Choi Yeon-Jun, a K-pop idol from the group Tomorrow x Together (TXT), recently released his own single.
On Sept. 19, 2024, Yeonjun released the song “GGUM.” “GGUM” was a pre-released song for his upcoming solo mixtape. The release date for the mixtape is set to be released on Oct. 29, 2024. This was big news for Moas (TXT’s fandom name) because this is Yeonjun’s first solo single.
The inclusions for the mixtapes shown in the pre-order are the CD, CD tray, photocards, booklet, stickers, envelope, photocard envelope, and a figure. The design of the mixtape is very creative and sticks to the “GGUM” theme with the tray resembling pink bubblegum and the envelope, photocard envelope, and booklet having a gum wrapper design. For me, the figure is the most exciting inclusion, especially since the presentation of the mixtape looks like action figure packaging. The design team did an amazing job on the presentation of this mixtape.
I would consider “GGUM” to be music that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I personally find the unique sound refreshing. From the get go, the unique beat garners attention. The song uses an electronic beat with piano and bass that creates a dramatic and tense effect.
The music video (MV) accompanies the song’s rhythm and adds a rebellious nature that Yeonjun conveys in his mannerism throughout the song. They even translate the choreography of the dance. The dance is explosive and expressive while retaining a nice flow between the movements.
The background of the video switches locations from a convenience store at the start of the MV, to streets and a television studio. Each location has its own allocated color in order to give off different vibes. The convenience store has warm colors that give off a retro feel while the studio has a modern feel using grays and purples. The different vibes created by the color schemes in the scenes create a nice contrast to each other.
Another example of this in the MV is the use of red and green to draw the viewer’s attention to Yeonjun. Yeonjun’s red hair and the pink gum in the MV are amplified by green lighting and accents. The opposing colors intensify the theatrical tone of the song. Yeonjun uses polar attributes as a strategy to build the visual story and may even be foreshadowing other aspects of his mixtape that might be built off of the preview.
The lyrics themselves also play into this theory. The gum chewing may have a deeper and more symbolic meaning. It may refer to having to chew/process the lyrics in order to get the flavor/true message of the song.
The act of blowing a bubble is a build up until eventually everything pops. In the end of the MV, Yeonjun blows a big bubble which eventually bursts. The growth of the bubble is the building of anticipation and emotions. Once the album is released, the bubble will burst and reveal what Yeonjun may have been alluding to in the “GGUM” preview.
Check out the mixtape when it is released, and have a bubbly day!
