NCT 127 Says, “Coffee Trucks and Snack Trucks From DOYOUNG and JUNGWOO During Military Service Made Us Feel They Were With Us” [HT Scene]

[Hanteo News = Reporter KANG SUYOUNG] NCT 127 expressed gratitude for the support from members DOYOUNG and JUNGWOO, who are currently serving in the military.

NCT 127 held a press conference for the release of its 7th full-length album ‘BLINGY’ at SKY31 Convention on the 24th. On this day, TAEYONG said, “Although the two members currently serving in the military were not able to participate in this album together, I could feel that they were with us in spirit.”

TAEYONG said, “Every time we had a shoot, DOYOUNG and JUNGWOO sent us coffee trucks and snack trucks, and they even bought bread and came to practice. When we were preparing, they also came by, got haircuts, and left,” adding, “Because of that, we gained a lot of strength.” Regarding how they communicated with the members serving in the military, he said, “Since we shared practice videos in the group chat, JUNGWOO and DOYOUNG had no choice but to see them,” adding, “Just as the two members participated in ‘127 Million Miles,’ we thought a lot about how precious they are and how refreshing their voices are, so I hope many people listen to this song as well.”

JAEHYUN then introduced ‘127 Million Miles,’ saying, “It is the only refreshing song on this album,” adding, “Since our team name is 127, we have had many songs connected to 127, and this song has lyrics that make an acrostic poem with our team name, as well as many cute points.” He added, “It carries the meaning that even if NCTzen, the fandom nickname, and we are apart, we are always together anytime and anywhere. It is a song DOYOUNG hyung and JUNGWOO recorded with us before they enlisted.”

They also revealed the meaning behind the promotion slogan ‘CALL127.’ HAECHAN said, “As we are returning with a new album after two years, the concept is that the members, who had been spending time in their own places, receive NCTzen’s CALL127 signal and gather again in Seoul,” adding, “It carries the meaning that we will become Seoul’s problem solvers and run to wherever and whenever NCTzen call us.”

Regarding the pre-release track ‘Piñata,’ YUTA said, “It is a really powerful song,” adding, “I thought it might be the best song not only as a digital track, but also when singing it together with fans at concert venues.” Regarding the reactions to its pre-release performances at KCON and America’s Got Talent, TAEYONG said, “It was before the song was even released, but there were already people who had memorized all the lyrics and were singing along,” adding, “The judges also all stood up, applauded, and gave us thumbs up, so I was really happy.” Sharing a behind-the-scenes story from recording, HAECHAN added, “The part in the chorus where we all chant together is in a high range and has to be sung powerfully, so the members recorded so hard that all of our throats were hoarse after finishing,” adding, “I feel proud because I think the energy we wanted to express in the song was conveyed well in the track.”

The members’ favorite B-side tracks differed by taste. HAECHAN said, “I really like ‘Legacy,’” while JAEHYUN chose “‘Day After Day’ as a song that is good to listen to at the end of the day.” YUTA said, “I like ‘Piñata’ the most too, but I really like the title track ‘BLINGY,’” and JOHNNY introduced, “For this promotion, I decided on ‘Getaway,’” adding, “It is good to listen to when you want to briefly run away or be alone.”

Asked about the strength of the five-member system, JAEHYUN answered, “The preparation time is faster,” adding, “Compared to when we performed with more than 20 people, with five members, preparations such as hair, makeup, and other work are very fast.” Regarding the intensity of the five-member performance, JOHNNY drew laughter by saying, “TAEYONG once danced ‘BLINGY’ in front of us for fun, and when he started, he was fresh and dry, but by the time he finished, he was soaked,” adding, “It is not easy physically.” TAEYONG added, “My stamina has definitely improved compared to before the military, so I wanted to show off a little,” adding, “Because this dance is that fun, it has to be danced with that much effort for it to really hit.”

They also shared their anticipation for the upcoming concert. JOHNNY said, “‘Piñata’ is easy to sing along to, and after performing it at KCON and America’s Got Talent, I thought it would definitely explode at this concert,” adding, “NCTzens always sing along at unexpected parts, so I think I will go into the concert looking forward to which parts they will follow along with on this album.” HAECHAN said, “I want to describe this album and THE REDLINE concert as limited editions,” adding, “Because this is the only time you can see an album and stage with these five members during the period when the five of us are here, I really hope you come and see it.”

NCT 127, which debuted in July 2016, is a group that has led the K-POP scene with its unique musical world and powerful performances. The group won Bonsang awards at the Hanteo Music Awards in 2022 and 2023, and proved its strength by achieving million-seller status several times, surpassing 1.54 million copies in initial chodong sales with its 4th full-length album ‘2 Baddies’ in 2022 and recording 1.64 million copies with its 5th full-length album ‘Fact Check’ in 2023.

The 7th full-length album ‘BLINGY’ is an album that looks back on the journey the group has shared as it marks its 10th debut anniversary, while also capturing its pride in the team and determination to carve out its own path based on solidarity. It contains a total of nine songs, including the title track ‘BLINGY,’ as well as ‘Legacy,’ ‘Piñata,’ ‘Step Up,’ ‘IKR,’ ‘Getaway,’ ‘Day After Day,’ ‘127 Million Miles,’ and ‘I mean, It’s about time.’

NCT 127’s 7th full-length album ‘BLINGY’ will be released at 6 PM on this day. Attention is focused on what records NCT 127, opening a new chapter of its 10th debut anniversary, will write with this album.

grace@hanteo.com

grace@hanteo.com