SM Entertainment introduced NCT, short for Neo Culture Technology, in January 2016, outlining plans for a boy group with an unlimited number of members in various sub-units based in different cities and countries.

NCT U, the first sub-unit of NCT, debuted on April 9, 2016, with the digital single "The 7th Sense."

NCT U released the digital single "Without You" in two versions: a Korean version sung by Taeil, Doyoung, and Jaehyun, and a Chinese version with the addition of SM Rookies' Kun.

NCT 127, the Seoul-based sub-unit, debuted on July 7, 2016, with their eponymous extended play.

NCT Dream, the then-teenaged sub-unit, debuted on August 24, 2016, with the digital single "Chewing Gum."

NCT 127 announced their comeback with two new members, Johnny and NCT U's Doyoung.

SM Entertainment announced NCT's fourth sub-unit, WayV, which would be based in China and consist of seven members: Kun, Winwin, Ten, Lucas, Hendery, Xiaojun and Yangyang.

WayV, a seven-member sub-unit based in China and NCT's first overseas sub-unit, debuted on January 17, 2019, with the single album The Vision.

NCT Dream abandoned their graduation concept and continued as seven members, with Mark returning to the lineup, after promotions for their EP Reload.

NCT announced a reunion for a second group project, NCT 2020, in October 2020.

NCT 2020 Resonance Pt. 1 was released, featuring all four existing units and new members Shotaro and Sungchan.

NCT released the single "Resonance" as the finale of their second group studio album, combining tracks from their second studio album and featuring all 23 members.

NCT held their first concert as a full group, titled NCT: Resonance "Global Wave", through Beyond Live, attracting more than 200,000 viewers.

NCT announced they would reunite under the name NCT 2021 for their third studio album, Universe, set for release on December 14.

NCT Lab was established as an SM Station sub-project, dedicated to releasing solo music for NCT members.

SM Entertainment announced their producing strategy for 2023, revealing that NCT Tokyo would debut in the third quarter of 2023 and that the group's international expansion concept would end, fixing the group at five sub-units.

SM Entertainment announced that members Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo would debut as a fixed sub-unit, named NCT DoJaeJung.

NCT DoJaeJung released their first EP Perfume, alongside its lead single of the same name.

Lucas confirmed his departure from NCT and WayV to pursue individual endeavors, following a 21-month hiatus.

Sungchan and Shotaro departed from NCT to join SM Entertainment's new boy group Riize.

Taeyong released his first EP, Shalala, becoming the first member of NCT to debut as a soloist.

NCT reunited for their fourth studio album, Golden Age, which contains two singles, "Golden Age" and "Baggy Jeans."

NCT New Team officially debuted as NCT Wish.

Taeil was removed from NCT following sexual offense allegations.