NCT 127 – ‘Blingy’ review: down a few members but definitely not out

NCT × About group NCT NCT is a South Korean boy group formed by SM Entertainment with a unique multi-unit concept. There are 6 units within NCT; NCT 127, NCT DREAM, NCT WISH, WayV, NCT U, NCT DOJAEJUNG. Tap again to view profile → Close 127 Blingy Review [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/NCT-127-Blingy-Credit-SM-Entertainment.jpg]

NCT 127 have experienced substantial changes since their last album, 2024’s ‘Walk’. Originally a group of nine, the boyband are now down to just five. Some are gone for good – disgraced former member Taeil was cut from the group in 2024 following a sexual assault case, while core member Mark Lee left earlier this year – while others are away temporarily (Doyoung × Artist bio Doyoung Real name: Kim Dong-youngPosition: NCT 127 - Main VocalistNationality: South KoreaBirthday: 1996-02-01Birthplace: Guri, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Doyoung is a member of NCT. Tap again to view profile → Close and Jungwoo × Artist bio Jungwoo Real name: Kim Jung-wooPosition: NCT 127 - Lead Vocalist, Lead DancerNationality: South KoreaBirthday: 1998-02-19Birthplace: Sanbon-dong, Gunpo, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Jungwoo is a member of NCT. Tap again to view profile → Close are fulfilling their military service). Despite running at reduced strength, the remaining NCT 127 members – Taeyong × Artist bio Taeyong Real name: Lee Tae-yongPosition: NCT 127 - Leader, Main Rapper, Main Dancer, Center, VisualNationality: South KoreaBirthday: 1995-07-01Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea Taeyong is a member of NCT. Tap again to view profile → Close , Johnny × Artist bio Johnny Real name: Suh Young-hoPosition: NCT 127 - Lead Rapper, Sub VocalistNationality: United StatesBirthday: 1995-02-09Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States Johnny is a member of NCT. Tap again to view profile → Close , Yuta × Artist bio Yuta Real name: Nakamoto YutaPosition: NCT 127 - Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Sub RapperNationality: JapanBirthday: 1995-10-26Birthplace: Osaka, Japan Yuta is a member of NCT. Tap again to view profile → Close , Jaehyun × Artist bio Jaehyun Real name: Jung Yoon-ohPosition: NCT 127 - Main Vocalist, Lead Dancer, VisualNationality: South KoreaBirthday: 1997-02-14Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea Jaehyun is a member of NCT. Tap again to view profile → Close and Haechan × Artist bio Haechan Real name: Lee Dong-hyuckPosition: NCT 127 / NCT Dream - Main Vocalist, Lead DancerNationality: South KoreaBirthday: 2000-06-06Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea Haechan is a member of NCT. Tap again to view profile → Close – are showing that they’re down but not out.

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Where past records leaned into R&B, the boyband step decisively toward hip-hop on ‘Blingy’. ‘Piñata’, a buzzy cocktail of rock and hip-hop is brimming with the energy of a band with something to prove – it’s all snarl and swagger through electric guitar riffs and breakbeat drums. A frenetic blend of dubstep with distorted synths, hard-hitting drums and chanted hooks, title track ‘Blingy’ is a feisty showcase that NCT 127 understand the larger-than-life world they’ve created and how to build upon it.

This album’s experiments yield the best results on ‘IKR’ and ‘Legacy’. The former is a percussion-forward spin on upbeat hip-hop that employs a xylophone-like timbre that undulates and ripples across the track. ‘Legacy’, on the other hand, is the boyband’s maximalist nature firing on all cylinders. It’s a dauntless, multidimensional soundscape packed with layers of rap, rhythmic vocal harmonies and a warped bass. A brilliant reminder that the formula endures because it works – fitting on an album designed to celebrate what makes NCT 127 tick.

On the two occasions where the boyband go more pop, it becomes very hit and miss. Sun-drenched tropical house confection ‘Getaway’ is one of the record’s strongest, thanks in no small part to producer dwilly, whose catalogue boasts other exemplary house-pop tracks (RIIZE’s ‘Impossible’, Hearts2Hearts × About group Hearts2Hearts Hearts2Hearts (하츠투하츠) is an 8-member girl group under SM Entertainment, debuting in 2025 with a fresh, emotional pop sound and a global focus. Tap again to view profile → Close ’ ‘Focus’). Meanwhile, piano-led pop rock number ‘127 Million Miles’ is the obligatory sentimental entry on the album. The surprise inclusion of Doyoung and Jungwoo is welcome, especially considering their absence elsewhere, but its production is so safe that it brings ‘Blingy’ to a lull.

With a rapper gone and the group’s usual main vocalists sidelined, the most predictable outcome for ‘Blingy’ would have been to sound like a band operating with both hands tied. Yet, the quintet overcome these challenges with previously overshadowed members like Yuta and Johnny stepping up to the plate. ‘Blingy’ is proof that NCT 127 remain clear-eyed about who they are. Whatever comes next for them, however many members answer that call, this is not where their story ends.

DETAILS

nct 127 blingy review [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/NCT-127-Blingy-Artwork-V2.jpg]

* Record label: SM Entertainment
* Release date: August 24, 2026

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