Choi Yeon-jun (Korean최연준; born 13 September 1999), known mononymously as Yeonjun, is a South Korean singer and songwriter. He is a member of the South Korean boy band Tomorrow X Together, which debuted under Big Hit Entertainment in March 2019. He debuted as a soloist in September 2024 with the song "Ggum".

Yeonjun
Yeonjun in October 2024
Born
Choi Yeon-jun

(1999-09-13) 13 September 1999 (age 25)
Seoul, South Korea
Other namesDaniel Choi
EducationGlobal Cyber University
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active2019 (2019)–present
Musical career
GenresK-pop
InstrumentVocals
LabelsBig Hit Music
Member ofTomorrow X Together
Korean name
Hangul
최연준
Hanja
Revised RomanizationChoi Yeonjun
McCune–ReischauerCh'oe Yŏnchun
Signature

Early life

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Choi Yeon-jun was born on 13 September 1999, in Seongbuk District, Seoul, South Korea as an only child.[1] After graduating from Korean Arts High School, he enrolled in Global Cyber University.[2]

Career

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Pre-debut

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Prior to his debut, he trained under Big Hit Entertainment for four years.[3][4] Throughout his four years of training, Yeonjun became known as the company's "legendary trainee" because he consistently ranked first during monthly evaluations in dance, vocal performance and rap.[5][6][7] He is also a former trainee of Cube Entertainment.[8][9]

2019–present: Debut with TXT and solo activities

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On 10 January 2019, Big Hit announced the upcoming debut of its new boy group Tomorrow X Together. Yeonjun was the first member of the lineup to be revealed, through an introductory video posted on the label's official YouTube channel and social media.[10] On 4 March 2019, he debuted as a member of Tomorrow X Together with the release of their first extended play (EP), The Dream Chapter: Star.[11]

Yeonjun made his acting debut on 12 January 2021, with a cameo appearance in the JTBC drama series Live On as Kim Jin-woo.[12] The following month, he participated in 2021 Fall/Winter New York Fashion Week, walking as a model for the South Korean brand UL:KIN.[13] He featured on the track "Blockbuster" from Enhypen's first studio album Dimension: Dilemma, which was released on 12 October.[14][15]

In February 2022, Yeonjun featured on the single "PS5" by American singer-songwriter Salem Ilese, alongside bandmate Taehyun and Norwegian DJ Alan Walker.[16] He was announced as a host for Inkigayo, alongside actors Roh Jeong-eui and Seo Bum-june, on 15 March.[17] In July, Yeonjun became an ambassador for the streetwear brand Privé Alliance. He also served as a guest creative designer and released a limited capsule collection available the following month until December.[18] In November, he was announced as a co-host for the year-end festival SBS Gayo Daejeon alongside Key and An Yu-jin; the event was held on 25 December.[19]

Studio MaumC announced Yeonjun as part of the artist lineup for the OST of the Coupang Play original series Cinderella at 2 AM on 16 August 2024.[20] He contributed the song "Boyfriend", which was released on 1 September.[21] On 6 September, Big Hit announced Yeonjun's upcoming debut as a solo artist.[22] A video titled "Yeonjun's Mixtape Intro Film" was uploaded to the Hybe Labels official YouTube channel two days later, with his 19 September debut date revealed at the end.[23] His debut was later revealed to be titled "Ggum", described as a "hip-hop track with a catchy electro sound".[24] On 4 October, Yeonjun won his first music show trophy with "Ggum" on Mnet's M Countdown.[25] In November 2024, Yeonjun was named one of GQ Korea's Men of the Year.

