NCT U, NCT Dream, & more - Songwriting and Publishing Royalties

This catalog began as a reflection of NCT’s creative expansion, songs like “Boss” and “GO” introduced new energy, global ambition, and a distinct sound that connected with audiences across continents. From the start, these tracks carried weight: sharp production, bold concepts, and a loyal fanbase that continues to stream, share, and celebrate them.

The catalog’s earnings story mirrors that same sense of growth. After an early surge led by an impressive 85% rise in Year 2, the following years brought refinement and consistency. By Years 4 and 5, the momentum had steadied into durable progress, with back-to-back gains of 27% and 12% that signal lasting strength rather than short-term spikes.

Streaming now stands at the center, contributing about half of total income and expanding at a five-year CAGR of 48%. “Boss” anchors the catalog with reliable returns and a 15% CAGR, while “GO” adds depth and ongoing growth, together creating a balanced portfolio of recognizable, high-performing works. Since its 2018 release, “Boss” has amassed over 350 million combined streams and views (198M on YouTube and 160M+ on Spotify), underscoring its lasting cultural and commercial impact.

With a Dollar Age of more than seven and half years, these are songs that have already proven their endurance. In a market driven by fleeting trends, this catalog represents staying power, the kind of quietly compounding asset that keeps paying forward the sound of its own legacy.

“Boss” by NCT U, released in 2018 under SM Entertainment as part of the NCT 2018 Empathy project, is a high-energy electro–hip-hop track that marked the introduction of members Lucas and Jungwoo to the group. The song projects power and confidence through its commanding beat and assertive lyrics. Filmed in Kyiv, Ukraine, the striking music video drew acclaim for its bold visuals and choreography, amassing over 100 million YouTube views. Commercially, “Boss” reached #3 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart, #80 on the K-pop Hot 100, and #97 on South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart, becoming one of NCT’s most recognizable early hits. Critically, it was praised for its intensity, performance energy, and role in expanding NCT’s global identity, frequently cited as a standout in K-pop’s 2018 lineup and a defining moment in the group’s evolution.

“GO” by NCT Dream, released in 2018 as part of the NCT 2018 Empathy project, marked a bold shift from the group’s youthful image to a more rebellious, hip-hop-driven sound. Featuring a heavy bass line, chant-style hook, and lyrics about independence, the track showcased a new edge for members Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung. It peaked at #18 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart and #25 on the Billboard K-Pop Hot 100, earning praise for its powerful choreography and concept. While the song itself didn’t win major awards, Empathy was a commercial success, reaching #2 on the Gaon Album Chart and earning Platinum certification, and “GO” remains a defining moment in NCT Dream’s evolution toward a more mature sound.

Publishing Administration. Culture Technology Group Asia (CTGA) is the publisher in Asian territories for all included tracks. SongTrust is the administrator of this catalog in non-Asian territories. After the sale, Kobalt will administer non-Asian territories for this catalog quarterly. During the assignment process, royalties may continue to flow from SongTrust and will be payable to the buyer. CTGA will remain the administrator in Asian territories.

CTGA Administration Fee. A 5% fee will be deducted from the buyer for each distribution from CTGA to cover royalty management costs. There is no fee for other payors.

Earnings Note. A spike in SongTrust royalties in 1Q-2021 (approx. $2,720) and 2Q-2024-4Q-2024 (approx. $3,225) is the result of YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Pandora, and Tidal catch-up payments for the song “BOSS.” Any future catch-up payments will be payable to the buyer.

Earnings Note. A spike in CTGA royalties in 2H-2023 is the result of Synchronization payments (approx. $2,735) for the song “BOSS.”  Any future Synch payments will be payable to the buyer.

Earnings Note. The Earnings by Period chart below reflects royalty payments based on two distinct statement sets from different payors. The Last 12 Months include:

CTGA Statements: 2H-2024 through 1H-2025 (Semester)
BMI Statements: 3Q2024 through 2Q2025 (Quarterly)
SongTrust Statements: 3Q2024 & 2Q2025 (Quarterly)