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Haechan
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This article contains historical images which have been upscaled using AI. (August 2025) |
Lee Dong-hyeok (Korean: 이동혁; born June 6, 2000), known professionally as Haechan (해찬), is a South Korean singer. He is a member of South Korean boy band NCT and its subunit NCT U alongside its fixed subunits NCT 127 and NCT Dream. On September 8, 2025, Haechan began his solo debut with the release of his first studio album Taste.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Haechan was born on June 6, 2000, in Seoul, South Korea, where he lived until age seven. He then moved to Jeju, South Korea for five years before returning to Seoul, where he attended the School of Performing Arts Seoul. He is the oldest of four siblings.[1]
Career
[edit]2013–2015: SM Rookies
[edit]In 2013, Haechan joined SM Entertainment after passing the SM Saturday Open Auditions, where he sang "Baby" by Justin Bieber, "Hello" by Huh Gak and "Ugly Duckling" by Son Seung-yeon.[2]
On July 17, 2014, he was introduced as a member of SM Rookies, a pre-debut training team managed by SM Entertainment.[3] That year, Haechan, alongside other SM Rookies members, appeared in Exo 90:2014, a reality television series in which labelmate Exo recreated music videos and performed popular K-pop songs from the 1990s and early 2000s.[4][5] In 2015, Haechan starred in the Korean revival of The Mickey Mouse Club. The show aired on Disney Channel Korea from July 23 to December 17, 2015, and was hosted by Leeteuk of Super Junior.[6]
2016–present: Debut with NCT
[edit]On July 2, 2016, SM Entertainment revealed that Haechan would debut as a member of NCT's second sub-unit, NCT 127. The group released their first single, "Fire Truck", on July 7.[7] On August 19, SM Entertainment announced that Haechan would also join NCT's third sub-unit, NCT Dream,[8] which debuted with the digital single "Chewing Gum" on August 25.[9] On December 19, 2018, it was announced that Haechan had fractured his shin bone while preparing for the Neo City – The Origin tour (2019–2020) and would be taking a hiatus from group activities to recover.[10][11] During his recovery period, he participated in the January 26 and 27 concerts.[12] He officially returned from his hiatus with an appearance at NCT 127's concert in Saitama several months later on March 29, 2019.[13] On December 13, Haechan joined the rotational sub-unit NCT U with the release of the single "Coming Home" under the SM Station project.[14][15]
At the Neo City – The Link tour (2021–2022), Haechan and former member Taeil performed an unreleased R&B track titled "Love Sign", which they composed with producer Deez.[16] In 2021, Haechan released a remake of the 2006 SM Town's song "Snow Dream" for SM Town's album 2021 Winter SM Town: SMCU Express.[17] Haechan recorded a remake of the 2001 Toy song "Good Person" for the soundtrack of the Playlist Studio web drama Ply Friends: Seoyeon University Class of '22 for release on March 6, 2022.[18] However, CJ ENM announced that the release of the song would be moved forward by one day to "repay fans" for their enthusiastic reactions.[19] Haechan and Taeil released "N.Y.C.T." under NCT U on September 7, 2023. They had previously performed the song at the Neo City – The Link tour.[20]
Artistry
[edit]Haechan stated that his mother greatly influenced his music taste by introducing him to songs such as "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson, whom he has cited in multiple interviews as one of his role models and the reason he wanted to pursue a singing career.[21][22][11] Haechan also named labelmate Taemin of Shinee as a major influence, crediting his group's debut single "Replay" with inspiring him to become an idol and audition for SM Entertainment.[1][23] The first album Haechan ever purchased was Shinee's Romeo (2009).[24]
Music critic Kim Young-dae described Haechan's voice as the MSG in NCT 127's discography as it "connects all the different flavors and has a powerful impact on the adlibs".[25][unreliable source?] Changuk of Drippin cited Haechan as his role model.[26]
Philanthropy
[edit]In February 2023, Haechan donated ₩100 million to the Community Chest of Korea, thus joining its Honor Society, to help victims of the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake.[27] In August 2023, he donated ₩50 million to the Korean Red Cross to support the victims and areas affected by the wildfires that broke out that month on the island of Maui, Hawaii.[28]
