K-pop band NCT 127 on their new album Neo Zone: The Final Round, Bruce Lee’s influence on them, and how much NCTzens mean to them – interview
In a virtual Q&A, we talk exclusively with Taeyong, Jaehyun, Taeil, Johnny and the rest of the boys about the three new songs on their repackaged album – Punch, Make Your Day and Nonstop – as well as about their live-stream concert and future plans
As they wrap up their first week of promotions, we sit down with the boys via a virtual interview to pick their brains on the new album, their successful live-stream virtual concert, communicating with fans and their future plans.
Fans were pleasantly surprised with the Bruce Lee concept in Kick It and it seems that Punch continues the player and fighter concept. Given the similarity of themes, how do the members express the new song and dance differently to present something new and exciting for the fans? What message does Punch contain?
Mark: The purpose of expressing the similar concept in both songs was to show that they were not separate pieces, but connected. The storyline starts from Kick It and then continues through to Punch which was what we wanted to do with the repackage.
Doyoung: Punch and Kick It are connected in the story they both represent. The message is to “overcome any trauma one may have.”
What is the point move of the choreography for Punch and how was the process of preparing for the performance?
Jaehyun: The point move of the Punch choreography is during the chorus, as we sing “Hey we ballin”. As we prepared for this comeback, practising the choreography wasn’t necessarily difficult, but I had a lot of fun because the melody just keeps repeating and there were a lot of basic hip-hop moves that the choreography was based on – so that was fun.
You guys have changed up your style once again – how do you feel about the new look?
Johnny: For this concept I dyed my hair wine red. I really thought it would look good with the concept this time. Especially while filming the music video the red really looked good with both the brighter and darker backgrounds. Even while filming I couldn’t wait to see our fans’ reactions.
Taeil: I went neon red this time – I felt that it was a great fiery colour that matched the powerful atmosphere and feeling of Punch.
Doyoung: Instead of changing up my hair colour, I used a variety of hair accessories to change things up and I really hope the fans enjoy it.