back and tucked behind his ears. He’s sporting his favoured fit:  an oversized cropped hoodie and tank top with plenty of chunky metal-work in the form of necklaces, and skater hoop earrings. Whilst he looks like he would be ready to step out on stage or onto the set of a photoshoot in his ensemble, there is also something effortless about his look at the same time. A reactive performer on stage, he often oscillates between explosive, hyper-focused dancing and playfully engaging with the crowd- often beaming with grin as wide as the Cheshire cat, waving and connecting with the crowd. He’s very attentive and thoughtful during the interview and big on eye contact.

After an electric and heavyweight opening song ‘Talk to You’ comes the English-language track ‘Forever’ that shifts the gears to a more chilled, soulful hip-hop sound. Electro synths are mixed with syrupy sweet high notes, and lower flirty bars as YEONJUN sings about the importance of not rushing through life and savouring the moment. Evolving as an artist and as a person was clearly on his mind when making ‘No Labels: Part 1.’

“As I was working on this album, I was working on showing who I am, but at the same time it was a really meaningful time as I was able to learn about myself. For sure, there were tough times and challenges” He tells me, leaning in, gesturing with his hands in an excitable, but also measured way. “But I think it was very meaningful to me and really fun as it gave me a chance to learn more about myself.”

As an artist, YEONJUN is very hands-on with every part of the creative process and is willing to experiment on both the sound to the aesthetic of his record. He’s taken a different approach to his album promo launch, opting for an offline tactic initially. The first of three ‘set ups’ came in the form of physical posters, with the image of his shirtless upper-body dominating the album cover. The creative concept centres around the fluidity and expressiveness of his body. This visceral image was wild-posted before being plastered all over the internet. 

Accompanying the muscly album-cover, the K-pop idol also has plenty of apparel made, all in his fashion style. YEONJUN’s ‘No Labels’ slogan has been emblazoned on hoodies, oversized shopping bags and nineties loose boxer shorts with the album name stitched onto the waist-band. He even had nail art done for the occasion- it’s really a head-to-toe, all in concept. The promo has an air of a cult skater brand or disruptive fashion zine, rather than an overly-worked machine churning out content that we’re accustomed to seeing. 

The torso-heavy album cover has sparked a lot of interest, just as his hip-thrusting dance moves did for his mixtape ‘GGUM.’ I wanted to know how it feels to push the boundaries and be a bit more mature with his aesthetic, and leaning into the feverish reaction it has produced. 

“Of course I felt really good (about the fan response to the choreography to ‘GGUM.’) I think there were many good reactions, but at the same time, some people liked it and some people didn’t. For me, I took on a new challenge. Taking on these new challenges and experimenting is personally a really fun experience (for me.) I really liked the various different reactions and it was fun to see. This time I wanted to be quite experimental and show a side to me that no one else can copy. I think the way I dress or style myself is a language that I use to express myself, so I try to incorporate my everyday life. For this albums visuals and styling I wanted to really show myself with no rules and limits- Just me.”

It’s clear that YEONJUN is very sure on the type of artist he is and what he wants to create. The K-pop ecosystem can be rigid and unforgiving at times with incredible pressure and expectations put upon an idol, by both the industry and the fans. YEONJUN really takes his time when I ask him about these impossibly-high standards. He sits there, defaulting to his intense gaze that make his lips pout even more, contemplating the question. There are purrs of a soft ‘hmm’ as he thinks about how he wants to articulate his thoughts properly.

“Personally, I really enjoy pushing those limits and breaking down those boundaries. When it comes to living up to those expectations (I think) Is it really necessary to live up to those expectations? Because I really find it fun to try things that other people have not, and through those processes I think I grow and I learn a lot. I really tried a lot of new things for this album and going forward I want to continue doing that.”

Another huge talking-point online for this album, even before its release, was the announcement that Daniela from KATSEYE would be featuring on the track ‘Let Me Tell You.’ The two are connected by their dancing skills, so the song will inevitably be accompanied by some iconic choreography. Daniela echoes my analysis of their symbiosis when I asked her about her experience. 

