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Lee Tae-yong (Korean: 이태용; born July 1, 1995), known mononymously as Taeyong (stylized in all caps), is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and dancer. He is a member and leader of South Korean boy band NCT under SM Entertainment, having debuted in the group's first sub-unit, NCT U, in 2016 and becoming the leader of its second sub-unit, NCT 127, later that year. In 2019, he debuted as a member of the South Korean supergroup SuperM, a joint project under SM Entertainment and Capitol Records. As a songwriter, Taeyong has participated in writing over 70 songs in four languages, released mostly by NCT's various units and himself as a soloist.[1] He made his official solo debut in June 2023 with his EP Shalala, making him the first soloist from NCT.[2]

Key Information

Life and career

[edit]

Early life

[edit]

Lee Taeyong was born on July 1, 1995, in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea. He graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul.[3]

2012–2016: Pre-debut activities

[edit]

In 2012, Taeyong was scouted on the street by an SM Entertainment recruiter and joined the company after successfully passing the audition by singing the South Korean national anthem.[4] In the same year, he participated in the poster shooting of the SBS television series To the Beautiful You. On December 2, 2013, Taeyong was introduced as a member of SM Rookies, a pre-debut team of trainees under SM Entertainment.[5]

In 2014, Taeyong appeared in multiple magazines alongside now-NCT member Johnny and now-Red Velvet members Irene and Seulgi.[6][7] In July 2014, a video of Taeyong performing part of his song "Open the Door" was published on SMTown's YouTube channel.[8][unreliable source?] Later that year, he appeared with several future NCT members on the Mnet-produced Exo 90:2014, a show starring labelmates Exo, where they danced to K-pop songs from the 1990s. Taeyong also participated in the music video remake of Shinhwa's "Yo!" and Fly To The Sky's "Missing You".[9] In October 2014, he featured on Red Velvet's song "Be Natural", credited then as SR14B Taeyong.[10][unreliable source?]

2016–2018: Debuts with NCT, NCT U, and NCT 127

[edit]
Main articles: NCT (group) and NCT 127

On April 3, 2016, Taeyong was confirmed as a member of boy group NCT and its first sub-unit, NCT U. He made his official debut with the release of NCT U's digital single "The 7th Sense" on April 8, in which he and Mark participated in songwriting.[11] Later that year, Taeyong was announced as a member and leader of NCT's second sub-unit, the Seoul-based NCT 127. On July 6, 2016, he made his debut with NCT 127 with their single "Fire Truck". Three days later, they released their first extended play (EP), NCT #127, for which Taeyong co-wrote three songs.[12][13] He became the group's main rapper and main dancer[14] despite having no background in dance prior to his training and his dance coach expressing doubts whether he would be able to catch up with his peers.[4]

In January 2017, NCT 127 returned with the EP Limitless.[15] Taeyong participated in writing four songs on the album, with the track "Baby Don't Like It" marking the first time he was credited as a composer.[1] In June, the group released their third EP, Cherry Bomb. All songs on the album, save one, were co-written by Taeyong.[1][16] The title track, "Cherry Bomb", was later named as one of the best K-pop songs of the year by Billboard and Idolator.[17][18][unreliable source?] That same year, Taeyong participated in two collaborations with fellow SM Entertainment artists Hitchhiker and Yoo Young-jin. "Around", an experimental song produced by Hitchhiker, was released with an accompanying music video in May through the SM Station project.[19] He worked with singer and producer Yoo Young-jin on the rock ballad "Cure", which was released in August 2017, also through SM Station.[20] Together with NCT 127's vocalists Taeil and Doyoung, Taeyong appeared on the soundtrack for the drama School 2017, featuring as rapper in and songwriter for the R&B ballad "Stay in My Life".[21]

In March 2018, NCT released their first studio album as part of a large-scale project uniting all of its sub-units, NCT 2018 Empathy. Taeyong appeared in five of the units featured on the album and participated in writing five songs for Empathy.[1][22] In May 2018, Taeyong joined the cast of Food Diary, a variety show following a group of celebrities exploring farming and the process of food production, together with labelmate BoA.[23]

Taeyong co-wrote four songs for NCT 127's first studio album, Regular-Irregular, including lead single "Regular". The song was initially released in English and Korean[24] but later also served as the debut single of NCT's Chinese sub-unit, WayV.[25]

2019–2020: Debut with SuperM and group activities

[edit]

