Artists in the music industry often stick to a single style or genre, but one band is delivering music with 180º differences between their songs. Not only that, but they’re pulling it off beautifully. NCT, short for “Neo Culture Technology,” finds success through a diverse discography across its subunits, a global presence with each group targeting specific countries, and a complex production style that has changed the landscape of the “noise” genre of music.
NCT debuted on April 9, 2016, the first boy group to debut under SM Entertainment since EXO in 2012. Before forming the 26-member group, the band’s members were working in various fields; everything from Jeno appearing in commercials to Jisung’s child acting, to Chenle’s singing career in China. The group’s concept began with the idea of having limitless members, but eventually, the group was capped at 26 members, spread across several sub-units: Taeyong, Taeil, Johnny, Yuta, Kun, Doyoung, Ten, Jaehyun, Winwin, Jungwoo, Mark, Xiaojun, Hendery, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Yangyang, Chenle, Jisung, Sion, Riku, Yushi, Jaehee, Ryo, and Sakuya. Several members have left over the years, but the three main units have stayed intact: NCT Dream, WayV, and NCT 127. The units come together occasionally as NCT U (United), which features a rotational lineup as sub-unit members release a collaborative project.
Because of their unique approach to music, NCT can find success releasing music ranging from hip-hop to ballads and conceptualizing both bad boys and cute guys. Reasons for this include, first, each sub-unit having a distinct discography: NCT Dream is whimsical, with a sort of “lost boys” from Peter Pan vibe. WayV is seductive and dark, with dramatic and melodic songs. NCT 127 is more assertive and delivers trendy music that’s unapologetically in your face, like “Lemonade.” This one is a party song, but NCT 127 also releases songs with a nostalgic vibe.
Second, NCT is structured as a global group with each subunit zeroing in on a specific audience. For example, WayV focuses on releasing music in China. Focusing on a certain demographic allows each subunit to make different music. Finally, NCT’s success as a 180º boy group is largely attributed to their music’s complex production and the group’s impact on the "noise" genre. This genre is characterized by musically full and loud songs with dissonance and unusual sound effects. This is incredibly apparent in tracks like "The 7th Sense,” by NCT U, often covered by other idols.
NCT is a pioneer in the music industry, marked by their experimental music, core concept, global reach, and amazing production. However, to fully appreciate NCT, one must dive deeper into each sub-unit, as each is an important piece of the puzzle.