The NCT WISH poppop recording session offered fans an intimate look into the group’s creative process, and it was brimming with rookie sincerity, team camaraderie, and heartfelt dedication. From nervous laughter to stubborn pronunciation hurdles, each member’s contribution to the behind-the-scenes of poppop painted a vivid portrait of growth and unity.

YUSHI opened the recording journey with visible shyness, playfully adjusting his lines like “rainwater sparkling between the blocks, pop” and debating whether “store” should sound cuter. His tone was soft, curious, and always respectful — asking for feedback, requesting to hear his takes, and thanking the staff repeatedly. It was clear that poppop held special meaning to him. He even called it his favorite WISH track to date, particularly fond of the bubbly line: “Lemonade fizzing in my mouth, pop.” Despite struggling with the tricky delivery, he beamed with pride once he got it right.

SION followed, bringing a blend of quiet nerves and calm determination. Though unsure how his verse would come across, he leaned into the challenge with optimism. He remarked that this was one of the final tracks left to record and praised the group’s overall musical direction. A standout moment was his genuine praise for YUSHI’s “Ooh yeah” outro, which he called the perfect send-off.

JAEHEE brought a breath of humor to the studio — from accidentally walking into the wrong room to chuckling at his own stumbles. He had to tackle a lot of ad-libs and tone variation, striving to lock in a “cool vibe.” Notably, he drew a thematic connection between poppop and their earlier song Melt Inside My Pocket, suggesting a subtle lyrical continuity for attentive fans.

RYO approached the booth with honesty, admitting that poppop was “so hard.” The pre-chorus, especially with its lofty notes, proved a steep climb. He also battled pronunciation hurdles between “ooh” and “oh,” but instead of frustration, he chose self-awareness and a resolve to improve, keeping spirits high.

SAKUYA explained that the genre was unfamiliar territory, adding pressure to match the tone already set by the others. He admired the “pop pop pop” sequence and YUSHI’s ending line, striving to match the energy and quality. His most charming moment came later during the trio recording with RIKU and JAEHEE, where they harmonized in unison, swapped notes, and laughed about a common misunderstanding: fans thought SION was afraid of heights—but it’s actually SAKUYA. They bonded over memories of a group hike and a bunny statue photocard, tying their creative journey to shared experiences.

RIKU, ever dynamic, used this session to showcase his evolving artistry. While known for adjusting his tone to sound “cool,” he shared a new goal: to rap more naturally and authentically. His presence in the trio session helped glue the group dynamic together, and his easy rapport with SAKUYA and JAEHEE kept the mood light and collaborative.

What stood out most during the NCT WISH poppop recording process wasn’t just the musical experimentation or vocal effort—it was the emotional honesty and rookie vulnerability that permeated every scene. Each member questioned themselves, stumbled over delivery, or worried about execution. But instead of being weighed down, they lifted each other up—through kind words, laughter, and genuine praise.

The line “lemonade fizzing in my mouth, pop” became more than just cute imagery—it was a symbol of how something fun and lighthearted can still demand precision and emotion. Similarly, poppop itself represents NCT WISH’s leap into 2025 not just with a cheerful sound, but with a clear identity forming behind the scenes.

From whispered “pop pop” refrains to nervous re-takes and heartfelt thank-yous, the recording room was a microcosm of what makes rookie K-pop so special. It wasn’t perfect—but it was sincere. And that sincerity is what will resonate with fans.