NCT NEW TEAM, the last sub-unit of K-pop boy group NCT / Courtesy of SM Entertainment |
By Dong Sun-hwa
NCT NEW TEAM, the final sub-unit of multinational K-pop boy group NCT, has unveiled its seven-member lineup ― Sion, Yushi, Riku, Sakuya, Daeyoung, Jungmin and Ryo.
Except for Sion and Yushi, the remaining five members were picked on survival program “NCT Universe: LASTART,” which wrapped up Thursday. Sion and Yushi were already confirmed to be part of the new group prior to the start of the show.
Riku secured the No. 1 spot on the program, followed by Sakuya and Daeyoung, who ranked second and third, respectively. Jungmin and Ryo rounded out the top five. The panel of judges featured singer BoA and Eunhyuk from Super Junior.
“We are well aware of NCT's global clout, so we will strive to live up to its reputation,” the five members said through their agency SM Entertainment.
SM added that it has assembled "the best combination of talents" for the new sub-unit.
NCT NEW TEAM was formerly known as NCT Tokyo, a sub-unit based in the capital of Japan. However, SM decided to add one more member to the group and change its name.
NCT NEW TEAM is set to make its first public appearance at “NCT STADIUM LIVE 'NCT NATION : To the World-in JAPAN,” which will take place Sept. 9 and 10 in Osaka, and on Sept. 16 and 17 in Tokyo.
While the official debut date for the sub-unit has yet to be announced by SM Entertainment, NCT NEW TEAM will precede its debut with a separate 10-city tour of Japan. The first leg of the tour will kick off on Oct. 8 in Tokyo.