NCT WISH has shattered their own first-week sales record with their latest EP “COLOR,” selling an impressive 1,395,217 copies in just seven days. Released on September 1, 2025, this achievement marks a significant milestone for the rookie group who debuted in February 2024, proving their rapid ascension in the competitive K-pop landscape.
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NCT “COLOR” vs Previous Releases: Record-Breaking Growth
The seven-track “COLOR” EP has not only broken records but demonstrated NCT WISH’s exponential growth as artists and commercial forces. Here’s how their releases compare:
| Album | Release Date | First Week Sales | Previous Record | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| “COLOR” | Sept 1, 2025 | 1,395,217 copies | New Record | +28.3% |
| “poppop” | Apr 14, 2025 | 1,087,838 copies | Previous Record | +37.3% |
| “STEADY” | Sept 2024 | 792,347 copies | First Million+ | – |
What Makes “COLOR” Special
The seven-track record positions the rookie group as one of K-pop’s most exciting rising acts, blending fresh Gen Z sensibility with the polished, experimental edge that defines the NCT brand. Since their debut in February 2024, members SION, RIKU, YUSHI, JAEHEE, RIKU, SAKUYA, and DAEYOUNG have consistently evolved their sound while maintaining their unique identity.
Album Highlights:
- Genre Evolution: Sophisticated blend of pop, R&B, and experimental sounds
- Visual Concept: Vibrant aesthetic matching the “COLOR” theme
- Member Participation: Increased involvement in songwriting and production
- International Appeal: Tracks crafted for both Korean and global markets
The Rookie Phenomenon: 18 Months to Million-Seller Status
NCT WISH became million-sellers for the first time with “poppop” in April 2025, and now “COLOR” has become their fastest album to cross the million-copy threshold. This trajectory is remarkable for a group that’s been active for less than two years.
Career Timeline:
- February 2024: Official debut with “WISH”
- September 2024: First mini-album “STEADY” (792k copies)
- April 2025: “poppop” breaks million-seller barrier (1.08M copies)
- September 2025: “COLOR” sets new record (1.39M copies)
Fan Response and Global Impact
The record-breaking sales reflect not just domestic success but growing international recognition. NCT WISH’s pre-order progression shows consistent growth: debut single ‘WISH’ recorded 370,000, ‘Songbird’ hit 630,000, first mini-album ‘STEADY’ surpassed 800,000, and now their latest releases consistently exceed 1 million.
Success factors include:
- Strong Fandom: Dedicated WISHIES supporting every release
- SM Entertainment Marketing: Strategic promotion across multiple platforms
- Musical Quality: Consistent delivery of high-quality tracks
- Member Chemistry: Authentic group dynamics resonating with fans
Industry Context: Rookie Competition
In an increasingly competitive rookie landscape, NCT WISH’s achievement stands out. The group has managed to carve their niche within the broader NCT universe while establishing individual identity, no small feat in today’s saturated market.
For more K-pop chart analysis and NCT coverage, explore our K-pop music section and rookie group spotlights.
What’s Next for NCT WISH
With “COLOR” proving their commercial viability and artistic growth, NCT WISH is positioned for even greater achievements. The group’s ability to consistently break their own records suggests they’re building toward potential chart-topping success on global platforms.
Their rapid evolution from debut rookies to million-selling artists in just 18 months indicates a trajectory that could see them competing with established K-pop giants sooner than expected.
Stay updated with the latest K-pop achievements and rookie group success stories at Technosports. Get comprehensive coverage of NCT WISH, album sales analysis, and emerging K-pop talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many copies did NCT WISH’s “COLOR” album sell in its first week and how does it compare to their previous record?
A: NCT WISH’s “COLOR” sold 1,395,217 copies in its first week (September 1-7, 2025), easily breaking their previous first-week sales record of 1,087,838 copies set by “poppop” in April 2025. This represents a 28.3% increase and marks their highest first-week sales achievement since debut in February 2024.
Q: How quickly has NCT WISH grown as million-selling artists since their debut?
A: NCT WISH achieved million-seller status remarkably quickly, becoming million-sellers for the first time with “poppop” in April 2025, just over a year after their February 2024 debut. Their pre-order progression shows consistent growth from 370,000 for debut single “WISH” to consistently exceeding 1 million for recent releases, demonstrating rapid commercial success in the competitive rookie market.
