NCT DREAM has entered a new chapter with Jeno taking on the role of the group’s new leader.
The leadership change comes as the group celebrates its 10th anniversary and continues activities as a six-member team following Mark Lee’s departure from NCT and SM Entertainment earlier this year.
The update gained attention after Jeno’s position was listed as “LEADER – MAIN RAPPER – LEAD DANCER,” confirming his expanded responsibilities within the group.
Fans quickly celebrated the news, with many expressing pride in Jeno and highlighting his long-standing role within NCT DREAM.
The change arrives alongside the release of NCT DREAM’s sixth studio album, “DREAM AFTER DREAM,” which was released on November 9.
The 10-track album marks a significant milestone for the group, reflecting on the members’ journey since their debut in 2016 while also looking ahead to their future as a six-member team.
Jeno Takes Over Leadership as NCT DREAM Moves Forward
Jeno is now responsible for a position previously associated with Mark, who had been the group’s leader.
Following Mark’s departure in April 2026, NCT DREAM continued with Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung.
Although Jeno’s new leadership role has only recently been highlighted publicly, he is not unfamiliar with taking responsibility within NCT DREAM.
The group originally operated under a graduation system, and after Mark graduated from the unit in 2018, Jeno and the other members continued activities together.
The latest transition is different because NCT DREAM is now established as a permanent group, with all six remaining members renewing their exclusive contracts with SM Entertainment.
Haechan had previously renewed his contract, while Renjun, Jeno, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung subsequently renewed theirs.
Fans were particularly touched by a recent moment involving Jeno and the group’s traditional “Yo Dream” cheer.
When the members asked Jeno to lead the cheer because he was now the leader, he initially appeared confused and responded, “…why?”
The interaction quickly became an emotional moment for fans, who celebrated seeing him step into the new position.
Online reactions included comments such as, “So proud of Jeno,” while another fan jokingly described his achievements as a “curriculum vitae.”
Others praised his leadership appointment and pointed to his academic pursuits alongside his music career.
Jeno now holds three prominent positions within NCT DREAM: leader, main rapper, and lead dancer.
‘DREAM AFTER DREAM’ Celebrates Ten Years of Shared Memories
The leadership change coincides with NCT DREAM’s 10th anniversary and the release of “DREAM AFTER DREAM.”
The album contains 10 tracks and reflects the group’s decade-long journey, friendships, memories, and hopes for the future.
The title track, “Boogie Woogie,” combines 1970s disco-funk influences with modern synthesizer sounds.
The song presents a celebratory atmosphere while looking back on the experiences the members have shared with fans over the years.
Jeno described the track as “a celebration of the last 10 years that we shared with our fans and a way for us to have fun together.”
Jaemin participated in writing the lyrics, which focus on the relationships and memories created throughout the group’s journey.
The accompanying music video embraces a nostalgic retro concept, featuring locations designed to remind the members of their childhood and teenage years.
The members also reflected on the significance of reaching the 10-year milestone. Jeno shared, “Each moment over the past 10 years feels like a dream.
Every moment spent with NCTzens was special, and each one remains a precious memory.”
The album’s tracklist includes “The Sun,” “Boogie Woogie,” “Dream After Dream,” “Skydive,” “Pressure,” “Watch U Watch Me,” “Cool For Me,” “Tumbler,” “Smile For U,” and “This Is Your World.”
The group has also introduced a retro-inspired promotional campaign and other anniversary content to celebrate its decade in the industry.
With Jeno stepping into leadership and the six members continuing together after renewing their contracts, NCT DREAM is beginning its second decade with a new structure while carrying forward the history it built as a group.
The release of “DREAM AFTER DREAM” therefore serves as both a celebration of everything the members have accomplished and an introduction to the next phase of their journey.
