[Review] Fraktsiya – MARK (NCT) ft. LEE YOUNG JI

MARK was originally due to make his solo comeback with his first album this month. But the long-awaited solo return of MARK was unfortunately delayed to April instead. To keep those waiting in anticipation for his solo release, MARK released the single titled Fraktsiya. It features LEE YOUNG JI, who had a successful run this year. This single release follows MARK’s other solo singles, which include Child, Golden Hour and 200.

MARK is well known for his rapping skills, which he has displayed through the abundance of songs he raps in. His rapping in SuperM’s Jopping springs straight to mind. But we have yet to come across a solo song from MARK that really showcases his rapping skills to the same degree. That is until Fraktsiya. It is a rap-based hip-hop track featuring a fast-paced and pulsing instrumental that exudes a dynamic yet lowkey energy. The details in the instrumental give off a prickly feeling, heightening the song’s excitement. MARK and LEE YOUNG JI were super punchy with their delivery through Fraktsiya, which I thought should be commended. Further, MARK’s flow throughout Fraktsiya does not let up and has me vibing along to the song. The same can be said about LEE YOUNG JI. But her style and rapping also bring a brighter-like tone element to Fraktsiya. But the song’s best part is when the pair rounds out with the shoutier “I’m so curious“. That was a great peak to accumulate towards and to end Fraktsiya with. Overall, this track excites me for what will come from MARK in April.

According to Google’s AI, Fraktsiya is the romanisation of the Korean word 쁘락지 (meaning ‘spy’). MARK and LEE YOUNG JI essentially rap about being spies in their respective ‘worlds’ – MARK being KPOP and LEE YOUNG JI being K-Hip-Hop. The video takes on a darker concept than usual for MARK. We see him as a spy in the first part. We then see him in the KPOP world, out of place and calm in the chaos as the staff prepares for a photoshoot. When LEE YOUNG JI appears, she appears out-of-place, as well. She wears a jacket with a touch of green on a green carpet, while everyone else is dressed in black suits on the white background. It was a cool video overall.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 8.5/10
Overall Rating – 8.8/10