Plus Magazine

| Written by Yeom dongkyo (Editor for the music webzine IZM)

SM Entertainment's multi-member, multinational boy group NCT is not just a brand but a universe that continues to achieve remarkable success in the K-pop market. From the first sub-unit, NCT U, known for its versatility and flexibility, to NCT 127, focused on activities in Korea, and NCT WISH, born from a survival competition show, NCT has spawned various sub-units under its vast umbrella, each unit showcasing its unique identity. During the group concert "NCT NATION: To The World" held at Incheon Munhak Stadium last August, the scattered worldviews were brought together, culminating in a powerful performance that showcased the brand power and talent of NCT.

Jaehyun, the Soulful R&B Singer

Jaehyun, a talented member of NCT 127 and NCT DOJAEJUNG, released two singles, "Roses" and "Dandelion," on August 12th. These two new songs, which highlight Jaehyun's elegance as a solo artist, share a common theme of flowers—roses and dandelions—but each has distinct charm points. Jaehyun contributed as a lyricist and composer, asserting his identity as a singer-songwriter.

The love song "Roses," centered around the theme of roses, is closely tied to Jaehyun's personal musical tastes. The R&B texture that he has shared through various playlists, featuring influences like Musiq Soulchild and Daniel Caesar, is evident throughout the song. The sweetness of Musiq Soulchild's neo-soul and the precision of Justin Timberlake's vocals stand out, with a clean and polished arrangement. "Dandelion," with its charming lyric "You’re my little dandelion," is a unique hybrid number. The song blends hip-hop beats with jazz rhythms, allowing Jaehyun to showcase his refined vocal skills, seamlessly transitioning between falsetto and full voice.

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Jaehyun's "Roses" and "Dandelion" have heightened anticipation for his first solo album, [J], scheduled for release on August 26th. Given NCT's distinct member characteristics, the phrase "You can always trust NCT members' solo work" holds strong, making it enjoyable to collect each member's solo projects, from Taeyong to Jaehyun.
 

Taeyong, NCT’s All-Rounder

Taeyong, a versatile and multi-talented musician from NCT 127, has long attracted attention for his solo activities. After warming up with his debut EP [SHALALA], which included the title track "SHALALA" full of quirky rhythms, Taeyong showcased his more mature musicality in [TAP], released eight months later, where he participated in the writing and composition of all the tracks.

"TAP," with its powerful introduction and hook, as well as its captivating vocal lines, marks a career highlight. The song, featuring the classic beat-making of the Roland TR-808 drum machine and modern sound textures, impresses with its witty rap rhyming and the percussive emphasis, true to its title "TAP." Standout tracks include the dreamy "Moon Tour" and "Run Away," with its clear musical shifts.

Mark & Doyoung’s Reflections of Their Musical Identities

Mark, a skilled rapper and dancer, made a mark with his 2022 track "Child," which stands as a milestone in NCT’s solo repertoire. In this sophisticated and chill track, created with the help of producers dress and ron, who also worked on Kid Milli's 2021 project [Cliché], Mark freely alternates between rapping and singing. The song's unique use of synth bass and its sleek atmosphere showcase a different side of Mark. The vibrant electronica track "200" and the rock-inspired "Golden Hour" further highlight his diverse palette.

Doyoung’s "Little Light," a song he immediately chose as the title track, has a clear appeal, reflecting his confidence in the song. The orchestral intro leads into an oriental, beautiful vocal melody, which, combined with a dynamic structure, creates a captivating pop-rock track. The song perfectly showcases Doyoung’s expertise as NCT’s main vocalist, with delicate tone changes, control over dynamics, and smooth transitions.

Doyoung’s first album [YOUTH], which includes "Little Light," exudes the vibrancy and excitement of youth. The album features strong tracks like "Beginning," a hopeful song, and "Time Machine (Feat. Taeyeon & Mark)," supported by K-pop legend Taeyeon and fellow NCT member Mark.

The solo works of Jaehyun, Taeyong, Mark, and Doyoung are highly valuable due to their clear and distinct styles. Jaehyun’s R&B flair, Taeyong’s cutting-edge sound, Mark’s sophisticated and chill vibe, and Doyoung’s youthful energy each offer a unique direction and individuality. While strong collaborators and company planning were involved, these results were primarily made possible by the members' exceptional singing, songwriting, and arranging skills.

As the flagship boy group of SM Entertainment, following in the footsteps of TVXQ!, SUPER JUNIOR, and EXO, NCT continues to breathe life into the K-pop scene with their functional team dynamics and diverse member activities. The members' solo careers, as striking as their unit work, contribute to the group's overall growth by showcasing individualism and unique talents that couldn’t be fully expressed within the group. Jaehyun’s "Roses" and "Dandelion" not only embody the realization of well-made K-pop but also build anticipation for the future solo projects of other NCT members.
 

※ Manuscripts from outside writers may not reflect the editorial direction of this magazine.