Five years with NCT Dream have proven to be a beautiful time with many laughs, tears, and smiles. Fans have had the pleasure of watching the septet grow as both artists and individuals. To celebrate NCT Dream’s anniversary, EnVi is walking down memory lane with a selection of some of our favorite NCT Dream moments, stages, and more.

  1. NCT Dream First “Deja Vu” Stage — Not only was “Deja Vu” a fun performance, but this stage marked NCT Dream’s first performance as seven members since 2018. The refreshing performance and crisp, synchronized dancing perfectly captured the nostalgic feeling Mark’s reinstatement into NCT Dream had.
  2. NCT Dream Mini Games — Who doesn’t enjoy a video that’s filled with laughter and joy? This holds a special place in my heart because we got to see them enjoying themselves in a video that is non-stop laughter from beginning to end.
  3. NCT Dream Visits DIVE Studios — Seeing the Dreamies together (virtually) with K-pop soloist Eric Nam was the icing on the cake during their “Hello Future” promotions. They talked more in-depth about their audition/scouting experiences, and even about Mark’s faith.
  4. The Era of Temporary Tattoos — Throughout their “Diggity” and “Hello Future” performances, NCT DREAM had a chance to experiment with a ton of interesting temporary tattoos. That’s when Mark revealed he’d love to get an actual tattoo but can’t because of his parents — what a faithful son.
  5. 7llin’ in the Dream — Throughout this six-part series, NCT DREAM took fans along on a fun-filled retreat. From an intense volleyball game to a serene bonfire, it was an emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible. 
  6. NCT Life: Dream in Wonderland — NCT Life: Dream in Wonderland was NCT DREAM’s second appearance in the ongoing reality NCT Life, and Jaemin’s NCT Life debut. Throughout the season, we saw how much the boys had grown since NCT Life: Entertainment Retreat in 2017, but how they still retained their childlike wonder as they played and explored the park. We enjoyed the zip line game, where one member had to guess a keyword while the other member shouted out hints; nothing will beat watching the members scream random words while flying terrified through the air.
  7. ‘We Go Up’ Halloween Costume Version — Back in 2018, during NCT’s annual Halloween celebration, the group came together and danced the title track for their second mini-album We Go Up, each member enjoying themselves while dancing in costume, staying in character throughout the performance. Chenle’s It costume was iconic, as was Haechan doing the moonwalk. The other NCT members hyped them up in the background, making this video a go-to when wanting to lift one’s mood.
  8. Chen-Ji This or That in Shanghai — As a season finale for their youtube series Chen-ji’sThis and That, the duo took a two-day trip to Shanghai, Chenle’s hometown, where they met family, ate delicious food, and visited amusement parks. Although their personalities are different, fans can see how much they care about one another, being the youngest in NCT and having already met even before joining SM. Chenle and Jisung’s friendship is one that is meant to be. 
  9. NCT Dream Rooftop Fight — For years, the NCT Dream members vowed to fight on the rooftop of SM when Jisung became an adult, and that promise to NCTzens was finally fulfilled in January 2021 when they made a video series laughing, chatting, and playing games on the rooftop in a play-fight for the ages.
  10. Becoming Million Sellers — With the release of their first full-length album, Hot Sauce, NCT Dream made one million sales. This was a major milestone for the group as they became one of only three South Korean artists to do so at the time. In addition to setting a personal record, they also become the youngest idols to earn the accolade.  
  11. Debut Stage, “Chewing Gum,” on Hoverboards— As stages go it is impossible not to make a highlight of the Dream members taking on Inkigayo to perform the iconic hoverboard choreography, freshly debuted the group took performing to another level, nailing the performance while the fans enjoyed themselves. 
  12. DREAMVERSE — Leading up to the release of Hot Sauce, NCT DREAM starred in “DREAMVERSE” teasers, depicting an intricate storyline. With each chapter revealing a new development in the saga, fans enjoyed theorizing and of course, cracking jokes. 
  13. Chenle’s Successful Fanboy Moment With Stephen Curry — Chenle, a devoted fan of the basketball team, the Golden State Warriors, and point guard Stephen Curry, received a reply from the star player himself. Later, Chenle was invited to be a part of the virtual audience and create a Spotify playlist for the team. 
  14. Jeno’s Legendary JSMR Series— In 2019, Jeno launched his own ASMR YouTube series on the NCT Daily Channel. He has experimented with various things such as food, books, bath bombs, flowers, and more! Some JSMR episodes feature some NCT DREAM members as well. The most famous one being the shaved ice mukbang with Renjun.
