At 2 PM on the 13th, Tomorrow X Together (TXT) held a media showcase at Hwajung Gymnasium, кσяєα University in Seoul. The event was organized to introduce their 8th mini album titled “7TH YEAR: A Moment of Stillness in the Thorns”, which was scheduled for release at 6 PM the same day. This marks TXT’s latest release approximately nine months after their 4th full-length album “The Star Chapter: Together”, which came out in July last year.
This album carries even greater significance as it is the group’s first release since all members renewed their contracts with Big Hit Music in August of the same year. It signals a new beginning for TXT as they enter their eighth year since debut, effectively dispelling the common “seven-year ¢υяѕє” often αѕѕociated with K-pop groups.
At the showcase, the members spoke in unison about their contract renewal process: “We reached an agreement in a very short time.” Taehyun shared, "It took less than an hour for the members to align our opinions. Our desire to stay together as a team and to be with our fans was so strong that we didn't need much time. We all agreed that 'of course we should do it.' That’s why we were able to share the news of our renewal so early." He added, “We decided to announce it at the concert because we wanted to give our fans a sense of security rather than making them wait."
Notably, when asked about the renewal process, TXT members revealed that their senior from the same company—RM of BTS—played a significant role. Taehyun shared that RM offered extensive advice ahead of the renewal, saying, “I went to RM for guidance, and he supported our renewal with great sincerity. Since it had been a while since his own renewal, he said, 'I might not remember everything perfectly, so I’ll pull up my old files and talk to you.' Before that, he offered warm encouragement, saying, 'Has it been 7 years already? You’ve worked so hard.'" That gave us a lot of strength.”
Prior to TXT, BTS had also signed their “second contract renewal” in September 2023 before their military enlistment, marking a powerful new chapter in their career. There is little doubt that RM’s experience in leading both his team’s renewal and his personal decisions within BTS allowed him to provide valuable guidance to his juniors. BTS continuing with Big Hit Music and opening their “2.0 era” is also seen as an ideal model for TXT to follow.
On the other hand, this is not the first time TXT members have mentioned RM as a source of valuable advice in their idol careers. In the past, leader Soobin and Yeonjun had each sought RM’s guidance during some of their most difficult moments. In their early debut years, Soobin once asked RM how to become a good leader and fulfill his role effectively.
Meanwhile, Yeonjun previously shared: “I was racking my brain over it to the point of a mαѕѕive headache, then I thought of Namjoon-hyung. So I went to see him and asked him a ton of questions about this and that. One thing he told me was, ‘I hope you try to confront uncomfortable things more often. These concerns you’re having right now look actually good (positive) on you.’”
Beyond the topic of contract renewal, TXT also revealed during the press conference the key to maintaining their strong teamwork after renewing their contracts. Beomgyu shared: "It’s the mindset of putting the team as the number one priority." Taehyun expressed pride, saying, "I believe teamwork is about understanding your role within the team and filling in each other's gaps. I think our team does that best."
This sentiment reminded fans of RM’s famous description of how BTS operates: “It’s like the seven of us are on the same boat, just looking in different directions, but going the same way. That’s how I describe BTS.” In a recent interview with GQ, RM also reflected: “We’ve been together for half of our lives, like 15 years. That’s a long time—that’s like a family. You know, as we see just each other’s eyes, we just understand, we just get it. ‘You’ve been through hard times, then I’ll do some more, I’ll take care of you.’”
In addition to RM’s advice, TXT shared that watching BTS perform at the opening concert of their “ARIRANG” world tour at Goyang Main Stadium further motivated them. Huening Kai expressed his admiration: "It was so moving, and there was so much to learn. It’s been a while since we saw them performing as a group, and they are still incredibly sкιℓℓed."
Beomgyu added: "I grew my dreams while watching the older brothers (BTS). When I went to the concert, I thought, 'As expected of the best.' I gained a lot of motivation for my future performances. They always give us a lot of good advice."
Ultimately, witnessing the warm senior-junior relationship between TXT and BTS on this occasion has deeply moved fans and further strengthened their appreciation for the close bond shared between the two BigHit groups!
