Members “CoNEXT” Tradition and Hip-Hop in the Age of Light for the Second NCT Lab Release

For the second release of SM STATION’s NCT LAB, NCT members Doyoung, Mark, and Haechan came together for an energetic hip-hop drop where Shotaro stands as the main character. Although this NCT U unit would have had a lot more potential vocally, "CoNEXTion (Age of Light)" is still a fun and interesting listen by mixing hip-hop and traditional Korean instruments. 

Its alternative 5G-focused modern vibes are colored by the sound of gayageum, janggu, taepyeongso, and the gong. According to SM Entertainment’s press release, this aims to connect people and time in a three-dimensional space, and we love how that’s represented in the cover. The company also explained that "CoNEXTion (Age of Light)" is a combination of "co-NEXT" as in moving forward together, and "connect," which means that all time is connected. The track will also stand as a theme song for a project by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency in a large-scale realistic content experience space in Gwanghwamun, a famous historical site in Seoul, South Korea. Who’s coming with us for a quick visit?

Shotaro is the Main Character

Not just as a TikTok slang, but actually. He is, without a question, the main character of “CoNEXTion (Age of Light),” showing off his immaculate dance moves in the song’s performance video. The video’s play with lights and transitions, and the outfits that cover up all backup dancers, give Shotaro’s performance an even stronger appeal. We are looking forward to more opportunities for the Japanese member to expose his moves! 

NCT LAB is a project under SM STATION, giving us a chance to hear several NCT projects, including members' solo songs like Mark’s “Child,”,self-composed songs, and other unit songs, so NCTzens—including us, of course—are rightfully excited for more thrilling news and releases in 2022!