In March 2025, Haechan donated ₩50 million to the Community Chest of Korea for the wildfire victims in the Yeongnam region.[29]
Discography
[edit]Studio album
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Sales | Certifications | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [30] |
JPN [31] |
JPN Hot [32] | ||||
| Taste | 1 | 4 | 24 | |||
Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [36] | ||||||
| As lead artist | ||||||
| "CRZY" | 2025 | 11 | Taste | |||
| As featured artist | ||||||
| "+82 Pressin'" (Mark featuring Haechan) |
2025 | 144 | The Firstfruit | |||
| Collaboration | ||||||
| "Snow Dream 2021" (with Yeri, Chenle, Jisung, Ningning) |
2021 | —[a] | 2021 Winter SM Town: SMCU Express | |||
| Soundtrack Appearance | ||||||
| "Good Person (2022)" (좋은 사람 2022) | 2022 | 115 | Friends OST Part. 1 | |||
| "A Thousand Reasons" (니가 좋은 이유) | 2025 | —[b] | Second Shot at Love OST Part. 3 | |||
| "—" indicates that the song did not chart or was not released in that region. | ||||||
Songwriting credits
[edit]All credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association, unless cited otherwise.[39]
| Title | Year | Artist(s) | Album | Lyricist | Composer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Like We Just Met" | 2023 | NCT Dream | ISTJ | ||
| "N.Y.C.T." | NCT U | SM Station: NCT Lab | |||
| "Flying Kiss" | 2024 | NCT Dream | Dreamscape | ||
| "Best of Me" | |||||
| "Should Be" | 2025 | Haechan | Taste |
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Benjamin, Jeff (June 13, 2020). "Haechan of NCT and NCT 127: a talented and confident performer, with the personality to match". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on June 13, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
- ^ Goo, Min-ji (June 3, 2021). "루키의 꿈, 미래가 됐다"...NCT드림, K팝 성장 보고서 ["Rookie's dream, now it's the future."NCT DREAM, K-Pop Growth Report]. Dispatch (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
- ^ Kim, Sara (July 17, 2014). SMROOKIES, 공식 페이지 오픈..슬기&아이린 '첫 유닛' [SMROOKIES, open the official page.. Seulgi & Irene 'first unit']. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 13, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
- ^ Kim, Sara (October 4, 2014). [어저께TV] '엑소902014' K팝 시험, 90 반갑고 2014 새롭고 [[Yesterday TV] 'EXO 902014' K-Pop Test, 90 Nice and 2014 New]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 21, 2019. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
- ^ Kim, Sara (October 3, 2014). '엑소902014' SM루키즈 동혁, 걸그룹 지식 최강자 등극 ['EXO 902014' SM Rookies Donghyuck, the strongest girl group knowledge]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 15, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
- ^ Seo, Byung-gi (July 9, 2015). 이예지 PD, 이적 후 첫작품 '미키마우스 클럽' 한국판 제작 방송 [Lee Ye-ji PD, first work after transfer 'Mickey Mouse Club' Korean version production broadcast]. Herald Pop (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 30, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
- ^ NCT127 소방차, 데뷔 타이틀곡은 힙합에 뭄바톤 퓨전 장르..."역대급 서머송 예고" [NCT127 Fire Truck, the debut title song is a hip-hop and Mumbahton fusion genre... "Prediction of the greatest summer song ever"]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). July 5, 2016. Archived from the original on September 15, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
- ^ Choi, Na-young (August 20, 2016). 'SM막내' NCT드림, 네 멤버 베일 벗다..제노·해찬 ['SM's maknae' NCT Dream unveils four members.. Jeno Haechan]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 16, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
- ^ Kim, Yu-young (August 25, 2016). "NCT Dream releases new music video". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on August 25, 2016. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Lee, Min-ji (December 19, 2018). SM "NCT 해찬, 부상으로 깁스, 스케줄 불참"(공식입장 전문) [SM "NCT Haechan, casts due to injury, misses schedule" (Full text of official position)]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 4, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
- ^ a b "Episode 6". Boys Mental Camp (in Korean). June 4, 2021. Wavve. Archived from the original on February 19, 2022. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
- ^ Sung, Mi-kyung (January 27, 2019). "연두색 바다"..NCT 127, 2만4천 관객 열광시킨판타스틱 첫 콘서트(종합)[Oh!쎈 현장] ["Yellow-green sea"..NCT 127, the first fantastic concert that made 24,000 spectators enthusiastic [Oh!]]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 16, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
