You can find all of our “Bias Duality” articles in one place by clicking here! This week’s “Bias Duality” article is dedicated to one of the most intriguing and uniquely brilliant artists in the world, NCT’s Yuta. With 23,661 votes, making for 42.2% of the total votes cast by Kpopmap readers on the poll in our previous “Bias Duality” article, Yuta was chosen by a vast majority of fans to appear on this series! To participate in choosing the artist who will be featured in our next “Bias Duality” article, you can vote for your favourite idol/actor below! If you would like to see a different idol/actor (one who is not mentioned in the poll) featured in the series, please leave their name in the comments section, and we will add them to the vote lineup next time! Now onto our bias!
Nakamoto Yuta - From The Osaka Prince To A KING
When Yuta dreamt of becoming a K-Pop idol, inspired by one of the greatest K-Pop groups of his time, TVXQ, he did not just set a goal. He made a promise to himself and ran full speed ahead until we saw him on the pinnacle he once admired. From leaving home at a young age and entering SM Entertainment, the same company that housed TVXQ, to becoming a symbol of SM’s global power, Japan’s pride, and our very own Osaka Prince, Yuta left no stone unturned in establishing himself as a figure of excellence and potential that transcends borders. Through it all, he held his identity close to his heart, unchanged by exceptional success and adversities alike. Yuta is a ray of hope for innumerable young people all over the world who now dream of becoming idols while looking up at him. Life truly brought Yuta full circle, and he’s only getting started.
Yuta entered the limelight of the Korean entertainment industry with SM Rookies, where he proved his mettle as a formidable new talent, ready to take over the world by storm. As he debuted in NCT, the fruit of his labor was as sweet as it gets, and netizens were quick to notice that he was definitely one to keep an eye out for, giving him a boost of popularity right from the start. Besides being a talented vocalist with a distinct baritone, Yuta also showcased extraordinary skill in dancing and rapping, earning him the title of an all-rounder.
With a penchant for being on camera, Yuta knows exactly how to enchant his viewers without ever letting go of his true self. As a matter of fact, it is the authenticity in the way Yuta presents himself that draws millions to him. His progressive ideologies, strong opinions, and respectful presence on the show “Abnormal Summit” continues to be a prime example of how Yuta treasures his individuality regardless/in spite of his profession as an idol. Breaking stereotypes, defying conventions, and forging his own path is precisely what makes him such an outstanding role model for the youth. Today, Yuta is a force to be reckoned with in the global sphere of art, entertainment, and fashion. Not only is he a hugely successful singer-songwriter, idol, and icon, but he is also wonderfully positioned as the face of the transnational proliferation of K-Pop. In addition, Yuta is all set to make his acting debut on the silver screen with “HiGH&LOW THE WORST - X”, the latest installment of the famed Japanese action film franchise “HiGH&LOW”. What’s even more impressive is that Yuta will be taking on the role of the leading antagonist, the intense and invincible Suzaki Ryo. With his versatility, going from the Takoyaki Prince to a chilling villain, Yuta defines duality unlike any other. Now that’s what we call a master of all trades!
Emotional Duality: Our Very Own Howl
Before we highlight Yuta’s multifaceted talents, we cannot help but write an ode to his rich inner world. Yuta’s colourful sensibilities, his unapologetic realness, and vibrant personality make for a fatally charming combination that we just can’t get enough of. He is playful and cheery yet protective and fierce at the same time. His radiant confidence is like sunshine, lighting up the world around him. Yuta doesn’t shy away from revealing his deepest emotions and expressing his thoughts in a clear and succinct manner.
He can be whiny and clingy one moment, and in the next, he’s the dreamy protagonist of a romance manga. Even Yuta’s sense of humour has duality! His deadpan sarcasm is just as impressive as his Dad jokes, and we’re left laughing our hearts out either way. For NCT and NCTzen, Yuta is both a pillar of strength and a sandbox of safety, and this love is reciprocated manifold. If you’re new to NCT, the best way to experience Yuta’s emotional duality first-hand is to listen to his radio show “NCT 127 ユウタのYUTA at Home”, where he speaks from experience and vulnerability, providing priceless advice that resonates with thousands of listeners.
With how much Yuta enjoys animation, it is hard not to compare him to one of the most iconic characters in the history of anime, Howl Jenkins Pendragon from the Ghibli classic, “Howl’s Moving Castle”. Not only do the two share a visual resemblance, but Yuta’s temperament is eerily similar to Howl’s. Like Howl, Yuta possesses a childlike innocence and wonder, but he is also immensely mature. Perhaps, that is why he is so good with kids!
He is kind, generous, and selfless, but he also loves and respects himself more than anything else. He would give the world to his loved ones if it meant seeing them smile and, as such, he always works hard to show NCTzen the best version of himself. He never hesitates to shower his members with compliments but loves to receive them even more.
Yuta is always attentive towards his members and takes pride in taking care of them well. His love language manifests itself in the smallest of things: reassuring his members in moments of doubt, comforting fans in difficult situations, encouraging them through challenging times, appreciating staff members for their hard work, and so on and so forth. Even though he is brimming with machismo, Yuta’s loveliness is undeniable. Just his healing smile can melt away all our blues in an instant. If that’s not modern-day magic, we don’t know what is!
