TXT’s Yeonjun has once again become the center of attention as fans debate whether BIGHIT MUSIC is positioning him to become the company’s next major male solo star following BTS’s Jungkook. The comparison has sparked discussion because both idols are known for their versatility, strong performance skills and ability to attract attention beyond their respective groups. However, the idea that the company is deliberately preparing Yeonjun to “replace” or succeed Jungkook remains a fan interpretation rather than something officially confirmed by BIGHIT MUSIC.

Yeonjun has long been regarded as one of TXT’s most prominent members, even dating back to the group’s pre-debut period. BIGHIT previously highlighted his exceptional trainee record, and he became known as the company’s “legendary trainee” because of his ability to excel in multiple areas, particularly singing, dancing and performance. His versatility has continued to distinguish him within TXT, giving fans a clear reason to believe that he possesses the qualities needed for a successful individual career.

The Jungkook comparison is also understandable because of the similarities in how fans perceive their talents. Jungkook became famous for being an all-rounder capable of singing, dancing and performing at a high level, while also developing an increasingly successful solo career. Yeonjun has similarly built a reputation as a performer who can command attention on stage, making comparisons between the two almost inevitable whenever discussions about BIGHIT’s next generation of stars emerge.

Still, calling Yeonjun the “next Jungkook” oversimplifies both artists. Jungkook’s position within BTS and his individual career were shaped by more than technical ability; his global popularity developed over many years alongside BTS’ unprecedented rise. Yeonjun, meanwhile, is still building his own identity through TXT and individual activities, meaning his eventual solo trajectory does not necessarily have to resemble Jungkook’s.

Interestingly, the two idols have already been connected through their history under BIGHIT. When TXT debuted in 2019, Jungkook was no longer the youngest idol in the company because Yeonjun and the other TXT members had entered the picture. Their relationship was quickly embraced by fans, who enjoyed seeing BTS interact with their younger labelmates.

There have also been moments suggesting that BIGHIT’s artists themselves recognized Yeonjun’s potential early on. In a 2020 conversation, RM was asked about creating a hypothetical rap unit and selected Yeonjun alongside himself, Suga and J-Hope. Jungkook was also reportedly asked about a potential subunit and chose Yeonjun, a detail that fans have repeatedly revisited as evidence that BTS recognized his abilities from an early stage.

That history makes the current discussion more complicated than simply suggesting that BIGHIT is trying to manufacture another Jungkook. Yeonjun was already receiving recognition from BTS members years before the current speculation about his future career. His reputation as a versatile performer appears to have developed organically within the company, rather than suddenly being created as part of a post-BTS strategy.

At the same time, there is a legitimate business reason why fans might perceive a deliberate push. As BTS members continue to establish individual careers, HYBE and its labels naturally have an incentive to develop other artists who can carry significant attention across music, fashion and international entertainment. Yeonjun, with his established fanbase and strong public image, would logically be one of the candidates capable of expanding his activities beyond TXT.

His appeal also extends beyond music. Yeonjun has developed a strong fashion presence and has repeatedly attracted attention for his styling and visual identity. That broader appeal could potentially give him opportunities similar to other K-pop stars who have successfully transformed their group popularity into individual brand recognition.

However, there is an important distinction between being developed as a major solo artist and being groomed as Jungkook’s replacement. BIGHIT has not publicly announced that Yeonjun is being positioned to replace Jungkook, and the available evidence does not establish such a plan. The “next Jungkook” label therefore comes primarily from fans and online discussions rather than an official company strategy.

In fact, Yeonjun may benefit more by avoiding that comparison entirely. Jungkook has an identity that is closely connected to his own voice, musical choices and relationship with ARMY, while Yeonjun has different strengths and a different artistic personality. Attempting to reproduce Jungkook’s career would potentially limit Yeonjun instead of allowing him to establish his own lane.

Ultimately, the debate says as much about Yeonjun’s growing profile as it does about BIGHIT’s future plans. Whether or not the company is intentionally preparing him to become its next major solo powerhouse, fans clearly see Yeonjun as an artist capable of carrying that level of responsibility—and his long-standing recognition from BTS members only adds fuel to the idea that BIGHIT may already have another potential star ready to step into the spotlight.