NCT DREAM introduced themselves in 2016 with the bright, playful “Chewing Gum,” and a decade later they’re marking their 10th anniversary with their sixth full-length album, DREAM AFTER DREAM.
Released Nov. 9, the 10-track album looks back on the group’s growth while pointing toward the formation of a new dream, moving through disco-funk, contemporary pop and hyperpop, and highlighting the group’s evolution, shared memories and perseverance.
The title track “Boogie Woogie” pairs a retro disco-funk groove with modern synths. Jaemin co-wrote the lyrics, which celebrate the members’ decade together and the gratitude they have for one another.
Sweety High caught up with JENO, JISUNG, RENJUN, CHENLE, HAECHAN and JAEMIN to talk about the stories behind the album, the moments they’ll never forget and the next dream they’re chasing in our interview below.
(Image courtesy of SM Entertainment)
Sweety High: Congrats on your 10th anniversary as well as your sixth studio album, DREAM AFTER DREAM. Would you mind explaining the release?
JENO: This album is about looking back on the past 10 years we’ve spent together while also looking ahead to the new dreams we have yet to chase. Just like the title DREAM AFTER DREAM suggests, our journey doesn’t stop here. We want to keep dreaming and moving forward!
The album has 10 tracks, including the title track “Boogie Woogie,” and explores different genres like disco-funk, contemporary pop and hyperpop. I think fans will get to discover some new sides of NCT DREAM through this album!
SH: “Boogie Woogie” talks about being thankful for each other and making each day special. When reflecting on your journey as NCT DREAM, is there a moment that you’re forever thankful for?
JISUNG: Looking back on the past 10 years, of course the big performances are unforgettable, but honestly, it’s the little everyday moments with the members that I remember most. Like laughing over something silly during practice or just talking about random things after a long day.
When I think about it, including our trainee days, I’ve actually spent more of my life with the members than without them. At this point, they really feel like family to me. We’ve grown so close that sometimes all it takes is a look to know how the other person is feeling or what they’re trying to say.
I’m just so grateful to have people like that in my life. And I hope that’s the message people take away from “Boogie Woogie”—how special it is to have people you love and want to share your happiness with, and how simply being together can turn even an ordinary day into something special.
SH: “Dream After Dream” highlights the thrill of the unknown and setting towards new sights. As you continue your story, how do you feel going toward that next dream as artists?
RENJUN: I’ve dreamed of becoming a singer ever since I was little, and my biggest goal was always to work hard to become someone I could be truly proud of. But over time, that dream has grown into something bigger.
Now, I want to be someone my members can be proud of too, and an artist whose voice can bring comfort to the people who listen to our music. I think it’s pretty amazing that even after 10 years, I still have so many new dreams to chase.
(Image courtesy of SM Entertainment)
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SH: While working on this album, were there any fun behind the scenes moments or challenges that you faced and overcame?
CHENLE: “Boogie Woogie” has this really fun, party-like energy, but getting that vibe just through the choreography actually took a lot more work than you might think. There were so many little details we had to get right, and we definitely worked up a sweat in the practice room!
RENJUN: We put a lot of time and effort into recording “The Sun.” I really wanted to capture the right emotion, so I kept experimenting with different ways of singing certain parts, even making the small changes. I’d record a part, listen back, and try it again until I felt like we’d gotten it just right.
SH: HAECHAN and JAEMIN are both credited as co-writers—JAEMIN for “Boogie Woogie” and HAECHAN for “Smile for U.” What’s your creative process and is there a favorite line you each wrote?
HAECHAN: I usually start by listening to a song over and over to really get a feel for its mood and the emotions I want to express.
One of my favorite lines from “Smile for U” is “Our life is too short, just enjoy it.” We all have things we worry about and go through tough times, but I think that’s exactly why it’s so important to enjoy the moment and make the most of it.
JAEMIN: I like to draw inspiration from everyday thoughts and feelings when I write lyrics.
My favorite part of “Boogie Woogie” is definitely the chorus! Lines like “Let’s da-da-da-da-dance” and “Like the cha-cha-cha-cha-cha” are just so catchy and fun. They’re the kind of lyrics that get stuck in your head after just one listen, and I think they really capture the playful, upbeat energy of the song!
SH: Each track shares different messages and sounds. Is there a track you’d each want to recommend to Czennies?
JENO: I’d recommend “Pressure.” It has this really powerful beat and so much energy, so I think it’d be perfect for working out! I also love the message behind it—about pushing forward without fear, even when you’re under pressure. That’s something I try to remind myself of whenever I’m taking on a new challenge.
CHENLE: I love “Boogie Woogie,” but if I had to pick another track, I’d go with “Cool for Me.” I’ve always been a fan of that hip-hop R&B groove. It has such a cool, smooth vibe, and it’s a different side of us that fans might not expect.
RENJUN: I’d pick “Tumbler.” I love the warm, retro sound, and the lyrics about holding on to precious memories with the people you love really speak to me.
JAEMIN: I’d recommend “Smile for U.” It’s extra special to me because I helped write the lyrics, and it has this bright, feel-good energy that just puts you in a good mood.
HAECHAN: I’d go with “The Sun.” I think it’s a song that really captures who we are as NCT DREAM, and one that only we could sing after spending the past 10 years together. It feels especially meaningful because it reflects everything we’ve experienced and shared along the way. I’m really proud that a song like this is now part of NCT DREAM’s discography.
JISUNG: Definitely give “Skydive” a listen too! I personally love this kind of dynamic sound. There are so many different elements to the music, which makes it really fun to listen to!
(Image courtesy of SM Entertainment)
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SH: This year marks your 10th anniversary. How does it feel looking back and seeing the evolution from “Chewing Gum” to “Boogie Woogie”? Is there a message you’d tell your debut self?
HAECHAN: We’ve explored so many different sounds and concepts over the years, and I think we’ve really found our own style along the way. We’ve also learned so much about ourselves as performers and how to bring out each member’s unique strengths on stage.
If I could go back and talk to my younger self, “Don’t be so nervous! Just keep working hard, have fun, and enjoy every moment. Trust me, you’re going to do great things and perform on some pretty amazing stages, so you’ve got a lot to look forward to!” [Laughs]
SH: As this comeback marks the beginning of something new, what would you say is your next big “dream?”
CHENLE: I once said one of my dreams was to still be performing “Chewing Gum” while riding hoverboards with the members when we’re 50. And honestly, I still think that’s a pretty great dream! We’d all better stay in shape until then [laughs]!
It might sound like a small dream, but being able to keep performing together and sharing the stage with our fans for that long is actually a pretty big one. I really want to make it happen!
SH: Before we wrap things up, is there a message you’d like to share with Czennies as we celebrate “DREAM AFTER DREAM” and your anniversary?
JAEMIN: Since it’s our 10th anniversary, I feel like I should say something really deep and meaningful, but honestly, all I want to say is, let’s keep having fun together [laughs]! We’ve made so many great memories with Czennies over the years, but there’s still so much we want to do together and so many new sides of ourselves we want to show you.
This album is a celebration of everything we’ve shared over the past 10 years, but it’s also about continuing to chase new dreams together. I hope you enjoy listening to it and feel that message too. Thank you for always being there for us. We love you!
(Image courtesy of SM Entertainment)
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