This formation comes after the company announced the end of the group's open-ended expansion model.
The move signals a strategic shift toward stabilizing the fanbase and making fuller use of existing members.
The upcoming mini album BOTH SIDES will offer an early clue to the direction of that change.
End of Expansion, Start of Fixed Units?
Overview
In short: a clear pivot.Since its 2016 debut, NCT drew attention for an unusual 'infinite expansion' system that added new members and subunits over time.
However, in 2026 SM Entertainment — a major South Korean entertainment company that launched acts like H.O.T. and EXO — formally announced the end of that open-ended approach.
Against that backdrop, the two-member unit NCT JNJM, composed of Jeno and Jaemin, was unveiled.
JNJM becomes the second fixed unit within the NCT umbrella.
Their first mini album, BOTH SIDES, is scheduled for release on February 23, 2026.
Therefore, this is more than a routine comeback; it is a strategic signal about how the brand intends to operate going forward.
History and Context
This is the turning point.The original system grew the group by continuously adding members and new subunits.
At first, the novelty and variety gave NCT a competitive edge. However, over time, constant expansion contributed to fan fatigue and weakened group cohesion.
As a result, the company appears to be shifting from expansion toward strengthening identity.
JNJM's creation looks like a direct result of that shift.
It implies a pause on recruiting new members and a new emphasis on mixing and matching existing talents into stable, long-term units.
Consequently, the change may affect not only musical direction but also marketing, daily operations, and financial planning.
Meaning and Strategy
Core ideas condensed.This move carries two strategic intentions: stabilizing the fandom and transitioning to a fixed-unit system.
First, it aims to stabilize the fandom (fan community).
Many fans had begun asking the company to stop indiscriminate expansion and to give members a clearer sense of belonging.
SM faced practical and ethical challenges as the roster grew, and JNJM can be read as an answer to those requests.
Second, it expands the use of existing members rather than adding new ones.
By creating fixed pairings or units, the company can broaden musical range and commercial value through different member combinations.
That approach will likely influence investment priorities and long-term organizational design.
A fixed-unit system can meet fan expectations while strengthening each unit's musical identity.
In practice, that should increase the overall durability of the NCT brand.
Pro Arguments
Main benefits summarized.Supporters emphasize psychological stability for fans.
Infinite expansion brought excitement at first, but critics say it later caused fragmentation and divided attention within the fandom.
Thus, switching to fixed units may rebuild cohesion and increase long-term loyalty.
There are career benefits for the artists as well.
Focusing on a stable pairing like Jeno and Jaemin allows for a more defined artistic profile and deeper specialization.
That clarity helps with concert programming, TV appearances, and brand deals—leading to clearer positioning and revenue streams.
From a business perspective, the move reduces the continuous investment burden tied to recruiting and launching new members.
Therefore, reallocating existing resources can improve operational efficiency and financial health.
Partners and investors can also plan around a more predictable lineup and schedule, lowering commercial risk.
Finally, fixed units may restore cultural identity.
When each unit develops a clear musical persona, it becomes easier to differentiate the brand globally.
Over time, NCT could move from being known for sheer scale to being recognized for distinct musical narratives.
Con Arguments
Real concerns exist.Critics worry that fixed units will reduce variety and hurt long-term creativity.
Opponents say creativity could suffer.
Infinite expansion made unpredictable member pairings possible, and those experimental combinations sometimes produced surprising artistic results.
If such experiments decline, fewer new musical colors may emerge.
There is also a risk to global growth.
Open expansion allowed the brand to recruit members who could boost local reach in different regions or cultures.
Halting that process could slow the pace of international network building and reduce market diversification.
Financially, the fixed-unit model may be efficient in the short term but risky in the long term.
A narrower portfolio makes the company more vulnerable if audience tastes shift. Investors may see concentrated risk when diversification is reduced.
Artist autonomy could also be affected.
Infinite expansion created many places for members to try new things. In contrast, fixed units may limit opportunities for solo experiments or unconventional collaborations.
That constraint could influence both career growth and job satisfaction.
Culturally, critics note that fewer fresh faces means fewer chances to discover and develop new talent.
In turn, the industry might lose a source of renewal, reducing the overall vibrancy of the scene.
Comparisons and Cases
Look at other examples.Some K-pop units that focused on a narrow musical identity opened new markets and became successful examples.
On the other hand, excessive fragmentation has diluted brand identity in other cases.
Therefore, JNJM's fate depends on content quality and the precision of its management.
From an industry angle, steady lineups and regular activity encourage sustained fan participation.
At the same time, risky experiments and local expansions often deliver unpredictable but high-value returns.
So the winning strategy usually balances stability and exploration rather than choosing one extreme.
Conclusion
The takeaway is clear.JNJM's formation is a strategic choice inside a broader structural shift away from infinite expansion.
Read this through three lenses: stabilizing the fandom, leveraging existing members, and building a fixed-unit architecture.
Supporters expect more stability and stronger identities, while critics fear a loss of variety and experimental spirit.
Ultimately, success will hinge on musical quality, managerial flexibility, and how well the company communicates with fans.
In short: converting to fixed units reduces certain risks and sharpens the brand, but it also narrows some routes to innovation.
The future will depend on how well the company balances steady routines with selective experiments.
Which side do you trust more? Will JNJM strengthen NCT's resilience or limit its creative horizons? The question is now in the hands of listeners and the people who run the group.
