“영웅 (英雄; Kick It)” song by NCT 127 is a powerful and energetic hip-hop anthem about overcoming past trauma and forging a new future with unshakable confidence. The song’s core meaning is a triumphant declaration of self-empowerment, using the iconic martial arts legend Bruce Lee as a central symbol for strength, resilience, and the ability to break through adversity.
As NCT 127 shatters their past limitations, they fiercely introduce the world to their own “new thangs.” In this article, we explore the meaning of this song, breaking down its metaphors and emotions.
Introduction to the Song
Released on March 6, 2020, as the explosive title track from their second studio album, Neo Zone, “Kick It” marked a monumental turning point in NCT 127’s career. The song’s unique “martial arts” concept, combined with its addictive chants and hard-hitting performance, was an instant and massive success. It perfectly encapsulated the group’s “neo” identity—a brand of music and style that is futuristic, experimental, and unapologetically bold.
The track’s sound is as distinctive as its concept, blending heavy bass, trap beats, and unique sound effects with a striking flute-like synth riff that evokes the atmosphere of a classic kung fu film. The song was a commercial and critical triumph, earning the group numerous music show wins and solidifying their position as top-tier artists in the K-pop industry.
“Kick It” is more than just a hype track; it’s a powerful statement of intent. It tells the story of a hero’s journey, as suggested by its Korean title “영웅” (Yeong-ung), which translates to “Hero.” It is the sound of a group that has faced its past, conquered its trauma, and is now ready to confidently carve out its own legendary path.
Central Theme & Message
The central theme of “Kick It” is triumphant self-realization through the conquering of past adversity. The song is a narrative of rebirth. The members declare that they have faced their “dark yesterday” and shattered the “trauma” that once held them back. The primary message is that by confronting and destroying the old version of oneself, a new, more powerful hero can emerge.
The figure of Bruce Lee is the vessel for this message. He isn’t just name-dropped for coolness; he is a symbol of the song’s core philosophy. Like Bruce Lee, who broke from traditional martial arts to create his own fluid style, NCT 127 is breaking from convention to introduce their “new thangs.” Like Bruce Lee, who overcame immense obstacles to become a global icon, they are showcasing their resilience and strength. The repeated chant of his name is a way of invoking his spirit of confident rebellion and power.
The song’s ultimate message is a declaration of invincibility. Having faced their demons, they now have a “lost fear” (“잃어버린 겁”). They move with purpose and power, turning every venue into a “festival” (“우리가 어딜 가든 축제”) and every action into a legendary scene from their own movie. It’s a powerful anthem of self-belief and a warning to any obstacle that stands in their way.
Verse-by-Verse Meaning
The song’s narrative is structured like a martial arts film, complete with a hero’s declaration, intense fight sequences, and a transcendent finale.
Chorus (Opening)
Let me introduce you to some / New thangs Bass kick swingin’ like I’m Bruce Lee Shimmy shimmy shimmy 불이 붙네 / 이 무대 위로 뜰 땐
(fire ignites / when I rise up on this stage)
The song immediately establishes its core concepts. They are here to introduce something new and different. The simile “swingin’ like I’m Bruce Lee” instantly grounds their power in the image of the martial arts master. The stage is set, and “fire ignites,” symbolizing the start of their explosive and passionate performance.
Refrain: Taeil & Doyoung
어두운 어제가 오늘을 삼켜버리기 전에 / 내 목소린 더 퍼져야 해 소리치면 돼 내겐 no more trauma
(Before the dark yesterday swallows today / my voice has to spread further, I just have to scream) (For me, no more trauma)
This is the emotional heart of the song. It reveals the motivation behind their powerful new identity: the urgent need to escape the past. The “dark yesterday” is a heavy burden that threatens to consume the present. The solution is to fight back by making their voice heard, by screaming against the silence. This culminates in the song’s most important declaration: “no more trauma.” They are consciously breaking the cycle of past pain.
