NCT 127 Discusses Challenge of Creating New Album ‘WALK’ with Fewer Bandmates

The members of NCT 127, despite facing a series of challenges, have shown their resilience. The K-pop band, unable to perform as a complete unit over the past year, managed to release their sixth studio album, WALK, last month. In a recent on-camera interview with Billboard, seven of the group’s members shared their journey.

25-year-old MARK discussed the unique process behind creating the 11-track LP, which debuted at No. 117 on the Billboard 200. “We were in a different mindset, for obvious reasons,” he explained. “We weren’t all together with nine members. From that point on, selecting the songs for the tracklist, we were very careful with every decision.”

“We didn’t want to weaken our performance,” he added. “So we were very serious with every step of the album.”

The interview happened nearly a year after TAEIL, 30, sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident. The accident required surgery, forcing him to take a break for rehabilitation. In October, SM Entertainment announced that TAEIL needed further treatment and stability, confirming that he wouldn’t participate in NCT 127’s Neo City – The Unity Tour that began in November.

In addition to TAEIL’s absence, 29-year-old TAEYONG enlisted in the South Korean navy in April to fulfill his mandatory military service.

The band members also shared their current favorite songs and those from their new album during the interview. YUTA revealed he is currently into Linkin Park, while MARK showed appreciation for “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen. HAECHAN mentioned enjoying music by his fellow bandmate, DOYOUNG, who recently debuted as a solo artist.

“We still have a lot of plans for you guys, so stay tuned,” MARK teased towards the end of the interview.

Watch NCT 127’s interview with Billboard above.