EXO’s Xiumin Praises NCT’s Mark For How Much He’s Grown As A Person And Artist

EXO‘s Xiumin just made his solo debut with Brand New, and fans couldn’t be more excited about the incredible songs. Xiumin’s members were perhaps even more excited than fans, with Sehun hosting his Brand New press conference, showing off his immense love and support for his member.

Sehun was impressed by the songs in Xiumin’s album & kept praising them with "It's great~!”, esp. 'Love Letter'~

XM: Don't you like ballads?
SH: I'll add it to my playlist right away. It’s now filled with Jongdae hyung's songs. I'll move his down (the list) now (& add yours in)~

— 쉰花 (@xunhuas) September 26, 2022

But while Sehun was busy showering Xiumin with praise, Xiumin took the opportunity to express his gratitude and admiration for NCT‘s Mark, who featured on the b-side track, “How We Do.”

Mark | @NCTsmtown_127/Twitter

The two idols had collaborated before on the SMSTATION track “Young & Free.”

While working on his solo debut album, Xiumin immediately decided to include Mark after hearing the rap portions of “How We Do.” Xiumin knew Mark had an incredibly busy schedule with NCT, so he was grateful for Mark’s feature.

"a good rapper would be great and mark came to my head straight away" –xiumin pic.twitter.com/HxmUy9s2ZE

— ㅎ (@Ieemarkees) September 26, 2022

xiumin said when he heard the guide song of how we do, there were a lot of rap parts on it and thought of, "ah singing it with someone who is great at rapping would be good!" so the first one he thought of is mark! he also mentioned nct are busy lately but mark still accepted it pic.twitter.com/3VEXbd7RXL

— 마끄리 (@0802lees) September 26, 2022

Working with Mark again after five years also surprised Xiumin because he could see just how much Mark had grown. Xiumin felt proud of his labelmate, praising him for just how impressive he’s become.

"Mark had grown so much, he became sophisticated. I don't see the young sides anymore, he is an amazing guy now. It made me proud."- Xiumin #XiuminIsBrandNew
#HowWeDo_ft_MARK#XIUMINfeatMARK pic.twitter.com/TLKUkZgVFB

— H44???? (@eemarkderyy) September 26, 2022

And, of course, fans can’t get enough of the incredible collaboration.

oohhh this is so good.. mark's rap and vocals and the way it blends with xiumin's voice is perfect. their tones go together so well and the beat is so groovy i love this pic.twitter.com/3WR0fvPpey

— Ann (@ZVAIGZNES02) September 26, 2022

omg xiumin and mark sounds so good!!!! pic.twitter.com/CSK8K3ieQm

— alia — ia bc of exams (@chiIldream) September 26, 2022

You can read more about Xiumin’s debut here.

EXO’s Sehun Proves To Be The Most Wholesomely Supportive Member To Xiumin On His Solo Debut

You can watch the music video for “Brand New” here.