On August 5, 2021, renowned K-pop producer and songwriter Ryan Jhun revealed a collaboration featuring NCT’s Doyoung and Haechan for his new project single, “MAXIS.” The track is the first of two in the project, and is set to be released on August 12 at 6 pm KST.

The announcement came with a fluorescent green poster of Doyoung and Haechan and the NCT U brand, including a title, “Keep Music Alive,” and teased the single’s lyrics with “She’s a maniac/And I love her just like that/Yeah I love her just like that,” on the graphic.

https://twitter.com/ryanjhun/status/1423207377084420099

Before the official announcement was released, Jhun dropped hints for an upcoming project on social media, and teased a collaboration with a major K-pop artist. According to the press release, the project contains Jhun’s heart and passion for music.

Fans couldn’t hold their excitement when days later, a picture of a blurred poster with the NCT U logo hinted at the collaboration. 

https://twitter.com/ryanjhun/status/1422845167011127302

 

Joining Forces with a Hit K-pop Producer 

It does not come as a surprise that these two major artists have come together for a brand new project. Jhun has previously participated in the production of major K-pop hits, such as SHINee’s “Lucifer” and “View,” EXO’s “Obsession,” Red Velvet’s “Dumb Dumb,” and IU’s “Celebrity.”

The producer is not new to the NCT brand either, having previously worked on NCT Dream’s “Boom,” NCT 127’s “Kick It,” and WayV’s “Kick Back,” making this new collaboration a recipe for success. 

 

Fan Reactions 

Fans all over the world showed their excitement and support for the collaboration, and the new NCT U subunit featuring Doyoung and Haechan.  

https://twitter.com/cocopudu6/status/1423225072685260806?s=20

https://twitter.com/junhui_bestboy/status/1423221468138119182?s=20

In 2021, with incredible success for recent releases from WayV and NCT Dream, and NCT 127’s comeback just around the corner, the NCT brand keeps expanding. Fans can definitely look forward to what the rest of the year has in store for the group.  

Want more on NCT’s latest activities? Check out EnVi’s coverage on Ten’s upcoming single!

Thumbnail courtesy of Ryan Jhun & SM Entertainment.