NCT launches 10th anniversary project 'NCT 2026'…Reveals album, tour, pop-up and exhibition roadmap

Group NCT will kick off a large-scale commemorative project called 'NCT 2026' to mark the 10th anniversary of the brand, SM Entertainment announced on the 9th. NCT, which began on April 9, 2016 with the unit NCT U's single '일곱 번째 감각 (The 7th Sense)', unveiled a 10th anniversary logo at 0:00 on the day and opened the 'NCT 2026' promotion website (2026NCT.com) at noon to announce its yearlong activity plan.

Under the slogan 'EVERYTHING, ALL AT ONCE, NEO', 'NCT 2026' aims to distill the 10-year narrative, redefine the present and present a milestone toward the next chapter. According to the released roadmap, NCT 127 plans an album release and tour in Q3, while NCT DREAM will commemorate their 10th anniversary with a fan meeting in Q3 and an album release in Q4. WayV also previewed an album and tour in Q3, and NCT WISH will begin with their first full-length album on April 20, followed by a Japanese single in Q3 and album activities in Q4.

Offline events will run throughout the year. From May 15 to 23, a 10th anniversary pop-up store 'POP UP : NEO GROUND' will operate, and an exhibition 'EXHIBITION : NEO DIMENSION' is planned for Q3 to provide new experiences to fans worldwide, the agency said. SM added that the 'NCT 2026' promotion website will continuously update related news and is expected to serve as an archiving platform to record and connect NCT activities.

Separately, SM Entertainment said that after in-depth discussions with Mark regarding his future activities, they agreed to conclude his exclusive contract as of April 8. Mark announced he will end all NCT activities, including with NCT 127 and NCT DREAM. Through a fan communication platform, Mark said, 'Today marks exactly 10 years since my debut. I'm so grateful for the past 10 years. I came by to say goodbye once more,' and expressed gratitude to fans while stating he is preparing for his future.

The company also disclosed post-lineup activity directions. NCT 127 will continue activities with seven members — 쟈니, 태용, 유타, 도영, 재현, 정우, 해찬 — and NCT DREAM will continue with six members — 런쥔, 제노, 해찬, 재민, 천러, 지성. The NCT 10th anniversary project is expected to commemorate the decade with fans through diverse content and events while opening a new chapter.