WayV
WayV (Chinese: 威神V; pinyin: Wēishén V) is a six-member Chinese boy band formed in 2018 by Label V, a subsidiary of South Korean entertainment company SM Entertainment, functioning as the China-targeted fixed sub-unit of the multinational group NCT.[1][2] The group consists of Kun (leader), Ten, WinWin, Xiaojun, Hendery, and Yangyang, with former member Lucas having departed in May 2023 amid personal allegations.[1][3] WayV debuted on January 17, 2019, with the single album The Vision, led by the track "Regular" (Chinese: 理所当然), marking NCT's first unit oriented toward the Chinese market and operating independently under Label V.[1][2] Since inception, the band has released multiple mini and full-length albums, including the 2025 mini-album BIG BANDS, and secured accolades such as Best New Asian Artist at the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards and Favorite Asian Artist at the 2020 edition, alongside music show wins and popularity awards on platforms like Weibo.[4][5][6] Distinct from other NCT sub-units with rotating lineups, WayV maintains a permanent roster focused on Chinese-language content and performances, achieving chart success in Asia while navigating geopolitical tensions affecting K-pop activities in China.[1][7]History
2016–2018: Pre-debut activities and formation
In response to the Chinese government's restrictions on South Korean entertainment content imposed in 2016 amid tensions over the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, SM Entertainment sought to expand its NCT project into the Chinese market through localized strategies.[8] These measures effectively barred Korean acts from Chinese broadcasts, performances, and media, prompting SM to establish Label V, a Chinese subsidiary, in 2018 to manage operations compliant with local regulations and facilitate market entry without direct Korean branding.[9] Label V was positioned as a vehicle for culturally adapted content, prioritizing recruitment of Chinese and international trainees to form a unit distinct from SM's Seoul-based NCT subunits while aligning with NCT's expandable, multinational framework. SM Entertainment's SMROOKIES pre-debut program, initiated in 2013, played a central role in identifying and training talent for this initiative, with a focus on Chinese nationals to appeal to regional audiences.[10] By 2016, as NCT's concept was unveiled via the promotional video The Vision, select Chinese trainees such as Kun, Ten, and Winwin appeared in teasers, signaling plans for international subunits including a China-oriented one. Additional recruits like Lucas joined subsequent NCT promotional materials in 2017–2018, while Xiaojun, Yangyang, and Hendery were formally introduced as SMROOKIES on July 17, 2018, emphasizing vocal, dance, and multilingual capabilities suited to Chinese preferences over the performance-heavy style of Korean NCT units like NCT 127.[11] On August 13, 2018, SM announced intentions to launch an NCT China unit, conceptualized as a pathway for NCT's global expansion into China, with activities centered on Mandarin-language content and partnerships to navigate ongoing regulatory hurdles. This culminated in the December 31, 2018, reveal of the unit's name as WayV under Label V management, comprising seven members drawn from prior NCT activities and new trainees, marking the formal formation prior to their 2019 debut.[11] The structure allowed WayV to operate semi-independently, prioritizing empirical adaptation to Chinese censorship and consumer tastes rather than uniform integration with NCT's Korean-centric model.2019: Debut with Take Off and Take Over the Moon
WayV, operating under SM Entertainment's Chinese subsidiary Label V, launched as a China-focused subunit on January 17, 2019, with the digital single album The Vision, led by the track "Regular". This debut positioned the group to engage the domestic Chinese audience through Mandarin-language material, circumventing barriers posed by China's informal restrictions on South Korean cultural exports imposed after the 2016 THAAD deployment. The strategy emphasized localized promotion to rebuild access to a market where K-pop acts faced de facto bans on broadcasts, concerts, and endorsements.[12][13] On May 9, 2019, WayV issued their first mini-album Take Off, incorporating the title track "無翼而飛 (Take Off)" alongside re-recorded versions of earlier singles and new compositions, marking an expansion from digital singles to fuller releases tailored for Chinese streaming platforms. The album's approach blended K-pop production with C-pop elements, aiming to establish the group as a hybrid act competitive within China's idol landscape. Initial reception highlighted its potential to elevate standards for local boy bands amid limited foreign competition.