- ^ Goo, Min-ji (March 29, 2019). 'NCT127' 해찬, 밝은 근황..."막내가 돌아왔습니다" ['NCT127' Haechan, a bright current... "The youngest is back"]. Dispatch (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 16, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
- ^ Jeon, Hyo-jin (December 13, 2019). 태일·도영·재현·해찬, 오늘(13일) 겨울 발라드 'Coming Home' 발표 [Taeil, Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Haechan to release the winter ballad 'Coming Home' today (13th)]. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 16, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
- ^ Herman, Tamar (December 16, 2019). "NCT U Drop Wintery 'Coming Home' Video: Watch". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 14, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Lee, Seung-hoon (December 20, 2021). "떼창+함성 듣고파"..NCT 127, 변함없는 '♥︎시즈니'와 이룬 꿈('THE LINK')[종합] ["I want to hear the crowd + shouts"..NCT 127, the unchanging '♥︎ Czennies' and a dream fulfilled ('THE LINK') [General]]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ Ahn, Jin-young (December 23, 2021). 규현·태일, 태용·지젤, 예리·해찬·닝닝...SM 이색 컬래버레이션이 온다 [Kyuhyun and Taeil, Taeyong and Giselle, Yeri, Haechan, Ningning... SM's unique collaboration is coming]. Munhwa Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ Ji, Min-kyung (February 23, 2022). NCT 해찬, '플렌즈 서연대 22학번 편' OST 참여..토이 '좋은 사람' 리메이크 [NCT Haechan, 'Friends Seoyeon University 22nd Edition' OST Participation.. Toy 'Good Person' remake]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 23, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
- ^ Jeong, Hee-yeon (March 2, 2022). NCT 해찬, 데뷔 후 첫 단독 OST 5일 발매 [NCT Haechan, first solo OST released after debut on the 5th]. The Dong-a Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 3, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
- ^ Yoon, So-yeon (September 3, 2023). "NCT's Taeil, Haechan to release duet "N.Y.C.T" on Sept. 7". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on September 3, 2023. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
- ^ "YOUNG, FREE AND NCT". Arena Homme + (in Korean). October 22, 2018. Archived from the original on June 26, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Kim, Mi-ji (January 11, 2017). NCT 127 "'무한적아' 1위 공약? 하이터치 하고파"(종합) [NCT 127 "The promise of #1 in 'Infinite Child'? I want to do high-touch" (comprehensive)]. X Sports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 20, 2021. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
- ^ Park, Seo-hyun (May 12, 2020). "다음엔 7드림으로"..'오빠네' NCT DREAM이 밝힌 #마크 #라이딩 #1위(종합) ["Next time, with 7 Dreams".. 'Oppa' NCT DREAM revealed #Mark #Riding #1 (Overall)]. The Korea Herald (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 13, 2022. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
- ^ Travis, Emlyn (March 6, 2020). "NCT 127 Share The First Albums They Ever Bought, Favorite Films, And Secrets That Would Honestly Shock NCTzens". Buzzfeed. Archived from the original on August 8, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
- ^ Kim Youngdae (March 26, 2020). "Interview with NCT 127's Composer DEEZ". Medium. Archived from the original on April 19, 2020. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
- ^ Barilo, Marianna (March 9, 2022). "Drippin are villains ready to steal your hearts". Panorama. Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
- ^ Hong, Hye-min (February 13, 2023). NCT 해찬, 튀르키예·시리아 지진 피해에 1억 쾌척 [NCT's Haechan donates 100 million won for earthquake damage in Turkey and Syria]. Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 13, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2023 – via Naver.
- ^ Lee, Min-ji (August 22, 2023). NCT 해찬, 미국 하와이 산불 구호 성금 5천만원 기부 [공식] [NCT Haechan donates 50 million won to relief in Hawaii, USA [Official]]. Newsen. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023 – via Naver.
- ^ Kang, Joo-hee (March 26, 2025). NCT 해찬, 산불 피해 지원 위해 5천만원 기부. Newsis (in Korean). Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ "Album Chart: 2025 Week 37". Circle Chart. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
- ^ オリコン週間 アルバムランキング 2025年09月29日~2025年10月05日 [Oricon Weekly Album Ranking September 29, 2025 – October 5, 2025] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on October 8, 2025. Retrieved October 8, 2025.
- ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Albums – Week of October 8, 2025". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved October 9, 2025.
