NCT WISH debuts wistful new single at Seoul encore, wraps up 1st world tour

K-pop boy band NCT WISH performs during the Seoul finale of the group's "NCT WISH 1st Concert Tour 'Into the Wish: Our Wish'" at KSPO Dome in Songpa District, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

K-pop boy band NCT WISH unveiled its new song, "Ode to Love," at the Seoul encore of the group's first solo concert tour, closing out a global run with a message of warmth in a cold world.

NCT WISH, the newest subunit under K-pop giant SM Entertianment's vast NCT roster, performed at KSPO Dome in Seoul's Olympic Park over three nights from Friday through Sunday, wrapping up "NCT WISH 1st Concert Tour 'Into the Wish: Our Wish,'" a 30-show run spanning 18 cities across the globe that launched last October.

The Seoul finale came just days before another major milestone, as the group's debut full-length album, titled "Ode to Love," drops Monday. The 10-track record includes the title single of the same name.

Members of K-pop boy band NCT WISH, from left: Ryo, Riku, Yushi, Sion, Sakuya and Jaehee pose for a press conference ahead of its Seoul encore show for "NCT WISH 1st Concert Tour 'Into the Wish: Our Wish'" at KSPO Dome, Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Just minutes before the final show on Sunday, the six NCT WISH members, Sion, Jaehee, Riku, Yushi, Ryo and Sakuya, met with press at the concert venue to reflect on the tour's end.

"It was a performance where we rode a trolley for the first time and were able to perform up close with our fans worldwide," Sion reflected, thanking the group's fanbase, collectively known as NCTzens, for helping make the arena shows possible.

When asked about the new album, the group described it as "NCT WISH's own warmth." Member Jaehee called it a personal record.

K-pop boy band NCT WISH addresses the crowd at the Seoul encore performance of "NCT WISH 1st Concert Tour 'Into the Wish: Our Wish'" at KSPO Dome, Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

"Since it's our first full album, there are many tracks, and each one was made with care. It's an album that comes from the heart," he said.

Of the title track, he added, "The world can feel so cold, but the song carries the message that we want to share our own warmth within it. That message really resonated with me, and it's very touching. I hope many people get to hear it."

Sion, the group's leader, said the album reflects the group's collective vision.

"From before the tour even started, we had opportunities to gather and talk about the album. Everyone's hope was that this record would truly represent who we are."

K-pop boy band NCT WISH performs during the Seoul encore show of the group's "NCT WISH 1st Concert Tour 'Into the Wish: Our Wish'" at KSPO Dome in Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Soft-spoken and modest with reporters just moments before, the six members hit the stage with an entirely different force when showtime arrived at 4 p.m.

Opening with the fan-favorite "Steady", the group powered through a setlist that included "WISH," "Songbird," "poppop" and "COLOR," performances that showcased the group's signature blend of fresh, youthful charm and the bold style that defines the NCT universe.

The highlight of the night came with the live debut of "Ode to Love," a dance-pop track rooted in UK garage, built on an upbeat rhythm and wistful melody. The performance put the members' chemistry and lively energy front and center, hinting at the song's mainstream potential.

The moment seemed to validate Sion's earlier confidence. "It's addictive," he had told reporters. "I'm hoping it gets a lot of plays worldwide and performs well on the charts."

K-pop boy band NCT WISH performs during the Seoul encore show of the group's "NCT WISH 1st Concert Tour 'Into the Wish: Our Wish'" at KSPO Dome in Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

The crowd matched the group's energy throughout with nonstop cheers and chants. Near the end of the show, fans unveiled a slogan event in tribute to the members. The encore brought an emotional singalong of "If You Love Me Let Me Know" and "WICHU," with the entire audience joining in.

Closing out the night, the six members expressed heartfelt gratitude to the crowd.

"We performed on more stages and in front of more people than a year ago, and it made us so happy and proud," they said. "With our comeback just around the corner, you've given us such strength."

NCT WISH's debut full-length album, "Ode to Love," featuring 10 tracks including the title single, is out Monday.

Fans cheer as they wave NCT's official light sticks during the Seoul encore show of NCT WISH's "NCT WISH 1st Concert Tour 'Into the Wish: Our Wish'" at KSPO Dome in Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment