NCT Dream (Korean: 엔시티 드림) is the third sub-unit of the South Korean boy band NCT, formed by SM Entertainment in 2016 as the then teen-aged unit of NCT, later evolving away from their youthful image and being re-branded in 2020 when all the members finally became legal adults in Korea. The group debuted on August 25, 2016 with the single "Chewing Gum", with a lineup consisting of seven members: Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung, with an average age of 15.6 years old. NCT Dream has been internationally recognised as among the most notable teen-aged artists of their time, known for music reflecting the growth of the youth. The narrative of their title tracks have conveyed thoughts following different stages of adolescent development, with transition from innocence to rebellion and growth. So far, NCT Dream have released four extended plays, six singles, one studio album, and headlined one international tour in Asia. Commercial success of their 2019 EP release We Boom turned NCT Dream into one of the top 10 best physical sellers of South Korea in 2019 and earned them Bonsang Awards at the 34th Golden Disc Awards and 2020 Seoul Music Awards.
Although NCT Dream was initially formed to follow an age-based admission-graduation system, in which members would move on from the unit after reaching the Korean age of 20 (19 internationally), in 2020 SM Entertainment announced the admission-graduation system was to be removed, with previously graduated member Mark set to return, and NCT Dream continuing future activities as a flexible-style group with all seven original members. The announcement was followed by over half a million copies pre-ordered for their fourth Korean EP, titled Reload, which was released in April 2020 to mark the shift in their concept.
NCT Dream is the first and only Asian artist to have appeared three times consecutively on Billboard's "21 Under 21" list, in 2018, 2019 and 2020, at 20, 13 and 19 respectively, chosen for their industry impact on sales, streaming and social media. In 2018, NCT Dream were included in Time's list of "25 Most Influential Teens" of the year, highlighting their connection as teenagers to teenagers.