The K-pop group that outgrew its own graduation system

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: When NCT Dream debuted in 2016, they were designed to disband once members reached adulthood. Instead, they became a global powerhouse, breaking pre-order records and becoming the first Asian artists to dominate Billboard’s influential teen lists for three consecutive years.

Originally conceived by SM Entertainment as a teen-focused unit, NCT Dream operated under a unique 'admission-and-graduation' system. Under these rules, members were intended to leave the group upon reaching the age of majority—19 internationally. This structure saw the departure of leader Mark in late 2018, leaving the group as a sextet for a period. The group's initial lineup featured seven members, including Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemon, Chenle, and Jisung, with an average age of just 15.6 years. The group's first single, 'Chewing Gum', achieved the number two spot on the Billboard World Digital Songs Sales chart during this initial period.

However, a 2020 rebranding abolished the graduation system, transforming NCT Dream into a fixed seven-member group. This shift coincided with a massive surge in commercial scale. While their 2020 EP 'Reload' garnered over 500,000 pre-orders, their 2021 studio album 'Hot Sauce' saw pre-orders skyrocket to over 1.71 million copies, a 243% increase from their previous record. The group's momentum continued with the release of 'Glitch Mode' in 2022, which achieved over two million sales in only sixteen days. This release also marked their first appearance on the US Billboard 200 chart.

The group's impact extends beyond domestic charts. They achieved a rare feat as the only Asian artists to appear on Billboard's '21 Under 21' list for three consecutive years, ranking at numbers 20, 13, and 19 between 2018 and 2020. Their discography reflects a narrative arc moving from the youthful innocence of 'Chewing Gum' to the more defiant, mature themes found in later works like 'Glitch Mode'. Their influence was recognized by Time magazine, which named them among the 25 most influential teens in 2018. They also served as global ambassadors for the World Scout Foundation.

Despite their stability as a fixed unit, the group's lineup has seen significant changes. After returning to the group in 2020, Mark officially departed the unit on April 8, 2026. The group's musical journey has been supported by significant international presence, including a tour across Asia and performances in cities like Bangkok.

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