#the whole nctmentary series is a masterpiece

[idonghyuck]

Synchronization of Dreams (2018) |  Animation & Art director - Jaehoon Choi

[dojae-huh]

Regarding the comeback concept prompt,

First of all, before I get into what I thought was the most memorable and iconic, I want to give a quick shoutout to Superhuman. Whilst it was not the best executed comeback by far, seeing how deeply underrated and under-appreciated it still is and how SM focused on North America for the most part, it is one of my my favourite NCT comebacks of all time, easily top three. When it was announced and when they teased it on American shows, I could not imagine the concept or MV at all, maybe its my lack of imagination but I could not imagine 127 wearing superhero outfits and the likes you would normally associate with such a concept. The MV is amazing as well as the song, pink hair Jae changed the trajectory of my life, I watched so many reactions of it from experts just to reassure myself that I had taste even though the general public didn’t. Quick disclaimer, I don’t follow lore that closely so my opinion isn’t really based on that. One last note before my actual pick, I think my favourite album design is the white Resonance PT 2. Its just a fun concept and it makes me happy seeing them all together.

Now for my actual pick: Empathy.

Empathy era is what actually got me into NCT so it would make sense that it was the most memorable for, though that kinda shows bias, but it is my opinion after all. Every single aspect was done so well imo, it was so iconic and I thought it could never be topped, maybe to this day I might still think that. NCTmentary, I don’t understand it but it still amazed me. Yearbook, one of my favourite introductions, even though it wasn’t my favourite looks, it was iconic in every way. The title tracks, BOSS, BDS, the unit promos, Touch and GO, I can’t believe I took these for granted. As a hard OT23 stan with U being my favourite unit, this was heaven. The concept switch of Dream and 127 was really refreshing and BOSS is definitely my favourite performance and U unit. The members got to travel together and make memories and enjoy themselves. The appearance of all 18 on Weekly Idol was really brilliant. Who could’ve imagined it, and I wish it still was possible now. That gave such a perfect introduction to the concept of NCT and was so fun as fan watching it. The Vlives of random pairings and groups was so fun to watch because it showed member interaction which is probably my favourite thing. Everyone seemed so happy, this is what also got me into Jaedo, I don’t remember the exact moment, but this era was the one that introduced me to them and I am very grateful. Doyoung’s glow up especially got me, he finally had the black hair which suited him to a T, Cherry bomb and Limitless and T7S was a miss for me. Jaehyun looked great as well. Tae’s red hair was a stand out. Sometimes I forget Regular was released in the same year just because Empathy was such a standout, it outshined every other thing. Also the fandom was much better, less unit wars and everyone was hyped that it would be a yearly thing. There was so much content, from NCT life to YT series, really NCTzens were spoilt so well. Whilst I still am anticipating the next NCT whole group projects, I doubt anything can top the marvel and masterpiece that was Empathy.

There are rumours that NCT2021 should be based on Empathy. I hope so. Episode zero gives me hope.

I'm in love with NCTmentaries. Even if they might look too much at first, they make you comeback to them and with lore evolving appreciate the old MVs anew. It's like you are revisiting a painting and with each take you see more and understand what the artist wanted to say better.

"We are Superhuman" did well for an EP. The fandom simply wasn't as big or as active back then. It had the same sales as a full album (Regular-Irregular). ~300 000

As for the promotion. It was sad. SM trusted the local partner and 127 was made to go to as many radio and morning shows as possible. And the hosts only knew how to ask about favourite food and celebs neos want to collab with. Well, it wasn't for nothing. And SM did a point of showing up with a Korean song this time (Regular was in English).

The fandom and time skews perception of events. 127 was on a world tour. They first paid attention to Japan, then to NA. Why would they promote in SK back then, when SM concentrated on the new markets. Plus, the song was promoted on Korean music shows in summer. It even got 2 wins.