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.

NCT Dream open up about growing up – exclusive interview

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.

Yuta: I always think hair and wardrobe styling is very important when it comes to showcasing a great stage or performance. And as we did this time as well, I always want to showcase a variety of different looks and continue showcasing new things for our fans.

Let’s talk about the new B-side. Make Your Day is a very romantic song that reminds us of your previous ballad hit, No Longer. What do you think of when you sing Make Your Day?

Taeil: It’s a similar ballad like No Longer and I think it’s one of those songs that really shows off our individuality. The lyrics are about wanting to wish someone a happy birthday – and it’s the same feeling and message we want to convey to our own fans.

This may be a question you guys get frequently, but what song off the album, including the new ones, is your favourite?

Taeil: I think our second full-length repackage album is one that shows off the growth of each individual member, so I like all the songs off of it. But if I had to choose one, it’d be Make Your Day because you can really hear the details in the vocals of each member.

Taeyong: I’d have to say Punch. When we were talking about and working through the song with Kenzie, I talked a lot about how much I enjoyed the song. Punch is one of those songs where you really hear Kenzie’s unique sound and style, so I really enjoy it.

Johnny: My favourite off the new album would have to be our title song Punch. The new style of sound we worked with really catches the listener’s attention. Also the performance is really fun.

Doyoung: From both the full-length and repackage … my favourite is Pandora’s Box. I really can’t wait to sing this song in front of our fans soon.

Jaehyun: My favourite is Love Song. I really like R&B genre songs like this and I also like the dreamlike melody of this one.

Jungwoo: I love all the songs, but if I had to choose, personally it’d be Nonstop. The chorus is really impressive I think and it’s one of those positive, high energy songs that gives you a spurt of energy when you want it. I also think that it’s a song that captures each individual charm of all the members.

Haechan: I personally like Make Your Day. It was a bit hard to sing when we were recording it, but I love how it turned out.

Yuta: I like Interlude. Of course, songs with lyrics are great but I think songs like this without any lyrics, where you have to focus just on the music itself is great too.

Mark: Nonstop is a great song in my opinion. The lyrics are very passionate and the way it matches the melody makes the entire song seem more dramatic and exciting to listen to.

NCT 127 grows as a group through each comeback. What are your hopes or goals for this round of promotions and the new album?

Taeyong: We always want to give our fans strength and energy and be a positive motivation for them as well. These thoughts and wishes always make us want to work harder and improve and helps us move forward all the time.

You guys just wrapped up your Beyond the Origin live-stream concert. It certainly must’ve been a new experience. What are your thoughts on it and were there any challenges during the preparations?

Jungwoo: I was happy to be able to connect with our fans in a new way and because it was the first time ever taking part in an online-exclusive concert, it was really interesting and fun to do. Seeing all the fans tune in from everywhere around the world really hyped us up and motivated us. It was a very new and exciting experience!

Haechan: Because we couldn’t perform right in front of our fans, we had to make sure to be more mindful of the camera when performing as this was how we were connecting to everyone from behind their screens, so I found that part to be a bit difficult at times.

BTS blazed a trail for K-pop fans of SuperM, NCT 127 and NCT Dream

Fans were treated to Johnny’s DJ-ing this time round. Fans also enjoyed QTAH, produced by Johnny, in collaboration with Mark. Can we expect to see more of your beats-making talents in the future?

Johnny: DJ-ing has been a hobby of mine for a bit now and knowing the fans enjoy watching me really gives me confidence. While DJ-ing I got interested in producing as well, which was the beginning of producing QTAH. I’m still in the beginning stages, so I hope our fans are ready for some more.

Talking about communicating with fans online – through the sub-channel NCT Music on YouTube, the members always try to gift fans with song covers. What is a song each member would like to sing for fans in the future?

Taeil: I’d love to rearrange any of our songs in my own style and way and perform it for our fans.

Taeyong: I’ve been working on a lot of songs these days and hope to one day have the opportunity to present them to our fans.

Johnny: I would really love to make a song for our fans one day. I can’t say when, or if it will actually happen, but that would be the type of song I would want to put on our channel.

Doyoung: I’d love to put together a medley of songs that we could sing, even if it’s not necessarily attached to a performance. I’d love to rearrange or work on any of our current and past NCT 127 songs and present them in a different way for our fans.

Jaehyun: I’d want to do a cover of Easily by Bruno Major. It’s a very calm, quiet and relaxing song that always gives a sense of healing when you listen to it. I’d want to do my cover of it and have our fans enjoy!

Jungwoo: I want to showcase a good song to listen to right before you sleep. So that you can fall asleep easily and comfortably while you listen to it.

Haechan: I have so many songs I’d want to sing for our fans … But I’d want to sing whatever our fans want to hear from us most.

Yuta: I want to try out rock music. I want our fans to listen to the songs of a genre that I personally like.

Mark: I often play the guitar as a personal hobby at home. Fans have already seen a lot of moments where I’m with my guitar. Maybe one day I can prepare an acoustic version of one of our songs.

When K-pop fans become ‘sasaeng’ fans – and start stalking their idols

Fans are also very curious about a follow-up to Long Flight. With Taeyong perpetually in the studio working on new music, are there any plans for a mixtape or a follow-up solo?

Taeyong: I’ve always been thinking of our fans – what kind of performances I can show them, what kind of songs would give them strength or encouragement … That’s what motivates me in making music. Of course I’ve been preparing a lot of songs, but more than any solos, right now I want to perform and showcase myself as a part of NCT 127.

Lastly, do the members have any words of encouragement for fans or any message they wish to convey?

Jungwoo: NCTzens – your huge support always gives us strength. Thank you so much. We’ll be working hard on our Punch promotions this time around too, so hope you show us some love. I always hope you guys are healthy and happy. Thank you.

Jaehyun: Thank you for always supporting us and I’ll always keep that in mind, and work harder to pay you all back for the love you’ve shown us.

Taeil: We’ll continue to work hard so that we grow and improve above the music and performances we show now. Thank you for always supporting and loving us. We know we’re only here because of our NCTzens, so we’re always grateful. Love you guys, thank you very much.

Yuta: I wish we could hurry up and visit Hong Kong to see our fans there! We’ll be there soon when the opportunity arises – so just sit tight a bit longer. Thank you always.

Everything we know about Blackpink’s first full-length album

Johnny: Lately I have been very grateful for doing music. Through our music and performances we can share emotions with our fans, and put even the smallest smiles on their faces. Just the thought of that motivates me to work harder. NCTzens! Thank you always, stay healthy, and stay safe.

Doyoung: Thank you for supporting us whenever and wherever you are. We’ll work harder to also give you guys strength and support with our music and performances. Thank you always!

Haechan: Thank you for always supporting us. I’m really glad we could do this interview to connect with our NCTzens over there and hope there will be even more opportunities to do so. So please keep looking forward to us – thank you.

Taeyong: I remember when we visited Hong Kong and made so many great memories with our fans there. I want to go back really soon … I hope everyone stays healthy and happy until then. Always miss you and love you all.

Mark: Through Punch, we hope our listeners can receive our message which is to always strive for your goal no matter how hard it may get. It's a topic we ourselves are always stuck on, but overcoming something is always easier when it is done together with the people around you!

Want more stories like this? Sign up here. Follow STYLE on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter .