NCT’s Mark Unveils ‘1999’ from Debut Solo Album, ‘The Firstfruit’

On April 7, 2025, Mark, a prominent member of NCT, debuted his title track, 1999, as part of his solo album, The Firstfruit. This dynamic pop song features an uplifting sound characterized by orchestral arrangements, funky guitars, vibrant brass sections, and playful whistles, creating a rich auditory experience.

Engaging Storytelling in the Music Video

In a recent feature by Maeil Business Newspaper, the music video for 1999 is described as a captivating narrative set in 2025, where a fictional millennium bug from 1999 creates chaos. Throughout the storyline, Mark emerges as a heroic figure, assisting people in navigating through a sea of misinformation.

This visually striking MV is anticipated to highlight Mark’s diverse charisma, showcasing his ability to portray various characters. In dialogue with The Hollywood Reporter, Mark expressed his excitement about the track, hinting that listeners would be pleasantly surprised by its innovative sound.

“I’m really proud how it really knocks people off on the first. I think all my group members said the same thing as well. Everyone was like, ‘I did not expect something like ‘1999.’ I think it’s a good thing.”

Fan Reactions and Community Excitement

Fans have taken to social media to share their enthusiasm for Mark’s latest musical venture. On X, one user exclaimed:

“Just gave ‘1999’ a listen, MARK never misses! This one’s on repeat,”commented a fan on X.

Reactions continued to pour in, with one fan stating, “He’s an artist in every sense of the word…”while another reflected on the surprising nature of the song’s chorus:

“oh my god. when the members said 1999 was very unexpected and surprising… they were so right bc I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS CHORUS BUT IT’S SO FU***NG GOOD??? mark lee, you are INCREDIBLE,”remarked another fan.

“This is so catchy, the use of wordplays, & the lyrics meaning, just genius! a 99’s baby which is mark is here to bringing a big slap to the industry, he shatters the industry, proving his star power, pulling the highest impact value. he is so incredibly good and amazing! !”exclaimed another fan.

Fans also expressed their admiration with humor, as one joked about potentially suing Mark for being “too fine”:

“jgh and finally watch the 1999 mv without interruption… I JUST WANNA SAY MARK LEE ILY IM SO PROUD OF YOU, LIKE U DID IT AGAIN. It’s a bangerrrrrrrr soo good STREAM 1999,”wrote another fan.

“I’m suing him for emotional damage. why is he allowed to be this fine??”wrote another fan.

Insights into Mark’s Journey and Future Projects

Mark, an integral member of the K-pop group NCT and its sub-units NCT 127 and NCT Dream, is also part of the supergroup SuperM alongside other notable artists. His solo endeavors commenced with the release of Child in February 2022, part of the NCT Lab initiative, which received positive acclaim for its lyrical depth. Following this, he released the single Golden Hour.

Golden Hour, unveiled on April 7, 2025, draws inspiration from a humorous episode involving Chef Gordon Ramsay. His solo album journey officially began with the digital single 200 in May 2024, followed by the collaboration with Lee Young-ji titled Fraktsiya in December 2024.

Mark’s debut album The Firstfruit mirrors his personal evolution from his birth in 1999 to his rise as a solo artist. The album’s narrative unfolds through significant cities in Mark’s life, including Toronto, New York, Vancouver, and Seoul, each representing a poignant chapter in his story.

During an interview, Mark shared his aspirations for the album, stating:

“I just want to say that I’m not asking for the world to love this album, but I am in a way requesting for the world to take a moment to listen to this album from start to finish at least once because then they’ll get to know me better.”

In other noteworthy updates, Mark has been named the inaugural ambassador for Tim Hortons in South Korea, further expanding his influence beyond music.

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