NCT’s Taeyong. Image: Courtesy of SM Entertainment
NCT’s Taeyong — also known as Lee Tae-yong in real life — assured his fans that he will continue to “work hard” as he is set to enlist in the Navy on April 15.
The NCT member’s enlistment was first reported by Korean media outlet Sway on Monday, March 18, saying Taeyong would enlist as a member of the Navy military band sometime in April.
This led to his label SM Entertainment confirming that he would begin his mandatory service on April 15 while pointing out that “no official events” would be held on this day.
“NCT’s Taeyong is enlisting in the Navy as an active duty soldier on April 15,” SM’s statement said via a Soompi translation. “We ask for your understanding as his enlistment will be held privately to prevent safety incidents due to congestion on site.”
The agency also hoped for “continued support” until Taeyong completes his military service.
SERVE WELL, TAEYONG 🥹
NCT’s Taeyong will enlist on April 15 as part of the navy military band.
Per Korean media, Taeyong has a “strong will” to fulfill his mandatory enlistment despite sustaining a “serious herniated disc” in his back. |📷: NCT/X via @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/3IUeDKtKE7
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) March 18, 2024
Shortly after his enlistment was confirmed, Taeyong took to the fan community platform Weverse to thank his supporters for the “shining times as a present” in his career in the K-pop industry.
“The reason why I wrote this letter is that I will be serving in the military as of April 15th. Some of us were preparing for the time we had to be apart for a while, and I think some people were surprised, so I wanted to tell NCTzens directly,” he said.
Taeyong admitted that he “was able to mature” throughout his career while crediting his NCT bandmates and fans for this, saying this led him to want to “work hard” in his military service.
“I want to achieve a lot of things with my members and fans so I will work hard in the military and learn a lot,” he said. “When I come back, I’ll be a better version of myself and stand on stage, I promise! We’ve grown proudly together. I will be back well so all of you stay healthy too. I’ll be back soon.”
Taeyong is the first NCT member who will enlist in the military. He is known as the leader, main rapper, main dancer, vocalist, and center of the group.
The K-pop idol debuted as a member of NCT’s sub-unit NCT U in April 2016 before he was added to NCT 127 three months later. He is also part of SM’s joint supergroup SuperM.
Taeyong also made his solo debut in June 2023. He dropped his second mini-album “Tap” in February 2024.