Decoding The Similarities Between BTS' HYYH Universe and TXT's Universe

Coming of age, youth, friendships, loneliness, hopes and fears for the future. These are all universal themes of growing up as a human being. K-Pop is so very good at capturing the nostalgia, longing, and pain within these themes, bringing them to light in unique stories through music videos, songs, and other content.

One great example of this is of course the HYYH content put out by BTS × About group BTS BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, meaningful lyrics, and strong connection with fans, BTS has become one of the most successful and influential music groups in the world. Their music explores themes such as youth, self-discovery, mental health, love, and personal growth, helping them build a dedicated global fanbase known as ARMY. Since their debut, BTS has achieved record-breaking success across the global music industry with hit songs such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “Spring Day,” “Boy With Luv,” and “Fake Love.” The group has earned numerous awards, topped charts in multiple countries, sold millions of albums, and helped introduce K-pop to a broader international audience. Through their artistry, cultural Tap again to view profile → Close and their label, BigHit Entertainment. One simply needs to watch the music videos for Spring Day, Run, or Young Forever to see the masterful execution of nostalgia, sadness, and longing mixed perfectly with fun, joy, and carelessness that only comes from being a young adult. But BTS × About group BTS BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, meaningful lyrics, and strong connection with fans, BTS has become one of the most successful and influential music groups in the world. Their music explores themes such as youth, self-discovery, mental health, love, and personal growth, helping them build a dedicated global fanbase known as ARMY. Since their debut, BTS has achieved record-breaking success across the global music industry with hit songs such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “Spring Day,” “Boy With Luv,” and “Fake Love.” The group has earned numerous awards, topped charts in multiple countries, sold millions of albums, and helped introduce K-pop to a broader international audience. Through their artistry, cultural Tap again to view profile → Close is not the only band with an edge in this realm.

Tomorrow by Together, also under the BigHit label, is another example of how music can successfully capture these feelings and themes. Music videos such as Run Away, Nap of a Star, and Blue Hour all show the themes of friendship, fantasies, and fear.

One day while absent-mindedly scrolling through YouTube, I was struck by how much imagery from Blue Hour reminded me of the Spring Day music video. So many similar motifs were used in each video–the merry–go-round, the celebrating being together, the overall emotional arc of each video. In fact, I found them so similar I wondered if the BTS × About group BTS BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, meaningful lyrics, and strong connection with fans, BTS has become one of the most successful and influential music groups in the world. Their music explores themes such as youth, self-discovery, mental health, love, and personal growth, helping them build a dedicated global fanbase known as ARMY. Since their debut, BTS has achieved record-breaking success across the global music industry with hit songs such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “Spring Day,” “Boy With Luv,” and “Fake Love.” The group has earned numerous awards, topped charts in multiple countries, sold millions of albums, and helped introduce K-pop to a broader international audience. Through their artistry, cultural Tap again to view profile → Close universe was connected to the TXT universe in some way. So I decided it would be fun to go through each music video and take note of the similarities between BTS × About group BTS BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, meaningful lyrics, and strong connection with fans, BTS has become one of the most successful and influential music groups in the world. Their music explores themes such as youth, self-discovery, mental health, love, and personal growth, helping them build a dedicated global fanbase known as ARMY. Since their debut, BTS has achieved record-breaking success across the global music industry with hit songs such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “Spring Day,” “Boy With Luv,” and “Fake Love.” The group has earned numerous awards, topped charts in multiple countries, sold millions of albums, and helped introduce K-pop to a broader international audience. Through their artistry, cultural Tap again to view profile → Close and TXT, to see if the fan theories hold water.

