Apart from the photos, TXT also unveiled a trailer for their comeback.
While many were thrilled with TXT's concept images, many were divided over the group's chosen concept. On the same day (March 17), netizens gathered in an online thread to discuss the group's suitability for a "ballet core" concept. The author uploaded several tweets from K-netz in X (Twitter), which relayed thoughts on TXT's concept images. Some netizens also claimed that TXT's concept was inspired by Antoine de Saint Exupéry's novella "The Little Prince." See the discussion below:
"Our "house" is releasing a ballet core concept? They haven't mistaken Source or Ador, but really in our house?"
발레코어 컨포가 진짜 우리집이라고? 쏘쓰어도어 이쪽이랑 헷갈린거 아니고 진짜 우리집이라고?
"Moas were all wishing that they'd go all out for this album, and BIGHIT unleashed their cheat key by creating the first male idol ballet core concept. This is the event."
"It's for their boy group TXT."
"People say that 'The Little Prince' was their inspiration."
The reactions towards TXT's concept were divided. Some netizens stated that the concept didn't suit TXT, while others were unbothered. Here's how they reacted:
"They don't suit it."
"So try hard."
"They're all so tall and bulky, why are they going for such a soft concept?"
"Ugh, this is so weird."
"I don't understand why Hybe is so addicted to those yellow and blurred filters."
"I don't know about this one."
"Wow from an otaku's perspective, it really suits them so well?"
"Maybe it's because of the boyish styling? But I like it."
However, in a separate platform, users didn't agree on how netizens referred to the concept as ballet core. They even mentioned the surge of boy groups having "bruised" body parts as concept images, while others demanded to bring "masculinity" back in K-pop.
"Ballet core' and it's just some ribbons. Put them in tights and have them actually dance ballet then we'll talk."
"I'll never understand why they decided to go full force twink concept when the group had decent general public potential."
"What is wrong with boy groups and feet these days, first NCT DREAM and now TXT."
"Bring back the emos wtf is this."
"They are all adults now, so it doesn't feel as weird as when they were minors but imo these "soft/delicate" aesthetics don't fit a boy group."
"I don't like how two BGs like TXT and NCT DREAM are showing bruised and bloody feet in their teaser concepts, completely puts me off every time it appears on my timeline."
"Sorry, but this is so gay. Bring back masculinity to K-pop for god's sake."
Some MOAs defended the group's concept and explained that TXT always had a fairytale concept ever since their debut.
What are your thoughts on TXT's concept? Are you excited for their comeback? Let us know in the comments below!