[14] WayV's second mini-album Take Over the Moon followed on October 29, 2019, featuring the lead single "Moonwalk" and further tracks in Mandarin to solidify their foothold in the domestic market. This release underscored the unit's independent trajectory, with promotions centered on Chinese media and fan events rather than broader NCT synergies. The EP achieved early international visibility, debuting at number three on select iTunes album charts, while domestically, it contributed to growing traction on platforms like QQ Music through targeted digital distribution.[15]2020: Awaken the World and NCT 2020 Resonance
WayV released their first full-length album, Awaken the World, digitally on June 9, 2020, with a physical version following on June 18, comprising 10 tracks across genres such as hip-hop, EDM, and R&B, led by the single "Turn Back Time" (超时空 回).[16][17] The album's announcement on May 29 highlighted its role in expanding the group's sound, building on prior mini-albums with self-produced elements and collaborations.[17] Promotions emphasized music videos and Chinese media appearances, including performances of title tracks and prior hits like "Take Off" from their 2019 debut EP, though scaled back due to pandemic constraints.[16] In October and November 2020, WayV integrated into the broader NCT 2020: Resonance project, a two-part album series (Resonance Pt. 1 on October 12 and Pt. 2 on November 23) plus a December single, featuring all 23 NCT members in subunit and full-group tracks to demonstrate the system's rotational flexibility.[18][19] Members Xiaojun, Hendery, and Yangyang received heightened visibility through multiple cross-unit songs, such as "90's Love" and "Resonance," marking their formal alignment with NCT's Korean subunits, while Kun, Ten, Winwin, and Lucas contributed selectively amid ongoing Chinese commitments.[18] Unlike NCT 127 and NCT Dream, WayV's involvement lacked dedicated Korean music show stages or fan meetings, preserving their primary focus on Chinese markets despite the collaborative framework.[19] The COVID-19 pandemic severely limited WayV's live activities, canceling in-person tours and events in favor of virtual formats, including their May 17 participation in SM Entertainment's Beyond Live streaming concert series, which drew global audiences without physical attendance.[20] Travel restrictions between China and South Korea shifted some promotions domestically in the latter, but overall output prioritized recorded content and online engagement over traditional stages.[20] This adaptation maintained momentum amid global lockdowns, with Awaken the World achieving strong digital streams in Asia despite absent physical fan interactions.[16]2021–2023: Kick Back, Phantom, and Lucas' departure
WayV released their third mini-album, Kick Back, on March 10, 2021, featuring the lead single of the same name alongside five other tracks, marking their first release under increased creative autonomy from Label V.[21] The EP emphasized hip-hop and R&B elements, with contributions from members in songwriting and production, reflecting the group's evolving self-production capabilities.[22] On August 25, 2021, SM Entertainment announced that Lucas would indefinitely suspend his activities with WayV and NCT due to personal issues, reducing the active lineup to six members amid a period of limited group promotions.[23] Following this, WayV maintained focus on individual member endeavors and sub-unit projects while navigating a two-year gap in full-group releases, prioritizing resilience in their core Chinese market through localized content and fan engagements.[24] The group returned with their fourth mini-album, Phantom, on December 28, 2022, consisting of six new tracks plus two bonuses, led by the title track "Phantom," a trap-influenced hip-hop song produced without Lucas' participation.[25] This release, the first as a sextet, highlighted adaptations in choreography and vocal arrangements to the altered lineup, achieving strong digital performance in China and sustaining fanbase loyalty despite the hiatus.[26] On May 10, 2023, SM Entertainment confirmed Lucas' departure from WayV and NCT via mutual agreement, allowing him to pursue individual activities while the group solidified its structure around the remaining five active members—Kun, Ten, Winwin, Xiaojun, Hendery, and Yangyang—emphasizing continuity in Chinese-language promotions and creative output.[27] This shift underscored WayV's operational flexibility under Label V, with no immediate disbandment and a pivot toward streamlined ensemble dynamics.[28]2023–2025: On My Youth, Give Me That, Japanese debut with The Highest, Frequency, and upcoming 2025 mini-album