In April 2019, NCT 127 released their first Japanese studio album, Awaken, for which Taeyong co-wrote the song "Lips".[1][26] In July 2019, Taeyong released his first solo song, "Long Flight", which he wrote and co-composed, with an accompanying music video. The track served as the finale of the third season of the SM Station project.[27] The song debuted at number six on Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.[28] On August 8, 2019, Taeyong was revealed as a member of SuperM, a K-pop supergroup created by SM Entertainment in collaboration with Capitol Records. The group's promotions began in October and were aimed towards the American market.[29][30] They released their first EP, SuperM, for which Taeyong co-wrote and co-produced the song "No Manners". Also in August, Taeyong and Punch collaborated on a soundtrack song for television series Hotel del Luna, titled "Love del Luna".[31] Later that year, Taeyong featured on Marteen's "Mood".[32]

In March 2020, NCT 127 released their second studio album, Neo Zone, in which Taeyong participated in co-writing three tracks for the album.[33] It was commercially successful and debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200, selling more than one million copies in South Korea together with its repackage, Neo Zone: The Final Round.[34][35] Later that year, SuperM released their first studio album, Super One, for which Taeyong co-wrote the song "Together At Home".[36] In September 2020, NCT's second group-wide project, NCT 2020: Resonance, was announced, and Taeyong was confirmed as the leader of the group as a whole.[37]

2021–present: Solo activities and soloist debut

[edit]

In March 2021, Taeyong started his own SoundCloud account and released a self-written demo single "Dark Clouds" and its remix.[38] Since then, he released several demo singles such as "GTA1" and "GTA2", "Blue", "Monroe" (featuring Baekhyun of Exo), "Rose" (featuring Seulgi of Red Velvet) and "Swimming Pool" on the platform. "Dark Clouds" won the Top Comments Award at the SoundCloud 2021 Playback Awards, with the most fan comments in a single week on the platform in 2021.[39] Taeyong served as a judge on Korean dance survival reality show Street Woman Fighter in August the same year, which gained significant popularity nationwide.[40] He later appeared as a guest judge on the program's spin-off, Street Dance Girls Fighter, together with fellow NCT member Mark.[41] Taeyong co-wrote the title track for NCT 127's third studio album Sticker released in September 2021, which went on to become the best-selling album in SM Entertainment history.[40] He was credited as a choreographer and lyricist on the special album 2021 Winter SM Town: SMCU Express, having worked on the track "Zoo".

In March 2022, Taeyong participated as a feature in Suran's song "Diamond" from her EP Flyin' Part 1.[42] Taeyong later announced the opening of his YouTube channel TY Track,[43] where he then released performance videos throughout the year for his song "Lonely" featuring Suran and "Ghost".[44] On April 14, Taeyong released his official second single "Love Theory" in collaboration with Wonstein through SM Station, in which he participated in the songwriting.[45] Taeyong joined another Mnet's dance reality show Any Body Can Dance as the MC, which premiered in June 2022.[46]

Taeyong made his official debut as a solo artist with his EP Shalala in June 2023, making him the first soloist of his group NCT.[47]

In February 2024, after his first solo concert <TY Track>, Taeyong released his second extended play Tap.[48] The EP, fully co-written by Taeyong, ranked first on the iTunes Top Albums Chart in 33 regions around the world.[49]

Personal life

[edit]

In 2018, it was revealed that Taeyong is third cousins with Hong Seok-cheon.[50]

Military service

[edit]

On March 18, 2024, SM Entertainment announced that Taeyong would be enlisting in the navy as an active duty soldier on April 15. He will be the first NCT member to fulfill South Korea's mandatory military service and is expected to be discharged in December 2025.[51][52]

Endorsements

[edit]

In 2023, Spanish luxury brand Loewe appointed Taeyong as their new global ambassador after having built a relationship with the brand through fashion week appearances.[53][54] He featured in Loewe's Spring 2024 Pre-collection Campaign.[55] Taeyong was the face of the Loewe Paula's Ibiza Cosmic EDP fragrance campaign in April 2024.[56] Taeyong appeared on the June 2024 cover of Singles Magazine as the newest brand ambassador for Benefit Cosmetics Korea.[57]

Discography

[edit]
See also: NCT discography, NCT 127 discography, and SuperM § Discography

Extended plays

[edit]
List of extended plays, with selected details, chart positions and sales
Title Details Peak chart positions Sales Certifications
KOR
[58] 		JPN
[59]
Shalala 2 8
Tap
  • Release date: February 26, 2024
  • Label: SM Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 3 8

