It’s official: we now live in a world that has a TXT solo. Dreams really do come true! Yeonjun has released mixtape track, ‘GGUM,’ and MOA will never be the same again. Yeonjun is a true master of all aspects of K-Pop, be it rap, vocals, or dance, so we knew we were in for a treat.
Despite how much we’ve anticipated this moment, and the countless times we’ve watched the intro film, somehow Yeonjun still managed to surprise us with how elevated this solo debut is. Yeonjun played a key role in every part of ‘GGUM,’ from the lyrics to the production to the performance. The entire thing has his stamp all over it, and here is exactly how…
‘GGUM’ Production
We knew Yeonjun would kick off his solo career with a bang, but we didn’t expect so much bass! The ‘GGUM’ intro is so intense that you simply have to take note. TBH, in the TikTok age, even the fact that the song has a longer intro is a blessing. We love that ‘GGUM’ has all the makings of a viral hit without compromising on its structure or intensity.
The production across the entirety of ‘GGUM’ is genius; the song keeps you on tenterhooks with non-stop style changes, just like the artist himself. The over-edited vocals are so much fun, but we cannot express how much we’re also relishing the opportunity to hear so much of Yeonjun’s lower register in the verses. His delivery comes across as effortless and nonchalant, just like his persona in the music video (more on that later), and contrasts deliciously with the gritty hip-hop beat and staccato-like piano.
‘GGUM’ Lyrics
Having contributed to the composition of ‘GGUM,’ Yeonjun also played a massive part in the lyricism. We pretty much guarantee that there isn’t a universe in which a Yeonjun solo wouldn’t include puns galore. Luckily for us (and our sense of humor that is as bad as Yeonjun’s) ‘GGUM’ is jam-packed with the stuff. Lyrics like “Blow and spit out a banger,” reference both actual gum and Yeonjun’s star persona – an artist with a track record of spitting out bars.
Even the title of the song and mixtape itself, GGUM, becomes a pun in Korean; “ggum,” AKA “꿈,” also means “dream.” With the feature track, ‘GGUM’ having such direct lyrics about stardom and perseverance, it couldn’t be a more fitting title. Whether you’re MOA or not, Yeonjun guarantees that “This song’s now stuck in your head,” which is exactly what has happened every moment since we first heard it.
‘GGUM’ Music Video
Even more of Yeonjun’s personality comes through in the music video; his sense of humor is so palpable in the playful moments like when he’s getting dragged across the studio floor. Like the idol himself, the ‘GGUM’ music video has a perfect balance of silly and suave, and Yeonjun’s confidence makes even the most nonsensical things – like breaking into broadcast studios – seem cool. Even the harshness of the edgier aesthetic and styling against the perfect pink bubblegum is just another delicious juxtaposition from this multi-faceted artist!
Plus, it wouldn’t be a K-Pop music video without a bunch of easter eggs right? You’ll spot plenty of references to Yeonjun’s birthday as well as the date of ‘GGUM’s release throughout the video, and the store at the beginning is even called the “Jun Super Mart.” Yeonjun has also revealed that the older man in that scene is the IRL store owner. He also spilled the beans that he chewed around 50 pieces of gum throughout the shoot, but the spit-take was only filmed once!
‘GGUM’ Performance
Yeah, Yeonjun’s personal touch is clearly all over ‘GGUM’ as a track, but if there’s one thing the 4th Gen It Boy is best known for, it’s his stage presence and performance. Yeonjun was heavily involved in the evolution of ‘GGUM’s performance, and his attitude bleeds through in the fun gestures and relentless choreography. We’ve absolutely loved seeing Yeonjun promote the debut on music shows, especially at his home-away-from-home INKIGAYO, with his former co-host Woonhak coincidentally back as a special MC! The stars align for Yeonjun, as they should.
What are your thoughts on ‘GGUM,’ the long-awaited solo debut from Yeonjun? Have you got a favorite performance so far? Or any references that we missed? Let us know over on Twitter @TheHoneyPOP! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram!
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