NCT U, a subdivision of the larger NCT group, released their latest single, “Marine Turtle” on Wednesday, December 6. 

It served as the nine release in SM Entertainment’s innovative NCT LAB initiative. 

Moreover, the collaborative efforts within the NCT LAB continues as WayV‘s Kun and Xiaojun teaming up with NCT Dream’s Renjun and Chenle for “Marine Turtle.” 

Both in the teaser photos and music video, the members were seen posing at the beach. The song, available in both Chinese and Korean, falls under the pop genre, blending a guiding synth melody and emotive vocal harmonies. 

Furthermore, the lyrics draw a poignant analogy, comparing the determination to forge ahead in life to a marine turtle hatching from its egg and embarking on a journey into the sea.

Notably, Chenle  also played a role in its composition, showcasing the multifaceted musical abilities of NCT members. Additionally, fellow NCT member Mark also lent his talents to the lyric-writing process.

‘Marine Turtle’ as part of NCT LAB releases

For those unfamiliar, NCT LAB is a SM Station series allowing NCT members to release their self-composed solo and unit tracks outside of regular NCT albums. In January 2022, the project was first announced, with Mark kicking it off with his solo release “Child.” 

Meanwhile, its first unit song “coNEXTion (Age of Light)” was sung by members Doyoung, Mark, and Haechan. Notably, the song also featured a performance by Shotaro, who is now a member of RIIZE.  Then, it was followed by another unit song “Rainy Day,” which was performed by Kun, Taeil, and Yangyang. 

For the rest of 2022, NCT LAB released two more tracks: Jaehyun’s “Forever Only” and Ten’s “Birthday.” 

In 2023, Mark and Jaehyun both released their second NCT Lab solo tracks. Meanwhile, Taeil and Haechan also released their duet track “N.C.Y.T.”

With “Marine Turtle” as the latest release, there will already be nine songs under NCT LAB. 

Currently, SM Entertainment has yet to announce their next NCT LAB song to be released. But it was earlier teased that Kun also has a solo track under the lineup. 

Which other NCT member would you want to see release a NCT LAB song next?

Featured image: Kun, Chenle, Xiaojun, and Renjun collaborate for ‘Marine Turtle.’ Credit: Twitter/NCT