From leading one of K-pop’s biggest groups to developing his own artistic world, TAEYONG is embracing freedom on WYLD. Wonderland catch up with the NCT leader to talk creative growth, stepping out solo, and what comes next.

For the best part of a decade, TAEYONG has been one of K-pop’s most fascinating creative forces. As the leader of NCT, the vastly popular experimental South Korean boy band formed by SM Entertainment in 2016, he’s spent years pushing boundaries – whether through his performances, cross-genre music or his increasingly personal songwriting. But while fans have watched him evolve through countless NCT releases and world tours, his latest chapter is a little bit different.

With the release of WYLD, his debut full-length album, TAEYONG arrives at a significant crossroads in his career. NCT are celebrating their tenth anniversary this year, a milestone that of course invites reflection, while TAEYONG himself seems more focused than ever on looking inward. Rather than chasing trends or filling a record with high-profile features, WYLD (a stylised play on the word “Wild”) strips things back to something more intimate: a collection of songs that explore uncertainty, growth, ambition and self-discovery.

For anyone who has followed his journey, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Over the years, TAEYONG has steadily built a reputation as an artist immersed in his craft, consistently showing a desire to communicate something genuine. 

The album was born from a period of introspection, a time when life slowed down enough for him to confront his thoughts and reassess what music means to him. Across the album, TAEYONG stands entirely on his own, using the space to present a clearer picture of who he is as an artist today – as someone becoming increasingly comfortable with complexity. 

TAEYONG speaks openly about balancing different sides of his personality, the carefree and spontaneous alongside the thoughtful and cautious, and those contrasts run throughout the record. There are moments of confidence, but also vulnerability, creating a body of work less concerned with perfection and more interested in honesty.

As NCT enter their second decade and TAEYONG continues carving out his own path, WYLD feels like the swansong of what’s gone, the beginning of a new era. It’s the sound of an artist evaluating where he’s been, embracing where he is now, and looking ahead to everything still to come.

We caught up with TAEYONG to talk about the inspiration behind WYLD, working with Anderson .Paak, the differences between group and solo projects, and how he’s changed since his debut.

Listen to WYLD…

Read the interview…

Tell us about your debut full length album, WYLD. Where did the inspiration for the album come from, and what story did you hope to tell through it?

The inspiration for WYLD came from a period in my life when time felt like it had briefly stopped. During that time, I spent a lot of time with my own thoughts, facing feelings of uncertainty and restlessness while reflecting on what music truly means to me. This album captures those honest emotions, my perspective as an artist, and the world I’ve built through music. In many ways, WYLD feels like the most personal reflection of who I am right now.

Before releasing this album you released “Rock Solid” in collaboration with Anderson .Paak, how did that collaboration come about? Why did you choose to have no collaborators on the album?

Anderson .Paak’s energy and professionalism were incredibly inspiring. At a time when I felt a little stuck creatively, working on “Rock Solid” with him and Dem Jointz, someone I’ve admired for a long time, gave me a new sense of momentum. When it came to WYLD, I wanted the album to clearly show the kind of artist I am and the stories I want to continue telling. Because of that, it felt most natural to fill the album with my own voice and emotions. I think I have two sides to me. Sometimes I’m very free-spirited, and other times I’m extremely thoughtful and cautious. Those different sides help me understand not only my own emotions but also the emotions of others. With this album, I wanted to explore that full range of feelings through music.

How different is the process when working on an album as a solo artist vs when working on an album for a group?

There are definitely similarities, but there are also some differences. With NCT, we’re telling stories about our shared passion, friendship, and experiences as a team. When I work on solo music, the focus becomes much more personal. I’m able to explore more delicate and intimate personal emotions—not just happiness, love, and excitement, but also loneliness, sadness, and the many feelings I encounter in everyday life.

You seem to take on more roles than ever with this album. What part of the album-making process do you enjoy more, songwriting or composing? Why?

To be honest, saying that I “participated” in the songwriting or composing process feels a little strange to me because creating music has always been a natural part of who I am. I’m simply making the music I want to make. For me, making music is both a form of rest and a conversation with myself. I really enjoy the creative process because it allows me to discover new sides of myself and continue growing as an artist.

Is there a specific lyric or line on the album that is the most personal? Why?
The line, “I won’t stop, I’m runnin’ until I reach the end.” That lyric stands out to me because what I need most right now is the passion and energy to keep moving forward. It’s a reminder to myself not to lose that momentum.

Did any song on the album completely change from how it started as a demo to the final result?

I would say “WYLD” and “Hot.” “WYLD” originally had a much more sensual atmosphere, but as I continued shaping the album’s overall identity and refining the story I wanted to tell, it gradually evolved into something more serious and introspective. “Hot” was one of the songs I spent the most time thinking about. I experimented with different directions, including gospel and R&B influences, before eventually finding the version that felt right.

Looking back at the person you were when you first debuted versus the artist who made WYLD, how have you changed?

I think I’ve become much better at organizing my thoughts and expressing them through words and music. The things that used to make me feel impatient or anxious don’t affect me in the same way anymore. Instead, I’ve learned to use those feelings as motivation to reflect on myself and keep moving forward. That shift in perspective has helped me a lot, both as an artist and as a person.

With NCT celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, what moments or milestones stand out to you when you look back on the journey so far?

More than anything, I think of our fans. They’ve helped me discover sides of myself that I didn’t even know existed, and they’ve shared so many memories with us over the years. There have been countless meaningful moments since debut, but what made those moments truly special was always the fans. To me, they’re an irreplaceable treasure and one of the biggest reasons I’ve been able to become who I am today.

Looking ahead, what are you most looking forward to after the album release?

I’m excited to share this music with more people and perform it on as many stages as possible. Through future performances and releases, I want to show a version of myself that’s even more honest and free. And honestly, I’m already curious about what kind of new side of myself I’ll discover while working on the next album. (Laughs)