WayV released their second studio album, On My Youth, on November 8, 2023, comprising 10 tracks led by the title song "On My Youth (遗憾效应)".[29] The album marked the group's first full-length release following member Lucas's departure earlier that year, with promotions featuring the six active members: Kun, Ten, Winwin, Xiaojun, Hendery, and Yangyang.[30] In 2024, WayV issued their fifth mini album, Give Me That, on June 3, containing six tracks including Korean and Chinese versions of the lead single.[31] Expanding internationally, the group debuted in Japan with the mini album The Highest on September 25, featuring six original Japanese songs such as the lead track "Go" across genres like pop and hip-hop.[32] Later that year, they followed with their sixth mini album, Frequency, on November 25, which included six tracks emphasizing electronic and rhythmic elements in the title song.[33] SM Entertainment previewed WayV's 2025 activities in February, signaling continued group output alongside solo endeavors, including Ten's concert tour 1001 MOVEMENT 'STUNNER', which began in Seoul on April 12–13 and extended to Bangkok and Japan.[34] The group released their seventh mini album, BIG BANDS, on July 18, with six tracks produced under SM's Label V imprint.[35] Winwin, while listed as a member, did not participate in these group promotions or the 2025 concert tour due to scheduling conflicts with solo commitments in China, though SM clarified in October 2025 updates that no formal exit had occurred.[36] This period highlighted WayV's strategy of multi-market releases, including Japan, amid individualized member schedules.Members
Current members
Kun (born Qian Kun, January 1, 1996, in Hangzhou, China) serves as WayV's leader and main vocalist, having joined SM Entertainment in 2012 after auditioning in China.[1] He has contributed lead vocals across all group releases and often handles leadership duties in promotions and performances as of 2025.[3] Ten (born Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul, February 27, 1996, in Bangkok, Thailand, of Chinese descent) is a main dancer, lead vocalist, and sub-rapper, trained at SM since 2011 via global auditions.[1] His choreography expertise and versatile performance roles remain central to WayV's stage dynamics in recent activities, including the 2025 mini-album promotions.[3] Winwin (born Dong Sicheng, October 28, 1997, in Wenzhou, China) acts as a lead dancer and sub-vocalist but has been inactive with WayV since late 2019, focusing instead on solo endeavors under Label V due to scheduling conflicts with Chinese promotions.[1][36] SM Entertainment confirmed his continued membership status in October 2025, though he did not participate in the group's 2025 concert tour or recent comebacks.[36] Xiaojun (born Xiao Dejun, August 8, 1999, in Guangzhou, China) functions as a main vocalist, scouted by SM in 2016.[1] He delivers high-range vocals prominently in WayV's discography and has been active in all group subunits and 2025 releases.[3] Hendery (born Huang Guanheng, April 28, 1999, in Macau, China) is a lead rapper, lead dancer, and sub-vocalist, entering SM in 2015 after auditioning in Macau.[1] His multilingual rap delivery and dance contributions feature in WayV's ongoing performances and tracks as of October 2025.[3] Yangyang (born Liu Yangyang, October 10, 2000, in Chicago, United States, to a German father and Chinese mother, raised in Germany) serves as a rapper and sub-vocalist, joining SM in 2018.[1] He provides English and Chinese rap verses in group songs and remains fully active in WayV's 2025 schedule.[3]Former members
Lucas Wong (born Wong Yuk-hei, January 25, 1999), a Hong Kong native, served as WayV's lead rapper and sub-vocalist from the group's debut on January 17, 2019, with the single album The Vision until his departure in 2023.[37][1] Born in Sha Tin to a Chinese father and Thai mother, Lucas joined SM Entertainment as a trainee in 2015 after being scouted in Hong Kong.[37] Following an indefinite hiatus announced in August 2021, SM Entertainment stated on May 10, 2023, that after serious discussions with Lucas, he would cease activities with NCT and WayV to focus on individual pursuits while remaining affiliated with the agency for solo endeavors.[38][39] This marked the end of his tenure in the group, with no other members having departed WayV as of October 2025.[38]Activity timeline
