NCT WISH has asserted their powerful presence even before their official comeback, clinching first place on a music show with their pre-release single “Surf,” ahead of the launch of their third mini album.

On August 21, NCT WISH appeared on Mnet’s “M Countdown,” where their pre-release track “Surf” secured the top spot based on combined scores from digital streaming, social media performance, fan votes, and broadcast points—despite physical album sales being excluded from the tally. The result highlights the group's soaring popularity even prior to the official release of their new album.

That same day, NCT WISH achieved a remarkable triple crown at the 2025 K-World Dream Awards, taking home the “K-World Dream Bonsang,” “K-World Dream Best Performance Award,” and “K-World Dream Journalist Pick Artist Award.” These honors reaffirm their status as this year’s undisputed front-runners in the K-pop scene.

Building anticipation for their upcoming third mini album “COLOR,” NCT WISH launched a commemorative promotional website titled “where is COLOR” on August 21, which will run through September 1. Based on the narrative introduced in the promotion trailer “COLOR is missing,” the interactive platform allows fans to immerse themselves in the album’s storyline, participating in gamified experiences and searching for clues tied to the record.

The website’s hidden Easter eggs and various album spoilers encourage fans to explore “COLOR” in depth, generating significant buzz and engagement from the moment of launch.

NCT WISH’s third mini album “COLOR” is scheduled for release on September 1 at 6 p.m. KST via all major online music platforms. The album will consist of seven tracks, including the title song of the same name.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=SM Entertainment