K-pop duo TVXQ back with their eighth album

SEOUL: Eight and counting.

That’s the feat K-pop duo TVXQ has just achieved with the release of the album New Chapter #1 : The Chance of Love.

Just back from mandatory military service, U-Know Yunho and Max Changmin had chosen to go with a sound which is already familiar to their legions of fans.

Said Yunho: “In the past, TVXQ has often been perceived having an aura of mystery, but this time we wanted to show a more familiar and relaxed side of ourselves.”

He added: “We felt that our image was becoming more and more associated with strong performances and hard music. We wanted to go back to our roots and make comfortable music,” he added.

The new album is more relaxed compared to its past discography. Title track, The Chance of Love is a swing jazz pop number coproduced by British songwriting team LDN Noise, Canadian composer Mathew Tishler and SM Entertainment’s chief inhouse producer, Yoo Young-jin. The album also includes solo tracks sung by each member.

With both singers now in their 30s, the duo have shown that they’re in it for the long haul. Career longevity is what matters most to them now.

“We’d be grateful if we could become No. 1 right now. But what’s more important is remaining active for a long time. Then great opportunities could come across more frequently,” said Yunho.

Changmin thanked his global fans for their continued support. “Watching Peruvian fans cry while performing on the other side of the globe, I became thankful knowing that we could connect through the music of TVXQ. ... I’m truly grateful for my destiny allowing me to have such a great job.”