TVXQ! to break 5-year hiatus with new song 'Rebel'

Korean K-pop duo TVXQ! / Courtesy of SM Entertainment

The poster for TVXQ!'s 2023 concert at Inspire Arena, Yeongjongdo, Incheon, spanning two days from Dec. 30 to 31 / Courtesy of SM Entertainment

TVXQ! is poised to return to the K-pop scene with the release of their ninth full-length album, "20&2," scheduled for Dec. 26.

Featuring 10 songs across various genres, including the title track, "Rebel," the album marks the group's first release in five years, following their previous album "New Chapter #2: The Truth of Love" of December 2018.

SM Entertainment, the group's agency, described the new dance track, "Rebel," as "a seamless blend of intense drum beats with heavy synth bass sounds" in an official press release.

"The lyrics convey a potent message, stating, 'A true rebel of an era is a person who steadfastly follows their convictions without being swayed,'" the duo added.

Following the album's launch, TVXQ! will host the "2023 TVXQ! CONCERT [20&2]" at the new Inspire Arena in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, from Dec. 30 to 31, in celebration of their 20th debut anniversary.

Furthermore, the exhibition "2023 TVXQ! EXHIBITION 20&2" is scheduled to take place at Inspire Entertainment Resort in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, from Dec. 23 to Jan. 6, 2024, complementing their concert.

"This exhibition, which is commemorating TVXQ!'s 20th anniversary, will offer a unique opportunity for the group and fans to revisit the cherished memories and experiences that they've shared over the years," the agency noted.

Originally debuting as a quintet in 2003 as pioneers of the second generation of K-pop idols, TVXQ! garnered an extensive fan base with legendary hits like "HUG" (2004) and "Mirotic" (2008).

Despite a temporary suspension of activities in 2009 due to a legal dispute involving three members, the duo, Yunho and Changmin, successfully reorganized and resumed their activities in 2011 with the release of their fifth album, "Keep Your Head Down."