Hirose Ryo

Hirose Ryo is a Japanese singer and dancer, best known as a member of the K-pop group NCT Wish. As the youngest member of the final unit under SM Entertainment's expansive NCT project, he represents the fresh, energetic face of the next generation. Debuting in February 2024 with the single 'Wish,' Ryo quickly caught attention with his sharp dance skills and bright stage presence. He is active across NCT Wish's group activities, including fan meetings, variety shows, and social media content, where his playful personality shines. Fans appreciate his rapid improvement in Korean and his role as a bridge between the Japanese and Korean fanbases.[edit]

Ryo grew up as an only child in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, in a supportive household where his parents encouraged his artistic interests. He attended local elementary and middle schools, leading a fairly typical Japanese student life. His passion for K-pop ignited after watching performances by groups like EXO and NCT, which inspired him to learn Korean and practice dancing in his room. The turning point came when he successfully passed SM Entertainment's global audition in Japan, a moment that set him on a path far from his quiet Kyoto upbringing. He then moved to Seoul to begin a roughly two-year training period from 2022 to 2024, where he immersed himself in singing, dancing, and language lessons. In September 2023, SM officially introduced him as a member of the pre-debut team NCT Wish, giving fans their first look at the future idol.[edit]

Ryo's professional career began with NCT Wish's pre-debut single 'Hands Up' on October 8, 2023, a track that built early anticipation. His official debut followed on February 21, 2024, with the single 'Wish,' which charted on Korean and Japanese music platforms and amassed millions of YouTube views. As the group's maknae, he quickly became a fan favorite for his powerful dance moves and bright smile. Shortly after debut, NCT Wish embarked on their first fan meeting tour, 'The First Encounter,' in Seoul and Tokyo. Ryo has since performed at music shows, university festivals, and year-end award ceremonies. He also appears on variety programs like Weekly Idol and Knowing Bros as part of the group. As of 2026, NCT Wish is preparing their first full-length album and a world tour, with Ryo continuing to develop as a performer.[edit]

Ryo's public image is that of a bright, energetic, and playful teenager. He often wears casual streetwear with a touch of K-pop glam, favoring comfortable yet stylish looks. Media outlets highlight his 'maknae charm,' his bright smile, and his rapid improvement in Korean. On group social media, he comes across as cheerful, slightly mischievous, and affectionate toward fans. NCT Wish shares the fandom name NCTzens with all NCT units, and fans create fan-cams focusing on his dance breaks, especially during his birthday on August 4.[edit]

Hirose Ryo is currently evaluated by the iFANN Global Fame Engine but holds no placement in the published rankings. While he has not yet secured a spot within the Global Top 1,000 or any scope-specific list, his trajectory as a rookie member of NCT Wish continues to be monitored closely by industry analysts. The absence of a numeric rank reflects his status as a debutant whose global footprint is still expanding through active group performances rather than established solo metrics.

Supporters of Hirose Ryo operate under the collective banner of NCTzen, the official fandom name coined by SM Entertainment that unites all fans of the NCT project. There is no unique moniker for his individual fanbase; instead, his dedicated following integrates seamlessly into this massive community. This organized group mobilizes effectively across digital platforms, coordinating streaming parties for tracks like 'Wish' and 'Hands Up' to boost chart performance. Specific rituals include annual birthday campaigns on August 4th, where fans organize digital ad buys and subway billboard displays in Kyoto and Seoul alongside charity drives in his name. His relationship with the audience is defined by direct engagement, with news reports from April 2024 highlighting how quickly the members began responding to comments just one month after their debut. However, his public history also carries a significant moment of controversy from September 2025 regarding geopolitical sensitivities over the Sea of Japan, an event that stands as a verified historical point in his career narrative.[edit]

Ryo is affectionately known as 'Maknae Ryo' or 'Ryo-chan' by his supporters. In his downtime, he enjoys playing League of Legends and watching anime, while citing EXO's Kai and NCT's Taeyong as his primary dance role models. He frequently acts as a translator for Japanese groupmates during Korean broadcasts and once fell asleep holding a Korean textbook while training. A defining legend of his early career involves his journey as a late bloomer who survived the intense 'NCT Universe: Lastart' survival show in 2023, transitioning from a private school student in Kyoto to a global idol. Another notable chapter in his story is the controversy from September 2025, where netizens called for his removal following a comment about the Sea of Japan that conflicted with established maps, marking the first time his image faced severe political scrutiny.[edit]

Ryo is the only child in his family. His parents live in Kyoto, Japan, and his mother is a strong supporter of his career, often sending him encouraging messages. He has mentioned in interviews that his family's support gave him the confidence to pursue his dream. As of 2026, Ryo lives in Seoul, balancing his idol schedule with high school studies.[edit]

Ryo shares a close bond with fellow Japanese NCT Wish members Sion and Riku, often doing variety content together. He has expressed admiration for senior NCT groups, particularly NCT 127 and NCT Dream. SM Entertainment producers like Kenzie and Dem Jointz worked on NCT Wish's debut songs, shaping Ryo's early sound.[edit]

Hirose Ryo has no public dating history. As a rookie idol who debuted at age 16, there are no confirmed romantic relationships. SM Entertainment enforces strict policies regarding the personal lives of its younger artists, and no dating news has surfaced. As of 2026, he is reportedly single and focused on his career.[edit]

iFANN currently estimates Hirose Ryo's net worth at $500,000 as of 2026. As a rookie idol who debuted in 2024, his income primarily comes from NCT Wish group activities, including album sales, digital streaming, concert tours, and fan meetings. He also participates in group endorsement deals for cosmetics and fashion brands. SM Entertainment provides a fixed trainee-to-debut salary, which increases with the group's success. Ryo does not have any reported real estate holdings or personal business ventures. These figures are speculative, as detailed financial disclosures for rookie K-pop idols are rare, but they reflect typical earnings for a first-year SM Entertainment boy group member.[edit]