[Q&A] Comeback – NCT TEN: “A More Defined Musical Direction… A Great Album”
NCT’s TEN is making his comeback today (March 24) with his new mini-album STUNNER.
TEN’s second mini-album STUNNER consists of seven tracks, including both the Korean and English versions of the title track STUNNER. The full album will be available on all major streaming platforms at 6 PM KST, and the music video for STUNNER will be released simultaneously on SMTOWN’s official YouTube channel.
The title track STUNNER is an R&B pop song that blends groovy rhythm instruments with synth sounds. The track showcases TEN’s rhythmic yet delicate vocals, as well as his chic rap and whispering tones. Lyrically, the Korean version expresses growing feelings toward someone with unexpected charm, whereas the English version conveys a different message—emphasizing self-confidence and radiance.
Additionally, TEN will kick off his first solo concert tour on April 12-13 in Seoul, followed by performances in Bangkok, Shanghai, Osaka, Fukuoka, Tokyo, and Nagoya. With his sophisticated music and exceptional performances, TEN is set to further solidify his reputation as an “artistic performer.”
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Q&A with TEN on His Second Mini-Album STUNNER
Q: This is your comeback after about a year since your first mini-album TEN in February 2024. How do you feel?
A: After gaining a lot of experience with my first solo album, I spent the past year thinking about what I wanted to do next and what I needed to improve. If TEN was an album where I explored different genres, STUNNER has a more refined musical direction. I believe it turned out to be a great album, and I hope the fans who have been waiting for it will love it.
Q: What was your main focus while working on this album?
A: I think my previous title track Nightwalker had a more minor key and dark vibe. This time, I wanted to find a balance between minor and major tones—not too light but still keeping my own style while trying something new. BAMBOLA challenged me with fast-paced rap, Sweet As Sin allowed me to experiment with singing rap, and Butterfly was my first attempt at a Korean ballad. It took a lot of courage, but I think the results turned out amazing.
Q: What is the most “stunning” part of the title track STUNNER?
A: Since there are both Korean and English versions, listeners can enjoy the different vocal tones I use in each. The lyrics also have distinct messages, which makes them interesting to compare.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes fact: STUNNER was not originally the title track! Another song, which didn’t make it into the album, was initially chosen. STUNNER was meant to be a side track, but after listening to it repeatedly, I felt it fit the concept better. Since my main goal for this album was to balance minor and major elements, I suggested making STUNNER the title track instead.
Q: You’re known for your performances. What is the key highlight of the STUNNER choreography?
A: The choreography for STUNNER is intense, hip, and effortlessly cool. The dance team and I put a lot of thought into it, making adjustments to formations, gestures, and the overall atmosphere. Collaborating with others helped bring out the best performance possible.
Q: What was the most memorable part of the production process?
A: It took a long time to gather all the songs for this album. I listened to countless demo tracks, and we made a lot of changes from our initial discussions to the final result. (laughs) I’m especially grateful to the A&R team for listening to my ideas and supporting what I wanted to do while also guiding me toward better directions when necessary.
Also, Butterfly was the first full-length Korean ballad I recorded. Since some pronunciations were tricky for me, it took the longest to record, but I gained a deeper understanding of Korean ballads through the process. The challenge was worth it!
Q: Which track from the album do you recommend the most?
A: I carefully selected each song, so I love them all, but I personally listen to Waves the most. It reminds me of the peaceful and free-spirited feeling of being at the beach, where time slows down. Also, after recording Waves, it was the first time I thought, “Wow, my vocal tone sounds really nice!” So I hope the fans will enjoy it too.
Q: Your first solo concert tour starts in Seoul on April 12-13. Can you share any spoilers?
A: When I released my first solo album, I immediately went on a fan concert tour, and now I’m doing the same with my first full concert tour. I’m really excited! I can’t reveal too much yet, but we are redesigning the choreography for some songs from the fan concert tour and making stage and lighting adjustments to enhance the experience for fans. You can definitely look forward to it!
Q: What do you hope this album means to your fans?
A: Recently, I’ve been focusing on enjoying each day and maintaining a positive mindset. I hope that when fans listen to this album, it makes them feel good and brings out new emotions. I also want to create great memories together through this comeback. Oh, and new fans are always welcome! If this album makes you start liking me, I’ll take good care of you. (laughs)
#TEN #เตนล์ #TENLEE #TEN_STUNNER
jaehyun driving a maserati car wearing his eyeglasses, sleeves rolled up and one hand on the steering wheel... the sexiest thing that man can ever do istg im a sinner
OP asked Ten if he will be choreographing SO10².
Ten says that he need more ideas for the chorus, and that this part requires more (dancers) to have a better effect.
OP: “I’m very much looking forward to it!”
Ten: “Ahhhh I’m so nervous too!”