As we’re on the heels of NCT 127’s first comeback in over *two* years, I wanted to make an appreciation post for their ten year anniversary as a group. There have been *many* ups and downs throughout their decade long career but one thing is unmistakable and that’s the impact they’ve had on the industry.
While the upcoming comeback sadly won’t be OT7 as Doyoung and Jungwoo are currently enlisted, 127 has more than proven that they can put on an amazing show in any iteration of the group. From 2023 until now they have promoted in lineups of eight, seven, six, five, and even two (Haechan and Taeyong put on an amazing performance of an NCT U song called “PADO” at the Seoul Jazz Festival back in May which is a song consisting of a seven member lineup) and leave audiences screaming every time. Even at the SMTOWN shows this year hundreds of neobongs could be seen at every stop and even fans of other groups went online to say 127 always got the loudest cheers.
In my personal opinion I think 127 is one of the most balanced and versatile groups SM has ever debuted and I think their discography and performances prove exactly that. There’s never been one song or concept they haven’t killed and made completely their own. Their music may not necessarily be for everyone, but they always give 110% percent in the execution of it- which contributes greatly to the success of their sound and brand. The members all have such a strong identity within and outside of the group which is a huge part of what makes them so unique. Each member who has released music as a solo artists occupy their own lane and have their own demographic. I know so many nctzens who have gone the solo fan to group fan pipeline
Now as an nctzen I could sit here and glaze 127 all day, but what I really wanted to highlight was an amazing compilation of interviews one of the biggest 127 fan accounts, 127CENTRAL, put together for their 10th anniversary. You can find all the interviews conducted here https://nct-127.com/. Inside, 127CENTRAL provides interviews with some of 127’s and SM’s frequent musical collaborators such as Adrian McKinnon, No Past No Future, CALIXTE, Mike Daley, Prince Chapelle, and of *course* uncle of Neo City himself Dem Jointz.
I applaud 127CENTRAL for taking the effort to compile such an impressive and extensive look behind the scenes of 127 and how much effort, talent, and heart goes into crafting their sound. Many of these artists are highly acclaimed and even Grammy nominated producers, and as a music head myself it’s exactly the type of content I love to consume. It’s even more exciting knowing that NCT 127 has such dedicated fans that can even pull off a project like this.
I just want to list a few of some of my favorite pieces of information the interviews provided:
⁃ Lee Soo Man contracted Dem Jointz before 127 had even debuted to work with the group and craft their sound. As 127 is the group Dem Jointz has worked with the most within kpop it’s very eye opening to know he was there from the very beginning. He himself said that Cherry Bomb was created pre debut and that SM strategically releases songs to build up to a (paraphrasing here) “defining moment.” We know this from many other SM artists who have spoken about releasing songs years after they were originally created. Knowing SM had Cherry Bomb in the vault for years before it was released really adds so much depth to the work that went into creating 127s sound and identity. It was all very intentional.
⁃ SM contracted and flew out Dem Jointz (among others) to Korea and held a writing camp specifically for NCT 127 where he worked on dozens of songs for them. This is where tracks like Kick It and Punch were born. He also said Don’t Call Me was another one he worked on for 127 that made its way around SM and eventually ended up with Shinee. DCM is one of my favorite Shinee TTs and while I think it’s a perfect fit for Shinee, it’s still fun to imagine a world where 127 released it. It makes me wonder what other productions of his were initially created with 127 in mind. We know from the producers of EXO’s Artificial Love that it was another song planned for 127.
⁃ Adrian McKinnon spoke about creating Superhuman and how he was surprised SM wanted it for 127 who at the time were releasing darker, heavier songs. It’s almost become fact in how many kpop fans think Superhuman was a Shinee song that was given to 127 when it was one of the songs 127s A&R always loved and wanted for them.
⁃ No Past No Future revealed that 127’s Parade and Aespa’s Supernova came from the same song camp they were at with Dem Jointz. Listening to them side by side I can actually imagine them existing in the same project they’re very complimentary. Aespa has always carried a lot of 127s musical DNA to me and I often find myself wondering how 127 would sound on some of their more experimental songs.
⁃ J. Que Smith talked about the process for 127s 2024 b side “Pricey” and how he had it for years. He even said another company came in wanting the song for their group, but he kept it for 127. He spoke a lot about their identity and It warms my heart to hear just how loved 127 and their musicality is by the industry even if they don’t always get the flowers they deserve. He also spoke about surprised he was that fans often come to SM to see them specifically. He loves to see the relationship fans have not only with 127 as idols but with their music and the creators alongside them.
There’s a lot of other really cool information and trivia provided in the interview that not only sheds a light on NCT 127 and their process, but with other SM groups and the industry in general. J. Que spoke about his work with EXO at times and I just think it’s so cool to get a genuine behind the scenes look at the machine that isn’t media played and sanitized by a huge company. It feels real and organic.
I hope this post convinces some people who maybe have been apprehensive about NCT to check them out! There’s so much good music that and I think the reputation NCT has been given by a large majority of kpop fans speaks louder sometimes. There truly is something for everyone all the units are incredible.
i’m so happy that 127 is gearing up for what seems to be a really incredible comeback and that all the members are so dedicated to each other and hold so much love for the group ♡
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