Track-By-Track With KPOPWORLD: TUNEXX’s ‘SET BY US ONLY’

Track-By-Track With KPOPWORLD

TUNEXX’s ‘SET BY US ONLY’

By Hasan Beyaz

TUNEXX have arrived not as a group still finding their footing, but as seven artists who already know what they want to say. Their debut mini album SET BY US ONLY is the opening statement of a group built around a shared philosophy: that identity is something you define, not something you inherit.

Across four tracks, the album moves through confidence, introspection, and exhilaration – from the old-school swagger of "100%" to the emotional reckoning at the heart of "I'm Alive," the warmth running through "Obsessed," and the forward momentum that closes out "Twenty Something." Each song offers a different angle on the same core idea: that being yourself, fully and without apology, is its own kind of strength.

That sincerity comes through in the process. Donggyu, Zeon, and Sihwan contributed to the lyrics; Arctic's now-official kick in the "100%" choreography started as a joke in rehearsal that the group and choreographer instantly adopted.

Below, TUNEXX break down each track in their own words – the moments that surprised them, the lines that hit differently in the booth, and what it felt like to send their first signal out into the world.

Taira I think the standout moment in “100%” is the rap in the intro. It’s sharp and powerful, and it grabs your attention right away. On top of that, the dance break really captures the ’90s old-school hip-hop vibe, so the track is packed with a wide range of charms.

Zeon This track feels especially meaningful because it expresses our ambition in the most direct and bold way. The members were more involved than ever, freely sharing ideas and actively participating in creating the choreography. We put a lot of thought into bringing out the song’s color from different angles, and I’m proud that our passion came through in the final result.

Arctic We actually had a fun moment while working on the choreography together. In my part where I say, “It’s time to step out,” it was originally freestyle. During practice, I jokingly threw in a kick, and our choreographer and the members loved it. They were like, “That’s it!” and it ended up becoming part of the official choreography. (laughs)

Inhu I think “I’m Alive” shows TUNEXX’s identity the most clearly. It blends witty rap with melodic sections, and the emotional outro that shifts the mood really stands out. The lyrics about choosing a different path and declaring your own way of being in a world where people try to hide their differences really resonated with us.

Taira This track combines honest lyrics with a wide range of different charms, especially in the final dance break. The beat feels fresh, and there are cool elements like a laid-back rap style woven throughout. It’s also an addictive song, so I hope fans will enjoy it as much as we do.

Sihwan Since this is both our debut song and our first title track, it means a lot to me. It carries the message of breaking out of the rules of the world and moving forward in our own way. The bold ambition to survive and prove our own path, even if it’s different from what everyone else chooses, is what makes this song so special.

Sungjun Because it’s our title track, we paid extra attention during the recording process. That’s probably why I feel even more attached to it, and I’m proud every time I listen to it. I hope you enjoy “I’m Alive!”

Arctic I haven’t had much exposure to R&B, so I was quite nervous while recording “Obsessed.” But thanks to the members guiding me in detail, we were able to create something great. That’s why it is the most memorable track for me.

Zeon “Obsessed” is one of my personal favorites. I remember listening to the demo over and over because I loved it so much from the start. There’s something captivating about its mix of loneliness and hope.

Donggyu Since R&B is a genre I personally enjoy, I instantly thought “This is it!” when I first heard “Obsessed.” I’m honored and happy that we could include such a rich R&B track on our debut album.

Donggyu I think “Twenty Something” best captures our emotions. It reflects the excitement and thrill of TUNEXX as a rookie, and it fills me with emotion every time I listen to it.

Inhu This track stands out for its refreshing band sound. It represents taking a new leap during an unfinished stage of youth. The catchy chorus really stays with you, and the hopeful lyrics about moving forward together with our members and fans are something to look out for.

Sihwan As the final track on our debut album, “Twenty Something” carries a hopeful message. The line “We just started, no one can stop it” especially gives us strength as we stand at the start of a new journey. I hope everyone listening can feel that same positive energy.

Sungjun “Twenty Something” is a great song to listen to while driving. I still play it often in the car when I’m on the move. I hope you’ll add it to your playlist and enjoy it in your everyday life.