By Jacob Pellegrino
NCT DREAM recently invited us, and members of other college media from around the United States, to talk with them in a virtual roundtable event. The third sub-group of popular K-pop group NCT, NCT DREAM was formed in 2016 to capture a more youthful energy. They are currently in the midst of their first world tour, “NCT DREAM TOUR 'THE DREAM SHOW2 : In A DREAM.'” NCT DREAM consists of seven members: MARK, RENJUN, JENO, HAECHAN, JAEMIN, CHENLE, and JISUNG.
MARK began by telling the journalists gathered on the Zoom call why NCT DREAM wanted to talk specifically to college journalists, beginning with the group’s history.
“We started our careers when we were all below or under the age of 18. Even then, we had this goal and our goal was to be a symbol of healing for listeners and to be a beacon of hope to everyone that sees us and that supports us and especially for people that were young like us, young dreamers,” MARK said. “And once we heard that you guys are aspiring and striving to be journalists… It felt perfect and in a way meaningful for us to come by and say hi, and to see that there are people like us, who are just striving so hard for their dreams and, basically, we're here to support too.”
This emphasis on supporting young people as they work to attain their dreams is something essential to NCT DREAM’s ideals as a group. Members also spoke about what it means to them and what it takes to embark on their first US and world tour after having previously played at events like K-CON in the US.
“We've never done this before, even though it's been around eight years since we debuted. We have a lot of history and a lot of reasons for why we're doing it now. But, long story short, we're now beginning to really see the world and to travel all over the world to see our fans and so this first tour really means a lot. We really had prepared very strong performance wise and mindset wise to make sure that we can show the world our capabilities and what we are striving for,” MARK said.
As NCT DREAM embarks on such a monumental tour, members also reflected on the differences between performing at home and for an American and international audience.
“I would have to say that more so than having differences in our stages. It's really just all of the experiences that we were able to gain from all of the past tours and cities that we've gone to and performed at. I think that we are able to try harder and just be able to freely express ourselves even more,” JENO noted.
“I think each city that we perform at has its own different charm and atmosphere and, for example, when we performed in Newark or even Paris, I felt like we were able to really enjoy those moments together with our fans. And that also gave us a lot more strength,” added RENJUN.
Even though touring can be difficult, members of the group still make time to recharge and recover from time on the road and were eager to share how they do this when asked.
“Playing games and shopping and drinking beer,” HAECHAN jokingly remarked. “As soon as I arrived, I went straight to the gym,” added JAEMIN. “I played basketball with MARK,” offered CHENLE. MARK later noted, “when we get some free time and alone time in the hotel… watching movies really does kill time and you can get motivation and inspiration… And going to some good malls, department stores… alleviates stress, you know, getting a new nice looking shirt.”
These activities are complemented by a range of activities specific to the places they visit on tour.
“Things like seeing the Eiffel Tower,” shared RENJUN as JISUNG noted that they “usually go to famous landmarks to take photos and enjoy foods from those countries as well.” Specific to Texas, RENJUN added that they “are very much looking forward to Texas barbeque” at their Houston stop before JAEMIN jumped in emphasizing “I love it… Texas barbeque.”
For those not as familiar with K-pop, RENJUN shared what sets NCT DREAM apart from other groups.
“I have to say that for NCT DREAM, what sets us apart is our history and the story that we’ve created since our debut. Every K-pop group has a different color, but for NCT DREAM, it's really the hope that we're trying to share and give to the youth, the story that we have, and just the fun that we're able to show through our music as well,” RENJUN said.
When asked if they could recall a specific case where they have been able to see their music changing someone’s life, RENJUN recounted a story he had heard.
“I'm not quite sure if I could say that it's, you know, changed the lives of fans. But there was this one event we had, a video call event, and we had a chance to speak with a fan and the fan had to undergo surgery and… was very nervous about that. But before going in they listened to ‘Hello Future’ and through that track, they were able to find peace and strength. When I heard this story, I was very touched and it just made everything that we worked on feel much more meaningful,” RENJUN recalled.
NCT DREAM has grown both as people and as musicians over their years together. The members were very ready to share advice for their past selves and how their growth appears in their music.
“Don’t be scared and don’t be shy,” JISUNG advised “Back then, I was very concerned with what people would think and I was very shy, but I don't think there's a need for that.”
“Our growth is definitely visible in our music… Technically our voices have actually changed as well over the years. But besides that, just our inspirations and the way we convey our emotions in music itself has grown… we really like to put our experiences and our emotions into our music as much as we can and we're still growing and I feel like our fans are going with us,” said MARK.
Additionally, RENJUN had some advice for college students working towards their dreams.
“I would have to say that, you know, your college years are when you have the most passion and the most strength to pursue your dreams… I would want to say to do everything that you want to do, so that you live without regrets,” RENJUN shared.
With two minutes left before they needed to start preparing for their show at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, MARK genuinely thanked the student journalists in attendance and offered a final piece of advice for everyone.
“Don't forget that you guys are still so young. Like if you guys go on the road and feel like, ‘ah, this isn't for me,’ you still have time to do something else,” MARK said.
NCT DREAM is currently on their first world tour and is available to listen to wherever you hear music.
Photo courtesy of SM Entertainment.