Exclusive – Glass interviews K-pop band NCT 127

“We’re back”

Having already taken the world by storm K-pop band NCT 127 are set to do it again with the release of a new album

THE continual evolution of the Seoul-based boy band NCT 127 makes it difficult to describe them but one thing’s for sure, having enjoyed huge success during their world tour in 2019, they are now a global phenomenon.  Consisting of nine members – TAEIL, JOHNNY, TAEYONG, YUTA, DOYOUNG, JAEHYUN, JUNGWOO, MARK, and HAECHAN – the group have two full-length albums to their name and four EPs, including Cherry Bomb from 2017.

Adopting a name representing the longitudinal coordinates of their home and the acronym for Neo Culture Technology, it became clear right from the beginning that NCT 127 were no ordinary K-pop band.

They entered the music scene in 2016 with their debut single Firetruck, swiftly following it up with a self-titled EP that went straight to No.2 in the Goan Album and the Billboard World Album Charts.

Taeyong. Photograph: Heehyun Oh

Now, five years on, NCT 127 have released their third studio album titled Sticker. With pre-sales hitting nearly a million in just one day, it looks like they are set to skyrocket once again, not just in Asia but across the world.

During your childhoods, what was the moment that you realized you wanted to pursue music?

DOYOUNG: I’ve naturally come to enjoy singing, but the moment I sang in front of my friends is when I actually realised that I want to become a singer.

JAEHYUN: I’ve enjoyed music and playing the piano since I was young. I sang at school events, and music was always something I enjoyed as a hobby. I was casted by the company when I was in 9th grade and as I started practicing every day, I started to officially pursue music because I realized it’s something I could see myself enjoy doing.

TAEIL: I honestly didn’t know I was going to pursue music as an artist until my middle school teacher recommended that I participate in a music contest which I did with my friend. That served as a momentum.

JUNGWOO: When I was young, I had this habit of singing along to music that was playing around and also listened to a lot of music regardless of the genre which naturally led me into pursuing music!

Jungwoo. Photograph: Heehyun Oh

How would you describe yourselves as a band and your music?

DOYOUNG: We’re a group that’s not afraid of challenges. I’d like for us to have no fear in trying something new and continue challenging ourselves to try out new genres, concepts, and performances as well.

TAEYONG: As much as NCT 127 is a multi-member group, there’s a wider range of genres that we can try out and more ways of expressing these. We’re able to confidently show great performances that make all our members stand out.

MARK: NCT 127 is a group that constantly pursues new styles of music. Even though we make comebacks with concepts that’re different from the previous release, we still try to show our hip energy and great performances.

HAECHAN: NCT 127 is a group based in Seoul that’s also active globally. I’d like for us to use our various music and performances to share our stories with the fans.

Jaehyun. Photograph: Heehyun Oh

You are a band made up of 10 members – this is quite unusual in the music industry. How do you showcase your own personalities in your work? How do you come to decisions during the creative process?

YUTA: We pay a lot of attention to the stage-set up and how the members in the back can support to make each member in the front really stand out during each member’s part of the track or choreography. We always make sure to talk a lot amongst our members and when we’re discussing on certain things like a specific movement or formations, we try out all the different opinions and decide on which is the best direction to go.

JOHNNY: Our personality comes from our team, and I believe the performances we make together are not simply made by the efforts of one individual. We also use the majority rule at times when we need to make a decision.

MARK: We try to show our own personalities through our music and our performances. Even the minor things like the lyrics, gestures, or even facial expressions can really show our own individual colors. When we need to make decisions though, we figure out what’s most important and then think about how we can properly portray that.

Taeil. Photograph: Heehyun Oh

NCT 127 debuted in 2016 with the track Fire Truck and was an instant success. How did it feel getting that reaction immediately?

YUTA: It was amazing! That kind of love is our driving force for us as an artist. Whenever we’re feeling a bit tired or exhausted, we always think about the love from our fans who are waiting for us.

JAEHYUN: I don’t quite remember how time passed when we first debuted because everything was new and we were experiencing it all for the first time. But back during debut and even now as well, I’m very thankful. I’m doing my best to go at my own pace with a grateful heart for the love that many have shown us.

TAEIL: I didn’t realize it much back then because we were pretty stunned by all the attention, but I always felt so much gratitude when we had the chance to meet and communicate with our fans through several events like fan meetings.

TAEYONG: It felt really great and I’d like to say thank you to our NCTzens! We were able to work hard because of all the NCTzens around the world who cheered us on and gave us strength. Thank you!

Doyoung. Photograph: Heehyun Oh

The past year has implemented many restrictions, did your creative process change at all? And if so, how did you find ways to come together and create music?