WayV's activity timeline highlights member participation in major group releases and promotions, with frequent variations due to individual schedules, particularly Winwin's commitments in China and Lucas's departure following a hiatus.[7][40]| Release/Event | Date | Participating Members | Absences/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debut with "Regular" (The Vision EP) | January 17, 2019 | Kun, Ten, Winwin, Lucas, Xiaojun, Hendery, Yangyang | Full original lineup for debut single and promotions.[1] |
| Take Over the Moon (EP) | October 21, 2019 | Kun, Ten, Winwin, Lucas, Xiaojun, Hendery, Yangyang | Full group participation in album and title track "Moonwalk" promotions. |
| Awaken, The World (studio album) | June 9, 2020 (digital); June 18, 2020 (physical) | Kun, Ten, Winwin, Lucas, Xiaojun, Hendery, Yangyang | All members featured in promotional schedules, including live sessions and Korean version releases.[41] |
| Kick Back (EP) | March 10, 2021 | Kun, Ten, Xiaojun, Hendery, Yangyang | 5-member promotions due to Winwin and Lucas under quarantine in China for solo activities; last WayV release with Lucas's recorded contributions before his hiatus.[42] |
| Phantom (EP) | December 28, 2021 | Kun, Ten, Xiaojun, Hendery, Yangyang | First release without Lucas (hiatus since August 2021); Winwin absent from promotional cycle due to solo schedules in China.[40][43] |
| On My Youth (studio album) | November 1, 2023 | Kun, Ten, Winwin, Xiaojun, Hendery, Yangyang | Full 6-member lineup post-Lucas's official departure in May 2023; all participated in music video and core promotions.[44] |
| Give Me That (EP) | June 3, 2024 | Kun, Ten, Xiaojun, Hendery, Yangyang | 5-member promotions; Winwin absent due to scheduling conflicts in China.[45] |
| Big Bands (mini-album) | July 18, 2025 | Kun, Ten, Winwin, Xiaojun, Hendery, Yangyang | All 6 members credited; however, Winwin did not participate in associated concert tour.[46][47] |
Sub-units and project units
Duo and collaboration projects
WayV has pursued limited duo projects, primarily as subunit singles emphasizing specific member strengths such as vocals or rap-dance synergy, with releases concentrated in 2021 prior to Lucas's departure.[49] Kun and Xiaojun formed WayV's inaugural vocal-focused duo, releasing the single album Back to You on June 16, 2021. The album includes the Mandarin title track "这时烟火 (Back to You)", the ballad "Sleepless (夜未眠)", and an English version of the title track, highlighting their harmonic interplay and emotional delivery.[50] [51] This project served to showcase the duo's vocal prowess independently from the full group's hip-hop-oriented sound.[51] Ten and Yangyang followed with their rap-dance duo single "Low Low" on August 17, 2021, produced with an upbeat, playful vibe incorporating light vocals and choreography-driven performance elements.[49] [52] The track aimed to highlight their charismatic synergy and youthful energy, diverging from WayV's standard ensemble dynamics.[53] A planned duo unit featuring Lucas and Hendery was announced in August 2021 but did not materialize into any released music, amid Lucas's indefinite hiatus. No further official duo projects have been issued, with subsequent WayV activities shifting toward full-group releases that balance vocal and rap lines in response to lineup changes.[54]Artistry
Musical genres and styles
WayV's music is characterized by a hybrid style that merges K-pop's structured pop frameworks—such as synchronized choreography-driven tracks and layered production—with Mandopop's melodic sensibilities, delivered primarily in Mandarin Chinese. This fusion results in a sound dominated by hip-hop, R&B, trap, and electronic elements, emphasizing bold basslines, punchy drums, and dynamic rap verses alongside emotive vocal harmonies.[55][56] Early releases like the 2019 EP Take Off showcase futuristic electronic beats fused with electro-pop, trap, and even heavy metal influences, creating high-energy, pounding rhythms that propel anthemic choruses and intricate breakdowns.[55] Tracks such as "Moonwalk" and "Turn Back Time" further highlight this electronic foundation, incorporating synth-heavy drops and rhythmic complexity to evoke a sense of innovation and intensity.