At this point, they are acknowledged as having a ‘permanently retired number’. They have been with the company for 22 years and have never once given up their spot at the top. The ‘Legend of Legends’ TVXQ will continue their partnership with SM Entertainment (SM) for 22 years since their debut.

Along with this contract renewal, some in the K-pop scene are praising TVXQ for their ‘lovity’, saying that just like the so-called ‘SM Living Legends’ like Kangta and BoA, they are the most likely ‘next CEO candidates’. Some are jokingly but seriously commenting on their performance, which has maintained the so-called ‘Keuha’ (career high) for 22 years, saying ‘TVXQ built several of the pillars of SM’.

The thoughts of the two members who have promised a future with SM on renewing their contracts were also special.

U-Know Yunho said, “I have new feelings about continuing my relationship with SM, which we have been with since our debut. I will always do my best to show the best in various fields to the fans who have always sent me endless love and support.”Max Changmin said, “It was very meaningful to be able to accompany SM for over 20 years. We will draw an even more wonderful future for TVXQ together with SM, which has always supported and given great strength to them.”

TVXQ, which celebrates their 22nd debut anniversary this year, has reigned as global K-pop pioneers and ‘living core’, starting with the all-time debut song ‘Hug’, and creating numerous hit songs such as ‘RisingSun’, ‘MIROTIC’, ‘Rebel’.

The years since their debut are just a number; TVXQ is also preparing for their ‘Tokyo Dome concert’ in Japan, also known as the stage of their dreams, at the end of this month. The concert will be held for a whopping three days from the 25th to the 27th, as if to show off their unwavering firepower.

With this performance, TVXQ has reached 33 Tokyo Dome performances and 92 total dome performances across Japan, breaking their own record for ‘most Tokyo Dome and nationwide dome performances by a foreign artist’. The previous title holder was also TVXQ.


Reporter Heo Min-nyeong mignon@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.