SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- K-pop group NCT 127 on Monday released its seventh full-length album, "Blingy," marking the 10th anniversary of its debut with a pledge to remain united and return to its roots.

The group, which debuted in July 2016 with the ambition of bringing Seoul-based K-pop to audiences worldwide, has built a reputation for bold, experimental music and high-intensity performances through songs including "Fire Truck," "Cherry Bomb," "Regular" and "Fact Check."

"While filming content for our 10th-anniversary live broadcast, so many moments came to mind," member Jaehyun said during a press conference in Seoul to mark the album's upcoming release. "I think one of the best things we have done is taking on diverse challenges in music, style and many other areas."

Boy group NCT 127 poses for photos during a press conference in Seoul to mark the release of its seventh studio album, "Blingy," on Aug. 24, 2026. (Yonhap)

The group's name refers to Seoul's longitude, 127 degrees east, reflecting its original concept of using the South Korean capital as a base to reach the world.

Leader Taeyong said the new album's cover, which combines a map of Seoul with NCT's symbolic "neo" color, was intended to evoke the group's early ambitions.

"Since this is our 10th anniversary, we prepared even harder so that the group would not appear lacking even with two members absent."

Five of the group's seven members attended the event, while Jungwoo and Doyoung were absent due to military service.

Taeyong also addressed the departure of former member Mark, who left the group in April, acknowledging that the change had been emotionally difficult for the members.

"When we debuted, we imagined everyone would still be together 10 years later," he said. "When we went through a period of change, there were painful moments, and it was difficult to adjust. But the seven members who remain want to repay the good memories and trust we have built with fans over the past 10 years," he added. "We have trusted and relied on one another greatly."

Taeyong said he respected Mark, describing him as someone who had "walked this path for 10 years."

"I think about how hard it must have been for him to work in two teams, NCT 127 and NCT Dream, for a decade," he said. "Our paths have become different, but I respect and support his."

Boy group NCT 127 poses for photos during a press conference in Seoul to mark the release of its seventh studio album, "Blingy," on Aug. 24, 2026. (Yonhap)

Fronting the nine-track album, set for release at 6 p.m., is the title track, "Blingy," whose lyrics convey unrelenting energy and a shining sense of identity, according to the band. Taeyong took part in creating the song's choreography.

"It is a song with the message that we keep looking for our 'Blingy,' but it is ultimately already within us," Jaehyun said.

Johnny said the central theme of the release was returning to the group's beginnings, adding that its demanding choreography had yet to be performed in full by the members.

"The performance is the most difficult we have ever done," he said. "It is a song and performance with a level of difficulty that is hard to find these days."

Other tracks include pre-release single "Pinata," "Legacy" and fan song "127 Million Miles," sung by all seven members, including those serving in the military.

NCT 127 recently renewed its contracts with SM Entertainment as a full group.

"All of the members renewed their contracts with the intention of moving forward as NCT and NCT 127," Taeyong said. "We will show an even stronger side of NCT 127 in the future."

Boy group NCT 127 greets reporters during a press conference in Seoul to mark the release of its seventh studio album, "Blingy," on Aug. 24, 2026. (Yonhap)

The group will kick off its fifth world tour, "Neo City — The Redline," at Seoul's KSPO Dome from Sept. 18-20.

Looking ahead to the next decade, Haechan said the group hoped to bring its music to a broader global audience.

"Our goal is to show NCT 127's music to more Czennies around the world," he said, using the nickname for the group's fandom, officially known as NCTzen. "We want to meet fans in more diverse regions and continue our activities."