Seventeen’s Jeonghan and Joshua Find Their JxJ Duo Sound on ‘Dreamscape’: ‘Right in the Middle Between Strong and Subtle’ (EXCLUSIVE)

After years of shared success as part of Seventeen, one of K-pop’s most prominent groups, Jeonghan and Joshua have embarked on a new chapter as the duo JxJ with the release of their debut album, “Dreamscape.” This project marks Jeonghan’s musical return following his recent completion of South Korea’s mandatory military service and represents a fresh collaboration focused solely on the pair’s artistic synergy.

Seventeen, which debuted in 2015 under Pledis Entertainment (now a Hybe subsidiary), is notable for its large ensemble of 13 members categorized into hip-hop, vocal, and performance units. The group has achieved unprecedented commercial milestones, including record-breaking album sales. However, the ongoing military enlistment of several members has resulted in a temporary reduction of active participants, prompting creative adaptations to maintain fan engagement.

During Jeonghan’s military service, Joshua independently explored music production, compiling works that impressed their management and helped shape the duo’s musical direction. JxJ emerges as Seventeen’s seventh subunit, aiming to highlight aspects of Jeonghan and Joshua’s artistry that differ from the group’s collective output. Their earlier joint endeavor, the 2018 duet “Falling for U,” foreshadowed this deeper partnership.

“Dreamscape” spans various musical styles, incorporating elements of dance-rock, house, R&B, and electro-house, signaling a deliberate expansion beyond Seventeen’s established sound. The title track, “12 O’Clock,” blends ’70s and ’80s disco and funk influences while conceptually exploring the duality of day and night through a dance-rock lens. The album’s narrative arc is designed to evoke a dreamlike journey bridging reality and imagination, a concept reflected in both the music and choreography.

The creative process revealed contrasting artistic visions between the two members, with Jeonghan favoring a more assertive style and Joshua advocating for subtlety and maturity. Their collaborative approach ultimately produced a balanced sound that captures both sensibilities. This middle ground was the result of multiple iterations of the lead single, including reimagined arrangements from house to band sounds.

Jeonghan’s time in the military profoundly influenced his outlook and artistic expression, instilling a deep appreciation for warmth and human connection that he seeks to convey through the music. Joshua’s expanded role in songwriting and production, including solo tracks within the album, reflects his growing confidence and personal growth as a musician. Both artists have also contributed to conceptualizing live performances, indicating a holistic approach to their unit’s identity.

The duo’s venture is not only a musical endeavor but also a statement of maturity as they progress into their thirties. Joshua, originally from Los Angeles, has experienced a cultural evolution alongside Korea’s rising global profile, which informs his perspective as an artist bridging different worlds. Meanwhile, Jeonghan emphasizes the balance of creative freedom and responsibility that comes with their international fanbase, known as Carats.

While “Dreamscape” serves as a significant first step for JxJ, the future of the unit remains open. Joshua expresses a pragmatic approach to further projects, awaiting fan reception before committing to additional releases. Jeonghan, however, conveys optimism about the duo’s potential to continue offering distinctive contributions to the broader Seventeen legacy.

Outside of music, Joshua is diversifying his artistic pursuits by undertaking acting studies, hinting at a multifaceted career trajectory. Both artists prioritize gratitude towards their fans and the shared journey of growth, underscoring a commitment to evolving together with their audience.

Details regarding tour dates and promotional activities tied to the “Dreamscape” release remain limited at this time, but the album establishes JxJ as a noteworthy development within the K-pop landscape, illustrating how established group members can explore new creative horizons through subunit projects.