Public image

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Yeonjun has appeared on the Korean Business Research Institute's male celebrity brand reputation list, a chart that records Korean celebrities with the most online searches and engagements. He ranked within the top 20 in November 2020,[26] and the top 30 in both February and March 2023.[27][28]

Other ventures

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Yeonjun has appeared in various fashion magazines including Dazed Korea, GQ Korea,[29] W Korea,[30] Elle Korea[31] and Paper Magazine.[32] He featured on the cover of the September 2022 special edition of the Japanese fashion magazine SPUR.[33] On 31 May 2024, Yeonjun was announced as the global brand ambassador of the Italian luxury fashion house Moncler.[34]

Philanthropy

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In May 2024, Yeonjun donated 50 million won to Hallym Burn Foundation, an organization dedicated to assisting firefighters in their crucial line of duty.[35]

Discography

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Mixtapes

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Title Details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[36]
Ggum 7

Singles

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As lead artist

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Title Year Peak chart positions Sales Album
KOR
[37]
JPN
[38]
JPN
Hot

[39]
NZ
Hot

[40]
VIE
[41][A]
US
World

[42]
"PS5"
(with Salem Ilese and Taehyun
featuring Alan Walker)
2022 170 38 61 Unsponsored Content
"Ggum" 2024 82 10 81 38 * 4 Ggum
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.
"*" denotes a chart did not exist at that time.
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Title Year Peak chart positions Album
KOR
DL

[44]
"Touch" (remix)
(Katseye featuring Yeonjun)
2024 128 Non-album single

Soundtrack appearances

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Title Year Peak chart positions Sales Album
KOR
DL

[44]
"Boyfriend" 2024 51
  • JPN: 2,015 (dig.)[45]
Cinderella at 2 AM OST

Other charted songs

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Title Year Peak chart positions Album
KOR
DL

[44]
"Blockbuster"
(Enhypen featuring Yeonjun)
2021 131 Dimension: Dilemma

Songwriting credits

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All song credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association's database unless stated otherwise.[46]

List of songs, showing year released, artist name, and name of the album
Year Title Artist Album Composer Lyricist
2020 "Fairy of Shampoo" Tomorrow X Together The Dream Chapter: Eternity    
"Maze in the Mirror"    
"Wishlist" Minisode1: Blue Hour    
"Way Home"    
2021 "What If I Had Been That Puma" The Chaos Chapter: Freeze    
"No Rules"    
"Frost"    
"Loser=Lover" The Chaos Chapter: Fight or Escape    
"MOA Diary"    
"Blockbuster" Enhypen Dimension: Dilemma    
"Sweet Dreams" Tomorrow X Together Non-album single    
2022 "Good Boy Gone Bad" Minisode 2: Thursday's Child    
"Trust Fund Baby"    
"Lonely Boy"    
"Valley of Lies" (feat. Iann Dior) Non-album singles    
"Ring" (君じゃない誰かの愛し方)    
2023 "Happy Fools" (feat. Coi Leray) The Name Chapter: Temptation    
"Tinnitus (Wanna Be a Rock)"    
"Farewell, Neverland"    
"Blue Spring" The Name Chapter: Freefall    
"Growing Pain"    
"Dreamer"    
"Deep Down"    
"Happily Ever After"    
2024 "I'll See You There Tomorrow" Minisode 3: Tomorrow    
"Miracle"    
"The Killa (I Belong to You)"    
"Open Always Wins" Non-album single    
"Ggum" Yeonjun Ggum    
"Touch" (remix) (featuring Yeonjun) Katseye SIS (Soft Is Strong)    
"Heaven" Tomorrow X Together The Star Chapter: Sanctuary    
"Danger"    

Filmography

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Television series

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Telvision series appearances
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2021 Live On Kim Jin-woo Cameo (Ep. 8) [12]

Hosting

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Hosting appearances
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2019 Inkigayo Special MC with Mingyu, Shin Eun-soo [47]
with Lee Na-eun, Soobin [48][49]
M Countdown with Ravi, Soobin [50]
2022–2024 Inkigayo Host with Roh Jeong-eui, Seo Bum-june and Park Ji-hu, Woonhak [17][51]
2023 SBS Gayo Daejeon with Key and Yujin [52]
2024 with Doyoung and Yujin [53]

Awards and nominations

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Name of the award ceremony, year presented, award category, nominee(s) of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee(s)/work(s) Result Ref.
Korea First Brand Awards 2025 Best Male Solo Singer Yeonjun Pending [54]

Notes

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  1. ^ The Billboard Vietnam Hot 100 chart was discontinued at the start of 2024.

