NCT Wish

NCT Wish is a six-member Japanese-Korean boy band and the sixth sub-unit of NCT. As of early 2025, the group is active, performing and releasing music in both Japan and Korea. They are known for their bright, youthful pop sound and energetic performances. Their debut single "Wish" topped Oricon's daily and weekly singles chart, a strong start for a rookie group. The members are Sion, Riku, Yushi, Jaehee, Ryo, and Sakuya, with Sion serving as leader. Fans, collectively called NCTzen, share the larger NCT fandom culture. The group continues to build their discography and fanbase, with a focus on the Japanese market while maintaining a global presence through SM Entertainment's network.[edit]

NCT Wish came together through a survival show called "NCT Universe: LASTART," which aired on SBS in 2023. The program was produced by SM Entertainment and featured a pool of trainees competing for spots in a new NCT sub-unit. BoA, the veteran SM artist and director, served as the producer and mentor, overseeing the training and selection process. The final lineup was announced at the end of the show: Sion, Riku, Yushi, Jaehee, Ryo, and Sakuya. The six members then underwent additional training in both Japan and Korea, preparing for a dual-market debut. On October 8, 2023, they released the pre-debut single "Hands Up" under the name NCT New Team and performed at showcase events, including the NCT Nation concert in Japan. The group officially debuted on February 21, 2024, with the single album "Wish," released simultaneously in Japanese and Korean. BoA continued as their producer until her departure from SM Entertainment in 2025.[edit]

NCT Wish's sound blends bright, upbeat pop with elements of both J-pop and K-pop. Their debut single "Wish" features catchy melodies and a youthful energy, with polished production that appeals to a wide audience. The pre-debut track "Hands Up" is more dance-oriented, with a driving beat and energetic hooks. As a group still in its early stages, their musical identity is evolving, but early releases suggest a focus on optimistic, feel-good themes. The dual-language releases (Japanese and Korean) reflect their strategy to capture both markets. Their style sits within NCT's broader experimental pop framework but leans toward accessible, radio-friendly pop.[edit]

As the sixth sub-unit of NCT, NCT Wish represents SM Entertainment's continued push into the Japanese market. Their debut was part of the larger "NCT Universe" project, which emphasizes global expansion and localized lineups. The group has not yet achieved major crossover or diplomatic roles, but their debut single reaching No. 1 on Oricon's chart signaled a promising start. They contribute to the NCT brand's growing presence in Japan, a key market for K-pop. Early fan projects include support banners and streaming efforts, but specific cultural milestones are still forming.[edit]

NCT Wish shares the official fandom name NCTzen with all NCT units, and the official fan color is Pearl Neo Champagne. There is no unique lightstick for the sub-unit; fans use the hexagonal NCT lightstick. Specific traditions are still developing given the group's recent debut. Early fan projects include organized streaming parties for debut releases and support banners at showcase events. The group's youngest members, Ryo and Sakuya (both born in 2007), have attracted a dedicated fanbase among younger NCTzen.[edit]

The group was formed through the survival show "NCT Universe: LASTART," produced by SM Entertainment and aired on SBS in 2023. BoA served as their producer and mentor until her departure from SM in 2025. Members Ryo and Sakuya, born in 2007, are the youngest members across all NCT units. The group name "Wish" symbolizes the desire to fulfill fans' wishes and bring hope. They performed at the 2023 NCT Nation concert in Japan before their official debut.[edit]