"HE IS A GENIUS" — Internet reacts as fans find alleged 1997 Men in Black movies references in NCT Mark’s ‘Fraktsiya’ MV

NCT’s Mark made headlines with his latest solo single, Fraktsiya, released on December 16, 2024. Fans were quick to pick up on alleged references to the 1997 Men in Black movie series, fueling conversations around the song’s intricate themes, music video aesthetics, and lyrical depth.

The music video features striking monochromatic color palettes, sleek futuristic settings, and suits reminiscent of the iconic black attire worn by Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in the Men in Black films. In one scene, the K-pop idol sat on a round or circular chair beside South Korean rapper Lee Young-ji, giving an alleged nod to the 1997 Hollywood hit film, Men in Black.

In another instance, fans pointed out a scene where Mark dons sunglasses and a black suit & tie alongside other background actors in the same attires—a moment that some believe pays homage to the agents' signature look. The recurring visual motifs of mysterious lights and a pen-sized memory eraser further supported the speculation that Men in Black could have inspired the MV’s thematic direction.

The internet buzzed with excitement as fans took to platforms like X to dissect the music video’s scenes. Tweets labeling Mark as a “genius” gained traction, with users praising his artistic range. Others applauded the SM Entertainment star for blending pop culture references with his lyrical flair.

One fan wrote on X:

"HE IS A GENIUS."

Supporters praised the NCT rapper for weaving creative cinematic nods into his dynamic artistry.

"Parallels are too fcking cool the whole mv was so so cold I can’t," one fan wrote.

"I will always eat up a good reference," another fan said.

"Oohhh i thought he was pulling a matrix concept hehdhfhddhfj," one other fan shared.

Others mentioned that a few of the scenes from Fraktsiya MV reminded them of something.

"I KNEW IT REMINDED ME OF SOMETHING," one fan wrote.

"literally said to mish "they look like men in black" without realising it was intentional im sorry," another fan joked.

"Thank god I was just late I thought fr no one else saw it," one other fan commented.

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Comparative analysis of NCT Mark's Fraktsiya featuring Lee Young-ji with his previous solo releases

Fraktsiya, a hard-hitting rap track, showcased Mark’s distinct musical direction, departing from his previous solo singles, Child (2022) and Golden Hour (2023). While both earlier releases explored introspection and playful lyricism, Fraktsiya presents a darker, edgier vibe that emphasizes complex visuals and sharp wordplay.

Mark, a prominent member of NCT and its subunits NCT 127, NCT U, and NCT Dream, has consistently proven his versatility as a rapper, songwriter, and performer. His solo debut track, Child, in 2022 delivered a vulnerable narrative, reflecting personal struggles and self-identity. In contrast, his follow-up release, Golden Hour, in 2023 incorporated references like Gordon Ramsay.

With Fraktsiya, the K-pop idol expanded his sonic repertoire even further, diving into intricate rap flows and a darker ambiance that sets the single apart. The sharp beat drops, rhythmic intensity, and thought-provoking visuals highlight his growth as a solo artist.

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Mark’s fellow NCT members, including Jisung, Haechan, Jeno, and Jaemin, were among the first to express support for the release. Jisung posted a heartfelt message on Instagram Stories while Haechan shared a screenshot of the song. Other artists and industry peers also joined in celebrating Mark’s latest milestone.