NCT WISH delivers warmth to the world.
On the 19th, NCT WISH held the final performance of "NCT WISH 1st CONCERT TOUR 'INTO THE WISH : Our WISH' ENCORE IN SEOUL" at KSPO DOME in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul.
Ahead of the performance, a press conference was also held for the full-length first album Ode to Love, which is slated for release on the 20th. The album consists of 10 diverse tracks, including the title track of the same name, Ode to Love, and allows listeners to fully enjoy the more distinct musical color of NCT WISH.
On the day, the members shared their feelings about stepping onto the KSPO Dome, a stage called the dream stage for idols, just two years after debut. Riku said, "I am happy and excited to be able to show our charms to many people in such a large venue. We will do our best today, too."
In particular, Sion said, "Apart from today, we performed at the KSPO Dome for two days. The venue is so large and I really wanted to try riding the toro-toko, and because the stage was close, I was so happy that I couldn't put it into words. I want to really thank the staff who helped us perform and our SIZZY."
With the conclusion of "INTO THE WISH : Our WISH" approaching through this encore performance, Riku explained what he gained from this tour: "When we did the 'Log In' tour last year, I was very nervous and didn't have the composure to communicate with fans on stage. Now we can make eye contact with SIZZY and perform together, and I love doing the eye-contact parts during 'Cheat Code' and 'Make a Shine,' so those are my favorite stages."
Leader Sion said, "Today is the 33rd show. I think the teamwork among the members has strengthened, so the stages and the schedule have become more enjoyable."
At the encore concert, the members also unveiled the title track from the first full-length album, Ode to Love, for the first time. About the reaction to the new song reveal, Sion said, "We premiered the title track at the concert, and since we prepared really hard, I was curious about SIZZY's reaction. I was nervous at the first reveal, but SIZZY applauded and cheered, so I felt proud and relieved."
NCT WISH is showing steady growth, such as a steep increase in album sales, and is following a trend-setting path. Regarding this growth, Sion said, "People have said we are gradually growing, and while it's natural that we work hard, we are deeply grateful that more people love us and that the number of people who love us has increased."
When asked about the members' wish lists, Sion hoped, "The chorus of this album's title track has a very addictive 'tuturutru' hook that many people will hum, so I hope our team becomes more famous and the song becomes well known." Yuushi added, "First, my wishlist is to meet SIZZY a lot and to show more of our good sides."
When NCT WISH is mentioned, the word most often associated is "Gen Z icon." With anticipation for this challenge, Sakuya said, "Whether it will become a trend depends on many people following it, so we plan to film a lot. I hope it becomes popular. We recently met actor Moon Sang Min, who called us Chugumi, and filmed the challenge. And I heard actor Shim Eunkyung came today as well; I want to film the challenge with her later."
It was reported that member Sion participated in the challenge choreography and the point choreography for Ode to Love, which sparked attention. Sion explained, "I thought choreography is very important in the most addictive part. The company commissioned choreography from several places, and they also asked for our ideas, so I thought about what parts would be good when the music video set or time allowed. When we started practicing the title track, we divided up various moves with the dancers and filmed them, and I understand the company adopted that."
Additionally, Ode to Love samples The Cranberries' "Ode to My Family," a song known domestically as the background music for Gag Concert.
Regarding this, Jaehee confessed, "When I first heard the demo of this title track, Gag Concert came to mind immediately. Many people will recognize it and it's a familiar song that people might imitate, and the song sounded so good. I thought WISH could become famous."
This album is NCT WISH's first full-length album and the first Korean album released after all members became adults, generating anticipation. About the mindset in preparing this album, Ryo said, "Sakuya and I recently became adults. As adults, we tried to manage ourselves hard to receive affection from fans."
The youngest, Sakuya, said, "I didn't immediately feel the reality of becoming an adult, but as an adult I think I should follow the older members well. I want to promote with an improved appearance."
Asked what image they hope to be imprinted on the public as WISH opens a new chapter with this album, Yuushi said, "This full-length album has many songs and I think it contains many of our charms, so I hope people listen to it more favorably."
Meanwhile, NCT WISH's first full-length album, Ode to Love, will be released at 6 p.m. on the 20th.
[Photo] Reporter Jo Eunjeong
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