[Interview] NCT Doyoung: "A Spoonful of Overwhelming Emotion in Freshness... Music Is My Strength"

Second Solo Album "Soar" Released on the 9th
Collaboration with Yoon Dohyun, Kim Yuna, Kim Jongwan, and Kim Eana

Singer Doyoung is giving an interview at a cafe in Seongsu-dong, Seoul on the 5th. SM Entertainment

Singer Doyoung (real name Kim Dongyoung, 29) has returned with his second solo album, "Soar." Since debuting as a vocalist in the boy group NCT under SM Entertainment in 2016, he has firmly established his place in the industry. NCT, which has pursued a global expansion strategy, is considered SM's core intellectual property (IP) following EXO. After joining the team following a trainee period of about 2 years and 5 months, Doyoung expanded his career not only through unit activities but also by venturing into various fields such as musicals.

Following the release of his first solo album last year, "Soar," which was released on the 9th, centers on the theme of "memory," capturing emotions that connect the past and the future. As the album title suggests, meaning "to soar," it puts forth "the power to dream," following his first album "Youth," which celebrated the brilliance of youth. Meeting Doyoung recently at a cafe in Seongsu-dong, he described this project as "the moment my dream came true."

"It truly felt like a dream to work with senior musicians I have admired since I was young, such as Yoon Dohyun, Kim Yuna, and Kim Jongwan. I had wanted to collaborate with them since my first album, and this time I personally arranged meetings and made requests, so it finally happened."

The title track "Memory" ("Annyeong, Uju") is a song about cherished memories and their lingering aftereffects, completed through collaboration with lyricist Kim Eana. Doyoung explained, "If memories also have life, not every memory becomes a cherished one. The universe felt like a symbol for those memories and recollections, and 'annyeong' felt like both a greeting and a farewell."

Kim Yuna explores the gap between ideals and reality through the song "Longing" ("Donggyeong"). Doyoung said, "At first, only idealistic and overwhelming emotions stood out, but after hearing my interpretation, she agreed to go in that direction," adding, "Her flexible attitude was truly impressive." "Sand Box," created with Nell's Kim Jongwan, is a song that expresses the desire to cast a bit of beauty on a weary life.

Doyoung said, "I am truly satisfied with how this album turned out. The results are not something I can control, so I don't have high expectations for them," emphasizing, "What matters to me is whether I sincerely conveyed the music I love right now."

He described his musical color as "a spoonful of overwhelming emotion in freshness." Among the staff, he has even earned the nickname "overwhelmed addict." "I love music that makes my heart swell. I especially feel that way during team performances. The sense of accomplishment feels even greater when I'm with my members rather than alone, as if we're saying, 'We did it together.'"

NCT Doyoung second album 'Soar' teaser image. SM Entertainment

The album also includes the track "Eternity" ("Miraeeseo Gidarilge"), a song dedicated to fans as he prepares for his upcoming military enlistment. He said, "The exact enlistment date hasn't been set yet, but I want to try as many things as possible before then," and added, "I also want to perform on stage often with the NCT 127 members."

Turning thirty as an idol, he said with a laugh, "I think my thirties suit me better than my twenties. Maybe it's because I often hear that I have an old soul, but I don't feel any fear."

Regarding the NCT 127 members who are also pursuing solo activities, Doyoung expressed his affection for the team, saying, "Yuta, Jaehyun, Taeyong, and Mark each have a distinct color, and it's amazing and a source of pride that we can be so diverse yet still work together."

Doyoung said that through this album, he wants to clarify his own musical identity even further. For him, music is "the power to dream" and "the driving force that keeps me moving forward." "I think it's important to naturally express the emotions and desires you feel at your age. I want to keep creating music that connects with listeners, even as I navigate between popularity and personal taste."

When asked about his long-term dreams, Doyoung smiled and said, "I just want to sing healthily for a long time, no matter what. Even when I'm lying down, if I listen to music, I want to get up and do something. It gives me the courage to face things I was once afraid of. I hope that kind of strength is conveyed through this album. I also want to cheer on my fans' dreams as well."