Singles

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
List of leading singles, showing year released, chart positions, and name of the album
Title Year Peak chart position Album
KOR
[65] 		NZ
Hot
[66] 		SGP
Reg.
[67] 		US
World
[68]
"Around"
(with Hitchhiker) 		2017 — — — — SM Station Season 2
"Cure" (함께)
(with Yoo Young-jin) 		— — — —
"Long Flight" 2019 — — — 6 SM Station Season 3
"Zoo"
(with Hendery, Jeno, Yangyang, Giselle) 		2021 —[A] 38 15 — 2021 Winter SM Town: SMCU Express
"Love Theory"
(with Wonstein) 		2022 139 — — 8 SM Station Season 4
"Jet"
(with Eunhyuk, Hyo, Taeyong, Jaemin, Sungchan and Winter) 		—[B] — — — 2022 Winter SM Town: SMCU Palace
"Shalala" 2023 16 — — — Shalala
"Tap" 2024 14 — — — Tap
"—" indicates that the song did not chart or was not released in that region.
[edit]
List of featured singles, showing year released, chart positions, sales figures, and name of the album
Title Year Peak chart position Sales Album
KOR
[65]
"Be Natural"
(Red Velvet featuring Taeyong) 		2014 33 Non-album single
"City Lights" (夜話)
(U-Know featuring Taeyong) 		2018 — — New Chapter No. 2: The Truth of Love
"Time"
(Hitchhiker featuring Sunny and Hyoyeon of SNSD, and Taeyong) 		2018 — Non-album single
"Mood"
(Marteen featuring Taeyong) 		2019 — 8
"Diamonds"
(Suran featuring Taeyong) 		2022 — Flyin' Part 1
"Skip"
(Kangta featuring Taeyong) 		— Eyes on You
"—" indicates that the song did not chart or was not released in that region.

Promotional singles

[edit]
List of promotional singles, showing year released, and name of the album
Title Year Album
"Open the Door" 2014 Non-album single

Soundtrack appearances

[edit]
List of soundtrack appearances, showing year released, chart positions, and name of the album
Title Year Peak chart position Album
KOR
[65] 		KOR
Billb.
[C][72]
"Stay in My Life"
(with Taeil and Doyoung of NCT) 		2017 — — School 2017 OST Part 4[73]
"Love del Luna"
(with Punch) 		2019 46 87 Hotel Del Luna OST Part 13[31]
"Lit" (Prod. by Czaer)
(with Mark of NCT) 		2022 — — Street Man Fighter Vol.4 (Crew Song) OST
"Swipe" (Prod. by C-Young, Alawn)
(with Ten of NCT) 		2023 199 — Street Woman Fighter 2 OST Part 2
"—" indicates that the song did not chart or was not released in that region.

Non-commercial releases

[edit]
List of non-commercial songs, showing title, year released and featured artist
Title Year Featured artist Ref.
"Dark Clouds" 2021 — [38]
"Dark Clouds (Remix)"
"GTA 1" [74]
"GTA 2"[D] [75]
"Blue" [76]
"Monroe" Baekhyun [77]
"Rose" Seulgi [78]
"Swimming Pool" — [79]
"Lonely" 2022 Suran [80]
"Ghost" — [81]
"Fine" — [82]

Songwriting credits

[edit]

All credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association, unless stated otherwise.[1]