[57] Subsequent works demonstrate versatility, shifting toward trap hip-hop in "Phantom" (2022), which features gritty distortion, garage-style bass contrasts, and themes of adversity through aggressive beats and vocal effects.[57] More recent output, including the 2024 EP Frequency, leans into old-school hip-hop with infectious hooks, sharp percussion, and vibrant bass, balancing harsh performance edges with cohesive dance-pop accessibility.[58] This adaptability allows WayV to traverse concepts from dystopian futurism to youthful introspection, as in On My Youth (2023), without diluting their core emphasis on rhythmic drive and vocal prowess.[59]Influences and songwriting contributions
WayV's music reflects influences from Western hip-hop artists, particularly evident in the rap style of member Yangyang, who has cited Travis Scott as a key inspiration, studying his sound and even collecting related merchandise to connect with his music. The group as a whole has drawn from a broad spectrum including Rihanna, Michael Jackson, Kendrick Lamar, and Justin Bieber, blending these with elements from Chinese artists like Jay Chou to shape their sound within the NCT framework.[49] Trap beats, common in tracks like "Take Off" (2019), incorporate rhythmic basslines and production styles that echo both global hip-hop trends and localized Chinese trap variations, though explicit Chinese musical motifs remain limited unless added by members such as Kun in rearrangements.[60] In terms of creative input, WayV members have increasingly participated in songwriting and production. Leader Kun contributed lyrics to the pre-release single "Your Song" on July 10, 2025, infusing it with personal warmth ahead of their mini-album.[61] Yangyang and Hendery provided lyric writing for the first time on tracks including "King of Hearts" and "We Go Nanana" during their 2023 activities, marking a step toward greater internal creative control within SM Entertainment's NCT ecosystem.[62] Beyond lyrics, members contribute to performance elements integral to their releases. Ten, recognized for his dance expertise, has offered choreography ideas and submissions, such as for "Give Me That" in July 2024, enhancing the visual execution of their hip-hop-infused concepts.[63] These inputs align with WayV's evolution from SM-produced tracks to more member-driven artistry, though vocal arrangements remain primarily handled by external producers, with vocalists like Xiaojun focusing on live delivery and harmonies in sub-units such as Kun & Xiaojun.[64]Other ventures
Endorsements and commercial activities
WayV has secured multiple brand ambassadorships with Chinese companies, focusing on consumer products appealing to young audiences. In September 2019, the group was named brand ambassador for Skechers China, promoting footwear and apparel through promotional campaigns featuring all seven members at the time: Kun, Ten, Winwin, Lucas, Xiaojun, Hendery, and Yangyang.[65] The group has also pursued food and beverage collaborations to expand revenue streams in Asia. In July 2025, WayV partnered with Haidilao, a major Chinese hotpot chain, for a limited-time promotional campaign running from July 19 to August 31 across over 300 stores in Asia, marking their second such F&B tie-up and incorporating themed menus and merchandise to leverage the group's popularity in the youth market.[66][67] Commercial activities have extended to merchandise pop-ups and cross-promotions. In May 2025, WayV collaborated with Kakao Friends for a pop-up store event in China, offering exclusive character-themed products to fans and enhancing brand visibility in the entertainment merchandise sector.[68]Philanthropy and social initiatives
WayV released the charity single "Don't Look Back" on March 11, 2023, as part of the China Charities Aid Foundation for Children's Dandelion Public Welfare Music Project, with all proceeds allocated to support children's welfare initiatives in China.[69][70] In response to severe flooding, the group donated an unspecified amount on July 23, 2020, via the China Social Welfare Foundation's charity program, providing aid to victims and frontline relief workers in the provinces of Jiangxi and Anhui. No further group-level donations or initiatives have been publicly detailed by official channels.Controversies
Lucas scandal allegations and group impact
