Congratulations, NCT Dream and Somi!

The century might have changed even before they said their first word or saw the first light, but NCT Dream and Jeon Somi are proving again and again that age is simply a number.

The two Korean Pop (K-Pop) acts emerged as two of the ‘Biggest Teen Musicians of 2017’ of American cable channel Fuse.

The Girl On Top: Jeon Somi

It may have taken her two auditions and two survival shows but Somi is showing the industry what a star she is. The JYP Entertainment artist and former I.O.I member took the 18th spot among 19 teen musicians in the list by Fuse.

“A major part of your teens are all about the unexpected ups and downs you experienced and Somi is a prime example of never-giving up,” wrote writer Jeff Benjamin.

In 2015, the K-Pop idol took part in reality girl group survival show ‘Sixteen’. She competed with 15 other trainees from her agency to secure a spot in then-planned new girl group Twice. However, the 16-year-old idol was eliminated in the show’s final round.

The following year saw her competing once again in a survival show under Mnet, ‘Produce 101’. But this time, she stood on top of the rankings, garnering over 800,000 votes. This was then followed by her debut as a member of project girl group I.O.I.

https://youtu.be/l1hxg1rY17I

Despite the disbandment of her group, Jeon continued on her career as a solo artist under JYP. She is currently participating in variety shows and solo music.

“While I.O.I was only meant to last for a year, Somi has parlayed her opportunity into solo music and TV opportunities meaning this teen isn’t wasting any time to ensure she’s a star,” concluded Benjamin.

The First And Not The Last For NCT Dream

SM Entertainment’s youngest boy group, on the one hand, took the 15th spot on the list. NCT Dream is the only K-Pop group who was included.

According to Benjamin, the boy group has a cohesive and fresh take on what is typically expected of boy band, completed with smooth harmonies and captivating choreography.

NCT Dream which is composed of Mark, Haechan, Jeno, Chenle, Renjun, Jisung and Jaemin, debuted in 2016. It is the third NCT unit to be launched since 2016.

It is also the first unit to clinch first place in a music show. The group’s track My First and Last from its album ‘My First’ won for three consecutive weeks in music program ‘The Show’.

At 2017 Yin Yue Tai V-Chart Award, the rookie group took home Top Promising Group. Aside from this, the First Brand Awards awarded NCT Dream the Chinese Special Prize.

The septet have also participated in various variety shows and events, including ‘NCT Life’ and KCON in Mexico.