Comeback TNX, a 5th-year idol's dilemma: "Uncertain future... even experienced stage fright" [Interview ③]

*This content was translated by AI.

-Following Interview ②

"Nietzsche said God is dead, and Nietzsche himself is dead

Born naked, we die naked again

I don't have the courage to hang myself

But jumping feels too painful in my joints, so I keep living

Just Do it just for fun

Like a knight standing before the Yellow River

Even before Yama, I won't back down. 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. Group TNX (Ti-en-eks: Choi Tae-hoon, Jang Hyun-soo, Cheon Jun-hyeok, Eun Hwi, Oh Sung-jun) has launched a counterattack with their song "Dokgi" (Malice). Debuting in 2022 and now four years old, TNX openly confesses the pain, anguish, and honest feelings they experienced during their long period of activity in this new single, vowing to grow more mature.

TNX made their comeback on the afternoon of the 27th with their third digital single "Die Another Day." This comeback comes about seven months after their January single "Call Me Back." 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 participating in Mnet's "Show Me The Money 12" earlier this year. Producer Ryan Jeon handled the composition, further enhancing the song's quality. Though this heartbreaking song seems to speak of an "end," it actually represents a preparatory stage for a "new beginning"—a chapter closure.

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

-Now that you've passed the four-year mark since debut, what concerns do the TNX members currently have?

▶Jang Hyun-soo: I've been thinking about my identity and am still pondering and researching it. It seems I'm struggling between what I love and what the public accepts. I started wondering what would best showcase me.

▶Choi Tae-hoon: I think we're in a similar situation. Although we are singers, as individuals, we face many practical concerns. I constantly wonder what I can do professionally to succeed. I worry about becoming famous and creating more. I've had many worries since about two years ago. At one point, I even experienced stage fright. Going through that made me feel like I was drifting further from my dream. I lacked confidence. I wondered if it was my personality or my approach, but as two years passed, my concerns became simpler. Eventually, I realized that proving my skills and developing my character would resolve these worries. I think the timing of this song's release was perfect.

▶Cheon Jun-hyeok: It feels like an uncertain future. Just looking at comebacks, we don't know the results, so anxiety from uncertainty seems unavoidable. While we've gained a lot over four years of activity, there are also regrets. As these experiences accumulate, I find myself worrying more than when I was excited about challenges in the past. Recently, we've talked a lot as a team: while teamwork is important, each member should develop their own unique color. It seems that if each individual matures, the team will achieve synergy.

▶Eun Hwi: My worries about an uncertain future were especially heavy last year. I struggled between money, time with family, and my youth. At some point, I decided to continue activities solely for music. I thought we must live with spirit and not back down. I realized how much I want to make music. Even without money, I want to share all my hard songs with the public.

▶Oh Sung-jun: As I've gotten older, I feel I can't just do music because I love it; now I need to show my skills. I want to demonstrate professionalism. I believe there are things only teenagers or people in their twenties can express, so I want to deliver an evolved message.

▶Eun Hwi: Former producer Ryan often told us, "Spirit is important." He constantly boosted our self-esteem and provided mental care. He was the only one who ever used the word "spirit" during our activities.

▶Tae-hoon: It wasn't just empty words; he truly meant it, so trust built up.

-When TNX members face worries or difficulties, how do they overcome them? What methods do they use to maintain their mental state?

▶Choi Tae-hoon: I prefer not to share my situation and instead reflect on it myself. Our members are naturally good at supporting each other independently.

▶Jang Hyun-soo: I try to show my feelings openly. Then, Tae-hoon oppa calls me and helps me out once in a while. (Laughs)

▶Cheon Jun-hyeok: Talking things through and resolving them is the best thing. When Tae-hoon oppa gives feedback, it's never wrong. Recently, after practicing a lot together, we had moments where we needed to stabilize our mental state. Whenever that happened, oppa handled it well. He seems like a truly humble leader.

▶Oh Sung-jun: Even when I'm struggling, I know the older members beside me are also having a hard time, so I try to stay strong.

-What is the goal of this comeback activity?

▶Choi Tae-hoon: We hope first-time listeners will see us as newcomers. When our activities conclude, we'd like to feel tangible results—chart-topping positions, music show wins, and increased event appearances.

▶Cheon Jun-hyeok: I think the most important thing in this comeback is our "cohesion." We've bonded more while preparing for this comeback, and through many conversations with our company, we've aligned better. Although this song has dark content, it also reflects the experiences of fans who have been with us for four years. I believe that as listeners hear this song, they too will feel a sense of cohesion. I hope we all become more united.

-At this moment, what adjective do you think best fits TNX? Or is there one you'd like to have?

▶Choi Tae-hoon: We prepared as if setting up a last stand. The CEO said time would bring both process and results, and indeed, the effects are clear.

▶Cheon Jun-hyeok: We prepared our live performance very hard. I hope we receive good reviews for our live singing. When I saw a general student comment in a university festival video saying, "They sing live well," it made me so happy. All the late-night practice was worth it. Eventually, you just need to keep going until it becomes yours.

-End

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*This content was translated by AI.