YEONJUN (연준)

Choi Yeon-jun, known mononymously as YEONJUN, was born on September 13, 1999, in Seongbuk District, Seoul, South Korea. As an only child, YEONJUN displayed early talent in performing arts, leading him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He graduated from Korean Arts High School and later enrolled at Global Cyber University, a popular choice among many South Korean idols. YEONJUN initially trained under Cube Entertainment before joining Big Hit Entertainment, where he trained for four years. During his time as a trainee, he earned the title of the company’s “legendary trainee” for consistently ranking first in evaluations for dance, vocals, and rap.

In January 2019, Big Hit Entertainment announced the debut of a new boy group, Tomorrow X Together (TXT), with YEONJUN being the first member to be revealed. TXT debuted on March 4, 2019, with the extended play (EP) The Dream Chapter: Star, marking YEONJUN’s official entry into the K-pop scene. Since their debut, TXT has become one of the most prominent K-pop groups, known for their experimental music, striking visuals, and meaningful lyrics.

YEONJUN’s career has expanded beyond his work with TXT. He made his acting debut in January 2021 with a cameo role in the JTBC drama Live On. His foray into acting showcased his versatility as an entertainer, further elevating his popularity. That same year, he walked as a model during the 2021 Fall/Winter New York Fashion Week for the South Korean brand UL:KIN, establishing himself as a rising figure in the fashion world.

In addition to his group activities, YEONJUN has been involved in various collaborations and solo endeavors. In 2021, he featured on Enhypen’s track “Blockbuster” from their debut studio album Dimension: Dilemma. The following year, YEONJUN lent his vocals to the song “PS5” by American singer-songwriter Salem Ilese, alongside his bandmate Taehyun and DJ Alan Walker. YEONJUN’s diverse talents were also recognized when he was announced as a host for the popular music show Inkigayo in 2022. Additionally, he ventured into fashion design, collaborating with the streetwear brand Privé Alliance as a guest creative designer, where he released a limited capsule collection.

In 2024, YEONJUN took on a new challenge by making his official solo debut with the song “Ggum”, a hip-hop track with electro-pop influences, released in September. The song’s release followed his contribution to the soundtrack of the Coupang Play original series Cinderella at 2 AM, where he sang the track “Boyfriend.” YEONJUN’s solo debut was highly anticipated, showcasing his personal artistic style distinct from his work with TXT.

Throughout his career, YEONJUN has been recognized for his growing influence both as a musician and a fashion icon. He has graced the pages of leading fashion magazines such as Dazed Korea, GQ Korea, and Elle Korea. In 2024, YEONJUN was announced as the global brand ambassador for the Italian luxury fashion house Moncler.

Beyond his entertainment pursuits, YEONJUN is also involved in philanthropy. In May 2024, he donated 50 million won to the Hallym Burn Foundation to support firefighters. YEONJUN continues to make a significant impact in the K-pop industry and beyond, carving out a distinctive path as a multi-talented artist.