TOMORROW X TOGETHER talk concepts of romance and escape for their new mini-album ‘The Star Chapter: Sanctuary’ and why OASIS are ‘Icons’

Romance continues to be on the mind of K-pop idols TOMORROW X TOGETHER with their latest record ‘The Star Chapter: Sanctuary.’ Over the years, the Korean group’s musical and narrative journey has explored the youthful uncertainty of romance in all its forms. Just like in real life, their seventh mini-album has worked through the early growing pains phase of past records, and the concept of love for them has matured for their latest comeback. For ‘Sanctuary,’ YEONJUN, SOOBIN, BEOMGYU, TAEHYUN and HUENINGKAI have moved past writing about generalisations of love, and focused in on the concept of ‘you’ as a singular focus of their affections. Even when describing their tracks in the interview, the members discuss the idea of addressing ‘you’ directly in their songs, that forges a direct connection between them and the listeners. It’s almost as if you’re delving into a series of personal love letters written to you by the group. 

There is a sonic sensualness and dreaminess to ‘The Star Chapter: Sanctuary.’ Their Lead Single, ‘Over the Moon’ and ‘Danger’ (the latter, written by YEONJUN, BEOMGYU and TAEHYUN) have a smooth and soulful sexiness of Justin Timberlake’s masterful debut album ‘Justified,’ complete with flirtatious falsetto and both sound and lyrics that flit between the risqué and romantic. The R&B, funk and pop fusion showcases each one of their vocals, with tracks that are infused with noughties pop r&b sounds, slowed down to give a more intimate vibe to the record. ‘Resist (Not Gonna Run Away,)’ written by SOOBIN, BEOMGYU, TAEHYUN and HUENINGKAI has a beat reminiscent of Nina Sky’s iconic 00’s track ‘Move Ya Body” that winds playfully through the song. It’s all part of the narrative connective thread that runs through the group’s storytelling, that is punctuated with a more frothy and upbeat ‘Higher than Heaven”  at the end of the mini-album-penned by TAEHYUN. Like the name of the mini-album, the sound offers a kind of oasis of calm through its sound. The group spoke to Rolling Stone UK about what sanctuary means to them, the progression of their sound their connections as a band as well as their favourite British artists. 

What can we expect from The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY?

SOOBIN: We prepared The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY with great excitement as it introduces a new phase of TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s ongoing narrative. Following ‘The Dream Chapter,’ ‘The Chaos Chapter,’ and ‘The Name Chapter,’ ‘The Star Chapter’ tells a story about youth and reclaiming identity and remembering the promises made under the starlit sky to meet ‘you,’ as (we sang about) in “The Nap of a Star” (The Dream Chapter: STAR.) The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY is a collection of romantic stories that unfold upon being with ‘you.’ I hope listeners enjoy our heartwarming serenade.

Where is each member’s sanctuary – Where do you like to escape/relax and why is it special to you?

BEOMGYU: I feel at ease when I’m back at home with my family in Daegu. I can unwind and truly clear my mind. My mom’s home-cooked meals bring great comfort, reminding me of the shelter and warmth my family provides.

HUENINGKAI: I feel like the connection we share with our fans MOA is my sanctuary. Simply thinking about them or being with them brings me great happiness and comfort.

When you are travelling, which members gravitate towards each other, to hang out with/comfort as a form of sanctuary?

TAEHYUN: I tend to hang out with different members depending on the day’s schedule. When I want to eat out and go shopping, YEONJUN and BEOMGYU are my go-to members. SOOBIN and HUENINGKAI are my gym buddies, but ultimately all the members bring me comfort when we’re traveling.

HUENINGKAI: We love to head out together as a big group without any specific plans, just to enjoy the fresh air and go for a walk. When we hang out indoors, we often play games, although things can get a little competitive. As TAEHYUN mentioned, I feel most comfortable and secure when surrounded by the members, especially in unfamiliar environments while traveling.

What is the sound of the new mini album?

BEOMGYU: The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY’s sound perfectly complements the album’s narrative about the youth’s reunion with ‘you,’ who transformed my world with heartwarming affection. No other album has focused on the theme of love quite like this one, which is composed of bright and uplifting sounds. The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY is a collection of multi-genre tracks that all represent the emotion of love in a style unique to TOMORROW X TOGETHER.