Key
† Indicates single release
List of songs, showing featured performers, associated album, credited lyricist(s) or composer(s), and year released
Year Song Artist Album Lyrics Music Notes
Credited With Credited With
2016 "The 7th Sense" † NCT U NCT 2018 Empathy Yes No — —
"Firetruck" † NCT 127 NCT #127 Yes No — —
"Mad City" Yes
No — Performed by Taeyong, Jaehyun and Mark
2017 "Good Thing" Limitless Yes
No — —
"Back 2 U (AM 01:27)" Yes
  • Jeon Ji-eun
  • Hwang Seon-jeong
  • Kim Jeong-mi
 No — —
"Baby Don't Like It" Yes
Yes
Performed by Taeil, Taeyong, Doyoung, Mark and Haechan
"Angel" Yes
  • Kevin Oppa (mr. cho)
  • Mark
 No — —
"Around" † Hitchhiker x Taeyong Non-album single Yes Kim Bu-min No — Released as part of the SM Station Season 2 project
"Cherry Bomb" † NCT 127 Cherry Bomb Yes No — —
"Running 2 U" Yes
  • Mark
  • JQ
  • Kim Jin (Makeumine Works)
 No — —
"0 Mile" Yes No — —
"Whiplash" Yes
  • Mark
  • JQ
  • Oneru (Makeumine Works)
  • Xitsuh
 No — Performed by Jaehyun, Mark, Taeyong, Doyoung and Taeil
"Summer 127" Yes
  • Mark
  • $ÜN (Joombas)
  • Bae Min-soo (Joombas)
  • seizetheday (Joombas)
  • CiaNo (Joombas)
  • Kim In-hyung
 No — —
"Cure" Yoo Young-jin x Taeyong Non-album single Yes
  • Yoo Young-jin
  • Yoo Ji-won
 No — Released as part of the SM Station Season 2 project
"Stay in My Life" NCT (Taeil, Doyoung, Taeyong) School 2017 OST Yes
  • Park Geun-cheol
  • Jeong Su-min
 No — —
2018 "Boss" † NCT U NCT 2018 Empathy Yes
  • Wutan
  • Yoo Young-jin
  • Mark
 No — —
"Baby Don't Stop" † Yes
  • Danke (lalala Studio)
  • Juno (Joombas)
 No — Performed by Taeyong and Ten
"Yestoday" † Yes
No — Performed by Taeyong, Doyoung, Lucas, and Mark
"Yestoday(Extended Ver.)" Yes
No — Performed by Taeyong, Doyoung, Lucas, and Mark
"Black on Black" † NCT 2018 Yes
No — —
"City 127" NCT 127 Regular-Irregular Yes
  • JQ
  • Moon Hee-yeon (Makeumine Works)
  • Mark
 Yes —
"Regular" † Yes
  • Coogie (ATM Seoul)
  • Tommy $trate
  • Mark
 No — —
"My Van" Yes No — Performed by Taeyong, Yuta, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Mark
"Come Back" Yes No — —
"Regular" (English ver.) Yes
  • Wilbart "Vedo" McCoy III
  • Mark
 No — —
"Welcome to My Playground" Yes No — —
"City Lights" U-Know (feat. Taeyong) New Chapter No. 2: The Truth of Love Yes
Hwang Yoo-bin
 No — —
"What We Talkin' Bout" NCT 127 (feat. Marteen) Up Next Session: NCT 127 Yes
  • Mark
  • Marteen
 No — —
2019 "Lips" NCT 127 Awaken Yes
  • Akira
  • Mark
 No — —
"Long Flight" † Taeyong Non-album single Yes — Yes Royal Dive Released as part of the SM Station Season 3 project
"No Manners" SuperM SuperM Yes Yes
  • Jonathan Santana
  • Shae Jacobs
  • Tyler Holmes
 Performed by Taemin, Kai, Taeyong and Ten
"Mood" Marteen (feat. Taeyong) 8 Yes
  • M. Estevez
  • J. Roman
  • J. Brady
  • A. Hayes
 No — —
2020 "Pandora Box" NCT 127 Neo Zone Yes
  • JQ
  • Hyeon Ji-won (Makeumine Works)
  • Kim Hye-ji (Makeumine Works)
  • Mark
  • Johnny
 No — —
"Mad Dog" Yes No — Performed by Taeil, Doyoung, Mark and Taeyong
"Love Song" Yes
  • Seo Ji-eum
  • Mark
  • Johnny
 No — —
"Together at Home" SuperM Super One Yes
  • Lee Seu-ran
  • Mark
 No — —
2021 "Dark Clouds" Taeyong Non-album release Yes — Yes Royal Dive Released on SoundCloud[38]
"Dark Clouds (Remix)" Non-album release Yes — Yes Royal Dive
"GTA 1" Non-album release Yes — Yes Royal Dive Released on SoundCloud[74]
"GTA 2" Non-album release Yes — Yes Royal Dive Released on SoundCloud[75]
"Blue" Non-album release Yes — Yes
  • Zayson
  • Squar (Blur)
 Released on SoundCloud[76]
"Monroe" Taeyong x Baekhyun Non-album release Yes — Yes Squar Released on SoundCloud[77]
"Rose" Taeyong x Seulgi Non-album release Yes Seulgi Yes
  • Seulgi
  • Squar
 Released on SoundCloud[78]
"Swimming Pool" Taeyong Non-album release Yes — Yes Zayson Released on SoundCloud[79]
"Sticker" † NCT 127 Sticker Yes
  • Yoo Young-jin
  • Mark
 No — —
"New Axis" NCT U Universe Yes
  • Mark
  • Rick Bridges
 No — Performed by Taeyong, Mark and Yangyang
"Beautiful" † NCT 2021 Yes
  • Yoo Young-jin
  • Mark
  • Johnny
  • Jeno
  • Hendery
 No — —
"Amino Acid" NCT 127 Non-album single Yes — Yes Royal Dive Original soundtrack of Analog Trip NCT 127
"Zoo" Taeyong, Jeno, Hendery, Yangyang, Giselle 2021 Winter SM Town: SMCU Express Yes
  • Rick Bridges
  • Jeno
  • Giselle
 No — —
2022 "Diamonds" † Suran (feat. Taeyong) Flyin' Part 1 Yes
  • Suran
  • Zayson
 Yes
  • Suran
  • Zayson
  • Brian Cho
 —
"Lonely" Taeyong (feat. Suran) Non-album release Yes Royal Dive Yes Royal Dive Released on YouTube[80]
"Love Theory" † Taeyong x Wonstein Non-album single Yes
  • Wonstein
  • Zayson
 Yes
  • Wonstein
  • Zayson
 —
"Skip" Kangta (feat. Taeyong) Eyes On You Yes Lee Hyo-jae Yes
  • Ryan "Rykeyz" Williamson
  • Albert Stanaj
  • Mike Sabath
  • Britten Newbill
 —
"Time Lapse" NCT 127 2 Baddies Yes
  • Mark
  • Jeong Ha-ri
 No — —
"Designer" Yes
  • Mark
  • Kim Jae-won
 No — —
"Lit (Prod. Czaer)" Taeyong, Mark Street Man Fighter Vol.4 (Crew Song) Yes
Mark
 No — —
"Fine" Taeyong Non-album release Yes — Yes Saimon Released on SoundCloud[82]
"The Cure" Kangta, BoA, U-Know, Leeteuk, Taeyeon, Onew, Suho, Irene, Taeyong, Mark, Kun, and Karina 2022 Winter SM Town: SMCU Palace Yes
  • Hwang Yu-bin
  • Mark
 No — —
2023 "DJ" NCT 127 Ay-yo Yes
  • Mark
  • Ellie Suh
  • Abernathy Dwayne Allen
 Yes
  • Mark
  • Xydo
  • Abernathy Dwayne Allen
 —
"Skyscraper" Yes
  • Mark
  • Simon Petren
  • Na Jung-ah
  • Oberg Andreas Gusatv Erik
  • Hanna Ninos
  • Burgrust Ricardo M
 Yes
  • Mark
  • Simon Petren
  • Oberg Andreas Gusatv Erik
  • Hanna Ninos
  • Burgrust Ricardo M
 —
"Shalala" † Taeyong Shalala Yes
  • Omega Sapien
  • 차메인 (ChaMane)
 Yes
  • Devine Channel
  • Omega Sapien
  • 차메인 (ChaMane)
  • Park Young Kwang
  • denzelworldpeace
 —
"Gwando" Yes — Yes
  • Royal Dive
  • Saimon
 —
"Move Mood Mode" Taeyong (feat. Wendy) Yes — Yes Squar (PixelWave) —
"Virtual Insanity" Taeyong Yes — Yes Royal Dive Reworked version of "GTA 2"
"Ruby" Yes — Yes
  • $ÜN
  • Saimon
 —
"404 File Not Found" Yes — Yes Zayson —
"Back to the Past" Yes — Yes Royal Dive —
"Angel Eyes" NCT 127 Fact Check Yes
  • Ellie Suh (153/Joombas)
  • Mark
 Yes —
"Love Is A Beauty" Yes
Yes
  • The Breed
  • Mizzy Lott
  • San Yoon
  • Mark
 —
"Misty" Yes
  • Kang Eun-jeong
  • Mark
 Yes —
"White Lie (하얀 거짓말)" Be There for Me Yes
  • Hwang Yu-bin (XYXX)
  • Mark
 Yes
—
2024 "Tap" † Taeyong Tap Yes — Yes Squar (PixelWave) —
"Moon Tour" Yes — Yes Squar (PixelWave) —
"Run Away" Yes — Yes Squar (PixelWave) —
"Ape" Yes — Yes Squar (PixelWave) —
"Ups & Downs" (나에게 했던 것과 같이) Yes — Yes Squar (PixelWave) —
"404 Loading" Yes — Yes Zayson —