JOHNNY: It’s unfortunate that there’s fewer opportunities for us to meet our fans offline through events or concerts, but we were able to put in a lot more time and effort in preparing this album. I’m excited because I feel we’re able to present an album that’s that much better quality-wise that will hopefully make up for the time we weren’t able to meet as much as we had wished for. [TAEYONG] I spent a lot more time with my members and kept seeking things that I could work on like song writing or dance lessons.

MARK: It’s been a while since we’ve seen our fans due to the pandemic nor been on tour. I think that desire really translated into working harder for this album, and I have a stronger yearning to meet our fans after the pandemic. Since we can’t meet face-to-face, we worked hard to find alternative ways to fill that void with sincerity.

HAECHAN: Not much has changed in terms of preparing for this album, but there’s a lot more online promotions that’ll allow us to show what we can’t show in-person.

Yuta. Photograph: Heehyun Oh

You have a new album coming out, what was the inspiration behind this body of work?

TAEYONG: I had the opportunity to work on the intro for title track Sticker. In general, I’ve always thought it’s nice when the rap expresses the theme and colour of the song clearly, and was hoping to be able to accomplish that with this track as well.

When I first heard that the title was Sticker, I thought it’d have a bright vibe, but it was actually much more powerful than I had expected.

I was a bit taken aback, and spent a lot of time figuring out how I can show off the track’s colours well while keeping it sophisticated. I was really satisfied when our executive producer Mr Soo-Man Lee and (our) executives heard it and said they liked it!

MARK: It’s been a long time since we’ve released an NCT 127 album so there was a lot more motivation and inspiration behind it. As much as our fans have been waiting, I went in with the mindset of making this an even greater album.

HAECHAN: I receive a lot of inspiration from our fans, and it was an important goal of ours to prepare an album that our fans would really like and enjoy.

What is your favourite song on the album and why?

DOYOUNG: Promise You. It holds a special meaning to me because it makes me think of the day I’ll get to meet our fans again after the pandemic.

JAEHYUN: Magic Carpet Ride. All the other tracks are great, but these days, this is the one I enjoy listening to.

TAEIL: The Rainy Night. All the members recorded the harmony alone, and it’s quite attractive. It’s definitely one that has a different vibe compared to the other B-side tracks, but shows off a whole new charm.

MARK: I like Sticker the best! It’s one of the strongest tracks on the album that has the most unpredictable, new vibe to it. I like how Sticker leaves a fresh impact on our fans.

Mark. Photograph: Heehyun Oh

What do you want your fans to take from this album? How do you want them to feel when listening to it?

DOYOUNG: I’d like for this album to be a gift to the fans who have been waiting for us. I really wish it’ll be a good time for them as much as they’ve waited.

JAEHYUN: It’s been a while since we released an album as NCT 127 so I hope it’s worthwhile for the fans who have been waiting for NCT 127’s music. As always, I hope it’s a source of energy to all. [TAEIL] I hope our fans can tell that with each album, we’re working harder and growing as well. (Smiles)

JUNGWOO: I’d be very happy if we’re able to bring happiness and laughter to all our NCTzens who always show us love and support. If our fans are able to receive positive energy from us, I can confidently say we’ll work even harder. (Laughs)

Johnny. Photograph: Heehyun Oh

Your music videos feature dance choreography. Do you find it difficult to learn these and keep in sync? Which dance routine has been your favourite so far?

YUTA: Our choreographies are never that easy (laughs). Dancing in sync is nice, but these days, we’ve been trying to perfect our performances by focusing on how to better highlight each member and how to make our performances more fun. I like all of our dances, but if I had to pick one, I like Sticker.

JOHNNY: NCT 127 is a group that focuses on showing great performance, so we do care a lot about the choreography. Not only do we practice the proper angles, but we also think a lot about what we’re trying to express. We’re able to get in sync pretty quickly because we’ve been practicing together since our pre-debut days and even after debut as well.

TAEYONG: I like all of our dances. Even before we started preparing for this album, we thought about how we should work harder to show our best as our fanbase grows. I like the choreography to ‘Sticker’ because this album shows an improved side of NCT 127.

JUNGWOO: Since it’s a group performance and not a solo one, there’s definitely a lot of effort that needs to go into the whole process. It’s not an easy task because we think a lot about how we can show our best selves within that time we’re given.

Not only do we pay attention to the details of each movement, but we also have to think about each gesture, expression, and attitude as well. It’s not easy, but we always strive to do our best to give NCTzens a great performance. As for the dance routine, Sticker is actually quite impressive! I like the song because I feel it’s been a turning point for me in many ways.

