NCT127 has returned with their seventh studio album after about two years. Returning as a five-member group following Mark's departure and Doyoung and Jungwoo's military service, NCT127, celebrating their 10th anniversary, have promised a powerful performance meant to erase the members' absences by returning to their original spirit, drawing high expectations.
On the morning of the 24th at the Sky31 Convention in Lotte World Tower, Songpa-gu, Seoul, a press conference commemorating the release of NCT127's seventh studio album 'BLINGY' was held.
When leader Taeyong was asked about his feelings on returning as five members for the 10th anniversary, he said, The album cover combines a map of Seoul and neo colors to mean trying to find our original spirit. Because it is the 10th anniversary, and two members (Doyoung, Jungwoo) are not here now, I think we prepared harder to make sure the two members' presence would not seem lacking. There will still be shortcomings, but we worked hard so there would be no lack for many fans and those who listen to the music, so I hope you look forward to it.
Blingy is an album that, while marking the 10th anniversary since debut, looks back on the journey they've taken together and shows a firm will to continue carving their own path based on pride and cohesion in the team. Composed of nine tracks that capture NCT 127's distinctive musical world, the main slogan "CALL 127" makes the message that the members and fans gather again as one "one team (One Team)" even clearer.
The title track "Blingy" is a hip-hop song that blends distortion synth sounds, strong drum beats, and chanting choruses. Interpreting elements of rage and dubstep in NCT 127's own color, it offers an explosive sound, and the lyrics, which express energy that keeps rising without stopping and a presence that shines like a huge flame, contain confidence to deliver the best performance and deep pride in the team.
Johnny explained the keyword for this album as "original spirit." He said, The reason is that while preparing the song 'Blingy' we seemed to prepare harder than for performances we've done so far, and it was really tough. It was extremely difficult so we were flustered, and it was so hard we couldn't dance much from start to finish. From what I saw, it's a performance that shows a level of intensity we haven't shown much lately.
When asked why they chose 'Blingy' as the title, Haechan explained, The tracks "Piñata" and "Legacy" were also candidates for the title track. They were all good, but we decided on 'Blingy' because it was the song that would create the best synergy when the five members could perform it well while showing both the music and the performance together. Thinking about how we would present it on various stages, we thought it was the song that would best show our energy.
Taeyong, who also participated in choreography work, said, The company suggested I participate so I tried to join. Because the beat is strong, I tried to create moments that feel relaxed in between. There is a signature hand motion. I'm not sure if it will look that way, but I adapted a sparkling hand gesture. Regarding the 'Blingy' music video, Johnny said, The company and we thought a lot about how to express 'Blingy.' While looking for the 'Blingy' outside, we found that the real 'Blingy' is inside us. It seems the music video will be about finding 'Blingy,' so I hope fans enjoy it.
In particular, members Doyoung and Jungwoo enlisted in the military in December last year and are currently serving, but the inclusion of the track '127 Million Miles' adds a special element in that they participated. Jaehyun said, '127 Million Miles' is the only bright track. There have been many songs linked to 127 in albums so far, and this album includes one too. There are lyrics that make an acrostic with our team name and many cute points. The song conveys that even if we and our fans are apart, we are together wherever and whenever. Doyoung hyung and Jungwoo's voices are on it. They recorded before enlisting.
While 'Blingy' is an album commemorating the 10th anniversary of their debut, it is also special as the first album they are releasing after the members' contract renewals. Taeyong said, I think it's something to celebrate a lot. As NCT and as 127, we all renewed our contracts, meaning we believe in each other for the path forward. We will work to show good appearances, good albums, and many performances to our fans and the public, and as 127 we promise to show a firmer image.
However, ahead of the contract renewals, Mark's departure caused fans' disappointment. Taeyong confessed, Honestly, when we debuted I think everyone imagined a picture of us all together 10 years later. For our team there has been a lot of volatility in members, and during those times it was really painful and there were parts that were hard to adapt to. Still, our seven members wanted to stay to repay the memories and trust we've built with our fans over the past 10 years, and because our members gathered together after a long time, we found we trust and rely on each other a bit more.
He added, This seventh album was made to show a better side of 127. Regarding Mark, as another member who walked this path with us for 10 years, I personally respect him a lot. I think about how hard he worked for 10 years, and even while doing two teams, when I watched from the side I felt I really wanted to cheer for him. Since each of us has different paths, I'll just say we respect and cheer for his path.
When asked whether the absence of members affected the work process, Haechan said, The absence of the two members (Doyoung, Jungwoo) who are serving and the one member (Mark) who decided not to participate was inevitably felt, and there were parts those members did well, but the five members now also have all the capabilities to do it well, so we entered the work confidently and I feel proud that the results came out that way. Speaking of the advantages of being a five-member unit, Jaehyun joked, Preparation time is quick. We've performed with more than 20 people before, so compared to that, five people can prepare in a short time, which made everyone laugh.
When Jaehyun was asked about goals and achievements for this comeback after two years, he said, Of course it would be good to have better rankings and results, but above all, because this album marks our 10th anniversary, we prioritized what our fans, who call themselves 'sydnie' [NOTE: original term '시즈니' transliterated], think our color and image are. As we considered which song could show our identity when selecting the title track, we put the most thought into what NCT127 releasing an album on the 10th anniversary should be, so I hope long-time fans and recent fans alike like it more than expected and enjoy it.
Johnny said of the epithet he would like to hear, One of the epithets we earned after much thought is 'god of performance.' We want to keep that and continue to avoid the uncool stages that Doyoung mentioned. That's why we are thinking a lot while preparing for the concert.
NCT127, returning with 'Blingy,' will meet fans at the concert "NCT 127 5TH TOUR 'NEO CITY : SEOUL - THE REDLINE'" at KSPO DOME for three days from the 18th to the 20th. Johnny said, When I first heard 'Piñata' I imagined it would be so cool if everyone sang it together. It's easy to sing along to, so even first-time listeners follow along well. I thought it would definitely explode at the concert. Fans have surprised us by singing along in places we never expected, so we are preparing the concert looking forward to which parts they will sing along to.
Haechan added, I consider this album and concert a limited edition. The album and stage you can see with five members are only available now, so please come and see them.
Regarding what they want to challenge next, the members said, We want to show the music we've done so far to more NCT fans worldwide, and when the two members (Doyoung, Jungwoo) return we want to try bigger performances or songs with a refreshing vibe. Above all, our goal is to continuously show our own color and not be limited to any one thing, and we think that's what we should do on stage. We're always ready to surprise you.
Meanwhile, NCT127's seventh studio album 'BLINGY' will be released today (the 24th) at 6 p.m. on various music sites.
[photo] OSEN reporter Jo Eun-jung
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