Taeyong

Who Is Taeyong? Meet the Leader of NCT and NCT 127

Taeyong, born Lee Tae-yong on July 1, 1995, in Seoul, South Korea, is the leader of the South Korean boy group NCT and its fixed sub-unit NCT 127, under SM Entertainment. Widely praised as a “hexagon idol” for excelling equally at rapping, dancing, singing, visuals, songwriting, and leadership, Taeyong has spent nearly a decade steering one of K-pop’s most experimental and largest ongoing group projects.

Debut and Rise as Leader

Taeyong debuted in April 2016 with the rotational unit NCT U on “The 7th Sense,” then became the leader of NCT 127 when it launched later that same year. Known for his commanding main rap and main dance skills, he quickly established himself as the group’s center and face, guiding NCT 127 through releases like Cherry Bomb, Regular-Irregular, and Sticker, all while representing NCT as a whole across countless world tours and collaborations.

Songwriter, Producer, and Soloist

Beyond performing, Taeyong is a prolific songwriter and producer, credited on more than 70 songs across multiple languages for NCT’s various units. In 2019 he joined the SM supergroup SuperM, and in June 2023 he made history as the first NCT member to debut as an official soloist, releasing the EP Shalala, which he wrote and composed almost entirely himself. He followed it with a second EP, TAP, in 2024, and the surprise solo single “501” in 2025.

Military Service and Comeback

Taeyong became the first NCT member to enlist for South Korea’s mandatory military service, entering active duty on April 15, 2024, and completing his service on December 14, 2025. His return was highly anticipated by fans eager to see NCT 127 reunite at full strength.

Why Fans Love Taeyong

From his piercing visuals and sharp choreography to his heartfelt lyrics and quiet devotion to his members, Taeyong of NCT 127 embodies the creative spirit at the core of NCT’s “Neo Culture Technology” concept. As both a group leader and rising solo artist, he continues to push the boundaries of what a modern K-pop idol can be.