In Nap of a Star, the fantasy music video, the five members are seen having fun in a dream-like forest at first, all of them together and watching the stars. When they split up and go their separate ways, the horror aspects kick in. Each member begins to suffer according to their own insecurities in real life–Yeonjun × Artist bio Yeonjun Real name: Choi Yeon-junPosition: Rapper, DancerNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1999-09-14 Yeonjun is a rapper and dancer of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) and is widely regarded as one of the group’s standout performers. Known for his powerful stage presence, versatility, and sharp dance skills, he often takes center roles during performances. He is also praised for his fashion sense and confident charisma. Yeonjun is confident, expressive, and competitive on stage, but dorky and playful with fans and members. Tap again to view profile → Close ’s horns that represent the sometimes terrifying transition into adulthood; Soobin × Artist bio Soobin Real name: Choi Soo-binPosition: Leader, VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 2000-12-06 Soobin is the leader and a vocalist of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT). Known for his calm personality and steady leadership, he plays a key role in guiding the group both on and off stage. He is recognized for his warm vocal tone, thoughtful presence, and ability to balance responsibility with approachability, making him a reliable and respected figure within the group. Soobin is a soft-spoken, caring leader with a shy but very affectionate personality and a love for small, cozy moments. Tap again to view profile → Close ’s ears that show his hypersensitivity to the awkwardness of coming of age; Taehyun × Artist bio Taehyun Real name: Kang Tae-hyunPosition: VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 2002-02-06 Taehyun is a vocalist of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), recognized for his clear, stable vocals and strong technical ability. He is known for his analytical mindset, discipline, and attention to detail, often contributing thoughtful insights during interviews and performances. His reliability makes him a core vocal pillar of the group. Taehyun is logical, mature, and composed, with a straightforward way of speaking and a strong work ethic. Tap again to view profile → Close ’s star eye that represents seeing the world differently than everyone else; Beomgyu × Artist bio Beomgyu Real name: Choi Beom-gyuPosition: Vocalist, DancerNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 2001-03-14 Beomgyu is a vocalist and dancer of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), admired for his expressive vocals and emotional delivery. He contributes to the group’s musical depth with his warm tone and artistic sensitivity. Off stage, he is known for his playful personality, which adds balance to the group’s dynamic. Beomgyu is energetic and witty, often joking around, but also sensitive and thoughtful beneath his playful image. Tap again to view profile → Close ’s thorns in his shoulder that show us the defensive walls we put around our emotional hurt; and Heuningkai’s mechanical wings, which represent a desire for freedom, protection, and healing. Heuningkai is the first one to use his “difference” for good by reaching out a comforting hand to Yeonjun × Artist bio Yeonjun Real name: Choi Yeon-junPosition: Rapper, DancerNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1999-09-14 Yeonjun is a rapper and dancer of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) and is widely regarded as one of the group’s standout performers. Known for his powerful stage presence, versatility, and sharp dance skills, he often takes center roles during performances. He is also praised for his fashion sense and confident charisma. Yeonjun is confident, expressive, and competitive on stage, but dorky and playful with fans and members. Tap again to view profile → Close .

This music video particularly put me in mind of BTS × About group BTS BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, meaningful lyrics, and strong connection with fans, BTS has become one of the most successful and influential music groups in the world. Their music explores themes such as youth, self-discovery, mental health, love, and personal growth, helping them build a dedicated global fanbase known as ARMY. Since their debut, BTS has achieved record-breaking success across the global music industry with hit songs such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “Spring Day,” “Boy With Luv,” and “Fake Love.” The group has earned numerous awards, topped charts in multiple countries, sold millions of albums, and helped introduce K-pop to a broader international audience. Through their artistry, cultural Tap again to view profile → Close ’ HYYH lore–each member has a backstory and a trauma. In so many of their music videos from this era, the members only seem to be happy when they are together, and bad things tend to happen when they are apart. In this creative, imaginary, universe, Jin × Artist bio Jin Real name: Kim Seok-jinPosition: Sub Vocalist, VisualNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1992-12-04Birthplace: Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Vocalist and visual of BTS. Jin is playful and outgoing, famous for his dad jokes and “Worldwide Handsome” image, but also shows a very caring, big-brother side toward younger members. Tap again to view profile → Close carries the guilt and existential burden of being the one stuck in the timeloop, going back over and over to try and save everyone, so they can all live happily together. Suga × Artist bio Suga Real name: Min Yoon-giPosition: Lead Rapper, ProducerNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1993-03-09Birthplace: Daegu, South Korea Rapper and producer of BTS. Suga appears reserved and calm but has sharp wit and a quietly caring personality. He expresses himself deeply through lyrics and production. Tap again to view profile → Close is plagued by the loss of his mother to a fire, so he lives with survivor’s guilt and self-destructive habits. J-hope × Artist bio J-Hope Real name: Jung Ho-seokPosition: Main Dancer, Rapper, Sub VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1994-02-18Birthplace: Gwangju, South Korea Main dancer and rapper of BTS. J-Hope is the bright mood maker of BTS, full of energy and encouragement. He takes dance and performance very seriously while keeping members’ spirits up. Tap again to view profile → Close struggles with abandonment, due to his mother leaving him at an amusement park as a child. He is also emotionally burnt out, since he is always trying to hide the pain from the others. RM × Artist bio RM Real name: Kim Nam-joonPosition: Leader, Main RapperNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1994-09-12Birthplace: Ilsan-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Leader and main rapper of BTS. RM is a thoughtful, introspective leader known for calm guidance, honesty, and a strong sense of responsibility for BTS’s music and message. Tap again to view profile → Close has become the father figure in his home, as his father has been ill for a while. The family is struggling with poverty, which RM × Artist bio RM Real name: Kim Nam-joonPosition: Leader, Main RapperNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1994-09-12Birthplace: Ilsan-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Leader and main rapper of BTS. RM is a thoughtful, introspective leader known for calm guidance, honesty, and a strong sense of responsibility for BTS’s music and message. Tap again to view profile → Close feels responsible for solving. Jimin × Artist bio Jimin Real name: Park Ji-minPosition: Main Dancer, Lead VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1995-10-13Birthplace: Busan, South Korea Main dancer and lead vocalist of BTS. Jimin is gentle, polite, and emotionally sensitive. He is known for his warm heart, thoughtful gestures, and graceful stage presence. Tap again to view profile → Close has a suppressed memory from his childhood, involving the Grass Flower Arboretum. This manifests as psychogenic seizures, leading to extended hospital stays and alienation from the rest of the world. V × Artist bio V Real name: Kim Tae-hyungPosition: Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, VisualNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1995-12-30Birthplace: Daegu, raised in Geochang, South Korea Vocalist and visual of BTS. V has a unique, artistic personality, mixing playful goofiness with a deep, introspective side and strong interest in art, film, and vintage aesthetics. Tap again to view profile → Close is the son of an abusive alcoholic father, causing him to be subject to fits of rage that ultimately lead to V × Artist bio V Real name: Kim Tae-hyungPosition: Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, VisualNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1995-12-30Birthplace: Daegu, raised in Geochang, South Korea Vocalist and visual of BTS. V has a unique, artistic personality, mixing playful goofiness with a deep, introspective side and strong interest in art, film, and vintage aesthetics. Tap again to view profile → Close killing his father in some timelines, always haunted by the fear of becoming his abuser. And finally Jungkook × Artist bio Jungkook Real name: Jeon Jung-kookPosition: Main Vocalist, Lead Dancer, Center, MaknaeNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1997-09-01Birthplace: Busan, South Korea Main vocalist and maknae of BTS. Jungkook is the Golden Maknae, gifted in many areas and naturally competitive, but also shy, loyal, and affectionate toward the group and fans. Tap again to view profile → Close –his family environment leaves him feeling emotionally abandoned, like if he were to disappear, no one would miss him, leading to severe accidents, reckless behavior, and a desperate yearning for the brotherhood to stay together.

