The rookie unit from SM Entertainment’s expansive NCT universe, NCT WISH, has just accomplished a major milestone—their latest mini album, “COLOR,” has officially become their fastest album to sell over one million copies.
With this achievement, the group continues to solidify their presence in the fourth-generation K-pop landscape, shattering expectations for a newly debuted unit.
Released on September 1, 2025, “COLOR” marks a vibrant return for NCT WISH, following the success of their earlier mini album “poppop.”
While their debut was met with curiosity and cautious optimism from fans and critics alike, NCT WISH has now undeniably stepped into the spotlight, proving their staying power through both musical impact and commercial performance.
Less Than 4 Days to 1 Million
According to data reported by Hanteo Chart on September 4, the album had already crossed the 1.1 million sales mark, meaning that it took less than four days for “COLOR” to reach one million copies sold.
This makes it the fastest-selling album in NCT WISH’s discography to date.
This achievement is even more impressive when you consider the competitive nature of album sales in K-pop, particularly in a year filled with releases from major acts like Stray Kids, SEVENTEEN, and TXT.
For a rookie unit, hitting one million in under a week is not only rare—it’s game-changing.
Breaking Their Own First-Week Sales Record
What makes the milestone even sweeter is that NCT WISH has already surpassed their own previous first-week sales record.
Their last mini album “poppop” had set the bar earlier in 2025 with 1,087,838 copies sold during its first week.
With three days still remaining before the tracking week ends, “COLOR” has already blown past that number.
The final first-week tally, which will be confirmed by Hanteo at the end of the week, is expected to go significantly higher, making this comeback not just a personal best but also a major headline in K-pop’s September release calendar.
Inside “COLOR”: A Musical Evolution
The album “COLOR” showcases a more refined, bold, and conceptually cohesive side of NCT WISH.
The title track, also named “COLOR,” is a genre-blending song that combines pop, synth, and EDM elements.
Lyrically, it emphasizes identity, self-expression, and the desire to break free from constraints, aligning well with the group’s image as youthful innovators.
The rest of the mini album includes a mix of high-energy tracks and emotional B-sides, further demonstrating the unit’s musical versatility and performance potential.
Critics have praised “COLOR” for its polished production and the group’s improved vocal and dance execution.
Fans have also noticed a more mature tone in this release compared to “poppop,” which leaned more heavily into cute, bright, and energetic themes.
This evolution suggests that NCT WISH is already exploring deeper concepts and pushing themselves creatively, a move that bodes well for their longevity and artistic credibility.
The Power of the NCT Brand + Rookie Grit
While NCT WISH benefits from being part of the massive NCT ecosystem—home to well-established sub-units like NCT 127, NCT DREAM, and WayV—they’ve also faced the challenge of carving out their own identity. And with “COLOR,” they’ve managed to do just that.
The fast million-seller status is a combination of the NCT brand power, SM Entertainment’s strong marketing strategies, and, most importantly, the group’s growing fandom and hard-earned momentum.
NCTzens (NCT’s official fandom) and WISHmakers (the fanbase nickname specifically for NCT WISH) coordinated extensive streaming, bulk buying, and social media promotions to boost the album’s visibility.
This collective effort has turned “COLOR” into not just a successful comeback, but a breakout moment for the group.
A Rising Star Among 4th Gen Rookies
n2025 has been an intense year for fourth-generation boy groups, with rising acts like BOYNEXTDOOR, RIIZE, and xikers also making waves in domestic and international charts.
In this competitive environment, NCT WISH’s accomplishment stands out even more.
By becoming million-sellers in under a week, the group joins the elite club of K-pop artists who have achieved explosive early-career commercial success.
For a group less than a year into their official debut, it’s a massive statement about their potential to dominate charts and grow a global fanbase.
What’s Next for NCT WISH?
As the comeback promotions for “COLOR” continue, all eyes are on NCT WISH to see how far this album can go.
Will it reach 1.5 million before the end of the month? Could it break into the Billboard 200 or other global charts? With the momentum they currently have, the possibilities are wide open.
The group is expected to continue appearing on music shows, variety programs, and fan sign events in the coming weeks.
International promotional activities are also rumored, hinting that NCT WISH might soon set their sights on overseas markets.