References

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  1. ^ "Yeonjun of Tomorrow X Together: the instant K-pop idol who expresses his creativity through dance". South China Morning Post. 25 March 2020. Archived from the original on 15 February 2022. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  2. ^ "Tomorrow X Together: Conoce qué estudiaron los miembros de TXT" [Tomorrow X Together: Find out what TXT members studied.]. El Comercio (in Spanish). 30 January 2022. Archived from the original on 19 February 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  3. ^ TXT 연준 "연습생 생활만 4년, 멤버들 덕분에 성장통 극복" [TXT's Yeonjun "I have been a trainee for 4 years, overcoming growing pains thanks to the members"]. Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). 5 March 2019. Archived from the original on 1 March 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2022.
  4. ^ Ahn, Sung-mi (5 March 2019). "[Q&A] Big Hit's new rookie TXT makes grand debut". Kpop Herald. The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on 6 December 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  5. ^ Kim, No-eul (19 June 2021). TXT 연준 "빅히트 전설의 연습생? 수업료는 잘 모르겠다"(유스케) [TXT Yeon-jun "Big Hit's legendary trainee? I'm not sure about the fee"]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on 4 May 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023 – via Naver.
  6. ^ Jeon, Ha-na (12 November 2019). '아이돌룸' 연준, 빅히트 전설의 연습생 "공동 1등은 해도 2등은 안 했다" ['Idol Room' Yeon-jun, Big Hit's Legendary Trainee "Tied for First, But Not Second"]. Herald Pop (in Korean). Herald Corporation. Archived from the original on 4 May 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023 – via Naver.
  7. ^ Lee, Ma-roo (4 September 2021). 자신이 가진 색의 범주를 아는 자, #연준의 얼굴 [A person who knows what color they are, the face of the #Yeon-jun]. Elle Korea (in Korean). Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  8. ^ "Yeonjun, dari Penari Latar ke 'Dancer' Utama TXT" [Yeonjun, from Background Dancer to TXT's Main 'Dancer']. CNN Indonesia Big Hit's new rookie TXT makes grand debut (in Indonesian). 13 September 2019. Archived from the original on 27 April 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  9. ^ Untari, Giovani (5 July 2020). "10 Fakta Unik Yeonjun TXT, Member TXT yang Keren & Berbakat!" [10 Unique Facts about Yeonjun TXT, a Cool & Talented TXT Member!]. Cosmopolitan Indonesia (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  10. ^ Herman, Tamar (10 January 2019). "BTS' Label Announces New Boy Band TXT: Meet the First Member, Yeonjun". Billboard. Archived from the original on 11 January 2019. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  11. ^ Herman, Tamar (7 February 2019). "TOMORROW X TOGETHER Announces First Album 'The Dream Chapter: STAR'". Billboard. Archived from the original on 24 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  12. ^ a b Bae, Hyo-joo (11 January 2021). 라이브온' 투모로우바이투게더 연준 특별출연..최종회 관심↑(공식) ['Live On' Tomorrow x Together Yeonjun's special appearance...Final attention↑(Official)]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on 11 January 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
  13. ^ Yoon, Sang-geun (16 February 2021). 투모로우바이투게더 연준, 뉴욕패션위크 모델로 참여[공식] [[Official] TOMORROW X TOGETHER's Yeonjun participates as a model for New York Fashion Week [Official]]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on 19 February 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  14. ^ Yeo, Gladys (4 October 2021). "ENHYPEN to collaborate with TXT's Yeonjun on upcoming full-length album". NME. Archived from the original on 10 October 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  15. ^ Ziwei, Puah (13 October 2021). "ENHYPEN say working with TXT's Yeonjun was a "big honour"". NME. Archived from the original on 19 February 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  16. ^ Yeo, Gladys (23 February 2022). "Hear Salem Ilese's new single 'PS5', featuring TXT and Alan Walker". NME. Archived from the original on 23 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  17. ^ a b Hwang, So-young (15 March 2022). [단독] TXT 연준·노정의·서범준, SBS '인기가요' 新MC 낙점 [[Exclusive] TXT Yeonjun, Noh Jeong-ui, and Seo Beom-jun to be selected as new MCs for SBS 'Inkigayo'] (in Korean). JTBC. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022 – via Naver.