- ^ Cumulative Sales of Taste:
- "Album Chart: 2025 Week 37". Circle Chart. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
- "Album Chart: 2025 Week 38". Circle Chart. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
- "Album Chart: 2025 Week 39". Circle Chart. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
- "Album Chart: 2025 Week 40". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved October 14, 2025.
- "Album Chart: 2025 Week 41". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved October 16, 2025.
- "Circle Album Chart – Week 45 of 2025". Circle Chart. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ^ Accumulated Japanese sales for Taste:
- Physical (22,248) :
- オリコン週間 アルバムランキング 2025年09月08日~2025年09月14日 [Oricon Weekly Album Ranking September 8, 2025 – September 14, 2025] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on September 17, 2025. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
- オリコン月間 アルバムランキング 2025年10月度 [Oricon Monthly Album Ranking October 2025] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on November 12, 2025. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
- Digital (410):
- オリコン週間 デジタルアルバムランキング 2025年09月08日~2025年09月14日 [Oricon Weekly Digital Album Ranking September 8, 2025 – September 14, 2025] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on September 17, 2025. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
- Physical (22,248) :
- ^ "South Korean album certifications – Taste" (in Korean). Korea Music Content Association (KMCA). Retrieved November 8, 2025.
- ^ Peaks on the Circle Digital Chart:
- "Good Person (2022)": "Good Person (2022)". March 6–12, 2022. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
- "+82 Pressin'": "+82 Pressin'". April 6–12, 2025. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
- "CRZY": "CRZY". September 7–13, 2025. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
- ^ "Snow Dream 2021". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). December 26, 2021 – January 1, 2022. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
- ^ "2025 Weeks 22 Download Chart". Circle Chart (in Korean). May 25–31, 2025. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ "Songs Registered Under LEE DONG-HYUCK (10039530)". KOMCA. Archived from the original on April 23, 2024. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
External links
[edit]Haechan
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Early life
Haechan, whose birth name is Lee Dong-hyuck, was born on June 6, 2000, in Seoul, South Korea.[10] As the eldest of four children, he has one younger sister and two younger brothers.[11] He lived in Seoul until the age of seven, after which his family relocated to Jeju Island, where he spent the next five years of his childhood.[12] During his time on Jeju Island, Haechan developed an early interest in music and dance, gaining a background in various genres including ballet, jazz, contemporary, and sports dance through childhood learning experiences before any formal entertainment training.[13]Education
Haechan, born Lee Dong-hyuck in Seoul, moved to Jeju Island with his family at a young age and completed his elementary education there. He transferred from Halla Elementary School and graduated from Hogok Elementary School.[14] For middle school, Haechan attended Hogok Middle School in Jeju but dropped out after joining SM Entertainment as a trainee in 2013. To fulfill academic requirements, he passed the Middle School Graduation Equivalency Examination.[15] Following his relocation to Seoul for training, Haechan enrolled at the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA), majoring in practical music, where he studied alongside other aspiring entertainers. His attendance at SOPA began after his trainee period intensified, aligning with his preparations for debut.[15] Balancing rigorous trainee schedules with high school demands proved challenging, as Korean law requires minimum attendance for graduation, which Haechan and several peers could not meet due to professional commitments. He ultimately dropped out of SOPA and completed his high school education by passing the High School Graduation Equivalency Examination (GED) around the time of his 2016 debut with NCT.[16]Career
Pre-debut (2013–2015)
In 2013, at the age of 13, Lee Dong-hyuk, later known as Haechan, joined SM Entertainment as a trainee after successfully passing the agency's 2013 open auditions.[17] During the audition process, he performed Huh Gak's "Hello," impressing evaluators with his vocal control and stage presence.[18] As part of his early training evaluations, he also sang Justin Bieber's "Baby," highlighting his versatility in pop styles.[18] On July 17, 2014, he was publicly introduced as a member of SM Rookies, the agency's pre-debut training program, using his birth name Dong-hyuk.[18] The SM Rookies initiative provided fans with regular updates through the official website and social media channels, including profile photos, short videos, and behind-the-scenes glimpses that fostered early fan engagement and interactions via comments and online events.[19] Haechan participated in various SM Rookies activities, such as showcase events where he demonstrated his vocal prowess in group performances and covers, gaining attention for his bright tone and energetic delivery.[18] That same year, Haechan made his first on-screen appearance as a guest in episodes 6 through 11 of the web series Exo 90:2014, a reality program featuring EXO recreating 1990s music videos alongside other SM Rookies members.[20] In these episodes, he contributed to dance and performance segments, showcasing his budding skills in synchronized group routines. Throughout his pre-debut years, Haechan's training regimen at SM Entertainment emphasized intensive daily sessions in vocals, dance, and stage performance, designed to build technical proficiency and adaptability for group dynamics.[21]NCT activities (2016–2024)
