NCT Wish “The group that stays at SM practice room the latest” … Growth praised by BoA(Comprehensive)[DA : Interview]
NCT WISH, a group that has grown rapidly NCT just over a year since their debut, looked back on the past and dreamed of an even more powerful leap forward.
NCT Wish, which closed the door on the infinitely expanding NCT system, debuted as the final unit group on February 21st of last year.Consisting of two Koreans(Xion and Jaehee)and four Japanese(Riku, Yuushi, Ryo, Sakuya), NCT Wish is centered in Japan as can be seen from their member combination, but they have been busy promoting both countries.Last year alone, they released three single albums(excluding the pre-debut single), their first mini-album ‘Steady’, and their first full-length album ‘WISHFUL’.The busy, busy Wish society! In addition to album promotions, they have also been embarking on their first Asia tour ‘2024-25 NCT WISH ASIA TOUR LOG in’ since November of last year.It would not be an exaggeration to say that they are ‘busy without time to breathe’.
The new album ‘poppop’ contains a total of 6 tracks, including the title song of the same name ‘poppop’, ‘Melt Inside My Pocket’, ‘Design’, ‘1000’, ‘Silly Dance’, and ‘If You Come at 4 o’clock(Still 3PM)’.
The title song’ poppop ‘is a dance pop song that combines a bouncy melody with NCT WISH’s refreshing emotions.The song is a harmony of a heavy bass line that appears with bells and lead synths, and dynamic percussion sounds.It emotionally depicts the excitement of the moment you fall in love, when the world comes to life as if it were a scene from an animation, and even the streets you pass by every day and familiar scenery feel new.
“When you fall in love, everything looks pretty and beautiful.It contains a cute and pretty love story.There are many exciting songs, so I hope you listen to it a lot on the road(Jaehee).”
“It’s rhythmic and has a refreshing sensibility unique to Wish.The fairytale-like lyrics are the fun part.When I listened to this album, I thought, ‘This is our song.’ I don’t know exactly what it is, but it feels like we have our own color(Zion).”
This is their first comeback this year, and it is even more meaningful because it is the first activity that member Riku is doing after returning.Riku stopped activities in October of last year due to poor health, but returned to the group in February of this year and has been participating in the Asia tour since then.
“It was my first time on stage for a long time, so I was nervous at first, but I was happy to meet Season 3 and it was so much fun to perform on stage again as a group of six(Riku).”
“While monitoring, I looked at the pictures of the six people again and felt a sense of stability and thought, ‘It must be six people to make it’ (Ryo).”
“I think our voices harmonize well, but because there are six of us, I feel like the song is more complete.(Jaehee)”
In addition to album promotions, they have also grown significantly in terms of their skills through various stage experiences.When asked about the points where they felt they have grown, the members confidently answered, “Compared to when we debuted, we have become more relaxed.At first, we only looked at the camera, but now we can communicate with fans while performing on stage(Riku)”, “While touring, we have become able to perform stably regardless of our condition(Ryo)”, “We worked hard on live performances throughout this tour, and I think we have improved a lot(Sakuya)”, “We didn’t know how to elicit a response from the audience, so we watched a lot of videos of our seniors.We were disappointed at first, but the response was good in Macau(Sion)”.
In particular, NCT Wish created an unforgettable experience at SM Entertainment’s 30th anniversary concert ‘SMTOWN LIVE 2025’ held at Gocheok Sky Dome from January 11th to 12th.They stood on the stage of ‘Full Of Happiness’ with seniors H Kangta and Tony An T who debuted before they were even born.Zion performed ‘Only One’ with BoA, and Jaehee O ‘North Star’ with Kangta and others.Sakuya and Ryo performed ‘Show Me Your Love’ with TVXQ, Super Junior, EXO, and their NCT brothers.They also reinterpreted Super Junior’s hit song ‘Miracle’ with NCT Wish’s own sensibility.
“During the rehearsal for ‘Only One, ‘ it was an unfamiliar situation and there were a lot of dancers I didn’t know, so I felt awkward even during the on-site rehearsal.Fortunately, when we were performing, the cheers came through the in-ears and it felt good.Thanks to that, I got strength and had fun(Zion).”
“I remember being really nervous when I collaborated with Director Kangta on ‘North Star.’ Because I was singing with the director.I kept looking back and forth between east, west, south, and north, but I tried to focus on the song.I sang without even knowing what state I was in, but when I monitored it, it was funny.I sang the next day with more care(Jaehee).”
“While performing ‘Show Me Your Love’, I looked to the side and saw senior Yunho.I couldn’t believe it and was really nervous.I was thankful that my senior patted me on the back and took care of me.Thanks to him, I was able to do it comfortably(Sakuya).”
NCT Wish says that the more they stand on stage, the more they want to stand on stage.They expressed their confidence, saying that they are now more familiar with being on stage and can enjoy it even more.They say that they make time to practice and class even in their busy schedules.Zion expressed his passion, saying, “There are many times when we are in the practice room until dawn.We are the group that stays in SM practice rooms the latest, and I hope that will continue in the future.”
Hard work never betrays.She also received special praise from her senior BoA, who became her general producer.
“When Director BoA watched our ‘poppop’ performance video, he said for the first time, ‘You guys are really good.You’re cool.I’m touched.’ I was surprised and proud.He had complimented us before, but it was strange that he said, ‘I’m touched.’Since our Japan tour, Director BoA had advised us,’ You should encourage more response and sing louder during your live performances so that you can feel a connection with your fans.’He told me,’ Your live performances after that were more alive than before, so it was nice to see.’ I was grateful.(Zion)”
After wrapping up their ‘poppop’ promotions, they will continue their Asian tour.Following their previous performances in Japan, Seoul, Macau, and Manila, they will meet local fans in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Jakarta, and Bangkok.
“I’m excited to communicate with Czennies while performing on stage.I’m also really looking forward to going to a country I’ve never been to.I’ll work even harder so that Czennies can watch our stage and think, ‘Wow, this is definitely NCT Wish.’ As much love as we’ve received, we’ll become NCT Wish that can give that kind of love in the future.(Riku).”
Reporter Jeong com -yeon, Donga.com shine2562@donga
Photo courtesy of SM Entertainment
This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.
