NCT WISH Set to Make Waves with 'poppop' Comeback: Y2K Meets Gen Z in Their Highly Anticipated Second Mini-Album!

Ready for NCT WISH's Refreshing Return? 'poppop' Brings Y2K Vibes with Gen Z Energy

Have you been waiting for NCT WISH to make their comeback? The wait is almost over! SM Entertainment's rising boy group is set to return on April 14, 2025, with their second mini-album titled 'poppop'.

Following the success of their debut mini-album 'Steady', which helped them become one of the top-selling rookies of 2024 with nearly 2 million albums sold across their three releases, NCT WISH is ready to captivate fans once again with fresh music that perfectly blends Y2K nostalgia with their youthful Gen Z charm.

The six-member group consisting of Sion, Riku, Yushi, Jaehee, Ryo, and Sakuya has been building anticipation through teaser images showcasing a bright and playful concept that aligns with their signature refreshing energy. This comeback is particularly special as it marks Riku's first release with the group since his health-related hiatus, making it a complete unit comeback that fans have been eagerly awaiting.

Dive Into 'poppop': Six Tracks of Pure NCT WISH Magic

The second mini-album 'poppop' will feature six tracks that showcase NCT WISH's musical versatility and unique color. The title track 'poppop' leads the album, followed by B-sides including 'Melt Inside My Pocket', 'Design', '1000', 'Silly Dance', and '만약 네가 4시에 온다면 (Still 3PM)'.

SM Entertainment has revealed that this album channels Y2K aesthetics through the bright and lively lens of Generation Z, creating a nostalgic yet contemporary sound that's perfect for the spring season. The mini-album will be released on major global music platforms on April 14 at 6 PM KST, allowing fans worldwide to experience NCT WISH's refreshing music.

The album will be available in multiple versions, including a photobook version and a special WICHU version (smart album) featuring the group's official character. First press editions will include additional photocards, making them particularly desirable for collectors and dedicated fans.

B-side Spotlight: 'Design' and '1000' Showcase NCT WISH's Sonic Identity

While anticipation builds for the title track, the album's B-sides are already generating buzz among fans. 'Design' promises to be a standout track featuring 2000s-inspired R&B dance pop influences. With energetic kicks, bass, and detailed soundscapes, the song creates a simple yet fluid flow that's enhanced by vocal harmonies that shift throughout the composition.

The lyrics carry a meaningful message encouraging listeners to freely express their hidden charms and emotions, perfectly embodying NCT WISH's positive energy that has become their trademark since debut.

'1000' offers another dimension to the album as an R&B and Jersey club genre mix that keeps listeners engaged with constantly evolving arrangements from verse to chorus. The sweet confession song tells the story of folding 1,000 paper cranes (a reference to the Japanese tradition of senbazuru) to express feelings for someone special, showcasing NCT WISH's playful and bouncy Gen Z sensibilities.

Experience the Magic: 'poppop in the bubble' Special Comeback Event

To celebrate their comeback, NCT WISH will host a special event called 'poppop in the bubble' on April 15 at the Sub Ground Stadium of Songdo Moonlight Festival Park in Incheon. This immersive experience will transform elements from their album teasers and music video into a real-world interactive space.

The venue will feature an air-filled dome giving fans the surreal feeling of being inside a giant bubble, along with installations of WICHU (NCT WISH's official character) and Popchu (a special mini-album version). The members teased this dreamy bubble concept in a clip posted on their official social media on April 1, showing them floating playfully inside bubbles.

The event will be held in three sessions throughout the day, featuring the first-ever live performances of 'poppop' and their new B-side tracks, album introduction segments, talk sessions, and interactive fan programs. This innovative approach to a comeback showcase demonstrates SM Entertainment's continued evolution in creating unique fan experiences.

NCT WISH on the Rise: Asia Tour and Global Impact

Currently, NCT WISH is in the midst of their '2025 NCT WISH ASIA TOUR LOG in' concert series. Having kicked off with performances at Seoul's Olympic Handball Arena from March 21 to 23, the group is continuing their tour with stops in Macau's Broadway Theater from April 4 to 6.

The tour will take them to eight Asian cities in total, including Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Jakarta, and Bangkok, showcasing their growing international popularity. Additionally, NCT WISH is scheduled to participate in the upcoming SMTOWN LIVE 2025 shows in Mexico City, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo in the coming months.

This extensive touring schedule highlights SM Entertainment's confidence in NCT WISH's appeal to global audiences. As the sixth sub-unit of NCT, they have quickly established themselves as a formidable new force in K-pop, building on the global NCT brand while creating their own unique identity.

From NCT Universe: LASTART to Rising K-pop Stars: The NCT WISH Journey

For new fans just discovering NCT WISH, it's worth noting that the group was formed through the survival show NCT Universe: LASTART under SM Entertainment. Initially known as NCT New Team, they released a pre-debut single 'Hands Up' in 2023 before making their official debut in February 2024 with the single 'Wish' in both Japanese and Korean versions.

The group is unique within the NCT ecosystem as an all-Japanese unit, though they promote actively in both Japan and Korea. Their name 'WISH' represents not only their own aspirations but also their desire to fulfill the wishes of their fans, known as WISHZENs.

With their fresh concept, impressive sales achievements, and growing international presence, NCT WISH has quickly become one of the most promising rookie groups in the current K-pop landscape. Their second mini-album 'poppop' is poised to elevate their status even further, potentially establishing them as one of the leading fourth-generation boy groups to watch in 2025 and beyond.