Haechan made his official debut as a member of the NCT project under SM Entertainment with the subunit NCT 127 on July 7, 2016, serving as the group's main vocalist on their first mini album NCT #127, which featured the lead single "Fire Truck."[22] The album showcased NCT 127's hip-hop and EDM-influenced sound, with Haechan contributing prominent vocal lines that highlighted his range and stability as the youngest member at age 16.[23] Following the debut, Haechan participated in NCT 127's early promotions, including their first single "Limitless" from the 2017 repackaged mini album of the same name, which marked the addition of new members Doyoung and Johnny to the lineup.[23] In August 2016, Haechan joined the youth-focused subunit NCT Dream as one of its original seven members, debuting on August 24 with the bubblegum pop single "Chewing Gum" from their self-titled mini album.[24] Under NCT Dream's initial "graduation" system, where members aged out upon turning 20, Haechan remained active through key releases like the 2017 single album The First with "My First and Last," which topped South Korean charts and established the subunit's youthful, energetic image.[25] He continued contributing vocals to hits such as "We Boom" from the 2019 mini album We Boom, which achieved over 100 million Spotify streams, and "Hot Sauce" from the 2021 full-length album of the same name, debuting at number one on Billboard's World Albums chart. In April 2020, SM Entertainment transitioned NCT Dream to a fixed seven-member unit, ending the graduation system and allowing Haechan to participate full-time alongside leader Mark's return on the mini album Reload.[26] Haechan also featured in NCT's broader discography, including the 2018 full-group project album NCT 2018 Empathy, where he performed on tracks like "Yestoday" as part of NCT U, marking his first appearance in that rotational unit.[27] With NCT 127, he contributed to the 2021 studio album Sticker, which experimented with genre-blending production and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, showcasing his ad-libs and harmonies in the title track. From 2022 to 2024, Haechan continued to balance activities across subunits, including vocals on NCT 127's 2 Baddies (2022), which sold over 3 million copies, and NCT Dream's Glitch Mode (2022), ISTJ (2023), and DREAMSCAPE (2024), where he received songwriting credits for "Flying Kiss."[25] These releases solidified his role as NCT's primary vocalist amid the group's expanding discography. NCT 127 embarked on their first concert tour, Neo City – The Origin, in 2019, with Haechan performing across Asia and North America, including sold-out shows at Tokyo Dome that drew over 100,000 fans.[28] The tour supported their album Awaken and highlighted Haechan's live vocal prowess during high-energy sets. Similarly, NCT Dream launched The Dream Show in late 2019, with Haechan central to performances of their discography, expanding to international arenas by 2023's The Dream Show 2: In A Dream, which grossed millions in ticket sales across 50 shows worldwide, and 2024's The Dream Show 3: DREAM( )SCAPE, covering Asia, North America, and Europe.[29] [30] As part of NCT, Haechan shared in accolades like the Mnet Asian Music Awards' Best Male Group wins in 2017 for NCT 127's "Limitless" and in 2021 for NCT's overall achievements, recognizing the group's innovative structure and commercial success. In early 2023, Haechan took a temporary hiatus from NCT activities starting January 6 due to health concerns, including heart palpitations, chest tightness, and anxiety, as announced by SM Entertainment to prioritize his recovery.[31] He resumed participation by late January, rejoining NCT 127 for their mini album promotions and NCT Dream's ongoing activities. In January 2024, Haechan took another brief hiatus due to tonsillitis, missing events like the Circle Chart Music Awards, before returning shortly thereafter to continue group schedules through 2024.[32][33]Solo debut (2025–present)