Other thematic similarities stick out–both groups are often in school together. The time loop seems to be a common thread for both universes. And there are also a few symbolic similarities between the two universes, causing many fans to theorize that they are one and the same. A mysterious cat with heterochromia (one blue eye and one green eye) appears in TXT's "Nap of a Star" and "Cat & Dog" music videos, which fans connect to the feline imagery and time-reset themes present in early BTS × About group BTS BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, meaningful lyrics, and strong connection with fans, BTS has become one of the most successful and influential music groups in the world. Their music explores themes such as youth, self-discovery, mental health, love, and personal growth, helping them build a dedicated global fanbase known as ARMY. Since their debut, BTS has achieved record-breaking success across the global music industry with hit songs such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “Spring Day,” “Boy With Luv,” and “Fake Love.” The group has earned numerous awards, topped charts in multiple countries, sold millions of albums, and helped introduce K-pop to a broader international audience. Through their artistry, cultural Tap again to view profile → Close HYYH/BU and "Euphoria" visuals. TXT’s debut VCR introduced a boy with horns discovering wings, which mirrored specific fantastical motifs and visual storytelling questions from BTS × About group BTS BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, meaningful lyrics, and strong connection with fans, BTS has become one of the most successful and influential music groups in the world. Their music explores themes such as youth, self-discovery, mental health, love, and personal growth, helping them build a dedicated global fanbase known as ARMY. Since their debut, BTS has achieved record-breaking success across the global music industry with hit songs such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “Spring Day,” “Boy With Luv,” and “Fake Love.” The group has earned numerous awards, topped charts in multiple countries, sold millions of albums, and helped introduce K-pop to a broader international audience. Through their artistry, cultural Tap again to view profile → Close 's 2018 award show VCRs and concept trailers. Both universes (BU, and the TXT Universe, or TU) deal with magical realism, isolation, and the pain of growing up, where young characters experience traumatic or otherworldly burdens that isolate them from the normal world.

