TNX Eun-hwi: "CEO Psy, when I appeared on 'Show Me The Money 12,' please cheer for me and give me a thumbs-up like a tsundere" [Interview ②]

*This content was translated by AI.

-Following Interview ①

"Nietzsche said God is dead, so Nietzsche is also dead

Born naked and dying naked again

I don't have the courage to hang myself

But jumping down makes my knees tremble, so I just live

Just Do it for fun

Like a holy knight before the River of Forgetfulness

Even in front of Yama, I won't be intimidated. That's me"

"I could try try try to change my fate

I could die die die another day"

This is a feast of sharp, intense lyrics rarely found in idol songs. The group TNX (TNX, Choi Tae-hoon, Jang Hyun-soo, Cheon Jun-hyeok, Eun-hwi, Oh Sung-jun) has launched a counterattack filled with "killer instinct." Debuting in 2022 and now four years old, TNX openly confesses the pain and anguish they felt during their long period of activity in this new song, vowing to grow more mature.

TNX made their comeback on the afternoon of the 27th at 6 p.m. with their third digital single "Die Another Day." This marks their first return since releasing the single "CALL ME BACK" in January of this year, after about seven months. Previously known for refreshing and upbeat sounds, TNX aims to showcase a surprising strength this time.

The new song "Die Another Day" features lyrics and composition by member Eun-hwi, adding a strong autobiographical touch. Eun-hwi also grew significantly by challenging himself on Mnet's "Show Me The Money 12," which aired earlier this year. Additionally, producer Ryan handled the composition, further enhancing the song's quality. Although this heartbreaking song seems to speak of an "end," it actually represents a preparatory stage for a "new beginning," signifying the conclusion of a chapter.

StarNews sat down with TNX to discuss their new song "Die Another Day."

-What lyrics in "Die Another Day" do you want to emphasize? What message do you hope to convey through this song?

▶Choi Tae-hoon: The part in the outro, "I could die die die another day," stands out to me. It means, "I will change my fate and I won't die." The keyword "fate" resonated deeply with me.

▶Jang Hyun-soo: For me, it was Tae-hoon's part: "Moderate fame is more miserable." I could relate to that position of being neither famous nor unknown.

▶Cheon Jun-hyeok: I think we approached it with an anime-like perspective. In anime, there are moments that touch the heart, right? When you consider how uncertain tomorrow may be and how to live today, if you can perform on stage today, even death would be acceptable. The lyric "If today is the last page, I'll give everything" struck a chord. Eun-hwi feels more developed after appearing on "Show Me." It seems he has found his own position and color.

▶Eun-hwi: There's the part, "A race with no end in sight, but I still gotta chase," which I think is exactly like the idol market. Honestly, I don't know if it ends when things go well or when they don't, but we want to keep striving and achieving. The lyric "Just Do it for fun, like a holy knight before the River of Forgetfulness, unafraid even in front of Yama" was written because I remembered feeling intimidated as an idol when I appeared on "Show Me." I wrote it thinking that if I have confidence, anything is possible.

▶Oh Sung-jun: I liked Eun-hwi's rap lyrics immediately upon hearing them. The part: "Fight one more time right before hanging yourself. Nietzsche said God is dead, so Nietzsche is also dead. Born naked and dying naked again. I don't have the courage to hang myself, but jumping down makes my knees tremble, so I just live." It gave me a moment to reflect on myself.

-Regarding this promotion, what support and advice did CEO Psy of Pination give you?

▶Choi Tae-hoon: Even before recording this song, he gave us many directions during group meetings.

▶Cheon Jun-hyeok: There was a moment that gave us strength. We prepared hard for our live performance. The CEO said he hoped we would do well with the live, and when we showed it to him, he said, "You can do it," and "You're doing great." That brought relief, boosted our confidence, and became motivation. During this practice, we had many conversations as a team about how to approach things mentally. I think it was a time of growth for us.

▶Eun-hwi: The CEO isn't the type to show affection openly, but when he supports you with love, he gives plenty of feedback. You can see that he wants to be with us. It was hard writing the lyrics three times, but I realized he gave advice filled with affection. Even when I appeared on "Show Me," he cheered for me like a tsundere and sent thumbs-up emojis.

-What do you think are the main concerns of people in their 20s these days? Stories from friends around you, etc.

▶Jang Hyun-soo: My friends recently returned to society after being discharged from the military. Some re-enrolled in school, while others started working. Since they are still young, they worry about not being able to secure a position immediately but needing to make a living.

▶Cheon Jun-hyeok: From what I hear from friends back home, their concerns differ from those of industry friends. Industry friends seem clear on what they want to do but worry about what they can actually achieve. Friends from my hometown, however, struggle with the question of what they should even do in the first place.

▶Eun-hwi: Ultimately, I think it's a conflict between one's dreams and reality. People want to pursue what they love, but at some point, they hit a wall of reality and often give up.

-Continued in Interview ③

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*This content was translated by AI.