What themes are you exploring on the tracks?

SOOBIN: The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY explores the universal language of love, but it’s no ordinary love story. I think the blend of trendy sound and fairytale-like narrative, all distinct to TOMORROW X TOGETHER, resulted in a love story remarkably our own that echoes the stories of Gen Z. Each track is a serenade to ‘you,’ who ‘I’ adore. For example, the ethereal intro and uplifting melodies of the lead single “Over The Moon” perfectly encapsulate the overwhelming happiness of rediscovering ‘you.’  Lyrics like “You’re my tomorrow,” and “Only when we’re together/ Will tomorrow become reality,” express the transformative power of love. At its heart, all six tracks reveal the profound impact of love through a narrative unique to us.

What song from the mini album are you most looking forward to MOA hearing? And why?

HUENINGKAI: I’m most excited to share “Heaven” with MOA. As an opener of The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY, it perfectly sets the vibrant and romantic tone of the album. I think the melody and the lyrics beautifully capture the joy and elation that ‘I’ feel when reunited with ‘you.’

Is there a track you’re particularly excited to perform live and why?

YEONJUN: It’s hard to choose just one, but I think “Resist (Not Gonna Run Away)” would be an exhilarating track to perform live. It may not be the most high-energy song of the album, but it’s still very catchy.

From your entire discography, what’s your favourite song to perform live and why?

SOOBIN: Any live concert with our fans MOA is always enthralling, but when we perform “Thursday Child Has Far To Go” from minisode 2: Thursday’s Child, the energy elevates to another level. It’s the perfect song that unites TOMORROW X TOGETHER and MOA with explosive energy!

BEOMGYU: ”Growing Pain” from The Name Chapter: FREEFALL is a track that I’ve grown especially fond of during this world tour ‘ACT : PROMISE.’ The entire setlist is amazing, but “Growing Pain” stands out as one of the highlights of the concert. When we perform it, the choreography and set design make me feel like a rockstar that puts the audience in a frenzy.  

You have been together for 5 years, what have you learned about each other?

BEOMGYU: From watching our members over the years, we’ve grown to be impeccably professional, whether we’re on tour or preparing for a new album. Each one of us has different strengths: YEONJUN is a flawless dancer who makes everyone’s eyes glued to him on stage, SOOBIN leads the team by example, TAEHYUN is one of the most dedicated people I know, and HUENINGKAI is the personification of a vitamin, uplifting everyone around him. We’ve known each other since even before our debut, and we’ve become a family that embraces every challenge and new opportunity head-on, united by our shared dream to create music that resonates with our generation. 

Are there any fun little things (it can be something small, like a cute mannerism or habit) that another member does that MOAs might not know about?

SOOBIN:  I always brush my teeth religiously before going on stage. It’s become a key part of my pre-show ritual, especially during world tours.  

Whenever you get the chance to visit the UK, what are you most looking forward to seeing or experiencing?

YEONJUN: I’d love to film a dance challenge of one of our songs in front of major landmarks like Big Ben or the London Eye.

Are there any British artists that you’re a big fan of? If so, what do you love about their music?

TAEHYUN: Without a doubt, Oasis. I think my choice needs no explanation as they are such icons. I’ve heard the Gallagher brothers are coming to Korea for a show, and it’s definitely on my bucket list to go see them!

YEONJUN: I find YUNGBLUD’s music and the messages he consistently shares with the world truly inspiring.

What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year, and then for 2025?

HUENINGKAI: We’re nearing the end of our third world tour, ‘ACT : PROMISE.’ The journey has been filled with meaningful moments that words cannot fully describe. Selling out two consecutive nights at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden still feels surreal! Most importantly, seeing MOA around the world made every moment heartwarming and special. I can’t wait to meet even more MOA in 2025.

SOOBIN: We’re always searching for different ways to showcase new sides of TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Great music that reflects our continuous efforts and echoes the story of our generation is all packed in The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY. I hope listeners can resonate with the new album and look forward to more from us in 2025!

TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s seventh mini-album ‘The Star Chapter: Sanctuary’ is out now.