On August 23, 2021, a South Korean netizen claiming to be Lucas's ex-girlfriend posted screenshots of private messages on Twitter, accusing him of gaslighting her during their relationship, infidelity with multiple partners, financial exploitation by soliciting luxury gifts and money, and abruptly ending contact after using her for personal gain.[71] Subsequent posts on Weibo and other platforms from additional alleged ex-partners echoed similar claims of manipulation, cheating, and emotional abuse, though no independent verification or legal evidence corroborated the allegations.[72][73] SM Entertainment issued a statement on August 25, 2021, confirming Lucas's indefinite hiatus from all NCT, WayV, and SuperM activities, attributing it to his need for "deep reflection" on actions that caused hurt, while acknowledging the agency's responsibility for inadequate oversight of his personal conduct.[74] The company postponed the release of Lucas's scheduled digital single "Jalapeño" with WayV member Hendery, originally set for that day, and excluded him from subsequent group promotions without further public updates until 2023.[75] No criminal charges or convictions arose from the claims, which remained confined to unverified social media disclosures. WayV adapted by restructuring promotions around its remaining six members—Kun, Ten, Winwin, Xiaojun, Hendery, and Yangyang—releasing the EP Phantom on December 27, 2022, which featured tracks emphasizing group dynamics without Lucas's participation.[76] Fan responses polarized, with international boycotts targeting Lucas's merchandise and some calling for WayV's disbandment, contrasted by domestic Chinese support prioritizing the unit's continuity and market viability. In May 2023, SM Entertainment announced Lucas's mutual departure from NCT and WayV after discussions, allowing him to pursue solo endeavors under the label while affirming no full contract termination.[77] The group stabilized post-hiatus, sustaining China-centric activities like the 2023 Japanese single "Welcome to My Paradise" and EP On My Youth, demonstrating operational resilience amid the absence of one member, unlike more absolute Western industry precedents for unproven personal allegations.[78]Reception and legacy
Critical and commercial reception
WayV has achieved notable commercial success primarily within Asian markets, with album sales demonstrating steady growth since debut. Their sixth mini-album FREQUENCY (released November 2024) set a personal record with 351,951 copies sold in its first week according to Hanteo Chart data, surpassing previous releases like Phantom (2022) and Give Me That (2023).[79] Earlier works such as On My Youth accumulated 453,374 units on Circle Chart, while Kick Back reached 357,336 copies, reflecting strong demand from core fanbases in South Korea and China.[80] The group's seventh mini-album Big Bands (2025) debuted at number 3 on Circle Album Chart with 306,000 units including exports.[81] On international charts, WayV has secured entries on Billboard's World Albums chart, with debut EP Take Off peaking at number 7 in 2019, and later albums like Awaken the World entering the top 10.[82] They also reached number 2 on Billboard Japan's Hot Albums chart with a 2024 release.[83] Streaming metrics underscore their digital footprint, amassing over 631 million Spotify streams as of October 2025, led by tracks like "Love Talk (English Version)" with 192 million plays.[84] Performance remains concentrated in China and Korea, where titles have topped platforms like QQ Music, though penetration in Western markets lags, partly due to predominant Chinese-language content limiting broader accessibility.[85] Critically, WayV's releases have garnered praise for technical proficiency in vocals, rap delivery, and choreography, hallmarks of SM Entertainment's production style. Reviewers have highlighted Phantom's "angular and militant" structure with a "bombastic chorus" anchored by layered vocals, positioning it as a quintessential SM boy group track that showcases performance intensity.[57] Similarly, FREQUENCY earned commendations for its "solid melody" blending vocal and rap sections, with a pre-chorus building effectively to the hook, and horns evoking continuity from prior hits like "Give Me That."[86] However, some critiques point to formulaic elements and a shift away from innovative "technological" sounds toward "bland boygroup tracks," diluting the group's earlier celestial motifs in favor of generic hip-hop rhythms.[87] These assessments reflect a consensus on WayV's execution strengths amid occasional perceptions of derivativeness within the NCT ecosystem.[58]Cultural impact and fanbase dynamics