  15. Jaemin’s Return in NCT 2018 — From 2016 to 2017, Jaemin was on hiatus due to a herniated disc injury. After “Chewing Gum,” he was not present in any of NCT DREAM’s promotions until NCT 2018. When NCTzens finally saw him active and well in NCT Yearbook, they all rejoiced at Jaemin’s long-awaited return! He finally got to reunite and promote with DREAM in “GO”, which was a concept that first broke the mold of NCT DREAM’s child-like, innocent concept. Not to mention, DREAM got to promote as seven members again and Jaemin’s “GO” look stays iconic in NCT history. 
  16. NCT DREAM in 24th World Scout Jamboree — NCT DREAM were chosen as the first official ambassador for World Scouting! They recorded their first English song, “Fireflies,” for this occasion. The boys flew out to West Virginia for the World Scout camp and performed their music in front of all the scouts! It was their first time performing in America as NCT DREAM. Many memes have arisen from this event; however, the most notable meme is the scout dancing with a canoe over his head while NCT DREAM performed! 
  17. Mark Surprising NCT DREAM During “RIDIN’” Filming — “Ridin’” was the second music video promotion without Mark, and Mark still made the time to support the Dreamies! However, when he approached them dancing the “Boom” choreography, they were confused and thought he was a staff member! It was a heart-warming moment to see the Dreamies being excited seeing Mark. It shows how much they loved and missed him. 
  18. NCT DREAM performing “BOOM” While A Street Protest Happens — The Dreamies have indeed performed in front of large crowds this day! While the people took the streets chanting protests, the NCTzens at the venue were chanting fan chants! The protesters definitely had a free concert that day. Good music while you’re protesting? NCT DREAM’s got you covered.
  19. Jaemin’s “Hi my name is Jeno” in SMTOWN Dubai — One of Na Jaemin’s iconic humorous moments has to be when he introduced himself as “Jeno” instead of his name “Jaemin”! The members on stage were so confused and then Jaemin finally realized his funny mistake! 
  20. Jisung Orders Coffee For His Hyungs in Why Not The Dancer? — Our forever maknae Jisung was only a teenager when he traveled to America with Taemin, Eunhyuk, and Gikwang for dance training in Why Not The Dancer? Jisung appears nervous but orders drinks at a coffee shop alone in English without his hyungs! Luckily, everything went well and Jisung succeeded!
  21. Jisung Dances at “Millennium Dance Complex” in Why Not The Dancer? — During his time shooting the reality tv show, Jisung got the special opportunity to dance in front of other dancers at a well-known dance studio in Los Angeles called “Millennium Dance Complex!” He danced Brian Puspos’s choreography to Trey Songz’s “Foreign.” Jisung executes the choreography flawlessly and his skills prove that he’s always been a star!
  22. Jeno and Jaemin’s Cycling Adventure — Jeno and Jaemin cycled a very long route that got them super tired! The cycling exercise was so intense that it got Jaemin wheezing! Although, both of them are known to be good at exercise and are very active, especially Jeno. This cycling trip video definitely makes NCTzens feel as if we were biking with them.
  23. When Jaemin Broke One of the Spoons During the “Halal Bibimbap” Mixing Activity — The three members travel to Malaysia as the representatives for the Hallyu Wave joined by the South Korean president and other important figures. During one group activity where the representatives mixed a big bibimbap bowl with big spoons, Jaemin actually broke his while mixing! Jeno and Jisung were laughing at his mishap as well as the other important figures and NCTzens around him! 
  24. NCT DREAM the First Asian Artist of the young and influential artists on Billboard’s “21 Under 21” for 3 years in a row! — From debuting young to achieving a lot when you are under 21 years old is a huge accomplishment! NCT DREAM join Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X in this list and more! They were also the only K-Pop artist to make the list out of 21 other artists from 2018 to 2020 as well. 
  25. Mark discovers Jisung’s English name is Andy — Despite knowing each other for well over 8-9 years now, the Dreamies seem to always be learning new things about one another. In the aftermath of their Rooftop fight commemorating Jisung’s coming of age, the members played games to show off how much they knew the maknae. The boys laughed in disbelief upon finding out his English name was Andy — in Mark Lee’s iconic words, “Your name is ANDY?!” 
  26. NCT DREAM’s First Win And Winning Streak With ‘My First and Last’ —  For the first time in the group’s career, NCT DREAM won their first music show win with “My First and Last” on SBS’s The Show! This marks NCT DREAM’s first milestone. This comeback had three wins in total! It’s clear that the Dreamies and NCTzens worked very hard for this!
  27. NCT DREAM Collaboration With PRETTYMUCH in “Up to You” — Simon Cowell’s American boyband, PRETTYMUCH released their INTL:EP, where they featured songs with artists around the globe and NCT DREAM was one of them. The Dreamies killed their parts in “Up to You” with their Korean language verses! It’s a sweet track about consent. Renjun and Haechan’s voices added extra honey to the sweet song.
