The group NCT Wish has returned with 'Poppop', which has upgraded their refreshing & Neo energy. They are determined to solidify their own color through this activity.
NCT Wish (Shion, Yuuji, Riku, Sakuya, Ryo, Jaehwi) made their comeback on the 14th with their second mini-album 'Poppop'. This is their first new release since their first mini-album 'Steady' released in September last year, about 7 months ago, and it is the first album they have presented after their debut anniversary.
The members expressed their excitement, saying, "We have been quite active in 2024, and based on what we learned then, we feel we can do even better this time. We hope that not only the title track but all the songs will be liked by many people."
When asked what they learned during the past year of activities, Riku replied, "In the early days of our debut, I could only see outside the camera, but now I can communicate with fans." Ryo added, "When learning choreography, Shion usually helps with the details, and I think I've grown in being able to learn and catch on faster than before," smiling brightly.
NCT Wish's pre-order volume for this album has surpassed 1.21 million copies (as of April 13), far exceeding the 800,000 copies of their previous album 'Steady', setting a new record for themselves. This is a glimpse into NCT Wish's explosive growth.
Shion stated, "I know that the number of our fans, 'Cizeni', is continuously increasing," and added, "With the love we have received, I feel a sense of responsibility to do better. We will strive to be a group that can return the love we received from Cizeni."
The new album tells the story of the colorful emotions of first love, where everything feels new and clumsy in the face of feelings of love. NCT Wish has added a touch of growth and expressiveness to their refreshing & Neo colors, clearly showcasing their unique identity.
Given that the members are still young, was it not awkward to express the feeling of love?
In response to this question, Shion said, "We recorded the song and filmed the music video while thinking of Cizeni," and Jaehwi added, "I felt love in the way fans look at us during performances. There were many touching moments like slogan events, so we tried to capture those feelings in the new album."
The title track, also named 'Poppop', is a dance pop song that combines a bouncy melody with NCT Wish's refreshing sensibility. The moment of falling in love is depicted vibrantly, as if the world bursts forth like a scene from an animation, making even familiar streets and landscapes feel new and exciting.
Riku recalled the first time he heard 'Poppop', saying, "After listening to it, I felt my heart racing. The lyrics are exciting and about love, which made it even better." Sakuya confidently stated, "The 'Poppop' in the hook will be a memorable killing part."
Since their debut, NCT Wish has showcased a refreshing image. So, what do the members think is the refreshing aspect of NCT Wish?
Shion said, "I think our effort to perform happily on stage looks cute to fans," while Jaehwi added, "I think the energy that only we can produce is what we feel as refreshing."
NCT Wish is a group that serves as a period at the end of the NCT system, which is based on the concept of 'infinite expansion', and they represent a milestone for SM Entertainment's boy groups as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.
When asked what kind of image they want to show in the future, Shion emphasized, "I think the older NCT members have a cool and hip performance aspect. We also want to show that we can perform well in that way. I hope our own refreshing & Neo feeling becomes more distinct in the future."
Finally, Sakuya expressed, "I hope we can work harder than last time and show a great image. I want to achieve first place on music shows with 'Poppop'."
[Lee Da-gyeom, Star Today Reporter]