In August 2025, SM Entertainment announced Haechan's solo debut, confirming his first full-length album TASTE for release on September 8.[34] The agency highlighted the project as a showcase of Haechan's vocal prowess, building on his established strengths as NCT's main vocalist.[35] Prior reports in July had already teased the September timeline, generating significant anticipation among fans.[3] TASTE comprises 11 tracks in the R&B genre, led by the title single "CRZY," an uptempo R&B-pop song featuring dynamic guitar riffs and rhythmic vocals that explore themes of temptation and attraction.[36][37] The album's diverse moods emphasize Haechan's range, with all songs produced to highlight his emotive delivery and stage presence. Upon release, TASTE debuted at number one on the iTunes Top Albums Chart in 18 regions worldwide, including Brazil, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, and Thailand, marking a record for the highest-charting K-pop solo debut album on the platform.[7] It also topped the weekly Circle Album Chart on September 18, 2025.[38] Promotions for TASTE included a pre-release listening party in Seoul on September 5, where Haechan previewed tracks and discussed his creative vision.[39] He appeared on three major music shows—M Countdown, Music Bank, and Inkigayo—to perform "CRZY," earning his first solo music show win on Music Bank on September 19, 2025.[8] In interviews, he focused on his vocal experimentation and desire to connect personally with listeners through R&B influences. Additional promotions included overseas fansign events, which concluded by November 2025.[40] SM Entertainment has hinted at potential tour plans for late 2025 or early 2026 to expand the album's reach, though details remain forthcoming as of November 2025.[34] No external collaborations outside NCT were featured on the album or in related promotions during this period.Artistry
Vocal style
Haechan is recognized as the main vocalist across NCT's subunits NCT 127 and NCT Dream, distinguished by his bright and versatile tenor voice that adds a distinctive clarity and energy to group performances.[41] His vocal timbre, often described as light and refreshing, enables seamless integration into diverse musical arrangements, from upbeat pop to intricate harmonies.[42] Among his signature techniques, Haechan frequently employs layered harmonies and ad-libs to enhance tracks, creating depth and dynamic transitions, as evident in NCT Dream's "DREAMSCAPE" where his contributions provide hypnotic pulls and goosebump-inducing moments.[6] In live settings, he adeptly uses falsetto to reach higher registers with control, adding emotional flair without compromising stability, a trait showcased in NCT 127's energetic deliveries.[43] Haechan's style has evolved from the high-energy, rapid-fire vocals suited to NCT's fast-paced group tracks to a smoother, more introspective R&B delivery in his solo debut album TASTE (2025), where his tone shines in groovy, mid-tempo compositions that emphasize vocal nuance over intensity.[37] Critics have praised this progression for its stability and emotional expressiveness, noting how his refreshing timbre conveys vulnerability and charisma in solo outings like "CRZY."[42] Outlets such as Billboard have highlighted his ability to deliver impressive vocal runs and layered elements that elevate collaborative efforts, underscoring his reliability in both group and individual contexts.[6]Influences and development
Haechan's musical identity has been profoundly shaped by a range of artists who emphasize dynamic performance and soulful vocals. He has long admired Michael Jackson for the iconic singer's energetic stage presence and innovative showmanship, an appreciation sparked early on by his mother playing tracks like "Billie Jean," which influenced his approach to captivating audiences during performances.[12][44] Similarly, Haechan draws vocal inspiration from Alicia Keys and Bruno Mars, whose R&B and soul-infused styles have guided his emotive delivery and rhythmic phrasing, as evidenced by his frequent humming of Keys' "Empire State of Mind" and fandom for Mars' hits like "Versace on the Floor."[45][46] In his solo career, Haechan has gravitated toward R&B as a core genre preference, marking a deliberate shift from the hip-hop and EDM elements prevalent in NCT's discography to a more introspective sound that amplifies his vocal nuances. This evolution allows him to explore soulful textures and personal expression, diverging from group dynamics to highlight his individuality through smooth grooves and layered harmonies.[4][47] Haechan's artistic development accelerated around 2022, when he began actively composing his own music, amassing a collection of self-written tracks that paved the way for greater creative control in his solo endeavors. This milestone reflects his growing confidence in blending genres, such as electro-pop with soulful undertones, to create hybrid sounds that fuse contemporary K-pop with classic R&B influences, as seen in his debut album TASTE.[45][48]Personal life
Health and privacy
