NCT 127 Flaunt Their Irregular Lifestyle with “Regular”
NCT 127 expands their global sound with the release of “Regular” off their first album, Regular-Irregular, on October 12. The newly-reformed 10-member group recorded both a Korean and English version of their new title track that depicts their ever-expanding international concept by experimenting with Latin trap, fusing the two cultural genres. While both music videos feature the boys flaunting their diamonds, threads, and whips as they dominate the streets of Seoul, the songs share a different perspective on the universal desire for wealth based on the realms of dream and reality.
The Seoul-based sub-unit extend their theme of synchronized dreams as presented during their NCT 2018 release earlier this year. Regular-Irregular includes 11 new tracks that depict a chronological narrative of transitioning from the real world (“regular”) to the dream universe (“irregular”). “Regular (Korean Version)” is second on the tracklist and part of the “regular” reality as portrayed in their first teaser film, "Regular Dream," with the members working overtime in their office jobs, representing the conventional work ethic that eventually leads us to our dreams. Similar to the teaser, the Korean lyrics of “Regular” focus on us: the dream chasers who make our dreams into reality. Lyrics revolving around not chasing after Won, but becoming “the one” and shining brighter than the diamonds on their chains highlight the importance of self-worth as each individual comes with their own unique and exclusive price tag that isn’t for sale. The members engaging in risky endeavors emphasizes pursuing dreams on our terms, no matter how unconventional or unrealistic they seem. Images of the members participating in competitive sports alone also symbolize how our only competition is ourselves and to always “aim for a higher place” to reach our greatness.
“Regular (English Version)” is eighth on the album tracklist as part of the “irregular” dream realm. In contrast to the Korean version, the members exude a more confident and arrogant attitude with lyrics centered around flaunting their rich lifestyle of being unsatisfied millionaires, their wealth elevating them above the competition and beyond comparison. Continuing from the “Irregular Office” teaser after the members drift into sleep at the office, the music video becomes a universe of the members’ synchronized dreams of living a lavish life outside of the office, with heavy visuals full of multicolored diamonds and iced out wrist watches that can “barely see the time.”
While the release of their title track in two languages gathered much hype for Korean and international fans, NCT 127 expressed a comprehensive story about the dichotomy between dreams and reality, reminding us of the vital balance between the two realms. While the English version presents an unapologetic anthem with bragging rights about the digits in our bank accounts and channeling into our wildest, rich fantasies, the Korean version serves as a motivational song that reminds us of our priceless self-worth in which our passion and singularity guide us to success.