[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] The “self-produced” boy groups TNX and 82MAJOR are making their comebacks side by side. All eyes are on whether these two groups—both equipped with musical creativity and stage experience—will use this promotion as a springboard to success and write a new success story for small-to-medium-sized agencies, following in the footsteps of ATEEZ.

◇“Nowhere Left to Retreat”… TNX Makes a Comeback with Resolute Determination
TNX will make their comeback first by releasing their third digital single, “Die Another Day,” on the 27th. This comeback comes approximately seven months after they released their single “CALL ME BACK” last January.
TNX is P-Nation’s first boy group, debuting in 2022 after appearing on the SBS audition program “Loud.” Through “Loud,” they proved their vocal, rapping, and performance skills early on.
Since their debut, member Eun-hwi has consistently taken on songwriting, composing, and producing duties, taking the lead in establishing the group’s musical identity. Eun-hwi also participated in writing and composing the title track of the new single, “Die Another Day,” showcasing the group’s in-house production capabilities.
“Die Another Day” is an alternative pop track infused with a powerful band sound. The lyrics capture the anxiety, competition, and fear of failure faced by young adults in their 20s, conveying the message: “Even when facing the end of life, we won’t give up—we’ll live fiercely once again.”
This new song is also generating anticipation as it marks the first collaboration with “hit-maker” Ryan Jeon, who recently joined their agency, P Nation. TNX, who previously exuded a refreshing charm, has declared, “There’s nowhere left to retreat,” and has released teaser content featuring a rebellious and edgy vibe, heightening fans’ curiosity about their comeback.
A P-Nation representative told Edaily on the 26th, “While preparing for this comeback, TNX has put the most effort into showcasing their live performance capabilities,” adding, “They are rehearsing relentlessly to deliver high-intensity performances while maintaining unwavering vocal prowess. All members plan to perform live on music show stages while holding handheld microphones.”

◇“Performance-Oriented Idol” 82 Major Teases a “Blazing-Hot Stage”
82Major will release their second single, “HEAT,” on the 1st of next month. This marks their first new release in about five months since the release of their fifth mini-album, “FEELM,” last April.
82Major is a six-member boy group debuted by Great M Entertainment in 2023. As a self-produced group in which all members participate in writing lyrics and composing music, they have solidified their position with intense hip-hop-based music and energetic performances.
The title track of the new release, “Like Fire,” maximizes the group’s performance energy with intense beats and synthesizer sounds; member Yoon Ye-chan participated in its composition. For the track “How About Today?” (wyd?), Nam Seong-mo, Park Seok-jun, and Yoon Ye-chan are credited as songwriters and composers, with Yoon Ye-chan also handling the arrangement.
Since their debut, 82MAJOR has grown into a “performance-oriented idol group” by diligently holding concerts across Asia, North America, and Europe. Recently, they sold out fan concerts in Seoul and Macau, and their previous album, “Film,” set a personal best for first-week sales with 120,000 copies.
Through their agency, the members stated, “The title track ‘Like Fire’ is an incredibly addictive song that stays with you long after you hear it,” adding, “Just like the song title suggests, we will do our best to deliver a performance that is as intense and fiery as fire itself, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.”
TNX, who debuted in 2022, are entering their fifth year, while 82MAJOR, who debuted in 2023, are marking their fourth year. This is a crucial moment for both groups to prove their sustainability through their achievements.
The fact that ATEEZ, who debuted in 2018, recently reached a career high by topping major music charts with their new song “BAD” is a positive sign for both groups. This demonstrates the possibility that boy bands can make another leap forward by focusing on good music and performances even after several years in the industry.
All eyes are now on TNX and 82Major—who, like ATEEZ, have steadily built their musical capabilities and stage skills without the backing of a major agency—to see if they will follow in ATEEZ’s footsteps and write their own success stories as mid-sized idol groups.
A music industry insider described the current trend, saying, “In the past, it was generally believed that if a group failed to establish a clear growth trajectory within the first four to five years after debut, it would be difficult for them to make further strides,” adding, “Recently, however, as the active lifespans of idol groups have generally lengthened, there are now groups that are realizing their full potential after several years in the industry.”