Created by SM Entertainment, K-pop collective NCT ("Neo Culture Technology") boasts an unlimited number of rotating members who populate multiple "sub-units" based in various international locales like Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, and Bangkok. These sub-units include NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, and the Mandarin-language WayV. Consistently atop the Korean and U.S. charts, the crew have sold hundreds of millions of albums around the world with releases such as NCT 2020 Resonance and Universe.

The original group was composed of members of SM Rookies. The first spinoff, NCT U, was announced in April 2016. They released a pair of singles before a second incarnation, NCT 127, formed in July. Later that year, NCT Dream debuted with "Chewing Gum" in both Korean and Mandarin versions. In 2018, the group unveiled the NCT 2018 project, releasing NCT 2018 EMPATHY. The set showcased the various units of the conglomerate, including NCT U, NCT Dream, and NCT 127. From there, the various sub-units continued to issue music, and another group was created for their Chinese fans in 2019. WayV debuted that January and made a splash around the world. By 2020, NCT announced the NCT 2020 project, which once again combined sub-unit members. NCT 2020 Resonance, Pt. 1 landed that October. In addition to featuring all four units, the effort also marked the debuts for a pair of new members. The following year, the annual project yielded Universe, which once again united the sub-units. It topped the South Korean albums chart and reached number 20 on the Billboard 200. In December 2022, they joined members of SNSD, SHINee, aespa, and others for the song "The Cure," which was part of SM Entertainment's compilation album 2022 Winter SMTOWN: SMCU Palace. ~ Neil Z. Yeung, Rovi