NCT JNJM (NCT JenoJaemin) today (23) released their first mini album "BOTH SIDES" and makes a surprise debut as a unit.
NCT JNJM's first mini album "BOTH SIDES" will release all tracks at 6 p.m. on Feb. 23 on various music sites, and the music video for the title track of the same name, "BOTH SIDES," will open simultaneously on YouTube's SMTOWN channel and others.
Under the keyword "duality," this album contains a narrative in which Jeno and Jaemin, who possess different charms, clearly show their own colors while sometimes forming a perfect balance like a connected single entity, and includes a total of six tracks: the title track of the same name, "I.D.O.L.", "What It Is", "HASHTAG", "WIND UP", and "sexier."
The title track "BOTH SIDES" is a hip-hop dance song in which stylish sound design and flowing drum beats, witty vocals and rap come together cheerfully, and the lyrics playfully convey a message of captivating someone with two different charms, likely putting listeners into the pleasant dilemma of a choice they cannot miss either way.
In particular, through unit activities Jeno and Jaemin will show a new charm different from group NCT and NCT DREAM, proving infinite possibilities, and as they plan to show diverse aspects through constantly changing musical attempts, attention is focused on their activities to be shown with this album.
Meanwhile, NCT JNJM will hold the first mini album release commemorative "NCT JNJM 'BOTH SIDES' Countdown Live" from 4:30 p.m. today on YouTube and TikTok NCT channels, among others, and will share various stories including the album introduction and behind-the-scenes of production, impressions on the unit debut and activity plans.
Below is a Q&A from NCT JNJM ahead of the unit's launch about their first mini album "BOTH SIDES."
Q. NCT JNJM is presenting a new unit. You two have been together for a long time, but what are your feelings about releasing an album as a unit? - Jeno: First, I know very well that many fans have waited a long time for this combination. I'm happy to be able to deliver a good result that can repay their patience, and I myself look forward to the new sides we will show starting with this unit activity.
- Jaemin: As we've been together for a long time, I want to say our chemistry is "perfect itself." The album captures every detail, not missing sexy and cute, as well as an elegant and nice charm. We'll show every charm fans expect, so please look forward to it!
Q. While preparing the album, what part did you focus on the most? - Jeno: I focused on visually and musically showing well the album's main theme of "duality." In particular, to bring out the atmosphere each song has, I paid a lot of attention to the vocal and rap details during the recording process.
- Jaemin: I thought the concept that runs through the whole album was most important, so I think I worried a lot from the planning stage. I focused on raising the completeness so that both the visuals and the music can show a conceptual charm.
Q. During the album-making process, what was different compared with group albums?
- Jeno: Because we had to cover the amount that seven people used to handle with just the two of us, the roles assigned to each individual became much larger. The biggest difference seemed to be that every process of making the album required more energy than usual.
- Jaemin: It was a new experience in every respect. Especially as my involvement in the overall album production increased, I prepared while focusing more on time allocation and physical condition management.
Q. You've been together for a long time, but while preparing this unit album, did you learn any new differences about each other or rediscover any similarities?
- Jeno: Since we had many shoots together, I newly felt that the colors of our visuals are certainly different. On the other hand, I think I confirmed again that our attitude toward work and ways of working are similar.
- Jaemin: I again felt that Jeno's stamina is really good. I also paid a little more attention to sleep time and health care to match that energy, and thanks to that we were able to show a better match.
Q. Why did you choose the title track "BOTH SIDES" as your unit debut song? Also, please each name one listening point you think of.
- Jeno: Many people probably expected that if we did a unit it would be a "strong and intense" concept. But rather, it was a mood that we haven't shown in NCT activities, so we chose it, and above all it's an easy-to-listen song, so I hope listeners enjoy it lightly and pleasantly.
- Jaemin: I thought "BOTH SIDES" was the song that best fits NCT JNJM's identity and the direction we will go. Please consider the duo's synergy on stage and the visual harmony as the listening points.
Q. When you think of NCT, performance is indispensable. What are the core points of the performance for this title track "BOTH SIDES"?
- Jeno: This time we structured the performance in a way that sensually brings out the song's rhythm and beat rather than exerting force. In particular, I hope you focus on the chemistry that only Jaemin and I can show.
- Jaemin: The overall flow of the choreography consists of moves that emphasize the face. If you follow our fingertips, you will be able to discover without missing any of our diverse charms that stand out in each part.
Q. In unit activities, the two members' chemistry seems most important. While preparing this album, please introduce a moment that was most memorable between you two.
- Jeno: I remember the moment when I acted with Jaemin while shooting the mood film. Perhaps because it was after shooting "WIND UP," the immersion was higher, and I'm glad the result came out satisfactorily.
- Jaemin: I remember the process of preparing the album while also shooting the drama "WIND UP." The schedule was physically not easy, but seeing fans' happiness gave us great strength, and I felt proud thinking "I'm really glad we did it."
Q. Are there any particularly memorable episodes from shooting the music video for the title track "BOTH SIDES"?
- Jeno: This music video has many scenes that pay homage to various works, and among them the scene of blocking water with an umbrella is most memorable. I'm sorry we couldn't perfectly block it in reality, and I feel sorry to the senior in the original work for not being able to properly recreate the famous scene. (laughs) But we filmed diligently, so please view it kindly.
- Jaemin: There was a scene in which I pushed the cheek of a hotelier in the drama, and because I'm usually very careful about touching someone else's face, I remember feeling very sorry to the fellow actor.
Q. How did NCT members view this unit album? If there are memorable reactions or supportive messages that helped you, please share them.
- Jeno: All the members gave us a lot of support. In particular, Chenle was surprised because it was a concept completely different from what he expected, and Mark hyung also sent a lot of encouragement, which was a great help.
- Jaemin: Other members also thought we would do a slightly more intense style of song, but there were many reactions saying it was lighter and more stylish than expected. Seeing those reactions from the members, I was confident that we had prepared a fresh image that only NCT JNJM can show.
Q. Please say a word to the fans who waited for Jeno and Jaemin's unit debut.
- Jeno: To our fansite name, Cigni, who have been waiting for the unit since last year, thank you sincerely for waiting such a long time. We prepared really hard, so I hope you enjoy this activity with us to your heart's content!
- Jaemin: I'm truly happy that the unit album we promised fans over time can finally come out to the world. Please savor, taste and enjoy every element of the album that we prepared for a long time and revel in our charms! Thank you always.
[Photo] SM Entertainment
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