K-pop’s NCT Dream on new EP Reload, live-stream Beyond the Dream Show, growing up and why Puzzle Piece is their favourite song – interview
STYLE talks exclusively to the South Korean boy band about hit new single Ridin’ and EP Reload, cancelled The Dream Show tour dates due to coronavirus, why Jeno and Jaemin write the lyrics and how 18-year-old Jisung feels about being the youngest in the group
“Reload” and Ridin’ reveal a huge amount of growth and maturity compared with the band’s their previous albums and concepts. We sat down with the boys via a virtual interview to pick their brains on their growth and development.
Comparing Ridin’ with your first ever title track, Chewing Gum, fans can definitely see a vast change. What do you feel has changed the most? Where do you feel the most like you have grown as an artist and a person?
Haechan: I personally think that we’ve grown a lot as artists and the range that we can show in that aspect. When we started out with Chewing Gum, we were able to show off that young, fresh energy and then in Ridin’ you see a very powerful side to our music and personas, so in that sense we’ve grown and matured a lot. Every one of the members have worked hard to produce these results and showcase that change and growth, so I’m really proud of us.
I want to say thank you to all our fans – I really miss you and hope that we can see you all very, very soon!
Members Jeno and Jaemin have took part in lyrics writing this time around. How do the two feel about their contribution to the album? How do they continue to improve in lyrical composition? Do the other members have plans on joining Jeno and Jaemin in composition one day?
Jeno: I’m always grateful that I get to participate in writing the lyrics for our songs. And I love that I get the opportunity to express my thoughts and feelings, and hope to continue to do more in the future.
Jaemin: It’s a really precious opportunity for Jeno and I to be able to take part in the songs that our beloved fans listen to. I’m so grateful! And of course I’d love to seek out more opportunities to write lyrics and also produce and write songs.