XIAOJUN of NCT sub-unit WayV is set to release his first solo mini album, titled Hey, Somebody, on October 26, 2026.

The album was announced via an intro film that sees XIAOJUN at a piano in a sunlit field as scenes flicker between him performing and clips of people uniting. Young women, an elderly couple, a child and her dog – each smile and embrace, edited together to create a rolling film of love and friendship. Amongst it all, XIAOJUN appears occasionally with a camera, capturing these moments, and running around the field experiencing a happy moment of his own.

With warm colouring, constant sunlight and lens flares amongst close-ups of facial expressions and physical contact, the film is the epitome of joy. That feeling is reflected in XIAOJUN’s performance itself, as he sings with passion “I’ll show you that you’re not alone.” According to the official Herald Muse article reposted by SM Entertainment, the rest of the album will reinforce this message using the journey of a “Nobody” becoming a “Somebody” – a recognition of both self-worth and the value of community.

Its performance, too, is set to showcase these ideas through varied, musical-inspired choreography and laid-back, joyful movements from XIAOJUN and surrounding dancers. Reportedly, many of the movements were created by XIAOJUN himself as a reflection of his personal intentions.

XIAOJUN debuted as a main vocalist in NCT’s Chinese sub-unit WayV in 2019 with the digital EP The Vision. During his activities with the group he has become a recognised vocalist within the wider industry, his voice bright, lively and warm. Such a tone makes the narrative of Hey, Somebody perfect for XIAOJUN’s first mini album, playing to his strengths and public image.

Hey, Somebody is not XIAOJUN’s solo debut; in 2024, he released the Chinese single “Best Friend.” However, as his first mini album it marks a new venture for the artist, with various concept images, an intro film, and wider promotional opportunities.

NCT as a whole has seen a flurry of activity over the past few months following several line-up changes earlier this year and the group’s 10th anniversary. WayV released their eighth mini album Vision Wings on August 10, NCT 127 released their seventh mini album BLINGY on August 24, and fifth generation group NCT WISH has recently announced the planned release of their fourth mini album I SPY for November. Together, these releases mark a new era for NCT overall.

Amongst these, XIAOJUN’s Hey, Somebody suggests that despite WayV not yet reaching their 10th anniversary and contract renewal discussions, the changes are still impacting the group and opening up a new chapter for the five members. WayV member released the single “FEEL&TALK” in February, and HENDERY released the single “Thursday” in September alongside the September release of TEN’s single “OUTWEST” – the latter under his new solo company. YANGYANG now remains the only member to not have released any solo music in 2026.

Currently, XIAOJUN is also promoting with WayV on their ‘2026 WayV Concert Tour [BORN THIS Way]’ series, with one show in November and two shows in January 2027 still remaining.

XIAOJUN’s Hey, Somebody will be available to stream and download on global music platforms from October 26.