It has been a little over a year since the all-male idol group TNX (The New Six) burst into the K-Pop music scene.
They made their debut under the guidance of P-Nation, a talent agency founded by K-Pop legend PSY.
TNX—composed of Taehun, Kyungjun, Hyunsoo, Junhyeok, Hwi, and Sungjun—was brought together through the SBS audition show LOUD.
On May 17, 2022, the group marked their highly anticipated debut with the release of their first extended play (EP) album, Way Up.
This was succeeded by their album Love Never Dies on February 15, 2023.
Most recently, on June 7, 2023, they unveiled their latest EP album titled Boyhood, which achieved their highest chart position yet. The album peaked at the 6th spot on the Circle Chart (formerly known as the Gaon Music Chart or the Gaon Chart).
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) via e-mail coursed through 28 Squared Studios, the group expressed disbelief at how quickly time has passed.
The group's main vocalist Junhyeok conveyed his heartfelt thanks to their loyal fans, aptly named THX, who have been by their side since the group's debut.
He said, as translated in English, "I can't believe it's already been a year, but I think it was a year where I could grow through a lot of experience.
"I want to say thank you to our fans THX, who has been with us since our debut, and we'll continue to work hard and show them our growth."
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THE NEW SIX (TNX): THE FIRST YEAR
Kungjun shed light on TNX's remarkable journey as a group, emphasizing the strong camaraderie and unwavering support they have developed over the past year.
The group's main rapper said, "Our members are great colleagues and supportive to each other, which runs towards the same dream.
"We've spent a lot of time together since we were trainees who went through the survival program, and now we’re working as 'THE NEW SIX.'
"I think we've become family to each other now."
In addition to fostering a close bond, TNX has embraced musical evolution, eagerly exploring diverse genres.
Summarizing their approach, the group's rapper/lyricist Hwi stated, "As we challenged various genres of music, the musical color became diverse, and I think this made us who we are now.
"We worked hard to show the best performance and concept in every promotion, and we want to show various sides of us, so we're still thinking and working hard on it!
"Please look forward to the changes and improvements of THE NEW SIX!"
Similar to other emerging K-Pop groups, TNX faced numerous challenges throughout the past year.
TNX chose not to dwell on the challenges, making a conscious decision to avoid fixating on them.
The group's leader Taehun, in particular, embraced these obstacles as valuable learning opportunities that ultimately strengthened the bonds among the TNX members.
He told PEP.ph, "Rather than having difficulties or obstacles, I've been thinking that it's about experiencing and learning new things."
When asked about the group's most memorable moment from their first year as TNX, the group's maknae (youngest member) Sungjun answered, "I think it's the moment of our debut. The most memorable moment was when we cheered together before the debut showcase."
Reflecting on their journey, Hyunsoo shared a valuable lesson he learned from their CEO, PSY.
TNX's main dancer recalled, "The most memorable thing that CEO PSY said to us was, 'The best is good, but let's be The Only!'
"Like this, we're working hard to become 'The Only' that has our own color."
Read: Sandara Park flattered Filipinos still recognize her: “Sobrang nakakagulat.”
FUTURE PLANS
PEP.ph also asked TNX about their future plans, particularly their musical direction.
Hwi expressed, "Like the meaning of our team’s name, ‘Six new people who will courageously challenge and overcome and grow with performance where emotions and rigidity coexist.’
"We want to be a team that can show how we grow and evolve by challenging in various ways without losing our unique musical color.
"Through this, we want to present music that many people can enjoy and love and become The Only, as our CEO PSY said."
For his part, Taehun eagerly anticipates the opportunity to connect and engage with their fans in person.
He said, "We can't tell you the specific plans yet, but we hope there will be more opportunities to meet with more fans and various opportunities in the second half of the year!"
When asked about the possibility of visiting the Philippines, the group expressed their strong desire to meet their Filipino fans.
Junhyeok, in particular, is very excited to return to the country. He actually attended an international school in Antipolo City when he was younger.
He said, "If we have the chance, we'd like to perform in front of Philippine THX and talk with them. I think we'd be really happy if that moment came true."
Meanwhile, Sungjun shared a heartfelt message dedicated to their Filipino fans.
The 17-year-old idol group member said, "Dear THX! Thank you for your kind words and support.
"Thanks to you, we've been receiving a lot of love since our debut. We'll repay you with great songs and performances for your love and support!
"Let's be together for a long time."
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