NCT 127 Returns with 7th Full Album "BLINGY" — 10th Anniversary, Back to Basics as Five
NCT 127 is back with their seventh full album "BLINGY." Marking their 10th debut anniversary, they declared their resolve to once again walk their own path with the music and performance most true to NCT 127. Asked to sum up the album in a word, Johnny chose, without hesitation, "back to basics." A Comeback After Two Years and One Month, with a Press Conference On the 24th, a press conference celebrating the release of the seventh full album "BLINGY" was held at the SKY31 Convention in Lotte World Tower, Jamsil, Songpa-gu, Seoul. It comes about two years and one month after their sixth full album "WALK," released in July 2024. Taeyong shared, "From the album cover, we combined a map of Seoul with neo colors to carry the meaning of finding our original spirit," adding, "Two members (Doyoung and Jungwoo) are absent, but we worked so that nothing would feel lacking." "BLINGY" looks back on the journey they've walked together as they mark their 10th anniversary, while carrying their will to keep pioneering their own path on the firm bond of "One Team." Jaehyun explained, "It carries the meaning that we set off on a journey to find the 'blingy' ones, but in the end, such things are within us." Contract Renewal and the Five-Member Lineup — "CALL 127" Ahead of this album's release, all members except Mark renewed their contracts with SM Entertainment. Taeyong affirmed their resolve: "We signed with the meaning of trusting the company and trusting each other on the path forward as NCT 127. We'll show an even sturdier side going forward." However, with Doyoung and Jungwoo—currently on military service—not taking part in album promotions, this run proceeds as a five-member lineup of Johnny, Yuta, Taeyong, Jaehyun, and Haechan. Haechan said, "Their absence may be felt, but I worked with the thought that the other five members have the ability to pull it off, and it turned out well, so I'm proud." The promotion ahead of the comeback also drew buzz. Haechan introduced it: "The main promotion slogan is 'CALL 127.' It means the members, spending time each in their own place, gather in Seoul upon receiving a signal from NCTzen (the fan club)," adding, "It carries the meaning that we return to Seoul, our starting point, and will run to you whenever and wherever you call." The Title Track "Blingy" and a Special Track, "127 Million Miles" The title track "Blingy" is a hip-hop song blending a distortion synth sound, strong drum beats, and a chanting chorus. Interpreting elements of rage and dubstep in NCT 127's own color, it delivers explosive energy. Yuta was confident: "We all sang the chorus together in a big sing-along while recording, so it became a more impactful song," adding, "The choreography is also next-level." Taeyong took part in the choreography himself, and an addictive signature hand gesture is the point. Haechan shared the selection process: "'Blingy,' 'Piñata,' and 'Legacy' were title-track candidates. We thought 'Blingy' was the song where the five members could handle it well and create good synergy through music and performance." The new album contains nine tracks in all, spanning various genres—rock, pop, indie pop, and more—centered on hip-hop. In particular, the track "127 Million Miles" is the one song Doyoung and Jungwoo took part in together, having recorded it in advance before enlisting. Jaehyun said, "It's the only refreshing song on this album," adding, "There are lots of cute points, like lyrics that use the team name NCT 127 as an acrostic. It carries the meaning that even apart from NCTzen, we're always together." The Past Ten Years, and the Ten to Come Asked to define the past decade, Haechan said, "'My Way,'" adding, "NCT 127 has walked our own path without minding anything else, and I think that's why we've been loved. Going forward, our goal is to do our best at what's given to us and repay the love we've received." Johnny stressed, "I want to keep the label 'God of Performance.' I want to hold to the vow that we won't do an uncool stage." After their comeback promotions, in September they'll meet fans with their fifth world tour, "NEO CITY – THE REDLINE." Haechan said, "I'd like to call this concert a limited edition. The stage you can see with five members is only now, so I really hope you'll come and watch." The seventh full album "BLINGY" was released in full at 6 p.m. on the 24th across music platforms.
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