Concerts

[edit]
See also: List of NCT 127 concert tours
  • Taeyong Concert <TY Track> (2024)[83]

Filmography

[edit]
See also: NCT videography

Television appearances

[edit]
Year Title Notes Ref.
2018 Food Diary Regular cast [23]
2021 Street Woman Fighter Judge [84]
2022 Any Body Can Dance MC [85]

Music videos

[edit]
List of music videos showing year released and directors
Title Year Director(s) Ref.
"Be Natural"
(Red Velvet feat. Taeyong) 		2014 Kwon Soon-wook [86]
"Around"
(with Hitchhiker) 		2017 Hitchhiker [87]
"Cure"
(with Yoo Young-jin) 		Kim Jinsoo (VAM) [88]
"Long Flight" 2019 Sunnyvisual [89]
"Love Theory"
(with Wonstein) 		2022 Kang Mingi (aarch) [90]
"Shalala" 2023 LAFIC [91]
"Tap" 2024 Seong Chang-won [92]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result Ref.
Hanteo Music Awards 2025 Global Artist – Africa Taeyong Nominated [93]
Global Artist – Asia Nominated
Global Artist – Europe Nominated
Global Artist – Oceania Nominated
Global Artist – North America Nominated
Global Artist – South America Nominated
K-Global Heart Dream Awards 2023 K-Global Bonsang (Main Prize) Won [94]
K-Global Reporter's Choice Artist Award Won
MAMA Awards 2023 Song of the Year "Shalala" Longlisted [95]
Best Dance Performance – Male Solo Nominated
Album of the Year Shalala Longlisted
2024 Song of the Year "Tap" Nominated [96]
Best Dance Performance – Male Solo Longlisted
Melon Music Awards 2024 Millions' Top 10 Artists Tap Nominated [97]
Seoul Music Awards 2024 Hallyu Special Award Taeyong Nominated [98]
Main Award (Bonsang) Nominated
Popularity Award Nominated
Universal Superstar Awards 2024 Universal K-pop Icon Won [99][100]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Taeyong