  18. ^ "EXO member Baekhyun's streetwear brand Privé Alliance gets TXT's Yeonjun as its new ambassador & guest creative director". Bollywood Hungama. 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  19. ^ Ji, Min Kyung (22 November 2023). [단독] 샤이니 키·TXT 연준·아이브 안유진, SBS '가요대전' MC 낙점 [[Exclusive] Shinee's Key, TXT's Yeonjun, and Ive's An Yu-jin selected as MCs for SBS' 'Gayo Daejeon']. OSEN [ko] (in Korean). Archived from the original on 22 November 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  20. ^ Kim, Chae-yeon (16 August 2024). 하현상→투바투 연준, '새벽 2시의 신데렐라' OST 참여 [공식] [Ha Hyun-sang→TXT Yeonjun, 'Cinderella at 2AM' OST participation [Official]] (in Korean). OSEN [ko]. Archived from the original on 21 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024 – via Naver.
  21. ^ Han, Hae-sun (1 September 2024). TXT 연준, 첫 단독 OST 'Boyfriend' 오늘(1일) 발매..'새벽 2시의 신데렐라' 삽입 [TXT Yeonjun, first solo OST 'Boyfriend' released today (1st)..'Cinderella at 2 AM' inserted]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024 – via Naver.
  22. ^ Kim, Hyun-seo (6 September 2024). [단독] 투바투 연준, 9월 중 솔로 출격 [[Exclusive] TXT Yeonjun to make solo debut in September]. TV Report. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024 – via Naver.
  23. ^ Pyo, Kyung-min (8 September 2024). "TXT's Yeonjun to drop first solo mixtape". The Korea Times. Archived from the original on 8 September 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  24. ^ Yoon, So-yeon (9 September 2024). "Tomorrow X Together's Yeonjun to release debut solo track 'GGUM'". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on 10 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  25. ^ Baek, Yoon-gi (4 October 2024). "값진 1위 행복"...TXT 연준, 솔로곡 '껌'으로 음방 1위 ["Priceless #1 happiness"...TXT YEONJUN wins first place on music shows with his solo song "Gum"] (in Korean). EDaily. Retrieved 4 October 2024 – via Nate.
  26. ^ Shin, Young-eun (14 November 2020). 방탄소년단 지민 1위, 보이그룹 개인 브랜드평판...2위 아스트로 문빈 [BTS's Jimin tops boy group's personal brand reputation...Astro's Moonbin ranks second]. Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). Archived from the original on 22 June 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2023 – via Naver.
  27. ^ Kim, Na-young (18 February 2023). 차은우, 2월 보이그룹 개인 브랜드평판 1위...2위 지민·3위 백현 [Cha Eun-woo tops boy group's personal brand reputation in February...Jimin 2nd, Baekhyun 3rd]. MK Sports (in Korean). Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023 – via Naver.
  28. ^ Lee, Nam-kyeom (18 March 2023). 뷔 1위, 3월 보이그룹 개인 브랜드평판 'TOP'...2위 제이홉·3위 차은우 [V tops boy group's personal brand reputation in March... J-Hope 2nd, Cha Eun-woo 3rd]. Maeil Broadcasting Network (in Korean). Archived from the original on 6 May 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  29. ^ 지큐 코리아 11월호 커버의 주인공 '투모로우바이투게더 연준' ['Tomorrow X Together's Yeon-jun' on the cover of GQ Korea's November issue]. GQ Korea (in Korean). 21 October 2022. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  30. ^ 어느 봄날에, 투모로우바이투게더 수빈과 연준 [One spring day, Tomorrow X Together's Soo-bin and Yeon-jun]. W Korea (in Korean). 3 April 2023. Archived from the original on 3 July 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  31. ^ 투모로우바이투게더 연준, 화보 매력 발산 [Tomorrow X Together's Yeon-jun, the charm of the photo shoot]. Elle Korea (in Korean). 20 August 2021. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  32. ^ Bell, Crystal (24 August 2021). "TXT's Yeonjun Won't Settle for Second Best". Paper. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  33. ^ Lee, Kyung-ho (23 July 2022). 투모로우바이투게더 연준, 日패션 매거진 표지 장식! '영향력 과시' [Tomorrow X Together's Yeon-jun lands on the cover of Japanese fashion magazine to 'show off his influence']. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023 – via Naver.
