NCT WISH Speaks On their First Mini Album 'Steady', Working with BoA & More
Back full force with their first mini album “Steady”, NCT WISH is breaking records and is set to be one of the top rookies of 2024.
The sixth and final sub-unit of the global phenomenon and celebrated K-Pop boy group NCT under the management of SM Entertainment, NCT WISH has six members - SION, YUSHI, RIKU, SAKUYA, RYO, JAEHEE -, and they made their debut in February 2024.
Achieving major results from the get-go including exceeding 630,000 pre-order sales for their song “Songbird”, it comes as no surprise to fans that NCT WISH is set for great heights and fame as they return with their first mini album “Steady”, which has broken their record with over 800,000 pre-order sales and over 700,000 albums sold on the first week of launch.
Bringing a unique youthful and fresh energy to the K-Pop scene, NCT WISH’s ambition is “to support and strive for everyone’s wishes and dreams together through love and music.”
And even with the busy schedules with their new comeback, we managed to catch NCT WISH for an exclusive interview with L’Officiel, where the boys talk about their favourite songs from the album, their experience working with K-Pop legend BoA and their dreams and aspirations as a group.
From your debut with “Hands Up” to your current comeback, you have received great public attention and love and are named “11 Rookie K-Pop Acts to Know in 2024”; by the US Grammy. What was the experience like so far?
SION We’ve poured our hearts into our journey, starting from our pre-debut single all the way to our first mini-album. It’s truly heartwarming to witness our fans embracing our music so wholeheartedly. As we gain more recognition, we feel a deep sense of fulfilment. We’re determined to keep pushing forward and to express our gratitude to our fans who support us and hold such high hopes for our future.
RYO It’s incredible to think that it’s been about 8 months since our debut. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to promote our music, from our debut single to our mini album. The love and support we’ve received from so many fans inspire me deeply, and I’m excited to share even more diverse and captivating sides of ourselves in the future.
What do you wish to showcase as a group with the album “Steady”?
JAEHEE This mini album conveys our heartfelt desire to continue the miraculous journey we’ve embarked on since our debut for many years to come. With our first mini album, we aimed to present a diverse collection of songs and explore a variety of concepts. Our goal was to demonstrate that we are a group capable of fully embracing and embodying a wide range of styles!
SION We aspire to highlight the diverse musical identity of NCT WISH and our ability to seamlessly navigate a variety of genres.
Can each of you name your favourite track and why?
SION My favourite track is “Skate”. From the moment I first heard it, I was immediately drawn in by its dreamy and enchanting vibe. After recording it, I grew even more fond of the song, as it truly came to life with our voices!
RIKU One track that stands out for me is “3분까진 필요 없어 (3 Minutes)”. It’s such a vibrant and uplifting song that instantly brightens my mood and radiates positive energy. Every time I hear it, I can’t help but feel inspired and happy!
YUSHI I really love “Steady”; the title song from our first mini-album. As the lead track, it has a vibrant energy that makes you want to sing along and enjoy every moment!
JAEHEE I also choose “Steady” as my favourite track. The lyrics capture the message we want to share with our fans so perfectly, making it truly special to us. Let’s cherish every moment together for a long time, Czennies~ ♡
RYO A track that I adore is ”Supercute”. The lyrics are absolutely delightful, and the catchy melody is impossible not to love—it just stays with you and brings a smile to your face!
SAKUYA I also want to highlight “Steady”. The lyrics are beautifully crafted, and the energetic melody makes it an absolute joy to listen to!
The legendary artist BoA participated in the production of NCT WISH. What has the experience been like working closely with her?
YUSHI Working alongside Producer BoA, a legendary artist with a remarkable career, has been an extraordinary experience. Her invaluable insights on connecting with the audience have greatly guided us, providing us with the tools to grow as artists. We’ve learned so much from her already, and I genuinely look forward to the many lessons and experiences that lie ahead as we continue this journey together.
RYO Working with Producer BoA has provided invaluable support in multiple areas of my growth as an artist, from our debut track to our first mini-album. Her insights on enhancing our live performance skills were particularly impactful and have profoundly influenced our development.
What do you hope to achieve as NCT WISH?
RIKU Making our debut performance at the Tokyo Dome was an unforgettable experience, and it has ignited a deep passion to one day hold a solo concert there as NCT WISH. The excitement of sharing the moment with our fans is something we look forward to, and we can’t wait to turn this dream into a reality!
SAKUYA We are truly excited to amplify our efforts in the future, with the goal of sharing our music and love with an even larger audience. It is our heartfelt aspiration to touch more lives and build genuine connections through our art, creating unforgettable experiences together.
What do you wish to say to your growing fan base all over the world?
JAEHEE It’s a true privilege to be surrounded by such overwhelming love and support for NCT WISH, especially among so many talented artists. This support drives us to keep pushing boundaries and striving for excellence. We look forward to the journey ahead, filled with unforgettable moments together. Thank you for being with us on this journey—we look forward to continuing this path together for many more years.