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lee Taeyong is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and dancer known for serving as the leader of the K-pop boy group NCT and its sub-unit NCT 127, where he has established himself as a central creative force through his distinctive rap delivery, choreography contributions, and versatile performances. He debuted with NCT U in 2016 and shortly after with NCT 127, quickly gaining recognition for his intense stage presence and role in shaping the group's boundary-pushing concept as part of SM Entertainment's expansive NCT project. As a member of the supergroup SuperM, he further expanded his reach with a 2019 debut that combined members from multiple SM boy groups for global promotion. Taeyong has also pursued a solo career, releasing his debut mini-album SHALALA in 2023, followed by TAP in 2024, both showcasing his growth as an independent artist with self-written tracks and bold artistic direction. His work extends beyond performance to songwriting and production credits across NCT releases, contributing to the group's success in charting on international lists and building a dedicated worldwide fanbase.

Early life

Childhood and education

Taeyong was born on July 1, 1995, in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea. He attended the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA), a specialized high school focused on performing arts, and graduated from there. His early involvement with the performing arts during his school years contributed to his development in dance and performance skills. In 2012, Taeyong was street-cast by an SM Entertainment casting manager for his visuals while in his late teens. After passing an audition, he joined the agency that year.

Pre-debut training

Taeyong was scouted by SM Entertainment in 2012 while still in high school, when a casting manager approached him on the street due to his visuals. The manager described their agency as one of the "Big 3," which Taeyong initially misinterpreted as referring to major television broadcasters KBS, SBS, and MBC. After the manager bought him toast, Taeyong agreed to visit the agency and audition. During his audition, Taeyong sang South Korea's national anthem, as he did not know any other songs to perform, and also demonstrated some popping dance moves. He successfully passed and joined SM Entertainment as a trainee that year. On December 2, 2013, Taeyong was introduced as one of the first members of SM Rookies, SM Entertainment's pre-debut training team, alongside Seulgi and Jeno. This project aimed to showcase trainees publicly through photos, videos, and other content before their official debuts.

Career

SM Rookies period (2013–2015)

Taeyong was introduced as a member of SM Rookies, SM Entertainment's pre-debut trainee team, in December 2013. The project aimed to showcase trainees' talents publicly through photoshoots, performance videos, and collaborative appearances, without fixed group formations or member limits. Taeyong was unveiled alongside Seulgi and Jeno as part of the initial lineup, with additional photos released to highlight his participation in the newly launched initiative. During 2014, Taeyong engaged in various SM Rookies activities, including magazine pictorials with fellow trainees such as Johnny, Irene, and Seulgi. In July 2014, SMTOWN's official YouTube channel published a performance video featuring Taeyong dancing and rapping to his self-written song "Open the Door." Later that year, he appeared on the Mnet program Exo 90:2014 alongside other SM trainees, where they performed and danced to popular 1990s K-pop songs. In October 2014, Taeyong provided a rap verse on Red Velvet's remake of "Be Natural," credited as SR14B Taeyong, and appeared in the song's music video. Taeyong continued as an SM Rookie into 2015, participating in group trainee performances and content releases under the SM Rookies banner, including dance showcases as part of evolving batches like SR15B, though specific individual activities from that year remain less documented publicly prior to his transition toward NCT's formation.

Debut with NCT (2016)

Taeyong debuted in 2016 as part of SM Entertainment's boy group NCT, initially through the rotational sub-unit NCT U. On April 9, 2016, NCT U released their debut digital single "The 7th Sense," which Taeyong co-wrote alongside Mark. The track marked his official entry into the music industry after years of training, showcasing his rap and performance skills in the unit's first release. Later that year, Taeyong debuted with NCT's second sub-unit, the Seoul-based NCT 127, which featured a more fixed lineup. The group released their debut title track "Fire Truck" on July 7, 2016, followed by their self-titled extended play NCT #127 on July 10, 2016. As part of the original seven-member lineup, Taeyong served as the leader of NCT 127, while also taking on the positions of main rapper and main dancer. His leadership role positioned him centrally in the unit's early promotional activities and performances.

