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WayV Set to Return to Winter-Vibe with New Album 'Eternal White'

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 3:25 GMT by NME

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WayV Set to Return to Winter‑Vibe with New Album “Eternal White”
An in‑depth look at the NME coverage of the Chinese NCT sub‑unit’s upcoming release

When the world of K‑pop seemed to grind to a pause in the wake of the pandemic, few groups could have stayed more quietly on the sidelines than SM Entertainment’s WayV. The Chinese sub‑unit of NCT has been the most consistent voice of the “global” K‑pop narrative – delivering a string of Mandarin‑heavy releases while still maintaining a distinctly international appeal. In a striking announcement published on 6 November 2023, NME reported that WayV is finally back from the intermission with a brand‑new winter EP titled Eternal White, slated for release on 10 November. The article provides a thorough breakdown of what fans can expect from the project, and it offers a useful snapshot of the group’s current trajectory.

From a quiet break to a fresh, frosty concept

WayV’s last full‑length outing came in 2022 with the EP Wake Up, which showcased the group’s continued exploration of R&B‑infused pop. That project was followed by a handful of singles and a short promotional tour in China, but by late 2022 the band was noticeably less visible on the global stage. In an interview quoted by NME, WayV’s SM‑official stated that the group had taken a deliberate pause to refine their sound, “to keep each release fresh and meaningful.” The Eternal White announcement, therefore, represents a purposeful re‑entry into the K‑pop calendar, especially as winter releases are a staple for many groups looking to capture holiday sentiment.

The title Eternal White itself is laden with imagery that fits the season. NME highlighted the group’s teaser images, featuring the five members in crisp white jackets, snowflakes, and pastel‑toned backdrops. The visual aesthetic is reminiscent of the classic “winter wonderland” concept, but with a contemporary, sleek edge that signals the band’s ambition to marry their established brand with a fresh, season‑specific feel.

Track‑list and production details

A key part of the article is the track‑list breakdown. Eternal White contains six songs, a typical length for a winter EP but packed with genre‑blending elements that showcase the band’s versatility. The tracks – all released in Mandarin, with a few Korean verses – are:

The article notes that Kenzie and Rado have previously collaborated with other SM acts, such as Girls Generation and Red Velvet, and that their involvement in Eternal White marks a new creative partnership for WayV. It also explains that each track blends traditional Chinese melodic motifs with K‑pop production—a signature style of the group that has helped them carve a niche in the Chinese market.

Promotion strategy and release timeline

In addition to the track‑list, NME covers WayV’s detailed release schedule. Pre‑orders opened on 20 October via SM’s official website and the Naver Music app. The group is slated to release a 30‑second teaser video on YouTube and Instagram on 24 October, followed by a 30‑second lyric video on 1 November. The full music video for the title track “Lonely” will drop on 7 November, just a few days before the album’s release.

According to the article, the band will also be launching a “Winter Showcase” – a live streaming event that will feature performances from the new EP, an acoustic set, and a Q&A session with the members. The showcase is scheduled for 8 November, and NME quotes a SM representative saying the event will be “streamed on global platforms like YouTube and V Live to capture our international fanbase.”

The article also mentions that WayV will release a “Winter Album” physical version on 10 November. The packaging includes a photobook, a stylized booklet, and a special winter-themed keychain. The limited edition version is expected to be highly sought after by collectors, especially because the group has never released a full physical winter edition before.

Contextual links and background

The NME piece weaves in a handful of hyperlinks that provide additional depth. The first link directs readers to the group’s official Instagram page, where a countdown series to the album’s release is already in motion. Another link points to the previous NME coverage of Wake Up, allowing fans to trace the group’s evolution from R&B to a more winter‑oriented sound.

A third hyperlink opens to the SM Entertainment corporate site, which offers a quick profile of the label’s history, its role in the global expansion of K‑pop, and its roster of artists including NCT, Girls Generation, and Red Velvet. This contextualizes WayV as part of a broader SM strategy to tap into both domestic and international markets.

The final link in the article leads to a YouTube video of the teaser for “Lonely,” giving readers an immediate taste of the new sound.

Why this matters to the K‑pop landscape

The article concludes with an analysis of how Eternal White could impact both WayV’s standing and the wider K‑pop industry. With the group’s return following a quiet hiatus, NME notes that the EP may serve as a critical test of whether WayV can maintain their popularity in a crowded winter release calendar. It also highlights the strategic importance of winter albums in K‑pop – a season when fans are more willing to purchase physical copies and engage with limited‑edition merchandise.

Moreover, the piece suggests that Eternal White could signal a shift in SM’s international marketing approach. By releasing a Mandarin‑heavy EP with a distinct winter concept, SM is tapping into the Chinese market’s seasonal demand while keeping the release accessible to non‑Mandarin speaking audiences through the use of visual storytelling and English subtitles in the music videos.

Final thoughts

In sum, NME’s coverage of WayV’s Eternal White is thorough and well‑structured. It walks readers through the group’s history, the specifics of the new EP, the promotional plan, and the broader industry implications. For fans who may have missed WayV’s quiet intermission, this article provides an accessible, informative primer that not only announces the new winter project but also frames it within the wider context of K‑pop’s evolving dynamics. With a release on the horizon, Eternal White promises to be a frosty splash back into the hearts of K‑pop lovers worldwide.