NCT 127’s Taeyong opens up about contract renewal and how the members overcame misunderstandings over 10 years

NCT 127’s Taeyong has shared his thoughts on the group’s contract renewal and reflected on how the members were able to stay together for a decade despite misunderstandings along the way.

Taeyong, Johnny, and Haechan appear on the August 28 episode of the YouTube show Sul Bitneun Yoon Jumo as NCT 127 celebrates its 10th anniversary and the release of its seventh full-length album, BLINGY.

During the conversation, Taeyong looked back on his trainee days and the pressure he felt after unexpectedly becoming one of the older members.

“Around 300 trainees came and went during my trainee days,” Taeyong recalled. He explained that Johnny, who is the same age as him, had returned to the United States for school at the time, leaving Taeyong to take on an older-brother role.

Taeyong admitted that he sometimes pushed his own standards onto younger trainees and members.

“I forced my standards on the younger members who came in. At the time, I felt like I had no choice,” he said.

However, he explained that growing older allowed the members to better understand one another and resolve past misunderstandings.

“As we grew up and cleared up those misunderstandings with the members, I think that’s how we were able to stay together for 10 years,” Taeyong said.

Speaking about NCT 127 entering a new chapter following their contract renewals, Taeyong emphasized how meaningful the group’s latest comeback feels.

“Our first contract renewal, our 10th anniversary, and our seventh full-length album — all of those things alone make this album precious,” he said.

Taeyong also mentioned Jungwoo and Doyoung, who are currently unable to participate due to military service.

“It’s unfortunate that Jungwoo and Doyoung can’t be with us because of their military service, but it always feels like we’re together. We keep in contact,” he added.

Johnny also expressed pride in the group, saying the members continue to push themselves instead of becoming comfortable after years in the industry.

NCT 127 recently returned with their seventh studio album, BLINGY, marking another milestone as the group begins its next chapter after 10 years together.