NCT 127, NCT U, and SuperM (2016–present)

Taeyong has served as the leader of NCT 127 since the unit's debut in 2016, guiding the group through its evolution into one of K-pop's prominent acts with a focus on powerful performances and international outreach. He has participated in the group's ongoing comebacks and tours, including the promotion of albums such as Sticker in 2021, where he expressed the members' determination to improve and connect with fans amid high expectations. NCT 127 has maintained consistent activity, releasing subsequent projects like 2 Baddies in 2022 and continuing with world tours under the Neo City banner that expanded their global presence. Taeyong has also contributed to NCT U on a rotational basis beyond the unit's initial 2016 releases, featuring in tracks such as "Boss" in 2018 and others that highlighted his versatility as a rapper and performer. In 2019, Taeyong joined SuperM, a supergroup formed by SM Entertainment in collaboration with Capitol Records, which was announced on August 8, 2019, and described as a K-pop equivalent to the Avengers. The group debuted on October 4, 2019, with their self-titled mini album, which reached number one on the Billboard 200, marking a significant achievement for the act. SuperM launched the "We Are the Future" North American tour starting in November 2019 and running through February 2020, where Taeyong was recognized for his powerhouse rapping and dynamic stage presence in complex choreography. In April 2024, Taeyong began mandatory military service in the Republic of Korea Army.

Solo career (2019–present)

Taeyong embarked on his solo career in 2019 with the release of his first solo track "Long Flight" through SM Entertainment's SM Station season 3 on July 18, 2019. He participated in composing the music and writing the lyrics for the song, which conveys the message that "You won’t be bored if you go on a long flight with me." In 2021, Taeyong shared several self-produced demos on his personal SoundCloud account, allowing fans to experience his independent creative output ahead of his formal solo projects. He followed with the collaborative digital single "Love Theory" alongside singer Wonstein on April 14, 2022, released as part of SM Station. Taeyong's official solo debut came with his first mini album SHALALA on June 5, 2023, featuring the title track of the same name and showcasing his involvement in writing and composing multiple songs across the project. The album earned Platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA). His second mini album TAP was released on February 26, 2024, continuing his exploration as a solo artist. That same month, Taeyong staged his first solo concert, TY Track, with performances on February 24 at 6:00 PM KST and February 25 at 4:00 PM KST at Olympic Hall in Seoul. His solo activities have been on hiatus since his enlistment in mandatory military service in April 2024.

Artistry

Musical style and influences

Taeyong is recognized for his versatile artistry as a rapper, singer, and dancer, characterized by charismatic stage presence, powerful rap delivery, and dynamic choreography. He has described himself as someone who "loves to dance and rap," noting that after years of performing, he feels fully confident in showcasing these skills on stage. His performances often emphasize duality, appearing fierce and impactful onstage while revealing a softer, more tender side offstage, a contrast he associates with the rose—beautiful yet thorny. Taeyong's early musical influences stem from his childhood, when his older sister introduced him to Western pop music, particularly Justin Timberlake, through a hand-me-down MP3 player filled with her favorite songs. He has stated that these formative experiences shaped his appreciation for music and became a foundational part of his artistic identity. Additionally, exposure to diverse cultures during global tours, including NCT 127's activities in Latin America and his solo performance in Indonesia, has significantly influenced his music by broadening his creative perspective. In his solo work, Taeyong adopts a more introspective and romantic approach, drawing inspiration from personal reflections, existential questions, and emotional honesty to address themes like loneliness and self-discovery. He views songwriting as akin to journaling, aiming to offer comfort to listeners facing similar struggles, while incorporating imaginative elements influenced by Studio Ghibli films and their protagonists. This multidisciplinary creativity—encompassing writing, choreography, and conceptualization—brings him fulfillment and allows for greater self-expression.

Songwriting and performance

Taeyong holds the positions of main rapper and main dancer in NCT 127, roles that emphasize his commanding presence in rap verses and intricate choreography during group performances. These positions have been consistent since the subunit's formation, allowing him to lead many of NCT 127's dynamic stages and contribute significantly to the group's synchronized dance routines. As a songwriter, Taeyong has been credited on over 70 songs across NCT's various units, SuperM, his solo releases, and collaborations, often contributing lyrics and concepts that align with the tracks' themes. His songwriting involvement began notably with co-writing the lyrics for NCT U's debut single "The 7th Sense" in 2016 alongside member Mark and other lyricists. This early credit marked his entry into shaping the group's musical output beyond performance. Taeyong has also produced self-written demos shared on platforms such as SoundCloud and his YouTube channel TY TRACK, alongside writing for his official solo tracks. His consistent participation in both writing and performance underscores his multifaceted role in the creative process of the music he delivers.