In January 2023, Haechan began experiencing abnormal symptoms such as heart palpitations and a feeling of chest stuffiness, leading him to visit a hospital for examination alongside his manager. Medical staff recommended treatment and rest, resulting in a temporary hiatus from all NCT-related schedules to prioritize his recovery.[31] SM Entertainment provided an update on January 27, 2023, stating that Haechan's condition had significantly improved following focused treatment and sufficient rest, enabling him to return to activities beginning with NCT 127's repackaged album promotions.[49] In January 2024, Haechan took a temporary hiatus from activities due to severe tonsillitis, following medical advice for rest and treatment.[50] In 2025, Haechan dealt with vocal cord issues, diagnosed as nodules or a cyst, which required ongoing throat injections and led to him skipping NCT Dream's video call events in May. He announced plans for a six-month hiatus after completing tours to focus on vocal therapy and recovery. In January 2026, during the three-day NCT Dream Show concerts in Osaka, Haechan revealed via a Bubble update that these performances marked his last shows before undergoing throat surgery. He mentioned resting for a week beforehand and having recently experienced a painful dermatological laser treatment called Puracell or Pracell. He would still participate in subsequent Nagoya events, with the surgery to follow the full tour. Following the tour, Haechan underwent the throat surgery. Prior to the procedure, he shared a Bubble update while receiving anesthesia, messaging fans that he would do his best and contact them later. After the procedure, he reported via Bubble that it went well despite being very hard and nearly fainting, noting he could not speak for about a week. The surgery was confirmed to be successful. As of January 2026, after a recent hospital visit, his condition is improving.[51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62] Haechan has adopted a reserved approach to his personal life since debuting, sharing minimal details about romantic relationships or family matters to preserve his privacy amid public scrutiny. This stance gained attention following a sasaeng fan's unauthorized entry into his family home in late 2022, an incident that SM Entertainment highlighted as causing substantial psychological harm to Haechan and his relatives, prompting stronger measures against privacy infringements.[63] Through appearances on variety shows and interviews, Haechan has occasionally revealed surface-level aspects of his personality, such as identifying his MBTI type as ESTP after personal research and expressing enjoyment of gaming as a hobby, while consistently steering clear of more intimate disclosures.[64] At the BIU Release Party in Osaka on January 7, 2026, Haechan shared a light-hearted anecdote about going snowboarding with NCT member Mark's older brother while Mark was sidelined by a cold or flu, joking that he might be closer to the brother than to Mark himself.[65][66]Philanthropy
In February 2023, Haechan donated 100 million KRW (approximately $77,800 USD) to the Community Chest of Korea to support recovery efforts for victims of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.[67] This contribution marked his entry into the organization's Honor Society, a recognition for major donors in South Korea who have given 100 million KRW or more to disaster relief.[68] Later that year, in August 2023, Haechan contributed 50 million KRW (approximately $37,000 USD) to the Korean Red Cross to aid victims of the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, providing emergency relief for affected families and communities.[69] In March 2025, Haechan donated another 50 million KRW to the Community Chest of Korea to assist recovery from the wildfires in South Korea's Yeongnam region, supporting victims and restoration efforts in the hardest-hit areas.[68] Haechan's fans have also organized donations in his name on occasions like his birthday, contributing to causes such as support for underprivileged children, though these efforts are distinct from his personal philanthropy.[70]Discography
Solo albums
Haechan's debut solo studio album, TASTE (stylized in all caps), was released on September 8, 2025, through SM Entertainment. This 11-track R&B project highlights his versatile vocal style and personal musical preferences, blending soulful ballads, upbeat rhythms, and introspective pieces to create a cohesive exploration of temptation, love, and self-expression. The lead single, "CRZY", serves as the title track and was promoted with a dynamic music video emphasizing high-energy choreography and Haechan's charismatic performance.[1][71][1] The album features a mix of original compositions, including self-penned contributions that reflect Haechan's artistic growth. Key tracks beyond the lead single include "Camera Lights," an atmospheric opener setting a dreamy tone; "ADRENALINE," a pulsating mid-tempo number; and "Love Beyond," a smooth R&B cut delving into emotional depth. Other notable songs such as "Roll With Me," "Talented," and "WYN?" (featuring HAON) add layers of hip-hop and soul influences, while "Intermission" provides a brief instrumental breather. The full tracklist is as follows:| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Camera Lights | 3:45 |
| 2 | CRZY (title track) | 3:26 |
| 3 | ADRENALINE | 3:06 |
| 4 | Love Beyond | 3:17 |
| 5 | Roll With Me | 3:23 |
| 6 | Intermission | 1:14 |
| 7 | Talented | 3:03 |
| 8 | WYN? (feat. HAON) | 2:59 |
| 9 | Should We? | 3:28 |
| 10 | Flavor | 3:11 |
| 11 | Aftertaste | 3:22 |
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