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| ▲ K-pop boy group NCT Wish is seen in this photo provided by SM Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, April 14 (Yonhap) -- Rising K-pop boy group NCT WISH has expressed heartfelt affection for their fans, promising to treat them with the same devotion as folding a thousand paper cranes — a symbol of sincerity and good fortune in East Asian culture.
“We want to cherish our fans, Czennie, with the same care as folding a thousand paper cranes,” the group said during a recent interview in Yongsan, Seoul, ahead of the release of their second mini-album "poppop."
Debuting in February last year as SM Entertainment’s youngest and final unit of the NCT brand, NCT WISH — composed of members Sion, Riku, Yushi, Jaehyun, Sakuya, and Ryo — has quickly carved out a niche with their trademark youthful and refreshing energy. Since their debut, the group has released the single "WISH," followed by "Songbird" and their first mini-album "Steady."
Now in their second year, the group says they feel more confident and seasoned. “This is our first mini-album of 2025, so we’re both excited and nervous,” the members said. “Based on everything we experienced in 2024, we’re ready to show how much we’ve grown.”
Though they were once shy in front of the media, the group now speaks with ease. “Even shouting our team chant at official events feels natural now,” one member said with a laugh. Maknae Sakuya proudly shared that he’s had a noticeable growth spurt over the past year.
Riku reflected, “As artists, we’ve matured a lot. In the beginning, we were just trying to keep up with the cameras, but now we’re able to connect with fans on stage.” Jaehyun added, “We were nervous meeting Sijeuni at first, but now it feels comfortable — like being with friends.”
Still, Sion joked, “We’re still clumsy and chaotic — in a fun way!”
Their second mini-album poppop features six tracks, including the title track of the same name. The lyrics and melodies continue the group’s fairytale-like, youthful concept. Songs such as “Melt Inside My Pocket” liken the feelings of first love to melting chocolate.
When asked who they had in mind while singing about love, the members unanimously answered: their fans.
“We truly felt our love for Sijeuni grow during our Asia tour,” Sion shared. “Our most recent stop was in Macau, and the fans’ cheers were even louder than expected. It was a moment we could really feel their love.”
Jaehyun added, “You can see the love in fans’ eyes during performances. I was really touched when I saw signs saying, ‘Thank you for singing.’ It made me want to work even harder.”
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| ▲ K-pop boy group NCT Wish is seen in this photo provided by SM Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
NCT WISH has steadily built their own identity, distinct from senior NCT units like NCT 127 and NCT DREAM. While their predecessors are known for their experimental sound and high-energy performances, NCT WISH leans into a bright, youthful vibe.
Sion said, “I think fans find us charming not because we’re special, but because we give our best on stage with joy.” Jaehyun added, “The freshness and energy we give off — that’s what defines us.”
Asked if they aspire to showcase a more mature image like their seniors, Sakuya replied with a smile, “I still prefer being cute.” He added that he’s satisfied simply by showing Sijeuni how hard they’re working. Their current goal is to win first place on a TV music show.
The new album has already surpassed 1 million pre-orders, bringing the group closer to achieving “million-seller” status — a benchmark for top-tier K-pop artists.
“With the growing love from Sijeuni, we feel a deeper sense of responsibility,” Sion said. “We want to be a group that gives back all the love we receive.”
NCT WISH is currently in the midst of an Asia tour spanning 14 cities, which began last November and runs through June. Shows in Seoul and Macau have sold out. The members expressed amazement at receiving fan letters in Korean, Japanese, and Chinese in equal measure, reflecting their expanding global fanbase.
“Last year, our dream was to perform at Tokyo Dome,” Jaehyun said. “Now, we’re aiming for a world stadium tour. We believe we can make it happen someday — if we keep working hard. Ha ha.”
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