Charismatic, bold, fierce performances, charming personalities, striking top-tier visuals, the incredibly talented group known as MCND are prime to become one of the best groups in K-Pop. In 2020, the boy group with 5 extremely talented members Win, Bic, MinJae, Castle J, and HuiJin signed with TOP Media home to groups like Teen Top and Up10tion (and solo activities of Kim WooSeok and Lee JinHyuk). They released their pre-debut single ‘Top Gang’ that same year, a song that notably gave the industry and K-Pop lovers a sneak peek into the arsenal of talents that they would possess and be ready to unleash on the industry.
It was refreshingly different and unique, a trait we have seen the group carry on through in their career so far. A burst of excitement and energy flows through the members, a synergistic flow amongst all the lines; rap, vocals, and dance duly gave the group the attention they deserved, saying “watch out for us”, spurring an interest to embark on this musical journey with them, asking the question “where will they take us next?” Well, to the ‘Ice Age’.
If ‘Top Gang’ was their introduction to the industry, then ‘Ice Age’ was their way of confidently saying “We are here to make history”. The song served as the title track for their first EP “Into The Ice Age”. The song proved that they were definitely ready to take over the industry with their talents. Fierce, bold, captivating, and with an intriguing stare that sent chills down your spine. A masterpiece of an anthem that has us frozen in awe of their fascinating visuals, harmonious vocals, an exciting and fierce rap line, summed up with dance moves so fast yet clean, detailed, and intricate.
The song is rightfully one of their most popular songs, with over 12 million streams on Spotify and 27 million views on YouTube, for a rookie group, it served as the perfect way to debut, making us question if we should be calling them rookies in the first place.
Following their rapid growth and popularity due to the incredible success of the first EP “Into The Ice Age”, in April, they released their digital single ‘Spring’, a song we can describe as refreshing, soothing, and warm. The school-themed music video gave the song the true pop feeling of happiness and youth and when they say “we will keep you safe, welcome to my world” we truly believe it.
The group kept proving just how much they had to over and their passion for music with the release of their second EP in August titled “Earth Age” with the lead single ’nanana’ a song with a 90’s feel that further highlighted their musical strengths and creativity from the soaring vocals ability that had us straining our chords as we tried to sing along to the intense rap verses that added the flair and vibrance the song needed, complemented with their quintessential fast-paced and clean dance moves that at this point we might consider their trademark. ’nanana’ had us screaming “Yes” as we once again acknowledge the force that is MCND.
Within a year, they had released 2 EPs and a digital single, setting a very high standard for rookie groups and carving their unique path in an industry filled with diverse talents. They closed the year with different awards nominations and won the “New K Wave New Artist Award” at the Soribada Best K Music Awards. Along with fans, we keep embarking on the journey to ultimate success and recognition with a new boy group that we all now have a ‘Crush’ on.
2021 has so far, extended their run as one of the top rookie groups in K-Pop. With the release of their third EP “MCND Age” they would solidify their position as “Monster Rookies” with the hit lead single ‘Crush’. The song continues with the same flow as their other lead singles, with elements of pop and trap accompanied by a beat that makes you want to “dance like woodangtang”. With their signature refreshing music style, the addictive rhythm of the song, and their undeniable swagger and confidence make this one of our favorite songs yet. Their stage performance of this song shows just how much of an exemplary performer each member truly is, highlighting their various skills, strengths, and styles.
They even gave us the multilingual version of the songs ‘Crush’ and ’nanana’ which we found very cute and interesting. The EP also gave us other great songs like the somewhat empowering ‘Ko, OK!’ and the beautiful ‘Louder’. A song that is reassuring and really takes our heart.
As the year 2021 keeps ‘Movin’ along quickly, so does MCND. They are always on to the next one, not resting on their quest. In August, the group released their 4th EP " The Earth: Secret Mission Chapter 1" with the lead song ‘Movin’. A song that showcased their signature and unique music style but also just how much more they have evolved. Reinforcing the statement made since pre-debut single that “MCND is probably one of the most unique groups in K-Pop right now”. The song as well as others garnered positive compliments from fans and viewers, who demanded that the boys get more recognition as they rightfully deserved. A call that has been answered as they have been nominated in the “Male Idol Group Popularity Award” category at the Asia Artist Awards 2021.
MCND members are all remarkable dancers. Their dance skills are no joke as they have shown it over and over again with their music videos and also often doing covers of other artists. Below are some of our favorites.
Future variety show regulars, “Hello Summer” YouTube series showed that they are equally charming, funny, and entertaining.
Their journey didn’t start in 2020, before their debut MinJae and HuiJin who were still trainees at that time appeared on the reality series “The Fan” delivering iconic performances stages for songs like ‘Hands Clap’, ‘Believer,’ and ‘No 1’. These performances left the judges and viewers in awe as many expressed their shock at the skills they possess and dismay as to how they were still trainees.
HuiJin and MinJae have also released covers of songs by various artists like Anne Marie, Lauv, and Troye Sivan.
Member Win has also notably appeared in the MBC music reality show “Under 19” when he was 13. Although he left early due to health reasons, he delivered a flawless audition that left the judges and viewers stunned.
True to the meaning of their name “Music Creates New Dream” and with the vast skills and talents they possess, we look forward to where they will take us next as we gladly follow them on the road to ultimate stardom.
They recently released a special film for their song ‘Cat Waltz’, which we found very cute, showing off their charming and adorable personalities. The energy was so positive and bright, you could easily tell they really had fun making this music video. A more relaxed and chill vibe featuring an even more adorable Cat. Click here to get an inside look into their daily lives 8 K-Pop Male Idols Who Look Handsome In Purple Hair (Part 1) KPOP STORIES|Oct 20, 2021 Next Rated: 5 New Male K-Pop Idol Groups To Watch KPOP STORIES|Oct 13, 2021 MCND Is The Next Rising K-Pop Group And Here Is Why KPOP STORIES|May 21, 2021
