Yunho, right, and Changmin of K-pop duo TVXQ! pose during a press event marking the release of the group's ninth full-length album "20&2," held at a hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
K-pop boy band TVXQ! is a name that resonates with every K-pop enthusiast.
Despite the dynamic landscape ushered in by fifth-gen K-pop boy bands, the iconic second-gen group is set to continue its 20-year journey, captivating fans with the release of its ninth studio album.
To commemorate the two-decade journey, the duo released the album "20&2," Tuesday, and celebrated the dual milestone at a press event held at a hotel in Yeouido, western Seoul.
Yunho likened TVXQ!'s 20-year milestone to a coming-of-age ceremony and said they have "aged like fine wine."
"If TVXQ! was like a newborn right after our debut, I would say it has matured into a 20-year-old adult. Just like an individual's journey to adulthood, we've navigated this path with the support and love of our fans, just like the unwavering assistance a family provides," he said.
"I'm now genuinely proud to share that we have evolved into a group that has matured, much like fine wine."
TVXQ! member Changmin, left, speaks during a press event held at a hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
Changmin shared that anniversaries, including birthdays, don't typically stand out on his personal radar. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the group's 20th anniversary holds a special place in his heart.
"As an idol group, hitting the 20th anniversary is exceptionally rare. So, today feels particularly special, a day to thank everyone for the sheer luck of being able to celebrate this milestone," he said.
During the event, numerous artists extended their heartfelt congratulations through video messages.
The surprise video featured groups RIIZE, aespa, NCT DREAM, NCT 127 and Red Velvet, along with members of SHINee, Girls' Generation, Super Junior and BoA. Notable figures such as chef Lee Yeon-bok and actor Choi Ji-woo also joined the celebration.
Visibly taken aback by the unexpected messages, TVXQ! members expressed their gratitude not only to those who had sent congratulations, but also to each other.
Yunho of K-pop duo TVXQ! attends a press event held at a hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
Changmin shared a heartfelt comment about his colleague.
"Yunho is like a compass to me. He has always stayed right beside me, guiding me through times when I felt lost. If it wasn't for Yunho, I don't think I could have made it to 20 years."
Yunho, in turn, expressed his appreciation for Changmin.
"I think Changmin is like another version of myself," he said. "While we may not exchange such kind words daily, I want to express my gratitude to Changmin, who has consistently watched over me and stood by my side through tough times."
Given the typical contract renewal cycles in the K-pop industry, where agreements are often renegotiated every seven years, TVXQ!'s enduring 20-year partnership stands out as a rarity.
When asked if they had any advice for artists and trainees aiming for such longevity, Changmin emphasized the challenges involved. "It's never easy. I don't want to paint an overly optimistic picture. However, I genuinely hope to see more long-running juniors," he said.
"With the global spotlight on K-content, many artists become popular rapidly after debut. Unfortunately, some lose their authenticity by succumbing to the trappings of fame. My advice is not to become complacent with popularity. Being a singer is not the end goal; it requires a sincere work ethic."
Changmin of K-pop duo TVXQ! attends a press event held at a hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
The duo's new album "20&2" and its title track "Rebel" reflect their experiences over the years.
"During our 20-year journey, Changmin and I honed each other's strengths. It is through the fusion of these strengths that the '20&2' album was completed, giving birth to the title track 'Rebel,'" Yunho explained.
"Instead of just rebelling against conventional norms, we aimed to convey a unique interpretation — that a true revolutionary is someone who forges one's own path."
Following the release of the album, the group is also set to hold a concert in Incheon's Inspire Arena on Dec. 31.
Yunho heightened anticipation for the upcoming concert, stating, "Having charged through the past 20 years like wild horses, we now look ahead, embracing a more contemplative, steadily enduring approach."
Changmin expressed his immediate focus, saying, "First, we hope to successfully conclude the year-end concert that lies just ahead. By addressing the tasks at hand, step by step, the next 20 years should unfold smoothly."