Blazing New Heights: NCT DREAM Breaks 7-Year Jinx, Set to Soar Higher
NCT DREAM, although the youngest boy group of SM Entertainment, is already marking their 8th year since debut. Debuting in August 2016 as the teenage union team and third unit of NCT, they garnered substantial love with hits like "Chewing Gum", "Hot Sauce", "Beatbox". After steady growth, they released their first full-length album, "Hot Sauce", in 2021 and "Glitch Mode" in 2022, earning the title of double million-seller for two consecutive years.
This year, they've ramped up their firepower even more. Their third album 'ISTJ' has exceeded a whopping 4.1 million pre-orders (as of July 10). This figure nearly doubles the pre-order volume of 2.07 million for their second full-length album 'Glitch Mode' released in March last year, palpably illustrating the burgeoning popularity and influence of NCT DREAM.
NCT DREAM, which started off as a teenage union team, has managed to break out of this box, expanding their spectrum, and is prepared to leap higher. Their serious start is with 'ISTJ'.
"We've been active for 7 years. In fact, we had a graduation system, and everything started a step slower than other artists. That seems to have been an advantage for us. While the 7-year mark could be a difficult time, what's certain is that NCT DREAM is currently on fire. We'll continue to work out ways to introduce ourselves to more people."
"So far, we've shown a lot of refreshing and energetic images. That was what NCT DREAM does best, but as we're getting older, we feel that we need to show a more mature image. Not just through our music, but in various ways, we wanted to show a more grown-up side and included many songs to reflect this."
NCT DREAM shared these thoughts at a press conference held on July 17th at the Grand Ballroom of the Lotte Hotel in Jamsil-dong, Seoul, to announce their third album 'ISTJ'. All seven members - Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung - attended, donning suits and ties. Their stronger physical presence compared to before hinted at their growth and evolution.
NCT DREAM's third album 'ISTJ' includes a total of 10 tracks including the title track 'ISTJ', as well as 'Broken Melodies', 'Yogurt Shake', 'Skateboard', 'Blue Wave', 'Poison', 'SOS', 'Pretzel', and 'Starry Night'.
The title track 'ISTJ' is a hybrid hip-hop dance song, with hitmaker KENZIE participating in the lyrics and composition. It tells an ENFP's confident story of breaking the standardized frame of MBTI and interpreting an ISTJ individual in their own unique way. NCT DREAM's energetic charm can be fully experienced in this track.
In addition, the album also includes songs that express shyness in front of a loved one like 'Yogurt Shake', the love story metaphorically expressed through a heart-shaped pretzel in 'Pretzel', and the energetic 'Skateboard', which encapsulates the refreshing energy under the hot sun. Along with sensual music that NCT DREAM is introducing for the first time, all seven members participated in writing the lyrics for 'Like We Just Met', delivering their sincere emotions.
With over 4.1 million pre-orders, this album has already broken NCT DREAM's own record. This achievement fits the members' remarks that their passion burns the hottest in their 7th year. After successfully completing their first tour in North America, South America, and Europe, which included performances in 26 cities worldwide, NCT DREAM has prepared another leap forward.
The members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to meet fans all around the world and shared their belief that they are changing for the better as they continue to grow. They also expressed their motivation and gratitude for the fans who give them strength and motivation.
NCT DREAM released 'ISTJ' at 6 PM on July 17 (KST) and held a showcase to commemorate the release of their third full-length album at the Olympic Hall in Seoul Olympic Park at 8 PM. NCT DREAM's takeoff has just begun.
- NCT DREAM: All Members Contribute Lyrics for Third Album's Track 'Like We Just Met', Exciting Trailer Video Released
- NCT DREAM Breaks Record with 4.1 Million Pre-orders for their 3rd Album - A Two-fold Increase from their Previous Release
- NCT DREAM Concludes Second World Tour with Dazzling Performance in Mexico, Demonstrating Remarkable Growth
- NCT DREAM Breaks Records with Over 4.1 Million Pre-orders for their 3rd Album 'ISTJ' - Here's What To Expect
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