NCT, managed by SM Entertainment, was introduced in January 2016 and currently boasts 26 members grouped into six sub-units. These sub-units promote and release albums independently but have collaborated on three full-length albums. NCT's unique system divides the group into subunits like NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, and WayV. Notably, NCT has operated without a fixed number of members, embracing an "ever-expanding group" concept. However, in 2023, SM announced that NCT New Team would be the final fixed unit within the group, marking a significant change in their approach.