Second Chorus
우리가 어딜 가든 축제 / 들어 축배 / Like my birthday Where ma roof at, 지붕이 우주에
(Wherever we go is a festival / Raise a toast / Like my birthday) (Where’s my roof at, the roof is in space)
Having declared their victory over trauma, the second chorus shifts to a mood of pure celebration. Their presence turns any location into a “festival.” The line “Where ma roof at, the roof is in space” is a classic hip-hop metaphor for breaking through all conceivable limits. There is no ceiling to their ambition or potential; they are aiming for the cosmos.
Verse 2: Rap Line
Keep it movin’ like Jeet Kune / 내 앞을 막을 땐 Samuel Jackson 돼 wassup? Enter The Dragon 난 영화같이 / 걸음걸이마저 martial arts
This verse is packed with clever references that deepen the Bruce Lee concept. “Jeet Kune Do” was Bruce Lee’s martial arts philosophy of fluid, direct combat. By moving like “Jeet Kune,” they are adaptable and unstoppable. The Samuel Jackson line is a witty pop culture reference, likely alluding to his many intimidating “tough guy” roles. They then directly name Bruce Lee’s most famous film, Enter the Dragon, casting themselves as the protagonists in their own legendary action movie, where even their walk is a form of martial arts.
Bridge: Vocal Line
My world 만들어가 yeah / 상상조차 할 수 없었던 / 아주 극적인 장면 그 깊은 곳에 눈앞에 펼쳐질 새로운 세상들 / 어둠 끝에 다시 난 새로 태어나
(I’m making my world, yeah / a place I couldn’t even have imagined) (In the depths of a very dramatic scene / new worlds unfold before my eyes) (At the end of the darkness, I am born anew)
The bridge is a moment of transcendent victory. It is the song’s climax, where the fight is over, and the hero is reborn. The vocal line sings of creating their own world and witnessing scenes they once couldn’t even imagine. The final line, “At the end of the darkness, I am born anew,” is the ultimate confirmation of the song’s theme. They have successfully passed through their trauma and emerged completely transformed on the other side.
Emotional Tone & Mood
The emotional tone of “Kick It” is explosive, triumphant, and supremely confident. It is a pure adrenaline rush, designed to make the listener feel powerful, energized, and invincible. The mood is one of aggressive celebration and unwavering swagger. It’s the sound of a final boss battle in a video game where you know you are about to win.
The song’s unique production is the key to its powerful mood. The blend of a heavy trap beat, distorted bass, and a distinctive East Asian-inspired synth melody creates an atmosphere that is immediately recognizable. The use of chants (“Ayo,” “Ay what?”), ad-libs, and fight sound effects further immerses the listener in its “martial arts movie” world. The iconic group chant of “New thangs” and “Bruce Lee” is incredibly catchy and serves as a powerful hook.
The performances are filled with attitude. The rap verses are delivered with a sharp, intimidating flow, while the vocal sections, particularly the bridge, soar with a sense of epic triumph. The overall mood is one of a legendary, high-energy performance that is both a fight and a festival.
Artist’s Perspective / Backstory
For NCT 127, “Kick It” was a career-defining moment that perfectly synthesized their “neo” identity. The members have described the song as a powerful expression of their confidence and their desire to overcome any challenges as a group. The “no more trauma” message was particularly significant, as it represented a collective resolution to move past the difficulties and pressures they had faced on their journey to success.
The concept of using Bruce Lee as their guiding symbol was a way to personify their own artistic philosophy. Just as Bruce Lee created his own martial arts style by breaking from tradition, NCT 127 prides itself on creating a unique “neo” genre that is all their own. The song was a way for them to embody this spirit of rebellious innovation.
The release of Neo Zone and its title track “Kick It” was seen as NCT 127 finally hitting their stride and fully realizing their artistic vision. It was the culmination of years of experimentation, a song and concept that felt uniquely and authentically “NCT 127.”
Real-Life Events or Facts Related to the Song
The release of “Kick It” marked a period of unprecedented success and recognition for NCT 127.
- Album and Release Date: “Kick It” is the title track of NCT 127’s second full-length album, Neo Zone, which was released on March 6, 2020.
- Major Commercial Success: The song was a massive commercial hit. It brought NCT 127 their first-ever wins on major South Korean music shows like KBS’s Music Bank, solidifying their position as a top-tier group. The Neo Zone album (including its repackage, The Final Round) was the group’s first to surpass one million in sales.