HAECHAN: I’d have to say it’s not an easy process. It’s difficult trying to dance in sync while bringing out each of our individualities, but because we’ve been at it until now, we’re doing pretty well. Mainly, Kick It really showed how together we were.

NCT. Photograph: Heehyun Oh

As a group your style has changed and evolved with each release, how important are fashion and beauty when it comes to expressing yourselves and your work?

DOYOUNG: Performances and visuals aren’t something you can separate. I personally believe a strong, impressive visual really accentuates the track’s performance and concept to leave a lasting impression.

JOHNNY: We find styling very important because depending on the style, music can feel very differently too!

JUNGWOO: We’re always trying hard to showcase new sides of ourselves in various ways, and I’ve always thought it’d be nice if our hair, make-up, and outfits matched perfectly with our music like they’re all just one! I have such pride in NCT 127’s colours and pay close attention to the visual aspects as well because I have a heart for showing our visuals to the fullest.

What have been personal highlights from your time so far as a band?

JAEHYUN: I remember our first tour Neo City – The Origin the most.

TAEIL: The biggest highlight would be when we were on our first world tour and got to perform in front of our fans around the world.

JOHNNY: It would have to be our first world tour. It was such a precious moment being able to travel and meet all our global fans up close.

HAECHAN: It’d have to say our first world tour. We prepared and practiced a lot for it, and I remember it being a great moment of speaking with our worldwide fans.

What do you like to do during your days off?

DOYOUNG: I usually sleep or watch dramas in bed! (Laughs)

TAEIL: I’ll either be on the couch listening to music or watching TV.

TAEYONG: I wake up late and feed my fish. There’ll be days where I go to the studio to work on music or if the weather is nice, I’ll grab a meal with some friends, or play games sometimes!

JUNGWOO: On my off days, I usually grab some nice food with my members or watch Netflix! If I’m feeling a bit down, I’ll go outside for some fresh air. More so than doing something special, it’s really just a typical day for me.

Haechan. Photograph: Heehyun Oh

Where do you see yourselves in five years time?

YUTA: In five years’ time, I hope to still be performing as an artist, but as an even better version of myself.

DOYOUNG: Five years from now, I hope to have more musical experience, and still be spending great time with fans! (Laughs)

JUNGWOO: That’s actually a question I’ve been asking myself and thinking about. I think I’m in the process of figuring out where I’ll be five years from now. One thing for sure, I hope to still be enjoying the stage, working hard, and spending time together with my loving fans.

Finally, the theme of this issue is Dedication. What does dedication mean to you?

YUTA: There was a time when we were learning one of our dances, and we kept revising it because it was really hard. Even though it was difficult, we ended up practicing the first version of the choreography, and people really loved that piece. This is something I realized back then, but to me, dedication is about not giving up when it’s hard and going all in.

JOHNNY: Our dedication comes from a lot of different places, but without dedication, I don’t think we would’ve been able to achieve such great results. Dedication means a lot for our members too, but what it means to us and our fans is so much more. That’s why we give all we have into each and every one of our performances.

MARK: Just like plants grow well when the soil is wet, I think dedication is what keeps us growing. It’s accomplishing something with passion to achieve complete satisfaction. I try my best to have dedication in everything I do, and rather than giving up easily, I want to stay focused and accomplish my goals.

By Imogen Clark

Photography HEEHYUN OH
Styling YOUNGJIN KIM

Hair SONGHEE HAN at BIT & BOOT

Make up SEONGEUN AN at BIT & BOOT
Visual director SEAJUN KIM

Visual planning SOYEON KIM

Johnny:

Shirt VETEMENTS

Trousers, shoes SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO

Belt DRIES VAN NOTEN

Ear cuff 32DAWN

Ring ROCKING AG

Haechan:

Shoes OUR LEGACY

Necklace 32DAWN

Ear cuff RONECRY

Mark:

Vest, top, shoes SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO

Shirt LUDOVIC DE SAINT SERNIN

Left hand ring and necklace ROCKING AG

Other rings MONOSLOT

Jaehyun:

Shirt, shoes SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO

Inner shirt LEMAIRE

Trousers MARTINE ROSE

Taeyong:

Trousers SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO

Belt WE11DONE

Earring, ring MONOSLOT

Necklace S-TREE

Yuta:

Trousers TOGA VIRILIS

Earring, ring MONOSLOT

Necklace SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO

Taeil:

Shirt BONBOM

Shoes SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO

Jungwoo:

Knit JORDANLUCA

Shoes SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO

Necklace, ring MONOSLOT

Earring CODICIAR

Doyoung:

Top DRIES VAN NOTEN LEN LYE EDITION

Trousers SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO

Bracelet CODICIAR