In a heartfelt and sad revelation, Soobin, the leader of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) shared some tragic news involving his beloved pet hedgehog. According to Soobin, Odi passed away due to a disease he was diagnosed with in January 2023.
this hurts different when u found out soobin found out about odi's disease since january. https://t.co/UndFpOYa9P
— gelatin (@fluffyeonbin) August 17, 2023
The news has left fans and followers deeply moved, as they reminisce about the numerous moments Soobin talked about Odi on social media.
Soobin expressed his grief during a Weverse live broadcast, stating, “I didn’t know how to begin or how to bring it up. I lacked the courage to talk about it. I even contemplated never discussing Odi’s condition. But with so many inquiries about him, I realized I couldn’t keep hiding the truth. I believe I’ve sent him off peacefully, but my heart ached for a long time.”
odi we will miss you :(( thank you for making soobin smile :((
now i suddenly remembered one filo moa tried to gift him a crocheted odi :((( pic.twitter.com/Tfh6Rnsofe
— rikark ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ semi-ia (@naui553sputnik) August 17, 2023
Odi‘s passing occurred last month, when Soobin was away in Japan. He recalled a poignant moment, “After our dome tour ended, I video-called Odi, telling him I’d be back in two weeks. He seemed strong, and I felt both pride and sadness. But just a few days later, he was gone. I wasn’t there to bid him farewell, and that weighs heavily on my heart.”
In April 2021, the TXT leader introduced Odi to the world. The hedgehog, who lived in TXT’s dorm alongside members Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai, quickly became a global sensation. Soobin‘s frequent updates about Odi on social media endeared the pet to fans worldwide. Odi even had his own fancam by Mnet, a testament to his popularity.
Soobin’s bond with Odi
Soobin‘s bond with his pet hedgehog was evident. He often showed Odi off to fans and shared the touching reason behind his name. “In Korea, naming a pet after food is believed to grant them a long life. That’s why I named him Odi, the Korean word for mulberry. I hope he’ll live a long and healthy life,” Soobin explained in a YouTube video TXT filmed for a media outlet.
In an interview with Weverse Magazine, Soobin delved deeper into his life with Odi. He humorously mentioned Odi’s love for mealworms and his initial hesitancy towards human interaction. Over time, Odi warmed up to people, especially enjoying belly rubs. “Having Odi added variety to my routine. He brightened my day. I’m just grateful he was there, waiting for me,” Soobin reflected.
yeonjun & soobin watching's odi's videos together 🙁 odi you will be missed 💔 pic.twitter.com/jLwTLAI9Ac
— hourly yeonjun (@hourlyjjunie) August 17, 2023
The bond between Soobin and Odi was profound. “I adored Odi immensely. He’ll forever be etched in my memories. Our time together was brief, but I’m eternally grateful to him. I hope he’s free from pain now,” Soobin expressed.
He concluded with a touching sentiment, “They say when humans ascend to heaven, their pets greet them. I hope that when my time comes, a healthy Odi will be the first to welcome me there. I urge everyone not to worry too much. Let’s cherish Odi’s memories and give him a heartfelt farewell.”
the lyrics of the song soobin recommended on his insta post with odi last month, my heart is broken pic.twitter.com/d5VHYk7HLO
— krysten ✶༊ (@TXTUNOFFlClAL) August 17, 2023
As fans across the globe mourn alongside Soobin, Odi’s memory remains a testament to the deep bond between pets and their owners.-K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Odi’s death weighed heavily on Soobin. Source: Twitter/@TXTUNOFFICIAL.