NCT 127 Reflects on a Decade of Musical Evolution and Unwavering Unity

Over the past ten years, NCT 127 has carved out a distinct identity in the music industry, marked by innovative soundscapes, daring conceptual choices, and commanding live performances. As the group has evolved—navigating shifts in membership and navigating the milestone of military enlistments for some members—they’ve also embraced solo endeavors and personal growth. Yet, with the release of their seventh studio album, Blingy, the members reaffirm their commitment to the collective journey they’ve built together.

Returning with renewed energy, the septet—Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan—is celebrating their decade-long legacy through a global campaign featuring iconic “Did You Miss Us?” billboards in their signature “neo” green. The rollout includes interactive pop-up events, a special 10th-anniversary digital hub, and an eagerly anticipated world tour launching in Seoul next month.

In an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Jaehyun, and Haechan open up about the transformation they’ve undergone, the constants that bind them, and the quiet strength they draw from their bond—even as Doyoung and Jungwoo remain sidelined temporarily due to military service.

This year marks a major milestone for the group: NCT 127’s 10th anniversary. What are some standout moments when you look back?

Haechan: “I keep thinking back to our very first North American tour. Spending a month on a tour bus wasn’t easy then—but now, those memories feel precious.”

Yuta: “One moment that always comes back to me is when we covered a Celeb Five track. Our manager said it could be a game-changer, so we went all in—even if Johnny struggled with the choreography!” [laughs]

Jaehyun: “Performing at Mickey Mouse’s birthday party has to be one of mine—we rocked out to ‘Regular’ with the mouse himself!”

Johnny: “Like Haechan, I think about how rich our travels were during those early tours—in Japan and across the U.S. Just recently, a fan asked us to come to Phoenix, and we reminded them: we already have!”

Taeyong: “Miami Beach stands out for me. The heat, the lemonade, the late-night chats between shows… Those off-stage moments shaped us as much as any performance.”

What would you say is the biggest difference between NCT 127 now and NCT 127 ten years ago?

Jaehyun: “Early on, fans used to call us ‘No fun CT.’ But honestly? We weren’t very fun back then. Now we’re way more playful.”

Johnny: “We’ve grown so much more comfortable being ourselves—on camera and off. There’s a freedom in showing who we truly are today.”

On the flip side, what has remained unchanged over the years?

Yuta: “Even after two years apart from releasing new music as a full group, whenever we’re together, whether in a waiting room or simply chatting, it feels exactly like day one.”

Which member do you think has changed the most?

Yuta: “We’ve all evolved naturally—it’s inevitable.”

Johnny: “If I had to pick someone whose transformation surprises me the most… It’s Haechan. Watching old footage, it’s hard to believe it’s the same person.”

Haechan: “Well, I started pretty young—even younger than the others. Day-to-day, it’s easy to miss how much time has passed until something reminds you it’s been ten years.”

How do you define NCT 127’s legacy?

Taeyong: “For me, it’s about live performance. Whether it’s our own concerts or collaborations at award shows, recognition for our musicianship fuels everything we do. We want to keep delivering unforgettable stages.”

KCON highlighted your versatility recently. Do you have a favorite era or sound from your discography?

Taeyong: “Absolutely—my heart belongs to our Blingy era.”

Haechan: “The poison dart frog motif has always resonated with me—from the visuals to the styling, it’s become our signature.”

Johnny: “It defined who we were from the beginning.”

Yuta: “Right now is my favorite phase. We’re bold, fearless, and no longer holding back who we are.”

Haechan: “Hey, I’m still innocent!”

Yuta: “You’re the purest one among us.”

Johnny: “And don’t forget *2 Baddies*—that era really showcased our growth in live performance.”

Looking ahead, what dreams do you still want to chase as NCT 127?

Johnny: “Bigger crowds, bigger stages, breaking our own records—that’s the mindset going forward.”

Let’s talk about Blingy. Any fun behind-the-scenes stories from making the album?

Jaehyun: “We spent countless hours perfecting the choreography. Sweat, doubt, determination—every practice session brought us closer to something truly special.”

Yuta: “We’ve only run through ‘Blingy’ fully twice—we’re building up to it!”

Johnny: “It’s intense—but that’s what makes it exciting.”

The jet-themed visuals received massive praise. How was that shoot experience?

Johnny: “Green screens everywhere—but somehow, it all came together beautifully. We were shocked by the final look!”

You just released the music video for “Piñata,” which fans loved—especially your rock-influenced part, Yuta. What’s your reaction to the response?

Yuta: “Our team knew it turned out great beforehand—but hearing fans echo that feeling is incredibly validating.”

Johnny: “Without Yuta’s unique energy, I wonder if we could’ve pulled off a sound like that at all.”

Jaehyun: “What sets this track apart is that everyone’s voice is layered into the hook—it creates this unified power that really resonates.”

For “I Mean, It’s About Time,” Johnny and Taeyong contributed lyrics. Any favorite lines?

Jaehyun: “There’s a metaphor Johnny wrote comparing us to a book you revisit…”

Johnny: “‘Like a book you read again’—because even though the pages don’t change, every time you return, you see something new.”

Taeyong: “There’s a line where I ask fans if I’ve changed. After ten years, I hope they’ll understand—it’s okay to evolve.”

Doyoung and Jungwoo aren’t here physically, but are they involved creatively?

Jaehyun: “They check in regularly—we send them behind-the-scenes content, and Jungwoo watches every detail with such care.”

Yuta: “Doyoung visits practice sessions even on his days off, bringing snacks and cheering us on.”

After pursuing solo projects, how does it feel reuniting as NCT 127?

Taeyong: “It reminds me how incomplete I feel without them. Being part of the group brings balance and joy I can’t find anywhere else.”

Haechan: “Going solo taught me independence—but also made me realize nothing compares to creating art with family.”

Johnny: “During this time apart, I met fans directly—online, in passing—and heard firsthand how deeply they missed us. That inspired every note on Blingy.”

Finally, you recently interviewed Matt Damon and Charlize Theron for The Odyssey. What was that experience like?

Jaehyun: “We studied the film intensely before sitting down with them—it gave depth to the conversation. Hearing stories straight from the stars was surreal.”

Taeyong: “I was insanely jealous the whole time!”

Johnny: “They treated us gently—they knew we were stepping outside our lane. Their warmth helped ease the nerves.”

Yuta: “Still haven’t seen the movie yet, but their interview alone was worth it.”

Haechan: “I’d kill to see it in IMAX—but tickets sold out instantly.”

From the third row? My neck was screaming.

Haechan: “Next time, I’m claiming the back row!”

Johnny: “Those front-row shots distort everything anyway—trust me, it’s better from afar.”

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