Fans of both groups have theorized that maybe the universes are the same, but each group is operating in a different reality, such as we see in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is supported in the evidence that Jin × Artist bio Jin Real name: Kim Seok-jinPosition: Sub Vocalist, VisualNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1992-12-04Birthplace: Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Vocalist and visual of BTS. Jin is playful and outgoing, famous for his dad jokes and “Worldwide Handsome” image, but also shows a very caring, big-brother side toward younger members. Tap again to view profile → Close , being the oldest, is the one in control of the timeloop and trying to save his friends in HYYH, and is reflected in Yeonjun × Artist bio Yeonjun Real name: Choi Yeon-junPosition: Rapper, DancerNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1999-09-14 Yeonjun is a rapper and dancer of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) and is widely regarded as one of the group’s standout performers. Known for his powerful stage presence, versatility, and sharp dance skills, he often takes center roles during performances. He is also praised for his fashion sense and confident charisma. Yeonjun is confident, expressive, and competitive on stage, but dorky and playful with fans and members. Tap again to view profile → Close , also the oldest, also trying to protect his friends in TU. Still others have noted the presence of an unknown character with the surname “Choi” in the BTS × About group BTS BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, meaningful lyrics, and strong connection with fans, BTS has become one of the most successful and influential music groups in the world. Their music explores themes such as youth, self-discovery, mental health, love, and personal growth, helping them build a dedicated global fanbase known as ARMY. Since their debut, BTS has achieved record-breaking success across the global music industry with hit songs such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “Spring Day,” “Boy With Luv,” and “Fake Love.” The group has earned numerous awards, topped charts in multiple countries, sold millions of albums, and helped introduce K-pop to a broader international audience. Through their artistry, cultural Tap again to view profile → Close universe. Beomgyu × Artist bio Beomgyu Real name: Choi Beom-gyuPosition: Vocalist, DancerNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 2001-03-14 Beomgyu is a vocalist and dancer of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), admired for his expressive vocals and emotional delivery. He contributes to the group’s musical depth with his warm tone and artistic sensitivity. Off stage, he is known for his playful personality, which adds balance to the group’s dynamic. Beomgyu is energetic and witty, often joking around, but also sensitive and thoughtful beneath his playful image. Tap again to view profile → Close , Soobin × Artist bio Soobin Real name: Choi Soo-binPosition: Leader, VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 2000-12-06 Soobin is the leader and a vocalist of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT). Known for his calm personality and steady leadership, he plays a key role in guiding the group both on and off stage. He is recognized for his warm vocal tone, thoughtful presence, and ability to balance responsibility with approachability, making him a reliable and respected figure within the group. Soobin is a soft-spoken, caring leader with a shy but very affectionate personality and a love for small, cozy moments. Tap again to view profile → Close , and Yeonjun × Artist bio Yeonjun Real name: Choi Yeon-junPosition: Rapper, DancerNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1999-09-14 Yeonjun is a rapper and dancer of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) and is widely regarded as one of the group’s standout performers. Known for his powerful stage presence, versatility, and sharp dance skills, he often takes center roles during performances. He is also praised for his fashion sense and confident charisma. Yeonjun is confident, expressive, and competitive on stage, but dorky and playful with fans and members. Tap again to view profile → Close are all of the Choi surname, leading fans to believe that the two universes are connected somehow.

Whether the two are the same, related, or not, the cinematic universes of Tomorrow X Together × About group TOMORROW X TOGETHER TXT (Tomorrow X Together) is a South Korean boy group formed by BIGHIT MUSIC and debuted on March 4, 2019. The group consists of five members: Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Huening Kai. Known for their powerful performances, creative storytelling, and diverse musical styles, TXT has become one of the leading fourth-generation K-pop groups. Their music explores themes of youth, friendship, growth, dreams, and self-discovery, allowing fans around the world to connect with their journey. Since debuting with The Dream Chapter series, TXT has released numerous successful albums and hit songs including “CROWN,” “Run Away,” “Blue Hour,” “0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You),” “Sugar Rush Ride,” and “Deja Vu.” The group has earned multiple awards, topped international music charts, and built a dedicated global fanbase known as MOA (Moments of Alwaysness). Tap again to view profile → Close and BTS × About group BTS BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, meaningful lyrics, and strong connection with fans, BTS has become one of the most successful and influential music groups in the world. Their music explores themes such as youth, self-discovery, mental health, love, and personal growth, helping them build a dedicated global fanbase known as ARMY. Since their debut, BTS has achieved record-breaking success across the global music industry with hit songs such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “Spring Day,” “Boy With Luv,” and “Fake Love.” The group has earned numerous awards, topped charts in multiple countries, sold millions of albums, and helped introduce K-pop to a broader international audience. Through their artistry, cultural Tap again to view profile → Close are both beautiful pieces of visual art. The amount of thought, symbolism, the acting, the overall quality, make the music videos within the universes something to be enjoyed and analyzed over and over again. Both show us what coming of age in this world looks like, bringing that nostalgia and longing for the simpler days of when we were younger, and the terror and hope of growing up and feeling alone, yet pushing on for a brighter future. That hope, I believe, is what keeps us coming back for more.