Vocal Duality: The Softest Whisper To The Loudest Roar
Stepping into the world of Yuta’s creative talent is a therapeutic, inspiring, and awe-worthy journey that you do not want to miss. It is no surprise that the art that comes from the golden-hearted Yuta is also just as precious as him but what is pleasantly astonishing is the sheer versatility of it all. Yuta is the type of musician to pour his all into his art, sans reservation, which makes it all the more potent. When it comes to creation, Yuta’s music is charged with emotion, depth, and honesty. It reflects his own worldview, which millions in turn identify with. The song ‘Butterfly’, written and composed by Yuta, is one such masterpiece. Drawing from his own butterfly tattoo and the meaning behind it, Yuta sings of liberation and the zeal for freedom that drives him. The stable vocal quality he displays in the live performance of this song at “NEO CITY: SEOUL - THE LINK” is extraordinarily emphatic, ranging from delicately warm whisper tones to open-throated high notes. With this, Yuta establishes his unique vocal colour that is not only inimitable but also full of possibilities. Another perfect example of Yuta’s rich vocals is the cover song that came as a Christmas present to the world. Yuta covered ‘White’ by TVXQ with such panache that it was hard not to think of it as his own song. Coupled with a music video that makes you wish you were by his side, Yuta stole our hearts, and we said, “thank you”. If this wasn’t already impressive, Yuta’s acapella vocals will sweep you off your feet. Even when he’s casually singing along or covering songs on his Instagram live (we will never forget the aural blessing that was the cover of L’Arc-En-Ciel’s ‘Anemone’), Yuta has a certain nuance in his voice that makes it sound like an impromptu concert. Now that’s something only masters of their craft can relate to. Finally, we cannot possibly forget Yuta’s rap skills in an appreciation post about his vocal duality. In contrast to his dulcet singing voice, Yuta powers his rap with quick-witted sharpness and an unforgiving fire. After all, he’s the lion for a reason!
Stage Duality: What It Looks To Be Invincible
If Yuta is a lion, the stage is his jungle. This is where he reigns. With expertise in various styles, Yuta can ease into any concept effortlessly. His excellent footwork and technical ability are next to none, especially when he is in his element. This allows him to master the most intricate choreography and imbue it with his own essence.
The control he has over his movements is unbelievably meticulous yet smooth, and this rings equally true for his facial expressions, which give his performance that extra pizzazz. He can switch from the peppy mood of a bubblegum pop track to the dashing gravity of a power anthem in no time. Yuta’s stage presence is godly, to say the least, and it is just as impactful live as it is on camera. The subtle soul swap that happens when Yuta the person brings forth Yuta the artist, is a vision to behold. He embodies his own binaries with such grace and conviction that you cannot help but surrender to his duality. To further illustrate this very duality, let us take a look at 3 fancams where Yuta puts it to play!
‘Kick It’
Exhibit A: The face-cam that marked a cultural reset for NCTzen all over the world, ‘Kick It’. What you’re witnessing here is a rare moment seconds before a performance when Yuta meditatively gets into character and stays connected to the same even when he’s resting. The spontaneity with which he makes the slightest changes in his expressions according to the mood of the song, going from intimidating to smug, focused to relaxed, is incredibly impressive. It certainly makes us even more excited to see him on the big screen!
‘Touch’
Another legendary fancam, ‘Touch’ highlights the gentle sweetness of Yuta in love, but what makes it heart-fluttering is the fact that he consistently tells a story with his eyes. Even if you didn’t understand the lyrics, his expressions alone could guide you better than any translation could. His smile bears a sense of infatuation and excitement but also the determination to win his beloved over. We cannot help but swoon as he sways.
‘Favorite (Vampire)’
If Yuta wasn’t already otherworldly enough, now we get to watch him serenade us as an immortal vampire with eternal charm. While we need no convincing, it sure is enchanting to be courted, especially when Yuta does it in such an alluring manner, complete with the intoxicating smirk. Once again, he doesn’t just perform. There’s a cinematic narrative Yuta conveys that leaves a lasting impression. Now that’s some main character energy right there.
Aesthetic Duality: Is That Miyamura From “Horimiya”?
Time and time again, Yuta has emphasized the importance of fashion and style as a means of self-expression. He also revealed in an interview with “ELLE Japan” that he is interested in designing garments in collaboration with fellow member TaeYong. It doesn’t come as a surprise, therefore, that his own personal style is straight out of a fashion magazine. However, even his aesthetic has a duality of its own. Much like the character Miyamura from the popular romance anime “Horimiya”, Yuta can go from a rockstar to a teddy bear with just a change of clothes. Even with the same pose, Yuta is giving us two entirely different moods, and they couldn’t be farther apart. The leather brings out the badass in him, whereas the soft hoodie is made of boyfriend material. As Yuta changes his aesthetic with every outfit, it is wonderfully exciting to wait for his posts. You can follow Yuta on Instagram here. Ever since his debut, Yuta has worked tirelessly to build an indelible legacy that represents the evolution of his artistry. Despite having achieved such magnanimous success, he remains grounded and focused, preparing for an even more splendid future. With the excellence of his musicality, we cannot wait for Yuta to have a solo debut that allows him to explore it even further. Until then, let’s count down the days to the release of “HiGH&LOW THE WORST - X” and cheer Yuta on with all our hearts! What is your favourite part about Yuta’s duality? Tell us in the comments section down below! If you’re looking for more content about NCT on Kpopmap, here are some articles you might enjoy!
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