TXT’s Yeonjun didn’t hold back when addressing the criticism surrounding his solo choreography while accepting an award at the 2024 Hanteo Music Awards on January 15.
The TXT star— who made his solo debut in September 2024 — received widespread attention for his track “GGUM.” While fans celebrated the release, some Korean netizens were less receptive to a particular dance move featured in the song’s choreography.
Like many other K-Pop tracks released in recent years, Yeonjun’s single had its own TikTok challenge to promote it. While that is nothing new, Yeonjun does a specific hip-thrusting motion during the chorus as part of the full song choreography, but also the TikTok challenge — that Yeonjun would often do featuring other people.
WHAT IS MORE CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT? THE RENAISSANCE OR OT5 GGUM DANCE CHALLENGE pic.twitter.com/TzAtOFIPbS
— ☆ ͏ (@bffs4gyu) September 25, 2024
The move sparked debate online, with some netizens calling it excessive and unnecessary, especially when performed alongside fellow idols. Despite the backlash, it seems like Yeonjun has remained unfazed.
TXT Yeonjun’s Suggestive Solo Choreography Hit With Massive Backlash From Korean Netizens
On January 15, TXT attended the 2024 Hanteo Music Awards, during which they were awarded multiple times for their incredibly successful year. Not only did they win multiple group trophies, but Yeonjun himself also bagged an award for his solo release.
WELCOME BACK TXT?!@#$
🏆 Artist of the Year (bonsang)
🏆 Global Artist (North America)
🏆 Top Touring Artist
🏆 Best Performance (Daesang)YEONJUN
🏆 Global Artist (Oceania) pic.twitter.com/3EPoj8Ctzw— Maryam 🤍 is seeing txt (@txtdom) February 15, 2025
In his acceptance speech, he directly addressed the mixed reactions to his choreography. After expressing gratitude toward his fans and agency, he confidently stated that he wouldn’t change anything.
I think a lot of people might feel that my dancing or singing has [received] mixed opinions, but I won’t mind it and will keep working hard regardless to pop my hips even more.
— TXT’s Yeonjun
“i think that a lot of people might feel that my dancing or singing has mixed opinions, but i won’t mind it and will keep working hard regardless to pop my hips even more” 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️ pic.twitter.com/QYi3FNYLJE
— TXT Translations 💬 (@translatingTXT) February 15, 2025
what’s funny is yeonjun waited till ggum won an award (at a major award show) to tell everyone he doesn’t give a fuck what yall say about him and let his success speak for himself like this was such a power move okay idgaf king😭
— bomkue (@bomkue) February 15, 2025
if people keep talking on yeonjun this mf is gonna be winning a grammy
— choi soobin (@soobidimps) February 15, 2025
not to be dramatic but i think i felt a legitimate shift in the earth when yeonjun did his ggum acceptance speech and when txt secured the daesang like something Happened and now we are about to see a whole new level of txt
— ᯓ✦ k (@koosjunie) February 16, 2025
Fans quickly took to social media to praise Yeonjun’s fearless attitude. Many admired his willingness to acknowledge the controversy in such a bold and lighthearted manner. With his solo career off to a strong start and his unapologetic confidence on full display, fans are eager to see what Yeonjun has in store next.