ArtistSM Entertainment
TAEYONG
TAEYONG (이태용), born Lee Tae-yong on July 1, 1995 in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, is the leader, main rapper, and main dancer of NCT 127 and the wider NCT collective under SM Entertainment. Discovered by an SM recruiter on a Seoul street in 2012, he joined pre-debut team SM Rookies in December 2013, debuted with NCT U in April 2016, and became leader of the Seoul-based sub-unit NCT 127 on its launch in July 2016. A prolific songwriter, he has co-written over 70 songs across four languages spanning multiple NCT sub-units and his solo catalog, establishing himself as one of the most creatively involved idols in SM history. In June 2023 he became the first NCT member to release a solo debut with the EP Shalala; his second mini album Tap followed in February 2024. He is also a member of supergroup SuperM, formed jointly by SM Entertainment and Capitol Records in 2019, and served on the jury of the dance competition series Street Woman Fighter. Taeyong enlisted as an active-duty soldier in the South Korean Navy on April 15, 2024 and was honourably discharged on December 14, 2025. SM Entertainment subsequently announced plans for his first full-length solo album, targeting a release between April and June 2026.
1 articles7 creditsDebut: April 9, 2016South Korean
Gallery
Discography
2024
TapMini Album
Solo Artist
2024
WalkAlbum
NCT 127
2023
ShalalaEP
Solo Artist
2023
Fact CheckAlbum
NCT 127
2021
StickerAlbum
NCT 127
2020
Neo ZoneAlbum
NCT 127
2019
SuperMEP
SuperM
Fans Also Ask
Is Taeyong the leader of NCT?
Yes. Taeyong is the official leader of NCT and its sub-unit NCT 127. He debuted with NCT U in April 2016 and NCT 127 in July 2016, and serves as creative director for many of the group's visual and musical projects.
When did Taeyong make his solo debut?
Taeyong made his solo debut on June 5, 2023 with the EP Shalala, becoming the first NCT member to release a solo debut album. His second mini album Tap followed in February 2024.
What is Taeyong's real name?
His real name is Lee Tae-yong (이태용), born July 1, 1995 in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Is Taeyong in SuperM?
Yes. Taeyong is a member of SuperM, a K-pop supergroup formed in 2019 between SM Entertainment and Capitol Records featuring members from SHINee, EXO, WayV, and NCT 127.
Did Taeyong complete his military service?
Yes. Taeyong enlisted as an active-duty soldier in the South Korean Navy on April 15, 2024 and was honourably discharged on December 14, 2025. SM Entertainment announced plans for his first full-length solo album targeting April to June 2026.
