Jeff Benjamin is a Billboard contributor who writes the site's K-pop column.
As the K-pop market continues its mainstream climb in America, its acts need to get all the more creative to keep both their core fanbase and new audiences intrigued.
All the more reason why it was both impressive and important to see NCT 127 deliver an unexpected mash-up performance for their debut on “Good Morning America” this morning.
The K-pop boy band delivered the first-ever look at their upcoming single "Superhuman," mixed with a snippet of the fan-favorite hit "Cherry Bomb." The new "Superhuman" track showcased the group's knack of blending genres with a disco-house and punchy electro-pop sound, smoothed over with what very well may be the troupe's biggest ear worm of a chorus to date.
Still reeling off the excitement from the performance, “GMA” spoke with the guys backstage to get their thoughts on their big TV moment which, as leader Taeyong put it, meant a lot to the group as a whole.
"I'm very excited we were able to perform at ‘Good Morning America’ and seeing our fans this early in the morning was really exciting as well," he shared, earning his band mates' approval. "It was a new experience for everyone."
It was a new experience for everyone.
Even with just a little sleep for some of the members, NCT 127 singer Johnny said that they put in extra work to make sure this performance was TV-ready.
"I actually woke up at 1 a.m. today," he said. "I was a little nervous, but we were all getting ready like, 'Wait, we're actually going to perform at ‘GMA’? 'Superhuman'? For the first time ever?!?' We usually use about 15 minutes to rehearse, but we took a whole hour today. We were all kinds of nervous but feel like, when it came out, we were pretty on point even with a slightly smaller stage than what we're used to."
The guys made the most of their time at the Times Square studio, spending time with their dedicated fans — affectionately known as "NCTzens" — who were supporting the band from both inside and outside ABC Studios. Ahead of their live performance, the guys ran outside to thank supporters by taking selfies and giving high-fives with the NCTzens in the house.
Not only did the fan support make it special, but the morning was particularly notable for Johnny, who grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago watching “GMA” with his family.
"One of my favorite parts was actually seeing the artists perform," he said. "To actually be performing on the same stage they were, honestly, it's unbelievable. And the only reason I can believe it now because we're literally here."
"Superhuman" is the lead single from NCT 127's upcoming “NCT #127 We Are Superhuman" EP out on May 24. But fans can get ready to pre-order the physical album on April 22.
In the meantime, NTCzens know that the band's NCT 127 — Neo City World Tour 2019 kicks off on April 24 in Newark, New Jersey.