Wanna Know Everything about NCT 127? We’ve Got You Covered
The widely popular boy band known as NCT is one of the most ambitious groups in K-pop, with seven years of music and a substantial roster of more than 20 (!) members in rotation (including former talent). The project group, whose name was conceptualized as an abbreviation for “Neo Culture Technology,” was initially unveiled by SM Entertainment in 2016 to incorporate diverse perspectives and the potential for countless sub-unit concoctions. Now, as of 2023, the robust ensemble has already been divided into a series of smaller, more genre-focused units including, NCT Dream, WayV, NCT DoJaeJung, and the impactful fan-favorite iteration, NCT 127.
What’s NCT 127?
NCT 127 is the second faction to be formed outside of the flagship group, receiving a fast-track debut back in 2016. The group, whose name specifically corresponds with the longitude of Seoul, South Korea, has said that while other NCT units were created to promote their work overseas or cater to a certain demographic, NCT 127 would aim to begin in Seoul and spread its substantial K-pop reach worldwide.
The Group’s Sound and Essential Tracks
NCT 127 gained immediate success with its hip-hop, pop, and even R&B undercurrents, first catapulting to global stardom through the 2017 single "Cherry Bomb," which was wildly popular. After the massive success of that song, NCT 127 kept it going with the charismatic 2020 track "Kick It," their flute-heavy hip-hop single “Sticker”, and the sleek 2022 banger "2 Baddies."
The Members
Taeil
Birthday: June 14, 1994
NCT 127 Position: Main Vocalist
Essential Info: The reliable night owl of NCT 127 was originally accepted to the Applied Music program of Hanyang University, before dropping out and joining SM to pursue a career as an idol. Because of his status as a main vocalist of NCT 127, Taeil is typically allowed to showcase his jaw-dropping vocal capacity regardless of the genre the band is working within. But he’s still known to bring in iconic dance moves, like the infamous butterfly. But we’ll just let the video speak for itself!
Highlights: His recent acoustic cover of the Day 6 track “한 페이지가 될 수 있게 (Time of Our Life)” comes to mind, but there’s also him gracefully harmonizing on the group’s cover of “Best Part.”
Johnny
Birthday: February 9, 1995
NCT 127 Position: Lead Dancer, Lead Rapper, Vocalist
Essential Info: The rather artistically inclined Johnny of NCT 127 was born in Chicago, Illinois where he eventually dominated an SM global audition. After nearly a decade of training with the label and relocating to Seoul, Johnny finally made his NCT 127 debut, going on to contribute lyrics to tracks like “Pandora’s Box” and “Love Song” while also joining the entire group roster in NCT U. As of July 2023, he’s spending time recuperating from a shoulder injury, so we’re wishing you a speedy recovery, Johnny!
Highlights: Johnny’s Communication Center is where a majority of the magic happens, but above all, this man is a true performer.
Taeyong
Birthday: July 1, 1995
NCT 127 Position: Leader, Main Rapper, Main Dancer, Vocalist, Visual, and Center
Essential Info: It’s actually no surprise that Taeyong found himself as the leader of NCT 127, because he’s already an industry ace. With a specialty in rap, dance, and fierce visuals, the group’s reliable center first became an official SM trainee back in 2012 when he was scouted and added to the pre-debut lineup of SMRookies ahead of his NCT entry. Outside of NCT, Taeyong was also recruited for the super-group boyband known as SuperM that’s been called the “Avengers of K-pop.” (Now that's a Marvel movie I would actually watch.)
Highlights: He’s basically the ultimate collaborator, with fun crossover concept hits like "ZOO"and "Love Theory," but his solo work certainly lives up to the hype. He can do it all!
Yuta
Birthday: October 26, 1995
NCT 127 Position: Main Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper
Essential Info: NCT 127 member Yuta is a Japanese singer, actor, dancer, and radio host currently based in South Korea. How did he end up in this particular line of work? Well, after being inspired by the K-pop boyband TVXQ, Yuta chose to scrap his path as an athlete to fulfill his dream as a performer. The singer’s first big break after making the decision came not long after, when he was one of three young artists to place in the company’s first global audition of more than 10,000 aspiring idols. Now, he’s enjoying solo projects and a key role in NCT 127, so there’s no shortage of Yuta content.
Highlights: His performance-focused version "Faster"comes to mind (plus the audience was eating up that display of brotherly love), but we do love a full-circle moment with Yuta’s TVXQ cover.
Doyoung
Birthday: February 1, 1996
NCT 127 Position: Main Vocalist
Essential Info: Doyoung has made it abundantly clear that he loves life as an entertainer, taking on various roles as an actor and singer, regardless of the format. From dramas to musicals, he’s already channeled his artistry into everything imaginable, likely leading to his recent role as an ambassador of Dolce & Gabbana in Korea and Japan. Did we also mention that he’s officially part of the three-member NCT unit, NCT DoJaeJung?
Highlights: His NCT 127 ad-libs are always fun, but Doyoung’s rapid-fire on “Lemonade” makes the song a must-listen. If you’re as twisted as the members of NCT 127 and currently find yourself looking for laughs (at his expense), there’s also this.
Jaehyun
Birthday: February 14, 1997
NCT 127 Position: Lead Dancer, Lead Vocalist, and Rapper
Essential Info: As expected with a group like NCT, Jaehyun is another all-rounder of the unit thanks to his rich baritone and skills in both rapping and dancing. But not only is he a key member of NCT DoJaeJung, he's also an ambassador for Prada. In fact, after a year with Prada, Jaehyun recently modeled for their SS23 rollout, making him the first Korean celebrity to become a model for the brand's main global campaign.
Highlights: Because of his specific tone, b-side tracks like "Angel"and "Try Again"are spectacular features that compliment Jaehyun’s unique talents.
Jungwoo
Birthday: February 19, 1998
NCT 127 Position: Lead Dancer and Lead Vocalist
Essential Info: NCT 127’s Jungwoo hasn’t been in the fold as long as the others, but what he lacks in experience, he makes up for in talent. After joining SM with an initial NCT U inclusion, he later debuted with NCT 127 in 2018 through the full studio album, Regular-Irregular, and even more recently as a member of the NCT DoJaeJung trio. If you’re someone who enjoys chemistry amongst members, here’s evidence that his humor was quickly welcomed into this chaotic brotherhood.
Highlights: Looking for live vocals? Jungwoo has a few receipts.
Mark
Birthday: August 2, 1999
NCT 127 Position: Main Rapper and Vocalist
Essential Info: Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, NCT 127’s spitfire member Mark debuted with the company when he was just 16 years old. Wild, right? Since his debut, the gifted rapper has become an established part of both NCT 127 and NCT Dream. But if that’s not enough to convince you that he should be one of your favorites, Mark’s self-written verses with the group naturally landed him a spot in SuperM along with other SM K-pop legends.
Highlights: His introspective solo release "Child"is over three and a half minutes of pure bliss.
Haechan
Birthday: June 6, 2000
NCT 127 Position: Lead Vocalist and Lead Dancer
Essential Info: Haechan is currently the maknae (youngest) to be gracing NCT 127 with his presence, bringing the little brother energy that you need for a well-crafted lineup. Before joining SM, his artistic interests were always encouraged by his family, which must have felt like a bonus considering he spent several years of his childhood surrounded by natural inspiration in Jeju (a hugely popular destination). Like many of his fellow NCT bandmates, Haechan’s gifts can also be seen in the magnetic NCT Dream unit.
Highlights: That final chorus of “나의 모든 순간 (No Longer)” allows Haechan to go off, but here’s the real maknae behavior that he provides.
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