Summary
Highlights
Eric Nam congratulates NCT DREAM on their incredible achievement of becoming a double-million seller with their album 'Hot Sauce', selling over 2 million copies. RENJUN expresses his disbelief and gratitude, while JISUNG shares that they focused on enjoying the album creation process, making the amazing outcome even more rewarding. They then introduce their repackaged album, 'Hello Future', which includes 13 songs, with MARK explaining it was a gift to fans to create more familiar songs after the success of 'Hot Sauce'.
Eric Nam asks about NCT DREAM's signature sound. MARK describes it as positive, energetic, and bright, with CHENLE adding 'young and refreshing.' They then give listeners a short acapella version of their new title song, 'Hello Future'. MARK shares that his favorite part is the line 'Lets build only with beautiful times,' appreciating its melody, choreography, and the meaning of creating good memories together.
RENJUN, who debuted at a very young age, shares his backstory. From Jilin, he learned ballet as part of his trainee experience. He started his journey through a global audition, driven by his love for K-POP, particularly Rain and Wonder Girls. After seeing EXO, he decided to audition for SM Entertainment at 15. Although his parents were initially hesitant, his determination led him to Korea. He recounts his overwhelmed feelings upon arrival and meeting fellow trainees MARK and TAEYONG, being 'shocked' by their good looks.
CHENLE's story to joining NCT DREAM is revealed to be different from RENJUN's. Having performed since childhood and even released a song, his parents were very supportive of his experiences. He admits that studying was a priority and performing was a hobby, and he was largely unaware of K-POP or SM Entertainment. SM contacted his mother, but it was his father, who knew about SM's reputation, that convinced him to try the audition, an offer CHENLE was initially ready to decline. He debuted just 2-3 months after joining, which he found surprisingly quick.
MARK, from Canada, shares his audition story. He was a good student with parents who expected him to go to a good university. He recounts that SM's audition in Vancouver coincided with a teachers' strike, closing his school, which he views as fate, allowing him and his brother to attend the audition. Eric Nam recalls a moment where MARK thanked God during an award speech, which deeply moved him. MARK also discusses his numerous debuts and how many songs and choreographies he knows, estimating around 30-35. He also expresses a desire to explore acoustic music in the future, inspired by artists like Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber.
JISUNG, the youngest member, reveals his nickname 'GAN JISUNG,' which came from his desire to be seen as 'cool' rather than 'cute' during his training days. He explains that NCT DREAM has a friendly dynamic, unlike other groups with strict age hierarchies, though he sometimes felt 'down' with NCT as a whole. JISUNG shares that he initially lacked confidence but developed a love for dance after a kindergarten teacher's recommendation. He didn't initially aim to be an idol, but after trying out for 'Dancing 9' and being scouted by SM, he was inspired by the energy of live performances from senior SM artists like TVXQ and EXO. He also clarifies that he only wrote one 'novel' as a joke, despite others thinking he's an author.
The members discuss looking back at their old videos, finding them embarrassing but nostalgic. They then reflect on changes after becoming adults. RENJUN notes that as minors, the company took care of many things, but as adults, they've taken more responsibility. The conversation shifts to hypothetical NCT sub-units. JISUNG suggests 'NCT-J' for members whose names start with 'J', while RENJUN proposes a unit for members born in the 2000s, dubbed 'the dragon years.' MARK also mentions a humorous informal group called 'Big Head 1, 2, 3' with CHENLE and JISUNG.
Fans' questions are addressed. MARK's weird rule for his own country would be against littering. RENJUN envisions a country where everyone lives in a giant treehouse or wears classical clothes. JISUNG would be very protective of his people. RENJUN shares his pre-stage ritual of drinking 2 liters of water and maintaining a confident mindset for recording. CHENLE reveals his favorite background music is 'Time' from the movie Inception, which he rewatches multiple times. He also excitedly recounts getting a reply from his idol, Steph Curry, and receiving signed Warriors memorabilia.
JISUNG is asked to identify the 'oldest' and 'youngest' acting members. He jokingly claims that JENO and MARK often act younger than him, citing JENO's frequent getting upset and calling MARK his 'son.' He identifies HAECHAN and RENJUN as those who acted the most mature, guiding and disciplining him. They then do a compliment relay: JISUNG praises MARK for his talent; MARK thanks CHENLE for being comforting; CHENLE appreciates RENJUN's sincere care for the members; and RENJUN comments on JENO's honesty. The episode concludes with NCT DREAM performing a snippet of their song 'Dive Into You' as their outro, thanking fans and viewers.