It’s the news NCTzens have been manifesting for years. SM Entertainment finally confirmed on Monday that Jeno and Jaemin are stepping out as the subunit NCT JNJM. The “best friend” duo will release their first mini-album, Both Sides, on February 23, 2026.
According to The Korea Herald, the project hits all global streaming platforms at 6:00 PM KST. This is a massive milestone for the 00-line members. They have shared the spotlight since their pre-debut days, and now they finally have a stage all to themselves.
Exploring the “Both Sides” Concept
The upcoming mini-album features six tracks, including a title song of the same name. As you’d guess from the title, the central theme is “duality.” It explores how the two members’ distinct charms create a “perfect balance” when they perform together.
Expect a mix of versatile pop and those experimental sounds that define the NCT brand. Industry insiders say the album highlights their artistic growth over the last decade. It marks their transition from the youthful energy of their early years to a much more mature sound.
The Viral Success of “Wind Up”
The subunit news comes right after the massive success of their short-form drama Wind Up. This project wasn’t just for fun; it served as a promotional bridge for the unit. It even surpassed 5 million views in just five days after its early January release.
In the drama, Jeno earned praise for playing Woo Jin, a talented pitcher going through a slump. Jaemin played Tae Hee, a mysterious transfer student who becomes his manager. Their chemistry in the series was off the charts. Now, fans are even more hyped to see that synergy translate into music.
“The unit album will present a new chapter for Jeno and Jaemin. We ask fans to look forward to the colors they will reveal through this ‘both-sided’ concept,” stated a representative from SM Entertainment.
From Mouseketeers to 7th Subunit
NCT JNJM is officially the 7th subunit under the Neo Culture Technology umbrella. They follow in the footsteps of NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, and NCT DoJaeJung. This debut celebrates a 10-year partnership that famously began on Disney Channel Korea’s The Mickey Mouse Club.
Still, the duo remains fully committed to NCT Dream’s 2026 schedule. The subunit launch is timed perfectly during the group’s The Dream Show 4: Future The Dream world tour. Many fans are already speculating about a special JNJM stage during the tour’s concluding Seoul shows in March.
NCT JNJM Debut Essentials
- Unit Name: NCT JNJM
- Album Title: Both Sides (1st Mini Album)
- Pre-order Date: February 2, 2026
- Release Date: February 23, 2026 (6:00 PM KST)
- Tracklist: 6 Songs total
Star News Korea reports that pre-orders for the physical album start on February 2. Keep an eye on official NCT social media channels for “mood cuts” and teasers. These are expected to expand on the “pitcher and manager” lore established in Wind Up.
