“Really Wasted His Potential” – TXT’s Yeonjun Receives Mixed Reviews for Solo Debut Song ‘GGUM’

Yeonjun, a member of TXT, is currently facing mixed reactions online after the debut of his long-awaited solo track, GGUM. Released on September 19, 2024, this new single has generated a split among fans; some accolades praising his artistry while others express disappointment, suggesting the song doesn’t fully capture his persona.

Despite the polarized feedback, GGUM has received considerable attention, achieving impressive streaming figures and breaking numerous records within just 24 hours of its launch. A netizen remarked on X (formerly Twitter):

“they really went and wasted his potential on a song that sounds like hot a*s”

A fan reaction on X (image via X/@viviwkhvv)

These divergent reviews haven’t obstructed the track’s success, as it continues to shine on streaming services, demonstrating that both support and criticism can coexist in today’s competitive music scene.

“Y’all acting like his solo was gonna sound exactly like a TXT song, it’s a Yeonjun solo, of course, it’s gonna sound different because it’s his own craft,” a fan defended.

“This is actually good..” a fan exclaimed.

“IT’S SO GOOD IT’S SO HOT I LOVE IT,” another fan exclaimed.

“The force hate indicated that Yeonjun is THAT boy,” a fan commented.

However, some critical feedback included:

“Can he unrelease it?” another user suggested.

“Is it safe for me to say that I don’t like this? Like I’m sorry I love Yeonjun but I’m not a fan of it,” a dissatisfied fan stated.

“He’s so talented, he could do so much better than… this,” another expressed.

Yeonjun’s GGUM Leaves the Internet Divided

Yeonjun of TXT has unveiled his solo debut track, GGUM, on September 19, 2024. This bold, hip-hop-inspired anthem is defined by its dynamic choreography and distinctive swagger. In an interview with USA Today on the release day, he elaborated on the song’s inspiration, likening its energy to the act of chewing gum, which he described as “exuding confidence”and fitting for his inaugural solo venture.

Nonetheless, GGUM has drawn mixed responses within the TXT fandom and the wider K-pop scene. Some fans have eagerly dubbed him the “4th generation IT boy,”applauding the innovative path he’s taken with this track. Conversely, others felt the song fell short of their aspirations, likening it to other K-pop offerings and commenting that it diverged from their expectations.

Fan discussions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) illustrate this contrast, with many noting the irony of complaints about “all K-pop sounding the same,”and yet criticizing something that breaks the mold. Numerous supporters have rallied around Yeonjun, praising his courage to push beyond conventional limits.

In spite of the diverse reception, GGUM has impressively climbed the charts, celebrating several achievements:

#1 Trending on YouTube Worldwide
#1 on the LINE Music Real-time Chart
#1 on iTunes Worldwide Songs Chart
#1 on iTunes in 32 countries
#2 on the European iTunes Song Chart
#3 on the Melon Hot 100
#8 on Bugs
#26 on Melon’s Old Chart
#60 on Melon’s Top 100
#65 on Genie

On September 20, 2024, Yeonjun delivered a live performance of GGUM on Music Bank, with MCs Eunchae and Moon Sangmin joining him in dance. Additionally, Studio Choom has released a dance performance video for the track.

Overall, Yeonjun’s GGUM represents a bold artistic choice, and while it has elicited differing opinions, its chart success underscores its significance.

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