  34. ^ Kim, Na-hee (31 May 2024). 연준이라는 미지의 세계 [The unknown world of the Yeon-jun]. Vogue Korea (in Korean). Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  35. ^ Sharma, Dishy (3 May 2024). "TXT Member Yeonjun Donates Over Rs 30 Lakh To Support Firefighters: Report". News18. Network18 Group. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  36. ^ a b "Circle Album Chart – Week 44 of 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  37. ^ Circle Digital Chart positions:
  38. ^ YEONJUNのシングル売 [Yeonjun's top selling singles]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 6 November 2024.
  39. ^ "Ggum". Billboard Japan. 25 September 2024.
  40. ^ New Zealand Hot 40 Singles Chart positions:
  41. ^ "Billboard Vietnam Hot 100 – Week of March 12, 2022". Billboard. 6–12 March 2024. Archived from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  42. ^ "World Digital Song Sales: Week of September 28, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  43. ^ Total Japanese sales for "Ggum":
  44. ^ a b c Circle Download Chart positions:
  45. ^ オリコン週間 デジタルシングル(単曲)ランキング 2024年08月26日~2024年09月01日 [Oricon Weekly Digital Single (Single Song) Rankings August 26, 2024 - September 1, 2024]. Oricon (in Japanese). p. 2. Archived from the original on 4 September 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  46. ^ "Songs Registered Under YEONJUN (10025083)". Korea Music Copyright Association (in Korean). Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  47. ^ Hwang, Hye-jin (17 March 2019). 투모로우바이투게더 연준 '인기가요' 스페셜 MC 데뷔[오늘TV] [Tomorrow X Together's Yeon-jun 'Inkigayo' Special MC Debut [Today TV]]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2022 – via Naver.
  48. ^ Hwang, Hye-jin (6 December 2019). "'신인왕' 투모로우바이투게더 수빈X연준, 8일 '인기가요' 스페셜MC 출격" ['Rookie King' Tomorrow X Together's Soo-bin and Yon-jun, 'Inkigayo's' Special MCs on August 8th]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2022 – via Naver.
  49. ^ Hwang, Hye-jin (17 March 2019). "투모로우바이투게더 연준 '인기가요' 스페셜 MC 데뷔[오늘TV]" [Tomorrow X Together's Yeon-jun 'Inkigayo' Special MC Debut [Today TV]]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2022 – via Naver.
  50. ^ 190321 엠카운트다운 글로벌MC크루 라비, TXT 연준, 수빈 현장포토 [190321 M-Countdown Global MC crew: Ravi, TXT's Yeon-jun and Soo-bin's photo]. Mnet (in Korean). 21 March 2019. Archived from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  51. ^ 연준·박지후·운학, '인기가요' 새 MC 발탁 [Yeon-jun, Park Ji-hoo, Woonhak, as "Inkigayo's" new MCs]. Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). 14 July 2023. Archived from the original on 6 October 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  52. ^ Ji, Min-kyung (22 November 2023). [단독] 샤이니 키·TXT 연준·아이브 안유진, SBS '가요대전' MC 낙점 [[Exclusive] SHINee Key, TXT's Yeon-jun, and Ive's Ahn Yu-jin selected as MCs for SBS Gayo Daejeon]. OSEN [ko] (in Korean). Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2023 – via Naver.
  53. ^ Jeong, Bit (25 June 2024). [단독]NCT 도영·아이브 안유진·TXT 연준, '가요대전 서머' MC 발탁...'인가' 남매들 출동 [[Exclusive] NCT Doyoung, Ive An Yu-jin, and TXT Yeonjun selected as MCs for 'Gayo Daejeon Summer'... 'In-law' siblings appear]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Archived from the original on 25 June 2024. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  54. ^ "2025 Korea First Brand Awards Male Solo Singer Nominees" (in Korean). 11 November 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
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