Photo = SM ENTERTAINMENT

 

NCT WISH shared their thoughts on growth and future aspirations ahead of the release of their first full album.


On the 19th, NCT WISH held a press conference at KSPO DOME in Olympic Park, Seoul, to celebrate the release of their first full album ‘Ode to Love.’


When asked about their first impression of the title track ‘Ode to Love,’ JAEHEE said, “When I first heard it, it immediately reminded me of Gag Concert background music,” adding, “Since it has a catchy melody that many people will recognize, I thought people would follow along easily.” He continued, “I thought NCT WISH could really become popular with this,” drawing laughter at the scene.


SION said, “We started preparing for this full album from the beginning of last year’s tour, and during the tour, we talked a lot as members and hoped that this title track could become a representative song that defines us.” YUSHI added, “Since it’s a full album, there are many tracks, and I think it contains a lot of our charm,” and “We hope people will enjoy listening to it.”


SION, who participated in creating the key choreography for the chorus of the title track, shared, “I thought the choreography for the chorus, which is the most addictive part, was important,” adding, “Whenever I had time, including during filming, I kept thinking about it. I created four or five versions with a dancer and shared them, and the current choreography was selected.” He continued, “We revealed this song for the first time at the concert, and I was really curious and nervous about the reaction from CZENNIE,” adding, “After the first performance, everyone clapped and cheered together, which made me feel proud.”


They also expressed anticipation for the challenge. SAKUYA said, “For a challenge to go viral, many people need to participate, so we plan to film a lot among ourselves and also with others,” adding, “We recently met actor MOON SANGMIN, who said we are his ‘ideal type,’ and filmed a challenge together. I also heard that actress SHIM EUNKYUNG came to today’s performance, so I’d like to film one with her as well.”


They also shared their thoughts on entering KSPO DOME for a solo concert just two years after debut. RYO said, “It’s amazing that we can hold a solo concert at KSPO DOME just two years after debut, and I think it’s all thanks to CZENNIE,” expressing gratitude to fans. RIKU said, “During our first tour last year, I was very nervous and didn’t have the time to communicate with CZENNIE on stage, but now I can make eye contact while performing,” adding, “‘Cheat Code’ and ‘Make You Shine’ are especially fun because I can look at CZENNIE while performing, so I’d pick them as my favorite stages.”


They have already set their next goal. SAKUYA said, “We were grateful to be able to hold solo concerts and fill arena venues in Japan just two years after debut, and next, I want to perform at dome venues in Japan,” expressing his determination.


NCT WISH, who debuted in February 2024, is the final unit of the expandable group NCT and has shown rapid growth since debut. They recorded initial chodong sales of 280,478 copies with their debut single ‘WISH’ and entered the music scene, then achieved million-seller status with their second mini album ‘poppop’ released in April 2025, recording initial chodong sales of 1,087,838 copies. They continued their momentum with their third mini album ‘COLOR,’ released in September last year, reaching a career-high initial chodong of 1,395,217 copies. After winning the Rookie of the Year award at the 32nd Hanteo Music Awards 2024, they solidified their position as a major K-pop artist by winning a Bonsang at the 33rd Hanteo Music Awards 2025 this past February.


NCT WISH’s first full album ‘Ode to Love’ will be released today (the 20th) at 6 PM through various online music platforms. Having achieved approximately fivefold growth in initial chodong sales from their debut single to their third mini album, attention is focused on what new record NCT WISH will set with their first full album.