NCT 127 Marks 10th Anniversary With ‘BLINGY’ Return to Its Roots

NCT 127 is celebrating its 10th debut anniversary with its seventh studio album, BLINGY, framing the comeback as a return to the group’s roots while moving forward with a changed lineup. The members introduced the project at an August 24 press conference and connected its Seoul map imagery and signature “NEO” colors to the identity they have developed over the past decade.

Taeyong said the album was designed around the desire to return to those foundations. With two members currently absent because of military service, the participating members focused on making the record feel complete rather than reduced by the temporary lineup.

The title track turns the search for something “blingy” inward. Jaehyun explained that the song begins with the idea of looking for a shining quality before revealing that the real source is already within the members themselves. That message gives the album’s anniversary theme a personal center.

A performance built around NCT 127’s identity

Performance remains central to the comeback. Johnny described the choreography as more difficult than the group’s previous routines, while Taeyong took part in its creation. The members linked that intensity to their goal of revisiting the demanding style that helped define NCT 127.

Jaehyun said choosing a title track that clearly displays the group’s identity was important. The music video supports that approach with rapid editing, including a sequence in which Haechan maintained a bent posture and moved that way for three minutes to complete the shot.

The album also expands beyond the title track. Yuta described the pre-release song Piñata as immediately powerful, while Jaehyun introduced 127 Million Miles as a track with playful details and a message of staying connected with NCTzens even while apart.

Doyoung and Jungwoo recorded for 127 Million Miles before beginning military service. Their involvement continued during preparations: Taeyong said they sent coffee and snack trucks, visited practices, and shared opinions through the group chat about what worked and what needed improvement.

Ten years shaped by change and renewal

The anniversary also prompted a direct assessment of NCT 127’s first decade. Taeyong said the members had renewed their contracts after trusting one another and the company, describing the decision as something worth celebrating and a basis for becoming stronger as a team.

He also acknowledged that the current reality differs from the future he imagined at debut. Member changes were difficult to adjust to, but the reunion of the present members led them to rely on one another more closely and to revisit memories built with fans.

Asked about Mark’s departure from NCT, Taeyong said he respected the decision and wanted to support him after 10 years of working across two teams. The comment placed the change within a broader anniversary discussion rather than making it the sole focus of the comeback.

Jaehyun identified the group’s willingness to accept new challenges as one of its strongest achievements. Taeyong pointed to the albums as the moments when NCT 127 shone brightest, while Yuta said the decade of work had brought the group to the point of renewal. Haechan summarized their path with the phrase “my way.”

‘THE REDLINE’ extends the anniversary to the stage

The upcoming NEO CITY – THE REDLINE tour will carry the album’s performance ambitions into concerts. Johnny said the group wants to preserve the reputation it has earned for powerful stages, stressing that the members do not intend to present performances they consider less than impressive.

Haechan described the five-member presentation of the album and tour as a limited-edition moment. Jaehyun added a practical observation: compared with performances involving much larger groups, preparation for five members moves quickly.

The members’ individual B-side choices highlighted the album’s range. Haechan selected Legacy, Jaehyun chose Day After Day, Taeyong favored Piñata, Yuta picked Blingy, and Johnny recommended Getaway for moments when listeners feel overwhelmed or want an escape. Together, the selections reinforce an anniversary project that looks backward for its identity while using the album and tour to define NCT 127’s next phase.