Public image

Fashion and brand endorsements

Taeyong has gained recognition for his bold and eclectic fashion sense, which blends edgy streetwear with high fashion, contributing to his appeal as a style icon in the K-pop industry. This distinctive aesthetic led to his appointment as global ambassador for the luxury fashion house Loewe in June 2023. Loewe's creative director Jonathan Anderson stated, “We love his idiosyncratic style,” and added that he was excited about the collaboration given Taeyong’s talents in songwriting, performing, and visual creation. Taeyong featured prominently in Loewe's Spring/Summer 2024 pre-collection campaign, modeling key pieces from the line that emphasized relaxed silhouettes and artisanal details. He also starred in the advertising campaign for Loewe Paula's Ibiza Cosmic EDP, a fragrance from the brand's collaborative Paula's Ibiza line, highlighting vibrant and playful imagery consistent with the collection's bohemian spirit. Further expanding his portfolio in the beauty sector, Taeyong was named brand ambassador for Benefit Cosmetics Korea in 2024, representing the company's playful and innovative makeup products in the region. These endorsements underscore his growing influence across international fashion and cosmetics brands.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Taeyong maintains a private personal life, with few details about his immediate family publicly disclosed. In 2018, entertainer Hong Seok-cheon revealed that he and Taeyong are third cousins. Hong Seok-cheon explained that Taeyong is the first cousin of his first cousin once removed, a distant relation they were aware of despite never having met in person. No romantic relationships have been officially acknowledged by Taeyong or his agency.

Military service

Taeyong enlisted in the Republic of Korea Navy for his mandatory military service on April 15, 2024, as an active-duty soldier serving as a cultural promotion soldier in the Navy Band and Honor Guard publicity unit. SM Entertainment announced the enlistment date in March 2024, confirming that he would begin service without a separate official event to avoid drawing crowds. He completed his service and was honorably discharged on December 14, 2025, becoming the first NCT member to fulfill mandatory military service. This enlistment paused his activities with NCT and his solo career during his service period.

Discography

Solo releases

Taeyong released his first solo digital single "Long Flight" in 2020, marking his initial independent musical endeavor outside of NCT activities. In 2022, he collaborated on the SM Station single "Love Theory" with Wonstein. His official solo debut came with the first mini album SHALALA on June 5, 2023, certified Platinum by the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA). The EP featured the title track "SHALALA" alongside other tracks showcasing his distinctive style. Taeyong followed with his second mini album TAP on February 26, 2024, also certified Platinum by KMCA. The title track "TAP" continued his exploration of personal themes and production. In February 2024, he held his solo concert TY Track to promote the TAP album. Prior to these official releases, Taeyong shared pre-debut demos on SoundCloud, offering early glimpses of his artistry.

Collaborations and features

Taeyong has made notable contributions to collaborations and features across his career, often lending his distinctive rap style and vocals to tracks by other artists and for drama soundtracks. His earliest feature came in 2014 with Red Velvet's "Be Natural," a remake of S.E.S's 1998 song, where he provided rap verses. In 2017, he teamed up with NCT members Taeil and Doyoung on "Stay in My Life," released as part of the original soundtrack for the drama School 2017. Most recently, in 2022, he was featured on Suran's single "Diamonds," adding his rap to the track.

Television and media appearances

Variety shows and regular cast

Taeyong joined the cast of the tvN variety show Food Diary in 2018, one of his few appearances on non-group variety programming. The slow-paced reality series, which premiered on May 30, 2018, follows celebrities as they live on a farm, build facilities, grow produce, raise chickens, and prepare a meal entirely from scratch—in this case, the Korean dish jjimdak (braised spicy chicken)—to highlight the labor-intensive farm-to-table process and foster appreciation for agricultural work. The cast featured Taeyong alongside BoA, YooA of Oh My Girl, comedians Lee Soo-geun and Seo Jang-hoon, actor Park Sung-kwang, and German personality Niklas Klabunde. As a Seoul native unfamiliar with rural life, Taeyong described learning to use farming tools such as shovels and hoes for the first time during filming. The program deliberately emphasized collaboration and the realities of food production over quick success or entertainment gimmicks.

Judging and MC roles

Taeyong made his judging debut on Mnet's dance survival program Street Woman Fighter in 2021, serving as a judge alongside BoA in what marked his first time in such a role on a survival show. He was selected for his reputation as one of the best performers and dancers in K-pop through his work with NCT, its subunits, and SuperM. The series, which featured eight all-female dance crews competing across various street dance styles, premiered in August 2021 after filming began earlier that year. Later that year, Taeyong appeared as a special judge on the spin-off Street Dance Girls Fighter alongside fellow NCT member Mark in episode 5 of the program, which aired from November 2021 to January 2022. In 2022, Taeyong hosted Mnet's Any Body Can Dance, his first experience as an MC on a dance reality program. The spin-off of Street Woman Fighter premiered in June and focused on the eight crew leaders from the original series teaching dance to amateur participants of diverse ages and backgrounds, emphasizing enjoyment and personal growth over competition. Taeyong served as a connector between the mentors and contestants, facilitating the exchange of passion for dance throughout the show.

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