TAEYONG

Early Life

Lee Tae-yong, known mononymously as Taeyong, was born on July 1, 1995, in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea. He graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul, where he honed his skills in performance and music.

Career Milestones

Taeyong's journey in music began in 2012 when he was scouted by an SM Entertainment recruiter. After passing an audition by singing the South Korean national anthem, he joined the company and became a member of SM Rookies, a pre-debut team, in December 2013. His official debut came on April 8, 2016, with the digital single "The 7th Sense" as part of the boy group NCT and its first sub-unit, NCT U. Later that year, he became the leader of NCT 127, another sub-unit of NCT. In 2019, he expanded his horizons by debuting in the supergroup SuperM, a collaboration between SM Entertainment and Capitol Records. As a prolific songwriter, Taeyong has contributed to over 70 songs in four languages, showcasing his versatility and creativity. He made his solo debut in June 2023 with the EP "Shalala," marking a significant milestone as the first solo artist from NCT.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

In his personal life, Taeyong is known to be third cousins with Hong Seok-cheon. He is also committed to philanthropy, having donated 100 million won to the Red Cross in 2025 to support victims of forest fires in South Korea.

Military Service

Taeyong's dedication to his country led him to enlist in the Republic of Korea Navy on April 15, 2024, where he served in the military band until his discharge on December 14, 2025. His service reflects his commitment not only to his career but also to his responsibilities as a citizen.