Sayart.net - NCT Dream Embraces Quirky Concept with New Album ＂ISTJ,＂ Exploring Unconventional Love and Personality Types

SM ENTERTAINMENT

NCT Dream, the beloved K-pop boy band, has returned with their latest offering, the third full-length album titled "ISTJ." During a press conference held at the prestigious Lotte Hotel World in Jamsil, members Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Chenle, Jaemin, and Jisung delved into the album's unique and eccentric concept.

Hosted by Doyoung from NCT 127, another successful boy band under SM Entertainment's expansive NCT franchise, the event showcased NCT Dream's exploration of MBTI personality types and love, a concept spearheaded by renowned songwriter and lyricist Kenzie.

At the core of the album lies the personality type ISTJ, as classified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test. Known for its characteristics such as rationality, introversion, and organization, ISTJ represents a stark contrast to the ENFP personality type, which the members of NCT Dream embody in the song.

Renjun explained, "In the song, our love interest is an ISTJ, and we assume the roles of ENFPs. We marvel at the differences between us and wonder why we are drawn to someone so different, navigating the complexities of our contrasting personalities."

The music video for "ISTJ," reminiscent of the '80s film series "Back to the Future," transports the members from reality to the vibrant world of MBTI. Adorned in bold outfits against colorful backdrops, NCT Dream's creativity shines through each scene, ranging from hospital sets to intricate mazes.

Featuring a total of 10 tracks, the album offers a glimpse into the captivating world of NCT Dream. During the press conference, snippets from three songs were revealed: "Blue Wave," "SOS," and "Like We Just Met." "Blue Wave" continues the story from NCT Dream's 2021 hit "Dive Into You," incorporating summer vibes with lively pan flute sounds and fast-paced lyrics.

Renjun, a Chinese member of the group, humorously shared his experience recording "Blue Wave," admitting, "As a foreigner, I had a mental breakdown because the chorus was just too fast." Additionally, the members expressed their pride in collectively participating in the lyric-writing process for "Like We Just Met," a new track dedicated to their devoted fandom, NCTzens.

Renjun's reluctance to take the MBTI test, despite its popularity among young Koreans, has become a running joke in the K-pop scene. While the concept of "ISTJ" revolves around the MBTI test, the members playfully urged listeners not to judge individuals solely based on their MBTI types, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone equally.

Notably, NCT Dream has reached new heights with their latest album, surpassing an astounding 4.2 million copies sold in pre-sales alone.

Expressing their gratitude, Haechan shared, "Reaching this career-high is a testament to the love our fans have for us. We never forget why they cherish us and always strive to reciprocate that love to our NCTzens."

As NCT Dream celebrates their seventh anniversary, the group remains committed to maintaining their initial passion while pushing themselves to new heights. With "ISTJ," they aim to deliver another positive development in their evolving musical journey.

Sayart.net 

Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com