Mark, a prominent member of the K-pop group NCT, is set to make his long-anticipated solo debut with the release of his first full-length album The Firstfruit on April 7. The album will include 13 tracks, all of which were co-written and co-produced by Mark, showcasing his musical versatility and deep personal involvement.
What distinguishes The Firstfruit from conventional idol solo albums is not only Mark’s hands-on approach but also the lineup of collaborators, which spans across personal, emotional, and artistic spectrums. Notably, the album features contributions from his mother, as well as established artists including NCT’s Haechan, Code Kunst, Crush, and rapper Lee Young Ji.
The opening track, Toronto’s Window, sets the tone for the project and is composed and arranged by renowned producer Code Kunst. The track evokes a contemplative mood, drawing inspiration from Mark’s childhood memories in Toronto. Another standout piece, Watching TV, features the smooth vocal textures of Crush, delivering a laid-back yet emotionally resonant collaboration.
A particularly intimate moment arrives with Mom’s Interlude, in which Mark’s mother not only performs a piano accompaniment but also engages in a spoken-word dialogue with her son. The interlude provides listeners with a glimpse into their bond, underscoring the album’s theme of memory, family, and identity.
Previously released singles +82 Pressin and Fraktsiya also appear in the tracklist. The former features fellow NCT member Haechan, while the latter includes a dynamic rap performance by Lee Young Ji, adding sonic diversity and depth to the album.
The Firstfruit represents a milestone in Mark’s career, marking a transition from group activity to individual artistic expression. His participation in every aspect of the album—from composition to conceptual storytelling—signals his growth as a musician and creative artist.
On March 27, Mark released the album’s official highlight medley video on NCT’s YouTube channel, offering fans a preview of the project’s wide-ranging sound and emotional narratives. Expectations continue to build for his solo showcase, which is scheduled to follow the album’s release.
With a debut that balances star power, personal history, and musical experimentation, The Firstfruit is poised to redefine the boundaries of what an idol solo record can be in today’s K-pop landscape.
Sayart / ReaA JUNG, queen7203@gmail.com
Courtesy of SM Entertainment
Mark, a prominent member of the K-pop group NCT, is set to make his long-anticipated solo debut with the release of his first full-length album The Firstfruit on April 7. The album will include 13 tracks, all of which were co-written and co-produced by Mark, showcasing his musical versatility and deep personal involvement.
What distinguishes The Firstfruit from conventional idol solo albums is not only Mark’s hands-on approach but also the lineup of collaborators, which spans across personal, emotional, and artistic spectrums. Notably, the album features contributions from his mother, as well as established artists including NCT’s Haechan, Code Kunst, Crush, and rapper Lee Young Ji.
The opening track, Toronto’s Window, sets the tone for the project and is composed and arranged by renowned producer Code Kunst. The track evokes a contemplative mood, drawing inspiration from Mark’s childhood memories in Toronto. Another standout piece, Watching TV, features the smooth vocal textures of Crush, delivering a laid-back yet emotionally resonant collaboration.
A particularly intimate moment arrives with Mom’s Interlude, in which Mark’s mother not only performs a piano accompaniment but also engages in a spoken-word dialogue with her son. The interlude provides listeners with a glimpse into their bond, underscoring the album’s theme of memory, family, and identity.
Previously released singles +82 Pressin and Fraktsiya also appear in the tracklist. The former features fellow NCT member Haechan, while the latter includes a dynamic rap performance by Lee Young Ji, adding sonic diversity and depth to the album.
The Firstfruit represents a milestone in Mark’s career, marking a transition from group activity to individual artistic expression. His participation in every aspect of the album—from composition to conceptual storytelling—signals his growth as a musician and creative artist.
On March 27, Mark released the album’s official highlight medley video on NCT’s YouTube channel, offering fans a preview of the project’s wide-ranging sound and emotional narratives. Expectations continue to build for his solo showcase, which is scheduled to follow the album’s release.
With a debut that balances star power, personal history, and musical experimentation, The Firstfruit is poised to redefine the boundaries of what an idol solo record can be in today’s K-pop landscape.
