"We Needed a New Wave" TXT Challenge Their Own Formula After Seven Years

SEOUL — TOMORROW X TOGETHER is aiming to create another global breakthrough with its ninth mini-album, "PERFECT STORM," set for release on Nov. 16, as the five-member group moves beyond the fantasy-driven narratives of adolescence to confront the realities of adulthood.

Speaking at a press conference held at Seoul's KSPO Dome on Nov. 15, the members expressed their determination to establish a new musical direction and reach greater heights following their contract renewal.

The press conference took place ahead of the final Seoul performance of TXT's fifth world tour, "STEAL THE WIND." Members Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun and Huening Kai introduced the album and reflected on their artistic growth, new musical challenges and ambitions for the future.

"We don't have a specific numerical goal, but after eight years of working as artists, there is a certain momentum that we can feel," Taehyun said. "This time, we have a stronger desire to stand out within that momentum."

He added that the group hoped the new album could generate an international response comparable to the impact of previous releases, including "Sugar Rush Ride" and "0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)."

"PERFECT STORM" explores the emotional turbulence experienced by young adults navigating an uncertain future. Having previously portrayed adolescence through fantasy-inspired storytelling in previous releases, TXT now turns its attention to the weight of reality, expressing the anxieties, ambitions and changes experienced by a generation entering adulthood.

The members explained that the album emerged from discussions about what should follow the seven-year coming-of-age narrative they had developed through their music. During individual interviews conducted as part of the album's preparation, all five expressed a similar desire for something that could change their current circumstances and open new possibilities.

"When we were teenagers, I think youth was portrayed more through its beautiful aspects," Taehyun said. "Now that we're all in our mid-twenties, we're facing reality more directly, and that naturally leads us to express ourselves in a more realistic and straightforward way."

He added that the beauty of youth and the difficulties of reality were inseparable, explaining that the members drew on their own experiences of happiness, hardship and ambition when developing the album.

The album's title track, "Angel Bite," captures the desire to remain beside someone despite the uncertainties of everyday life. Combining disco-influenced guitar sounds with synthesizers and a restrained melody, the song addresses financial pressures, anxiety about the future and the emotional comfort found in companionship. Its message continues the group's exploration of love amid adversity, previously expressed through tracks such as "0X1=LOVESONG" and "LO$ER=LO♡ER."

Beomgyu acknowledged that the song's unusually direct lyrics initially surprised him, particularly lines addressing the financial realities of love and uncertainty about the future.

"Even for us, a group known for unusual song titles and lyrics, these words felt incredibly direct," he said. "But once we actually sang them, we realized they brought out the emotions of the song much more effectively."

Taehyun explained that the title combines the imagery of an angel, representing love, and a bite, symbolizing the deprivation and helplessness that can accompany it. Soobin expressed hopes that the song could become another representative TXT love song alongside "0X1=LOVESONG" and "LO$ER=LO♡ER."

The title track also marks a departure from conventional K-POP choreography, with the group prioritizing emotional expression over recognizable point dance movements. "Usually, idol choreography has a memorable point dance that looks beautiful or impressive, but this time, there isn't one," Beomgyu said.

"As we continued practicing, we began to understand why the choreography was created this way. It feels more like presenting a work of performance art onstage," he added.

The six-track release further showcases TXT's expanding musical range, incorporating avant-pop, dance punk, R&B-influenced pop, minimal techno and alternative pop. Opening track "Storm is..." introduces the determination to confront reality, while "Higher Love" and "Touch the Sky" explore ambition and the pursuit of success. Meanwhile, "Sweetest Escape" offers emotional refuge before closing track "Hate It or Love It" embraces change and the uncertainty of moving forward.

The members also contributed to the album's songwriting, reflecting their continued involvement. Soobin and Beomgyu participated in writing "Touch the Sky," while Beomgyu, Taehyun and Huening Kai contributed lyrics to "Hate It or Love It."

The recording process also required the members to reconsider their established vocal approaches. Taehyun recalled, "I've spent years learning how to sing well, so I was confident in that," he said. "But when I was asked to sing in a rougher, less polished way, I realized that was something I wasn't confident about."

The comeback follows TXT's Seoul concerts, held from Nov. 13 to 15 as part of their "STEAL THE WIND" world tour. The three sold-out performances drew approximately 32,000 attendees and offered audiences an early preview of all six tracks from "PERFECT STORM."

The concerts also featured the Japanese original song "Setsuna Hanabi" and concluded with the new title track "Angel Bite" followed by the group's debut song "CROWN," connecting their latest musical chapter with their beginnings in 2019.

The concerts also represented a deliberate departure from TXT's established touring formula, with the members restructuring the setlist and reducing speaking segments to create a more continuous musical experience.

"This time, we boldly removed those familiar elements and created a setlist that moves forward like a storm. We also significantly reduced the talking segments so audiences could focus on the performances themselves," Soobin mentioned.

As TXT enters its eighth year following the renewal of all five members' contracts, the group is seeking to strengthen its musical identity while continuing to evolve alongside its audience. The members emphasized that their fundamental commitment to delivering strong music and performances remains unchanged, even as their ambitions expand.

"We want to become a group that people can trust, a group that younger artists can look up to," Huening Kai said.

Taehyun described TXT as a multidimensional group capable of expressing different emotions, genres and performance styles, adding that he hoped the group would continue to be remembered as an act listeners could rely on.

"PERFECT STORM" will be released across major music platforms at 6 p.m. KST on Nov. 16.