🚀 NCT DREAM Builds a Universe with Their 5th Album
When it comes to storytelling, NCT DREAM is in a league of their own. On July 17, the group dropped a commentary video titled ‘NCT DREAM [Go Back To The Future] Story Universe Commentary’ via their official YouTube channel.
In the video, the members themselves broke down the intricate time-travel concept behind their 5th full album, Go Back To The Future, inviting fans even deeper into the dream-like universe they’ve built.
🕰️ The Message Behind ‘BTTF’: Time Travel, Loss, and a Second Chance
The members revealed that the title track ‘BTTF’ revolves around a journey to revisit past happiness. In the storyline, they travel to 2025’s “THE DREAM SHOW 4” venue, only to find the past altered.
They then time-hop back to August 24, 2016, the day before their debut, leaving behind a hoverboard—a symbolic gesture that ironically triggers their original debut. This plot twist introduces a playful yet profound time paradox, portraying NCT DREAM’s present existence as the result of future decisions.
They explained:
“Even though it’s sci-fi, we didn’t want it to feel heavy. We wanted to highlight the idea that your future is made by your own choices—and that every decision you made led you to where you are now.”
🌈 ‘CHILLER’: A Cool Sequel Anchored in the “Absolute Present”
The second title track, ‘CHILLER’, plays as a side story to ‘BTTF’, focusing on their return to the “absolute present.” Set aboard a floating hoverboard base in the sky, the music video embraces a carefree, confident vibe.
“After time traveling, we chose to come back to the present. Why? Because we’re confident that the present version of ourselves is the brightest and most real,” they shared.
The duality between the two music videos reflects maturity, creativity, and emotional depth, all wrapped in NCT DREAM’s futuristic flair.
🎥 Why NCT DREAM Is a “Narrative Powerhouse”
Fans often call NCT DREAM a “storytelling masterclass”, and this release proves it. From detailed commentary videos to multi-layered music videos, they’re crafting a cinematic experience—not just a comeback.
One member said:
“It’s like rewatching a great movie. Every time you revisit it, you discover a new detail. That’s what this MV feels like.”
They encouraged fans to first enjoy the performance stages, like their upcoming ‘CHILLER’ performance on KBS Music Bank, and then rewatch the MVs for added layers of meaning.
🎧 Tracklist Highlights
The album Go Back To The Future contains 9 genre-spanning tracks, including:
- ‘BTTF’ (Back To The Future)
- ‘CHILLER’
- and 7 other songs that span emotional ballads, upbeat bangers, and genre-bending experiments.
Article Source: Seonmi Kyung, “Why NCT DREAM is the ‘storytelling powerhouse’ of K-pop,” OSEN, July 18, 2025.
Alt Text: NCT DREAM performing live at the 2018 Sky Festival in South Korea.
Caption: NCT DREAM delivers a powerful live performance during the 2018 Sky Festival. Image via Wikimedia Commons
Image Source: Image via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