- Iconic Choreography: The song’s performance is as famous as the song itself. The choreography incorporates dynamic, martial arts-inspired movements, including the memorable “one-inch punch” move, directly referencing Bruce Lee’s techniques.
- Cultural Impact: “Kick It” became a cultural phenomenon. Its unique sound and powerful concept left a strong impression on the K-pop industry and significantly raised NCT 127’s public profile and international recognition. It is widely considered one of their most iconic and definitive songs.
Metaphors & Symbolism
“Kick It” is a rich tapestry of metaphor and symbolism, primarily centered around the figure of Bruce Lee and the world of martial arts cinema.
Bruce Lee: The Ultimate Symbol of Self-Made Power
Bruce Lee is the song’s central and most important symbol. He represents a complex ideal that goes far beyond simple fighting ability.
- A Symbol of Overcoming Trauma: This is the song’s core message. Bruce Lee faced immense racism and obstacles in Hollywood and the traditional martial arts world but broke through these barriers with sheer talent and determination. By invoking him, NCT 127 frames their own “no more trauma” declaration as a similar victory over their past struggles and limitations.
- A Symbol of “New Thangs”: Bruce Lee famously created his own martial arts philosophy, Jeet Kune Do (mentioned in the rap verse), which rejected rigid, classical styles in favor of a practical, fluid, and personal system. He was an innovator. This perfectly symbolizes NCT 127’s “neo” identity and their mission to introduce “new thangs” to the music world, creating their own genre rather than following existing trends.
- A Symbol of Ultimate Confidence: Bruce Lee is a global icon of untouchable coolness, swagger, and power. By comparing themselves to him (“swingin’ like I’m Bruce Lee”), the group channels his spirit of supreme self-confidence and physical prowess.
The Hero’s Journey (영웅; Yeong-ung)
The song’s Korean title, “영웅” (Hero), is a crucial piece of symbolism. It frames the entire narrative not just as a fight, but as a hero’s journey. A hero is not just a strong fighter; they are someone who confronts a great evil (in this case, their own past “trauma” and “dark yesterday”), overcomes it, and is “born anew” as a result. This elevates the song from a simple hype track to a mythic story of transformation and redemption. They are not villains or aggressors; they are the protagonists of their own epic tale.
The World as a Movie Set
The lyrics constantly blur the line between a real-life struggle and a cinematic performance. Lines like “이 무대 위로 뜰 땐” (when I rise up on this stage) and the rap verse’s “Cams, action, movie, shhh” symbolically frame their lives as a movie in which they are the stars. This suggests a powerful self-awareness. They know the world is watching, and they are consciously crafting their own legendary story. Their fight against trauma is not a private battle but a public performance of strength, designed to inspire and awe.
“Kicking” as a Double Entendre
The English title, “Kick It,” is a clever play on words. On the most obvious level, it refers to the literal kicks of martial arts, aligning with the Bruce Lee concept. However, “to kick it” is also a common English colloquialism meaning to relax, hang out, or take it easy. This double meaning adds a layer of effortless swagger to the song. It implies that the act of fighting, overcoming trauma, and being legendary is as natural and easy for them as just “kicking it.” The fight doesn’t drain them; it energizes them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question 1: What is the main meaning of “Kick It”?
Answer 1: The song is a powerful hip-hop anthem about overcoming past trauma and being reborn as a stronger, more confident version of oneself, using the martial arts icon Bruce Lee as a symbol of this transformation.
Question 2: Why is Bruce Lee mentioned so much in the song?
Answer 2: Bruce Lee is the central symbol for strength, innovation, and overcoming adversity. NCT 127 uses him to represent their own journey of breaking from the past (“no more trauma”) and creating their own unique style (“new thangs”).
Question 3: What does “영웅” (Yeong-ung), the Korean title, mean?
Answer 3: “영웅” means “Hero.” This title frames the song as a hero’s journey, where the members conquer their past demons and emerge victorious.
Question 4: What does the phrase “no more trauma” signify?
Answer 4: It is the song’s core declaration of healing and empowerment. It signifies a conscious decision to break free from the pain and limitations of the past and to move forward without fear.