“The most fun part has honestly been the natural chemistry and how naturally we vibe together. We both bring different flavours to the table, and when they blend, the energies flow like one. It was a very fun collaboration.”

The recipe of the two together creates a sexier RnB feel to the ‘Let Me Tell You’ that harks back to Justin Timberlake’s velvety smooth ‘Justified’ era. YEONJUN’s sensual tones and mixed in with Daniela sultry tones whilst continuing to embrace her Latin roots, once again singing in Spanish, just as she did in KATSEYE’s ‘Gabriela.’ The collaboration isn’t all play though. Daniela has high praise for YEONJUN after working with him on the track.

“I learned how dedicated and professional YEONJUN is. He is very creative and always pushes to make the work better. Seeing that level of passion up close was really inspiring. YEONJUN definitely helped me refine the choreography. He is such a great dancer, has great musicality and attention to detail, so working with him felt like a really unique experience.”

YEONJUN similarly has a lot of praise for Daniela, also taking a lot from working on the project with her.

“I don’t need to stress that Daniela is a really excellent artist.” YEONJUN explains to me about the collaboration. “She’s really good at singing and dancing. I thought that the fact that we had a feature for this album was going to be a really fun experience and I could tell that we could make something great together. I was really excited and it turned out really well. I really had fun working with her!”

Daniela adds that “I was so excited (to collaborate.) YEONJUN is incredibly talented, and being invited to collaborate with him and his team was such an honour. From the moment I heard the idea, I knew this was going to be something special.It’s always exciting to connect with artists who are passionate and innovative, and this project was exactly that.”

YEONJUN runs with this more assured, silky tone as the record progresses. ’Do It’ continues the confident attitude of the album. It’s a mix of old-school hip hop funk fused with jazz. Shimmering drums and a brassier sound are matched to a slower, smooth tempo that gives the song a sexier seventies vibe. ‘Nothing ‘Bout Me’ releases the punchier sound that has been reigned in since ‘Talk To You’ with the reintroduction of the rockier guitar, punching up the percussion and upping the energy. Sonically, YEONJUN seems to be really relishing the twist and turns of the album, with rebellious rapping, and cheeky defiance similar to his track ‘GGUM.’ He’s having fun going off-road from the expected melodies of more conventional songs which keep things interesting. It’s experimental, tough and allows him to play as an artist. The album is book-ended with songs that are especially important to him. “My favourite song is ‘Talk to You’ and ‘Coma.’  But I think MOA will like ‘Let Me Tell You!”  

Even though he has an incredibly tight bond with his members of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (Maknae of the group and  YEONJUN’s Pepero game partner HUENING KAI surprised him on set of his music video for ‘GGUM’) he tells he has not shared any music with the group as of yet. He’s also kept things under wraps from his good friends and fellow idols Changbin from Stray Kids and Wooyoung from ATEEZ.

“Actually, for this album, I have not shared a single thing with my members, not a single song, the dance moves or even the performances because I really want to see their reactions the moment it is released.” Even though he’s been elusive, that hasn’t stopped his members from their unwavering encouragement. 

“What I miss the most when I do my solo schedules like this or hen I go for a photoshoot. I can really feel them not being with me. Of the TOMORROW X TOGETHER members, TAEHYUN actually reaches out quite a lot. He asks me if I’m doing O.K and if everything is alright. He says “I’m really looking forward to your work.” So yes, that’s a big support for me.”

Going it alone is always a scary prospect, but YEONJUN is confidently stepping out with an accomplished and well-crafted debut album. He’s got the star-power gravitas to make all his hard-work for ‘NO LABELS: PART 01’ look effortless. That’s part of his nonchalant, cat-like charm, the way he can pull you into his orbit without seeming try-hard with it. The title ‘No Labels: Part 1’ suggest that this is just the beginning for YEONJUN a solo artist and that there is more to come. Wherever he decides to take it sonically and creatively, he has already built his foundations strong.