[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] “Do it right~”
Just as Johnny was about to briefly demonstrate the signature choreography from “Bling,” Taeyong playfully chimed in. Johnny then stood up and performed the routine for over 15 seconds. This came right after he said, “This album is about returning to our roots.” Even in their 10th year since debut, there was no slacking off. In fact, they ramped up the intensity so much that the members themselves described it as “the hardest it’s ever been.” To mark their 10th anniversary, NCT 127 played their strongest card: their “performance.”

On the 24th, the group NCT 127 held a press conference at the Sky31 Convention Conference Room in Songpa-gu, Seoul, to celebrate the release of their 7th full-length album, “BLINGY,” and discussed the new album and their 10th anniversary. This album marks their first full-length release in about two years since their 6th full-length album, “WORK,” in 2024.
Five members—Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Jaehyun, and Haechan—will participate in this promotional run. Even with Doyoung and Jungwoo currently serving in the military, NCT 127 has returned with a full-length album featuring a total of nine tracks.
Taeyong said, “Since it’s our 10th anniversary, we prepared this album with great dedication,” adding, “Because two members are absent, we worked even harder to ensure nothing felt lacking.” Haechan also emphasized, “The five of us worked on this with confidence.” Jaehyun pointed out speed as an unexpected advantage of the five-member lineup, laughing as he said, “There were times when more than 20 of us worked together, but with just five, preparations go much faster.”
The theme running through the 10th-anniversary album is, once again, “the essence of NCT 127.” Johnny defined this album in one word as “returning to our roots.” He revealed, “It’s a song that showcases the ‘intense’ side of us that we haven’t been able to show much lately,” adding, “We prepared even harder than for any of our previous performances, and it was so grueling that we were even taken aback.”

The title track “Bling-i” is a hip-hop song featuring a powerful beat and a chanting chorus. Taeyong also participated in creating the choreography. He explained, “We aimed to deliver a powerful performance while incorporating moments of ease here and there.” Yuta said, “People always say it’s the best ever, but I thought this choreography was no joke either,” and Haechan confidently stated, “This is the song where the synergy among the five members shines the brightest.”
Even though it’s been 10 years since their debut, the reason they insist on high-difficulty performances was clear. Taeyong said, “This dance is fun. It only really comes alive when you dance it with all your might.” Johnny also cited “God-tier performance” as the epithet NCT 127 wants to be known by, emphasizing, “We want to keep our promise not to put on lackluster stages.”
The presence of Do-young and Jung-woo, who are currently serving in the military, is also felt on the album. The two completed recording the track “127 Million Miles” before enlisting. Taeyong shared, “Do-young and Jung-woo sent us coffee trucks and bread every time to cheer us on,” conveying that even though they cannot promote together, their hearts are with the group.
With all members having renewed or signed early contract extensions with SM Entertainment, the group has also laid the groundwork for its future. Taeyong explained, “This signifies that we trust the company and trust each other on the path we must take as NCT and as 127,” adding, “We promise to show you a strong and united side as 127.”

They also sent their support to Mark, who has been with them for the past 10 years. Taeyong said, “As another member who has walked this path with us for 10 years, I personally respect him,” adding, “I’ve seen firsthand how hard he’s worked juggling two groups, so I want to cheer him on.” He continued, “Since our paths are different, I respect and support his journey.”
“Music that embodies the true spirit of NCT 127” was even more important than chart performance. Jaehyun said, “While good chart performance and achievements are great, since this is our 10th-anniversary album, we prioritized the image and style that our fans, ‘Sizni,’ associate with us,” adding, “Even when selecting the title track, we carefully considered which song would best showcase our identity.”
Haechan described NCT 127’s past 10 years as “My Way.” He said, “We’ve walked our own path with our own music,” and added that rather than setting grand goals for the future, he would do his best in every moment. When asked about what he envisions for the group 10 years from now, Taeyong replied, “I imagined a picture with everyone together,” expressing his determination to build the next 10 years alongside his members.
NCT 127’s seventh studio album, “Bling-E,” will be released at 6 p.m. today.