YEONJUN, a member of the popular K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), has made a bold statement with his debut solo album, NO LABELS: PART 01, released in the fall of 2024. This album marks a significant moment in his artistic journey, showcasing his unique sound and vision in an industry often defined by strict categories and expectations.
The album’s lead track, characterized by its electronic-tinged hip-hop sound, has sparked diverse reactions. While some critics initially viewed the choice as puzzling, others have come to appreciate YEONJUN’s commitment to pushing boundaries. The song features mechanical textures, indistinct vocals, and a repetitive hook that may not emphasize his vocal strengths but reflects a deeper artistic intent. As he took to the stage alone for various performances, including year-end music award shows, it became evident that YEONJUN’s passion for performance was the driving force behind his choices.
During the group’s recent tour, members of TXT expressed their support for his solo venture, particularly during his performance of “GGUM.” This camaraderie highlighted their pride in his artistry. Following this, YEONJUN’s collaboration with the reggae rock genre in the track “Ghost Girl” from TXT’s fourth studio album, released in July 2024, raised questions about the direction of his solo work.
The creative process behind NO LABELS: PART 01 involved a close collaboration with photographer Kang Hyewon, who worked with YEONJUN for three days on the album’s visual content. She noted his self-assurance and clear artistic direction, stating, “YEONJUN knows exactly what he wants to express.” This clarity played a crucial role in shaping the album’s visuals, which move beyond static images to capture the energy and essence of an artist in motion.
In the album’s photography, YEONJUN is portrayed not just as a performer but as a dynamic individual. The visuals, including a striking shirtless shoot, were crafted with minimal retouching to preserve his natural expressions. Kang emphasized that the focus on movement allowed YEONJUN’s iconic features and energy to shine through, balancing his power as a performer with his individuality.
The album’s production is marked by a strong collaboration with producer-songwriter MISHA. All tracks, except for the final one “Coma,” were produced by him, creating a cohesive sound throughout the project. In a social media post, MISHA expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work on this project, stating, “This project is a lot of firsts for me and means the world.”
Musically, the album features a variety of styles. The opening track “Talk to You” sets a confident tone with crisp drum beats and engaging electric guitar riffs. The second track, “Forever,” shifts to a more relaxed electronic sound, while “Let Me Tell You,” featuring KATSEYE’s Daniela, maintains a warm and sensual atmosphere. The album’s diversity continues with “Do It,” an old-school hip-hop track, and culminates in the high-energy “Nothin’ Bout Me,” which delivers a powerful message about self-identity and defiance.
The music video for NO LABELS: PART 01 serves as a six-minute omnibus that combines three tracks: “Coma,” “Let Me Tell You,” and “Talk to You.” This format, suggested by the label, was designed to keep viewers engaged with fun moments and unexpected elements. The video showcases YEONJUN’s artistic vision and his ability to captivate an audience through movement and expression.
In an industry often filled with doubt and pressure, YEONJUN has openly shared the emotional challenges he faced leading up to his solo debut. He has expressed feelings of fear and burden, particularly before his “GGUM” promotions. Despite these struggles, he has managed to carve out a unique identity for himself, proving that he does not require labels or references to define his artistry.
As YEONJUN continues to evolve as an artist, his debut solo album serves as a testament to his growth and determination. With NO LABELS: PART 01, he demonstrates that he knows exactly how he wants to move and create, solidifying his place in the ever-evolving landscape of K-pop.
