NCT127 TAEYONG

Q. Nice to meet you. Please introduce yourself.

TAEYONG: The leader who is in charge of ‘greeting’, Taeyong (laughs)

Q. How did you become NCT 127’s leader?

TAEYONG: I didn’t expect to be the leader, but I naturally became a leader. The company told me that I was very motivated when I was a trainee. I am really proud of our team and I think this is why the company thought that I am fit to be the leader. 

Q. What kind of leader do you think you are?

TAEYONG: A leader who can say his lines only once without making a mistake (laughs). A responsible leader. Working hard to fulfill the role of a leader. 

Q. Do you feel the pressure of being the team leader?

TAEYONG: In the past, I thought a lot about what I should do as a leader of NCT127. There’s a pressure that I needed to show different sides in each NCT ​​team, so I paid a lot of attention to it. I feel less pressure now as time passes by. 

Q. Was there pressure because only NCT127 has a leader among all NCT units?

TAEYONG: That was a big part of the burden. But all NCT127 members are working hard, have great skills, and are very attached to the team, so we were able to lessen the pressure. 

Q. What role do you usually play as a leader?

TAEYONG: Being a leader is more about organizing the small things than the big ones. Deciding what to eat (laughs), organizing the schedule, we talk all of these with the members and decide. We also emphasized our capabilities on stage so we talk a lot about it and organize it. And also it’s my job to talk to the company if there’s anything important.

Q. As a leader, what is the special charm of NCT127?

TAEYONG: There are several units in NCT brand, but NCT127 has a home-like charm. Because of this, I can talk to the members comfortably. We’ve seen each other’s pain, been through a lot together and it’s hard to explain but there’s something deep that it is.

PART 2

Q. What is the most important part of being the leader of an idol group?

TAEYONG: Focusing on making the team atmosphere. I want to make the members laugh. In the past, we used to talk a lot about stages but now we’re working hard, doing well and sharing opinions. We share our opinions so that there will be no misunderstanding between the team and the company, and it’s the leader’s job.

Q. When do the members need a leader the most?

TAEYONG: Each stage has different cameras and lines, so everything needs to be organized between the staff and members. The members will tell me their opinions and I’m the one who will tell it to the staff. Since we have a lot of members, I’m going to give my opinion first to make things a little faster. 

Q. They say, you take good care of the members.

TAEYONG: It’s me being nosy (laughs). I want everyone to do things without regret because I thought that the videos will remain forever. That’s why during work, I try to take care a lot. I want to do anything without regretting it. 

Q. The member who helps the leader?

TAEYONG: All the members like NCT 127, and all of us want to do better. We are determined to grow and to show more. So all the members are helping me. Doyoung and Mark help a lot. We talk a lot about the stages. I’m also thankful to Taeil-hyung. I am more thankful because he acknowledges me so I am doing my best as a leader.

Q. Who’s the member who’s giving you a hard time.

TAEYONG: No one. Haha. Rather than that, I think it’s me who is lacking. As NCT 127 continues to strengthen, as their leader, I want to make the team stronger.

Q. NCT127 is a multinational group, how do you communicate?

TAEYONG: Usually, we communicate easily. When talking about schedules, there are some words that foreign members can’t understand. Particularly, Yuta still has difficulty in understanding perfectly, and I explain things to him about three times until he can understand it (laughs)

Q. Feel free to brag about NCT127

TAEYONG: NCT127 is the best (laughs). Our team is working together to grow and that’s great. Especially if I look at the members, there is a lot to learn. They are so sincere that makes you want to cheer for them. I’m also thankful that there are many fans who love us. 

Q. With all the members here, this year you did with ‘Kick It’ and ‘Punch’

TAEYONG: First, I want to thank the fans and the members. Everyone really worked so hard. When ‘Kick it’ charted, I remember Doyoung was really happy. I am proud to see the members happy. I was happy that we achieved the results as much as how we worked hard and I thought, ‘This is possible’. Thank you.

PART 3

Q. What are the concerns and hardships as a leader

TAEYONG: The position of leader was very awkward, and I had a lot of thoughts in the process of overcoming it. At this time, all the members gave their opinions for the team and worked hard all the time, so I was able to ease these concerns.

Q. In leading a team, conflicts arises, how do you solve them

TAEYONG: Of course, in work, we have different opinions. However, it’s not easy to match but we try to reflect each member’s opinions by looking at the situation. I think any decision can come differently to each person. And if I really need a flat opinion, use a roulette. Jaehyun gave me the idea. (laughs)

Q. NCT 127 celebrates its 4th anniversary this year. Everything still feels new, but how about looking back?

TAEYONG: I feel like it’s more than four years. In fact, it didn’t do well at the start. I came up step by step, but thanks to you, I’ve been doing everything I can and I’ve been taking steps well. After the debut stage, I didn’t know what to do, but now I realize and accumulated years of experience and got used to it. The members also understand each other better, and now they feel that they have become a team that is not enviable. Maybe that’s why it became “no fun ct” to “fun ct” (laughs). I’m always thinking of doing my best, but I think I spent the past 4 years without regrets as I’ve grown well. That’s how much I think it’s just the beginning. I have a lot to show you, and I’m more greedy. So I discuss a lot with members about what to show. I want to show you more about the member’s side and that our members are really cool.

Q. What do you want to say to the members?

TAEYONG: As always, I want to stay with the members for a long time. When NCT was first released, it was very difficult for us to have a unique system. The system must have been difficult for the public, but in fact, the members probably had the hardest time. Now that we’ve overcome all of that in the past 4 years, all we have to do is move forward. I want to say that let’s be more motivated and work together.

Q. What is your goal for NCT 127?

TAEYONG: I hope every member will be recognized for their skills so that each of them can release a solo album. If that happens, wouldn’t it really make NCT127 the best team? And in addition, just like our SM seniors, my dream is to become a recognized artist.

part 1: naver.me/xJnAP9j7

part 2: naver.me/FWmNlqo7

part 3: naver.me/5meLtEn4

200711 NCT127 Taeyong <I am a leader> interview

translation by: taeyoyong / xodyd_ty