NCT DREAM's First Comeback Without Mark: What Will the Six Members Sound Like?

NCT DREAM is preparing for its first comeback since Mark's departure in April. As the group's longtime leader and one of its main rappers, Mark played a major role in shaping its music. His absence raises questions about how the remaining members will divide his parts and whether the group's sound will change.

The group will release its sixth studio album, "DREAM AFTER DREAM," on Nov. 9, during its 10th anniversary year. The album features Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle and Jisung, who will now continue as a six-member lineup.

Mark's departure is particularly significant because of his distinctive rap style. Known for his quick, precise delivery, he often handled sections that gave NCT DREAM's songs an extra burst of energy. His rap helped set the pace in "Hot Sauce" (2021), while his contributions to tracks such as "Glitch Mode" (2022), "Rainbow" and "Like We Just Met" extended to songwriting.

Without him, more responsibility could fall on Jeno, Jaemin and Jisung, who have shared rap duties throughout the group's career. Each brings a different approach. Jeno generally favors a deeper, more forceful delivery, while Jaemin's rap tends to be smoother and more melodic. Jisung has also developed as both a rapper and vocalist.

Whether they will take on more of the rap sections Mark previously handled or approach their songs differently remains to be seen. The group's vocalists, Haechan, Renjun and Chenle, could also take on a greater role.

This is not the first time NCT DREAM has promoted without Mark. He originally left at the end of 2018 under the group's former graduation system, which required members to leave upon reaching a certain age. The remaining six went on to release "BOOM" in 2019 and "Ridin'" in 2020.

"BOOM" marked an important turning point. Moving away from the youthful image of earlier songs such as "Chewing Gum" and "We Young," NCT DREAM introduced a more mature sound with stronger hip-hop and urban pop influences. Jeno, Jaemin and Jisung handled the rap sections, while Haechan, Renjun and Chenle led the vocals.

The accompanying EP, "We Boom," topped South Korea's Gaon Album Chart and received platinum certification, showing that the group could continue growing as six members.

The circumstances, however, are different now. Mark returned in 2020 after the graduation system was abolished, and NCT DREAM continued as a fixed seven-member group. This time, the six members are moving forward without plans for his return.

Fans have already heard a glimpse of the new lineup through "The Sun," released on Oct. 20. Built around synthesizers and electric guitar, the pop ballad focuses on vocal harmonies rather than prominent rap sections.

Jeno, Jaemin and Jisung sing melodic lines alongside Haechan, Renjun and Chenle, maintaining the warm, sentimental quality heard in many of NCT DREAM's earlier releases. The six members sound comfortable together, although the song's vocal-driven arrangement means Mark's absence is less noticeable than it might be on a rap-heavy track.

The bigger test will come with the album's title track, "Boogie Woogie." Combining 1970s disco-funk with modern synthesizers, the upbeat dance song celebrates the members' decade together. Jaemin participated in writing its lyrics, which express gratitude for their shared experiences.

Other tracks suggest that NCT DREAM is not moving away from energetic music. "Cool for Me" incorporates hip-hop and R&B, while "Pressure" draws on electronic house. "Watch U Watch Me" is another synthesizer-driven dance track, and Haechan contributed lyrics to the pop-rock song "Smile for U."

Based on the previews, the album explores several genres rather than shifting entirely toward softer, vocal-focused material. How Jeno, Jaemin and Jisung handle the rap sections, particularly in the more energetic songs, will be worth listening for.

Changes will also be visible onstage. Moving from seven members to six requires adjustments to formations and center positions. Choreographer Leejung, who previously worked with NCT DREAM on "CHILLER," has returned for "Boogie Woogie." The group will perform the title track for the first time at its Nov. 12 showcase.

Mark's departure also leaves the group without its longtime leader. Jeno previously took on leadership duties during the earlier six-member period, but a new official leader has not been announced.

The members have expressed their determination to continue together. Following Mark's departure, Jeno acknowledged the difficulties surrounding the change and asked fans to support the group's future. Chenle also promised that the six members would work hard to show that NCT DREAM was still going strong. All six have since renewed their contracts with SM Entertainment.

Mark's voice was a familiar part of NCT DREAM's music for years, and his absence will likely be felt most strongly in the group's rap-driven songs. Still, the remaining members have their own established strengths and experience performing as six.

NCT DREAM already showed with "BOOM" that it could succeed without Mark. Seven years later, the members have considerably more experience behind them. The question now is not whether they can recreate the group's seven-member sound, but what they can make of it as six.