Question 5: What is “Jeet Kune Do,” mentioned in the rap verse?
Answer 5: Jeet Kune Do is the martial arts philosophy developed by Bruce Lee. It emphasizes practicality, fluidity, and adapting different styles, which mirrors NCT 127’s “neo” concept of creating their own unique musical genre.
Question 6: What does the line “Where ma roof at, 지붕이 우주에” (the roof is in space) mean?
Answer 6: This is a hip-hop metaphor for breaking all limits. It means their ambition and potential are so vast that not even the sky is a ceiling for them; they are aiming for the entire universe.
Question 7: What is the overall mood of the song?
Answer 7: The mood is explosive, triumphant, and supremely confident. It’s a high-energy hype anthem designed to make the listener feel powerful and energized.
Question 8: How was this song a turning point for NCT 127?
Answer 8: “Kick It” brought NCT 127 massive commercial success, including their first wins on major music shows, and sold over a million copies of its album. It solidified their unique “neo” sound and significantly raised their profile both in Korea and internationally.
Question 9: What is the significance of the “new thangs” mentioned in the chorus?
Answer 9: “New thangs” refers to their unique style, music, and performance that breaks from K-pop conventions. It’s a declaration that they are innovators bringing something fresh and different to the scene.
Question 10: What is the meaning of the music video’s aesthetic?
Answer 10: The music video combines traditional East Asian architecture, martial arts dojo imagery, and modern neo-futuristic elements. This visual blend reinforces the theme of honoring the past (like Bruce Lee) while forging a bold new future.
Question 11: What does the line “I’m gonna kick it like Bruce Lee” mean at the end of the rap?
Answer 11: It serves as the ultimate summary of their intent. It combines the literal meaning of fighting like Bruce Lee with the colloquial swagger of “kicking it,” meaning they will overcome their enemies with effortless coolness.
Question 12: Is the song about a specific trauma?
Answer 12: The song leaves the “trauma” deliberately vague, allowing it to be a universal metaphor for any past struggle, whether it be personal hardships, professional pressures, or creative doubts. This makes the message of overcoming it relatable to everyone.
Question 13: What role does the choreography play in the song’s message?
Answer 13: The choreography is essential. It incorporates direct martial arts movements, such as punches, high kicks, and the “one-inch punch,” visually bringing the Bruce Lee metaphor to life and enhancing the song’s powerful, aggressive energy.
Question 14: What does “got that drip 흘러넘쳐 guts” mean?
Answer 14: “Drip” is slang for style and swagger. The line means they have so much style that their “guts” (confidence, courage) are overflowing. It’s a confident boast about their cool demeanor.
Question 15: What is the significance of the “127 squad” line?
Answer 15: It’s a declaration of group identity and unity. It reinforces that this journey of overcoming trauma and introducing “new thangs” is a collective effort by the entire NCT 127 team.
Question 16: How does the bridge contrast with the rest of the song?
Answer 16: The bridge, delivered by the vocal line, is more melodic and transcendent. It shifts from the “fight” to the “reward,” describing the feeling of being “born anew” after the struggle is over, providing an emotional and epic climax.
Question 17: What does the line “Before the dark yesterday swallows today” imply?
Answer 17: It creates a sense of urgency. It implies that trauma is an active, consuming force that, if not confronted, will destroy the present. This gives their fight a life-or-death feel.
Question 18: What is the meaning of the “Shimmy shimmy shimmy 불이 붙네” line?
Answer 18: “불이 붙네” means “fire ignites.” The line creates an image of their energy and passion catching fire on stage. The “shimmy” is a dance-like movement, suggesting their performance is so powerful it literally heats up the atmosphere.
Question 19: Why does the song use so many ad-lib chants like “Ayo” and “Say what?”?
Answer 19: These chants are a key feature of the song’s hip-hop influence. They act as hype-building call-and-response elements, engaging the listener and adding to the track’s energetic, concert-like atmosphere.
Question 20: What is the lasting legacy of “Kick It”?
Answer 20: Its legacy is that of a career-defining anthem that perfectly encapsulates NCT 127’s “neo” identity. It’s a song celebrated for its unique concept, powerful performance, and its triumphant message of overcoming the past to become a hero of your own story.