SM ANNOUNCES NCT WILL DISCONTINUE IT'S UNLIMITED EXPANSION

With the launch of SM 3.0, the company has made a major change in NCT's group system.

In a recent video release outlining SM Entertainment's movement towards SM 3.0, it was revealed that group NCT will no longer be following the concept of "infinite expansion". The company's co-CEOs announced that "with the debut of NCT Tokyo (tentative name) in 2023, NCT's infinite expansion is scheduled to end."

NCT was initially formed with the intention to have a continuously changing lineup, allowing new group members to be added essentially forever. Currently, NCT is composed of a total 23 members, with fixed sub-units of NCT 127, NCT DREAM, and WayV (NCT's China-based unit). Additionally, the unit NCT U does not have a fixed line-up, and changes regularly depending on release and concept. The announced debut of NCT Tokyo this year (presumed to be NCT's Japan-based unit) has fans anticipating the debut of the current SM Rookies, who have participated in NCT content and music previously.

The video released by SM Entertainment also addressed concerns of artist protection, disclosure of artist activities, and balance of artist promotion, in addition to announcing their Artist Activity Plan for 2023. Fans of SM artists have much to look forward to this year, with the announcement of several album releases and tours for the next 12 months and beyond!