WayV has contributed to the evolution of Chinese idol music by operating as a hybrid entity that incorporates K-pop production techniques, such as synchronized choreography and multimedia storytelling, while prioritizing Mandarin-language releases tailored to the Chinese market. This approach positioned the group as a pioneer in blending elements from both K-pop and C-pop traditions, with their debut mini-album Take Off (2019) topping China's QQ Music chart, the country's largest streaming platform, thereby elevating standards for domestic boy groups in terms of visual aesthetics and performance quality.[14][85] The group's integration into the NCT system, managed by SM Entertainment's Label V sub-label, has fostered fan engagement through speculative narratives about subunit expansions and interconnected lore, drawing parallels to science fiction concepts like Inception and The Matrix in online discussions. These fan-driven theories underscore WayV's role in broadening NCT's conceptual universe beyond South Korea, encouraging cross-cultural appreciation and hybrid act formations that adapt K-pop's expandable model to regional contexts. However, WayV's cultural footprint remains niche, with chart achievements like topping iTunes in 30 countries as the first Chinese boy group in 2019 signaling global reach rather than dominance in China, where regulatory hurdles and competition have limited broader mainstream penetration despite early successes.[88][89] WayV's fanbase, officially named WayZenNi since September 2019, exhibits distinct dynamics characterized by a core of dedicated supporters who maintain loyalty amid challenges, including member hiatuses and geopolitical tensions affecting SM's China operations. This resilience is evident in sustained social media activity, with platforms like Twitter showing consistent growth in international engagement from 2020 onward, outpacing domestic Weibo metrics as fans leverage global accessibility to amplify content. While some WayZenNi identify separately from the broader NCTzen fandom—expressing preference for WayV's independent branding—others integrate the group into NCT's ecosystem, contributing to hybrid loyalty that prioritizes the subunit's unique Chinese identity over full alignment.[90][91][92] Claims of WayV being perpetually "underrated" overlook verifiable regional milestones, such as their QQ chart dominance and iTunes feats, which reflect targeted success in bridging East Asian markets rather than universal oversight; instead, fanbase growth has thrived internationally via social media virality, fostering communities that emphasize self-sustained promotion over institutional hype. This dynamic highlights a pragmatic adaptation, where WayZenNi's online mobilization compensates for domestic constraints, cultivating a transnational following attuned to the group's vision of "We Are Your Vision."[85][89][12]Discography
Studio albums and extended plays
WayV has released two studio albums and eight extended plays under SM Entertainment and its sub-label Label V, spanning a range of genres including hip-hop, R&B, and electronic elements. Their discography emphasizes self-produced tracks and multilingual releases, primarily in Chinese with select Korean and English versions. The debut extended play, The Vision, was released digitally on January 17, 2019, marking the group's introduction with six tracks focused on themes of ambition and fantasy.[93] This was followed by Take Off on May 9, 2019, another six-track EP emphasizing high-energy performances.[94]| Title | Type | Release date | Label(s) | Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awaken the World | Studio album | June 9, 2020 (digital); June 18, 2020 (physical) | SM Entertainment, Label V | 10 |
| On My Youth | Studio album | November 1, 2023 (digital); November 8, 2023 (physical) | SM Entertainment, Label V | 10 |
| The Vision | EP | January 17, 2019 | SM Entertainment, Label V | 6 |
| Take Off | EP | May 9, 2019 | SM Entertainment, Label V | 6 |
| Take Over the Moon | EP | October 13, 2020 | SM Entertainment, Label V | 6 |
| Kick Back | EP | March 10, 2021 | SM Entertainment, Label V | 6 |
| Phantom | EP | December 28, 2022 | SM Entertainment, Label V | 6 |
| Give Me That | EP | June 3, 2024 | SM Entertainment, Label V | 6 |
| FREQUENCY | EP | November 25, 2024 | SM Entertainment, Label V | 6 |
| BIG BANDS | EP | July 18, 2025 | SM Entertainment, Label V | 6 |