NCT Wish: The Rising Stars of the NCT Universe
In the rapidly evolving landscape of global music, few groups have captured the attention of both the Japanese and Korean markets as swiftly as NCT Wish. As a specialized subunit of the massive NCT brand, this group represents a unique fusion of J-pop and K-pop influences, bringing a fresh energy to the "New Culture Technology" concept pioneered by SM Entertainment.
Key Facts
- Origin: Tokyo, Japan
- Genres: J-pop and K-pop
- Active Years: 2023–present
- Labels: SM Entertainment and Avex Trax
- Members: Sion (Leader), Riku, Yushi, Jaehee, Ryo, and Sakuya
The Journey to Debut: From Planning to Formation
The road to the formation of NCT Wish began in late 2022. Following the establishment of SM Entertainment's Southeast Asian branch, the company confirmed plans for a Tokyo-based subunit. Initially referred to as "NCT Tokyo," the group was envisioned as the final subunit within the NCT ecosystem.
The group's path saw some early changes. In October 2023, it was announced that member Jungmin would depart the unit due to health reasons. Despite this, the group moved forward with their pre-debut single, "Hands Up," released on October 8, 2023, setting the stage for their official arrival in the following year.
Official Debut and Rapid Success
The name NCT Wish was officially unveiled on January 17, 2024, through the teaser "NCT Wish: Wish for Our Wish." The group made a high-profile appearance at the SMTOWN Live 2024 SMCU Palace in Tokyo on February 21, performing their debut single, "Wish," for the first time.
On February 28, 2024, NCT Wish officially debuted with the release of "Wish" in both Japanese and Korean versions. Their impact was immediate; just 21 days after their debut, they secured their first music show victory on SBS M's The Show. This rapid ascent did not go unnoticed globally, as the US Grammy website recognized them as one of the "11 Rookie K-Pop Acts to Know in 2024."
Expanding the Discography
Following their debut, the group has continued to build a diverse musical catalog. In January 2025, they released "Miracle," a digital single that serves as a remake of the song by Super Junior, featured on the album 2025 SM Town: The Culture, the Future. Their discography includes the Japanese studio album Wishful (2024) and the Korean studio album Ode to Love (2026).
Meet the Members
NCT Wish is composed of six talented members who bring a diverse range of skills to the group:
- Sion: The group's leader.
- Riku: Vocalist/Performer.
- Yushi: Vocalist/Performer.
- Jaehee: Vocalist/Performer.
- Ryo: Vocalist/Performer.
- Sakuya: Vocalist/Performer.
Global Touring and Live Performances
NCT Wish has quickly transitioned from a new act to a touring powerhouse. Their live schedule has spanned multiple continents, including headlining tours and extensive Asian tours. From their 2024 "School of Wish" tour in South Korea to the massive "Asia Tour Log In" (2024–2025), they have consistently drawn large crowds in cities like Seoul, Tokyo, Manila, and Bangkok.
Their momentum continued into 2025 and 2026 with the "Into The Wish: Our Wish" concert tour, which saw them performing at major venues such as the Inspire Arena in Incheon and the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo.
Tour Summary Overview
| Tour Name | Period | Key Regions |
|---|---|---|
| NCT Wish: School of Wish | 2024 | South Korea |
| NCT Wish Asia Tour Log In | 2024–2025 | Japan, South Korea, China, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand |
| Into The Wish: Our Wish | 2025–2026 | South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Philippines, Macau, Thailand, Indonesia |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the leader of NCT Wish?
The leader of NCT Wish is Sion.
What was NCT Wish's debut song?
NCT Wish made their official debut with the single "Wish," which was released in both Japanese and Korean versions in February 2024.
Is NCT Wish a K-pop or J-pop group?
NCT Wish is a hybrid group that operates within both the J-pop and K-pop genres, based out of Tokyo, Japan.
How many members are in NCT Wish?
There are currently six members in the group: Sion, Riku, Yushi, Jaehee, Ryo, and Sakuya.
Has NCT Wish won any music show awards?
Yes, the group achieved their first music show win on SBS M's 'The Show' only 21 days after their debut.