NCT 127 returns to Seoul roots with ‘Blingy’ after turbulent lineup change

After a decade in the industry and a turbulent lineup reshuffle, K-pop boy band NCT 127 returned to where it started: the heart of Seoul, positioned at 127 degrees east longitude.

The SM Entertainment act, which debuted in July 2016, releases its seventh full-length album, “Blingy,” at 6 p.m. on Monday, celebrating its 10th anniversary with its first new album in two years.

Member Johnny described “Blingy” as “a return to the mindset at the beginning” during a press conference held at Lotte World Tower in southern Seoul ahead of the album’s release on Monday.

“We worked harder than ever to prepare the performance for ‘Blingy,’” he said, describing its choreography as the group’s most challenging yet — even for NCT 127, an act known for its intense, high-octane stage performances.

“Although it’s a little embarrassing, we have been called ‘god of performance’ before, and that’s one title I’d like us to keep,” Johnny said when asked how he wanted NCT 127 to be described, and also quoted a previous remark from teammate Doyoung, “We won’t put on a performance unless it’s cool.”

“Blingy,” NCT 127’s seventh full-length album, arrives while two members, Doyoung and Jungwoo, are serving in the military.

It is also the group’s first release since the departure of former member Mark, leaving NCT 127 without three members from its usual roster for the latest album.

Though reduced to five active members, NCT 127 aimed to ensure that the milestone album remained true to its core identity.

That intention is apparent on the album cover, which directly echoes the design of the group’s debut EP, “NCT #127” (2016). The red camouflage in the shape of Seoul has been replaced with bright neo green, NCT’s signature color.

“Since this is our 10th-anniversary album, our priority was capturing NCT 127’s identity as seen through the eyes of NCTzens [NCT’s fandom],” said member Jaehyun. “Given how much thought we put into it, I hope the album satisfies our fans and even exceeds expectations.”

The album is led by the title track “Blingy,” a hip-hop song marked by distorted synths and chant-driven choruses, with a music video portraying the NCT 127 members as “Seoul’s fixers,” according to SM Entertainment — fitting for a group whose name refers to the longitude of the city.

The tracklist also includes the prereleased track “Pinata,” as well as B-sides “Legacy,” “Step Up,” “IKR,” “Getaway,” “Day After Day,” “127 Million Miles” and “I Mean, It’s About Time.”

Doyoung and Jungwoo participated in recording “127 Million Miles” before beginning their military service.

NCT 127 was launched under SM Entertainment’s broader NCT brand in 2016 and currently consists of seven members: Taeyong, Johnny, Yuta, Jaehyun, Haechan, Doyoung and Jungwoo.

The group underwent a major reorganization following the ouster of former member Taeil, now a convicted sex offender, in August 2024 and the more recent departure of Mark, who left SM in April to pursue a solo career. The seven remaining members, however, all renewed their contracts with SM Entertainment in July.

“When we first debuted, I used to imagine all of us still together 10 years later,” Taeyong admitted. “There have been many changes to the lineup, and going through those periods was difficult. Nevertheless, the seven of us who remain want to repay the trust we have built over the past 10 years. And being together again after such a long time, we could lean on and rely on one another. That is why we made this album — to show an even better side of ourselves as NCT 127.”

Taeyong also expressed his respect and support for former member Mark.

“Speaking as a fellow member of 10 years, I personally have immense respect for him,” he said. “I truly want to support him. Since each of us is now taking a different path, I respect and support the path he has chosen.”

Looking back on the past decade, the members identified their experimental sound and intense performances as the heart of the group.

“I think the best thing we did was challenge ourselves in many different ways through our music and style,” Jaehyun said. “In doing so, we came to realize many things, both as a team and as individuals. I think that is why we can show a stronger version of ourselves now.”

NCT 127 recently appeared on “America’s Got Talent” with its prereleased track “Pinata.” The group will embark on a new tour, “Neo City — The Redline,” beginning with three concerts in Seoul from Sept. 18 to 20.

Now 10 years into its career, the group says it remains ambitious about reaching more listeners and fans.

“What we want most is to show the music NCT 127 has made over the years to more NCTzens around the world,” Haechan said. “We really want to meet more fans in more places around the world.”

BY SHIN HA-NEE [[email protected]]