SM Schedules NCT 127 Comeback for August Post Contract Renewals

SM Entertainment announced July 27, 2026, that K-pop unit NCT 127 will release its seventh studio album, Blingy, on August 24 at 6 p.m. KST. The nine-track project is the group’s first major LP since they released Walk in July 2024, thereby ending a 25-month gap in full-length venture. Physical pre-orders for the album reportedly opened on July 27, alongside digital presaves.

NCT’s latest album will serve as a foundational release for SM Entertainment’s broader "NCT 2026: Everything, All at Once, Neo" campaign, which celebrates the group's 10th anniversary after its July 2016 debut. According to the agency, the album reflects NCT's decade-long journey while highlighting their commitment to continue performing together in the years ahead.

NCT’s Roster Restructuring and Member Retention

The August comeback arrives after notable shifts were visible in the group's talent roster. Former member Mark departed NCT and SM Entertainment in April following a mutual agreement, making Blingy the group's first full-length effort executed without him being involved.

Nevertheless, the other seven members, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan, signed exclusive contract extensions with SM Entertainment on July 15, ahead of the anniversary push. As reported by Korea JoongAng Daily, SM cited the members’ “steadfast teamwork” and mutual trust as key factors resulting in their prompt multi-year contract renewals with the agency.

Yet, public promotions for Blingy will see a reduced five-member active structure consisting only of Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Jaehyun, and Haechan. This is because members Doyoung and Jungwoo are currently engaged in their ongoing mandatory military service, unable to take part in NCT 127’s live promotional broadcasts and initial media schedules.

NCT 127 Touring Details

To boost its album cycle, SM Entertainment will launch NCT 127’s fifth world tour, titled "Neo City – The Redline," in September 2026. The tour will open with three consecutive show runs at Seoul’s KSPO Dome from September 18 to 20 before moving into other regional markets.

The initial Asian leg includes scheduled dates in Jakarta, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, and Taipei. Reportedly, more global markets are expected to be added to the roster in subsequent days.

Live touring remains a core revenue engine for the brand and the broader K-pop industry, and NCT 127’s upcoming tour will be building on their four previous global concert runs that established the group as one of SM Entertainment's key performance revenue drivers.