NCT DREAM's Jeno Steps Into Leadership Role as Group Celebrates 10 Years

NCT DREAM's Jeno has been identified as the group's new leader as the six-member act enters a new chapter with its tenth-anniversary album, "DREAM AFTER DREAM." The leadership change follows former leader Mark Lee's departure from SM Entertainment seven months ago, marking another significant transition for the group.

The development was reported alongside the release of NCT DREAM's sixth studio album on Nov. 9, led by the title track "Boogie Woogie."

For Jeno, the role represents an expansion of responsibilities within a group he has been part of since its debut in August 2016. Already known for his performances as a rapper and dancer, he now steps into a position previously associated with one of NCT DREAM's most recognizable members.

Mark's departure in April marked a turning point for NCT DREAM after nearly a decade together. On April 3, SM Entertainment announced that the Canadian singer and rapper would conclude his exclusive contract on April 8, ending his activities across NCT's units.

The decision left NCT DREAM with six members: Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle and Jisung.

For Jeno though, taking on leadership responsibilities is not entirely unfamiliar territory as NCT DREAM originally operated under a graduation system in which members were expected to leave the unit upon reaching a certain age. Mark graduated at the end of 2018, leaving the remaining six members to continue activities without him.

During that period, Jeno took on leadership duties as the group released music including "BOOM" in 2019 and "Ridin'" in 2020. However, when SM Entertainment abolished the graduation system in 2020, Mark returned, and NCT DREAM continued as a fixed seven-member group.

The circumstances are different this time and the transition comes as NCT DREAM celebrates ten years since their debut, making the group's latest album particularly significant.

"DREAM AFTER DREAM" features ten tracks reflecting the members' shared experiences and their determination to continue pursuing new goals. Its title track, "Boogie Woogie," combines 1970s disco-funk influences with modern synthesizer sounds, while lyrics co-written by Jaemin celebrate the relationships and memories built over the past decade.

Moreover, in August SM Entertainment announced that all six members had renewed their exclusive contracts providing a foundation for NCT DREAM's next chapter, reassuring fans that the remaining lineup intended to continue its activities together.

In comments released alongside the new album, Jeno expressed his desire for the group and its fans to continue moving toward shared dreams.

As the group enters its second decade, Jeno's new role represents another step toward establishing its identity as a six-member act, balancing the history that brought NCT DREAM this far with the responsibilities and opportunities that lie ahead.