  28. NCT DREAM X HRVY “DNYL” Music Video — The boys collaborated with young pop singer HRVY from the United Kingdom in their SM Station song, “Don’t Need Your Love.” There’s no doubt that HRVY and the Dreamies have good chemistry! Before their collab, HRVY even got to hang out and learn Korean with the Dreamies! NCTzens even thought HRVY would be a good fit in the group, especially since he color-coordinated with them in the MV and even danced the choreography! One cute moment during the DNYL behind (7:49) would be Jisung asking HRVY if his dirty blonde hair color is real!
  29. Renjun Snaps When Jeno Accidentally Spits on Him — NCT DREAM held a V-Live to commemorate their second music show win with “BOOM.” A funny moment happened when the Dreamies discussed their performance at the Olympic Hall. While Jeno was talking, Renjun felt his spit on him and said it out loud hilariously, adding more laughter to the Dreamies’ conversation!
  30. Renjun, Jeno, Chenle, and Jisung become smurfs during SM’s 2017 Halloween Party — The NCT members get dolled up for their Halloween costumes and the famous SMTOWN annual Halloween party. Renjun, Jeno, Chenle, and Jisung came dressed and painted like smurfs while Mark is a tinman and Haechan is Jack Skellington. Renjun shocks the members with his pretty long neon hair! 
  31. Haechan Gets Fed Up with Mark Correcting His English —  In this V-Live, Haechan has said some very memorable and hilarious English words such as, “Oh, Canada” and “Here is Korea man!” in response to Mark! NCTzens know that the two are known to banter and play-fight with each other, so witnessing this funny moment really adds to Haechan and Mark’s close friendship! 
  32. The ‘00 Line V-Live with Haechan, Renjun, Jeno, and Jaemin— A lot of things happened during this chaotic V-Live with the 2000 line, not to mention, spoilers from Haechan. Haechan spoils “GO” choreography and the Dreamies get riled up! Haechan since then has always been our spoiler king! There were plenty more shenanigans especially towards the end of the live when the Dreamiesdream goof around in the background while a member says their ending messages. They were running out of time and Haechan was taking too long in his message that Jaemin pushed him. The playful and energetic energy the 2000 line has carried on to the present day indeed!
  33. Chenle Stuffs Giant Teddy Bear — Chenle was given a challenge to stuff a giant teddy bear that is way bigger than him! It took him 8 days to do this and he claimed that he had used 10 boxes of stuffing to create his new friend. Renjun also helps out to sow the bear’s eyes! 
  34. Renjun’s “Fools” Cover — Weeks before the release of his “Fools” cover, Renjun informed fans of his plans to sing the song. Anticipation grew so much that when the cover dropped the video exceeded 1 million views in less than 24 hours!
  35. Renjun, Jaemin, and Jeno in “Hair In The Air” — Renjun, Jeno, and Jaemin teamed up with Red Velvet’s Yeri to create a fun song for Trolls: The Beat Goes On. The quartet performed the track during SM TOWN in Chile, showing fans their chemistry as a unit!
  36. NCT DREAM and Red Rex “Hot Sauce” Challenge — Following the collaboration with NCT DREAM and PINKFONG, NCT DREAM dropped a video of the Red Rex mascot dancing to “Hot Sauce,” or at least trying to. It is funny to see the Red Rex struggling to move his arms to do the stirring move. 
  37.  Renjun’s Artwork in NCT Relay Cam— Renjun, the artist of the group, showed fans his art supplies and drawings in the NCT 2020 relay. He also gave fans a glimpse of his creative process, inviting Jeno and JIsung to paint in his video. 
  38. Jeno’s Witty Side Comments in NCT Horror NIghts— In one of the latest short YouTube series, Renjun, Taeil, Doyoung, Sungchan, Jeno, and Jisung dressed up in costumes and read scary stories submitted by fans. During different stories, Jeno showed off his sense of humor, adding funny comments throughout the readings. 
  39. Chenle and Kun “Free Love” — Earlier this year, Chenle and Kun came together to give fans a cover of HONNE’s “Free Love.” Both vocalists showed off their sweet voices as they played the piano. It was heartwarming to see Kun and Chenle perform together since they are known for their close brother-like relationship!
  40. NCT DREAM Cover “Baby Shark”— NCT DREAM covered the popular children’s song “Baby Shark” adding a more masculine feel to the nursery rhyme’s simple dance. It is a good video to watch when you’re in need of a good laugh. 

These past five years have been a dream for NCTzens thanks to NCT DREAM! Team EnVi is looking forward to more funny, heart-warming, and happy moments with them in their future projects. We also look forward to more great beats and accomplishments!

For more neo news, check out our piece on NCT DREAM’s anniversary fan meeting here!

Thumbnail courtesy of SM Entertainment