From NCTzens to Citizens of the World: How NCT 127 Bridges Cultures in KPOP

Published on 15 December 2023 at 14:10

by Ziyi Cheng

NCT 127, a Seoul-based, multi-national male group, has mesmerized audiences worldwide with their captivating music and dynamic performances in the K-POP realm.

What does NCT 127 mean?

Debuted in 2016, NCT 127 was announced as the first fixed sub-unit of the South Korean boy band NCT, formed by SM Entertainment. The name “NCT 127” combines the acronym for Neo Culture Technology with the number “127”, the longitude coordinate of the city Seoul.

Just as their aiming at starting from Seoul and spreading K-POP across the globe, they have received international attention with their experimental hip hop-based “NEO” music and performance.

What are NCT 127 fans called?

Nctzen (pronounced as N-citizen) is the official fandom name of NCT. Czennie is also acceptable as an endearing nickname which the members often use to address the fandom. 

 

Who are the members in NCT 127?

Originally, there are 7 members in the group, Taeyong, Taeil, Yuta, Jaehyun, Winwin, Mark, and Haechan. New members, Johnny and Doyoung, were announced to join in 2017. Later in 2018, the label confirmed that Jungwoo would officially join the lineup and then Winwin left to join the newly debuted China-based sub-unit WayV of NCT. There are currently nine active members in NCT 127.

 

"Being as diverse as we can be and being very limitless with our music and our styles, that’s the approach we’ve always had when we start making a new album," said Mark. With members from the U.S. (Johnny), Canada (Mark), China (Winwin), and Japan (Yuta), the diverse identities contributes the group to form multicultural arts beyond borders. 

Taeyong (태용, 이태용)

Birthday: 1995.07.01

Birth Place (Nationality): Seoul, South Korea

Position: leader, main dancer, rapper, vocalist, visual

Taeyong, the group’s leader, embodies charisma and artistry with fancy visual, rap skills and stage performance, which continue to captivate audiences globally. He made his official solo debut in 2023 with his EP Shalala, making him the first soloist from NCT.

Taeil (태일, 문태일)

Birthday: 1994.06.14

Birth Place (Nationality): Seoul, South Korea

Position: Main vocalist

Taeil, known for his soulful voice, adds depth and emotion to NCT 127’s music harmonies. He was accepted to the Applied Music program of Hanyang University with an admissions rate of 407:1 but dropped out to pursue a career as an idol. Taeil has proved himself as one of the strongest vocalists of NCT with his incredible vocals and insane vocal range.

Johnny (쟈니, John Suh)

Birthday: 1995.02.09

Birth Place (Nationality): Chicago, United States

Position: lead dancer, vocalist, rapper

From Chicago, Johnny brings versatility to NCT 127. Johnny’s Communication Center (JCC) is a show made by Johnny himself, which focus on his lifestyle, promotions, and more, showing his chill attitude and charming personality. Johnny was invited to Met Gala 2022 and wowed everyone with his black satin suit at this prestigious annual event.

Yuta (유타, なかもと ゆうた)

Birthday: 1995.10.26

Birth Place (Nationality): Osaka, Japan

Position: lead dancer, vocalist, rapper

Yuta, from Japan, his dancing skills and dynamic presence contribute significantly to NCT 127’s diverse appeal. Yuta played soccer as a child. The professional footballer dream was given up to pursue a career as an idol. Since 2021, Yuta appeared in numerous Japanese magazines, and made his acting debut in both films and dramas.

Doyoung (도영, 김동영)

Birthday: 1996.02.01

Birth Place (Nationality): Guri, South Korea

Position: main vocalist

Doyoung owns outstanding vocals, capable of hitting high notes with ease and adding depth to the group’s music. His charming looks and stage presence have contributed to his popularity. Within the group, he is considered a caring and reliable member with his wit, humor, and ability to connect with fans. Doyoung has also showcased his acting abilities in dramas and musicals, which allows him to further explore his talent and diversify his skills.

Jaehyun (재현, 정윤오)

Birthday: 1997.02.14

Birth Place (Nationality): Seoul, South Korea

Position: lead vocalist, lead dancer, rapper, visual

In the context of K-pop, Jaehyun is often acknowledged for his visual appeal and melodious voice. With a lovely family and 4 years of residency experience in Connecticut, USA, Jaehyun owns calm, kind, polite and gentle personalities. His acting debut in the web drama “Dear.M”, marked his foray into the acting industry, and fans are excited to see him explore a new facet of his talents.

Winwin (윈윈, 董思成)

Birthday: 1997.10.28

Birth Place (Nationality): Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

Position: lead dancer, vocalist

As the Chinese member, Winwin’s presence adds diversity to the group, reflecting NCT’s multinational concept. He is a skilled dancer and his Chinese dance background contributes to the group’s choreography.

Jungwoo (정우, 김정우)

Birthday: 1998.02.19

Birth Place (Nationality): Gunpo, South Korea

Position: lead vocalist, lead dancer

Jungwoo is the last member to join NCT 127. He is known for his cheerful and friendly personalities. His positive and lively personalities are extremely appreciated by fans and his presence contributes to the group interaction among NCT 127 members.

Mark (마크, Mark Lee)

Birthday: 1999.08.02

Birth Place (Nationality): Toronto, Canada

Position: main rapper, lead dancer, vocalist

Mark’s rap skills are highly appreciated, delivering impactful verses that complemented the group’s diverse music style. Being raised in Canada, his multilingual abilities made him a bridge between NCT 127 and their global audience. Whether through his rapping, singing, or energetic performances, He had a charismatic aura that added to the group’s dynamic stage presence.

Haechan (해찬, 이동혁)

Birthday: 2000.06.06

Birth Place (Nationality): Seoul, South Korea

Position: main vocalist; lead dancer

Although the youngest member in NCT 127, Haechan contributes to NCT 127’s discography with his strong singing skills. In addition to his vocal talents, Haechan is praised for his stage presence and performance skills with his energy and charisma.

“To define is to limit.” Started from Seoul, NCT 127’s journey, marked by talent, innovation and “NEO” style. With their diverse identities bridging different cultures, NCT 127 has gained immense acclaim, showcasing their individual talents while captivating fans as a cohesive unit. Their chart-hitting records, top awards, sold-out tours, and collaborations have underlined their dedicated fanbase and global influence.

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