With a little help from his friends...
Despite singing about being 'Lonely' Taeyong's got friends. So who are these special people in his life and how do they help shape his artistic journey?
Taeyong’s exciting new foray into his own You Tube space with the introduction of channel TY TRACK was met with much enthusiasm and support having clocked up over 549,000 subscribers in a week. The purpose of this channel is to create another bridge to his life and to share it with his fans - something fans have been asking for ever since he delivered several Tyong Time vlogs. In Taeyong’s own words, the purpose of his channel is to learn about:
“..my daily life or music or dance and performance…..it’s my first time starting so I’m really excited and little bit nervous but I hope you like it and enjoy it. And this is also my friends you know so.. see you next time”.
Ever since his return from hiatus, and his subsequent creation of his Instagram and Soundcloud accounts, Taeyong has been sharing various aspects of his life including, his friends. These friends have now become synonymous with Taeyong and are seen by fans as another extension of him. Just as Taeyong embraced these individuals, they too have been embraced by Taeyong’s fans. So who are these people that have made such an impact on Taeyong’s life?
ZAYSON WONG
Freelance Music Producer EKKO MUSIC RIGHTS
Taeyong first mentioned Zayson in a Vlive back in 2021, and made the point to mention that he was his ‘producer friend’ and that everyday they are ‘working about [our] music and talk about the music a lot’. He introduced Zayon’s song with Suran titled ‘Sunny’ and appeared to be very excited about his friend’s song. This is the first time fans really got a glimpse into a life beyond SM and NCT- one that showed how much Taeyong had expanded his circle.
Zayson is a freelance producer that is associated with EKKO music rights and has produced many tracks for SM and other artists including NCT U’s ‘All About You’, Baekhyun’s ‘Psycho’ and Taeyong’s own ‘Swimming Pool’ and ‘Blue’. He has also produced GOT 7’s ‘Last piece’, and several of Suran’s tracks including ‘Sunny’, ‘Blanket’ (feat Wonstein) and ‘Devil’s in the City’ (feat Dok 2). He also co-wrote, co-composed and co-produced Suran and Taeyong’s collaborative track, ‘Diamonds’.
Zayson frequently features on Taeyong’s Instagram posts as a close friend who goes bowling, catches a brew, or enjoys a home cooked meal with him. As someone who has worked closely with Taeyong and been instrumental in his creative process, it’s been a revelation to see the man behind Blue and Swimming Pool. As someone a few years older than Taeyong, it’s pleasing to see how he has influenced him thus far- helping Taeyong find his voice and breaking out of the mould that was created for him as an SM idol. We all know Taeyong’s worth is more than simply being an idol- his creativity, curiosity and thirst to learn speaks volumes about where he sees himself heading. And as a friend, Zayson, who is outside the hallowed halls of SM and the NCT dorms, has been a breath of fresh air for Taeyong.
NOVO
Artist - Le Rêve Studio KOREA
Novo is a Korean artist who is well established in Korea using various mediums including installation, painting and drawing. He conceptulises stories and themes in a quirky and nostalgic manner with work that is bright, exciting and full of hope. Novo is attributed as the artist that inspired Taeyong to tattoo the words ‘UNDeRSTAND’ on his upper arms. The slogan is a well established one by Novo and has appeared in several of his works. Novo takes inspiration from his daily life and his childhood drawings showing his honest emotions. As one that takes inspiration from his personal experiences and conversations, it’s clear how he has become quite a prominent figure in Taeyong’s life.
Back in 2021 when he was still known as @eh_ovo_nct on Instagram, Taeyong shared some images of him visiting Novo’s studio watching his friend inside his creative haven. He once again visited in 2022 to see Novo's ‘No reason not to be excited’ exhibition. It is clear that Novo’s bright smile and eccentric style has made an impression on Taeyong who has found himself also being inspired to paint and share his work with fans. Who can forget Taeyong’s Monroe lips? Or his most recent ‘Dune’ painting? Taeyong has also shared personal moments out with Novo such as the time he was at a vintage store shopping for new threads. Novo equally, has shown his support for Taeyong with his frequent Instagram likes of his posts and of course, posting a selfie of himself holding his prized W Korea magazine with Taeyong on the cover. Novo beamed like a proud older brother and it’s clear by his support for Taeyong, that the two are close and admire each others’ work.
BAEKHYUN
Singer - SM Entertainment KOREA
As a fellow Super M member, Baekhyun became particularly close to Taeyong. As the leader of Super M and being able to share his experience with fellow NCT leader Taeyong, meant that both were able to find solace and comfort in sharing each others’ experiences. For once, Taeyong could take a back seat and let Baekhyun lead although it’s clear that his formidable experience as NCT’s leader provided Baekhyun with a great deal of support as they promoted the group and their world tour. It soon became clear that the two shared a lasting bond finding common ground in the virtual world of online gaming. Taeyong frequently mentioned Baekhyun on his Vlives and it was clear that he made a lasting impression on him. Being several years older meant that Baekhyun afforded Taeyong the opportunity to learn from him and from his idol and general life experiences. Having many years of performance under his belt, as well as a thriving solo career meant Taeyong had someone to look up to and aspire to be like.
The two were often spotted shopping together with Baekhyun famously having bought Taeyong a hat and gifting him a sweater as well. Perhaps the most prominent part of their friendship however, came online with the two becoming known as the midnight gamers- playing video games daily through to the early hours. Much to Doyoung’s consternation, Taeyong was said to be audible playing video games through their shared walls particularly if he was being beaten in the game.
Their friendship culminated in the wonderful collab ‘Monroe’ which was released the week Baekhyun left for military service. Taeyong was openly moved by Baekhyun's departure with posts on his Instagram begging ‘Hyung don’t go’! Military service is a requirement and all Korean men know their duty. However it was clear that Baekhyun’s absence would be felt by Taeyong especially when it became known that up until his departure, Baekhyun would contact him daily. We don’t know how much contact the two continue to have, but it’s clear that based on what Taeyong has mentioned in his lives such as Baekhyun telling him to take the MBTI test, they still communicate and are close with each other. Taeyong even had Baekhyun’s ‘Underwater’ and ‘Bungee’ on his #127Playlist for 2022’s 127 day.
BADA LEE and CREW
Dancer and Choreographer - KOREA
Bada Lee is an accomplished dancer and choreographer having worked with many Kpop idols and groups including Blackpink, The Boyz, Kai and Taeyong. She performed in Lisa’s ‘Money’ MV as well as in Kai’s ‘Peaches’. As an accomplished dancer, choreographer and teacher, she is a formidable powerhouse of movement and is so respected in the industry that many seek her out. However, the short clips of her training and dancing with Taeyong, sometimes alone and sometimes with her crew, has been noteworthy in its sincerity.
She frequently tags Taeyong in her posts, and proudly showcases their dances together. Having been part of the crew to choreograph Zoo, the runaway viral sensation, Bada has entrenched herself as another of Taeyong’s friends helping him develop in his artistic journey.
We know that Taeyong co-choreographed Zoo with Bada, and is evidence of yet another individual giving Taeyong space to find his place in the artistic dance field. Taeyong’s short performance clip ‘Lonely’ is testament to Bada and her crew helping Taeyong create an upbeat and charming choreo to a song with rather sombre lyrics.
WONSTEIN
Rapper, singer, producer - KOREA
Jung Ji-won (aka. Wonstein) debuted in 2018 under the agency Beautiful Noise and is a well accomplished rapper, singer, songwriter and producer. He is well known for his collabs with many artists and his CV includes a repertoire of some amazing tracks including ‘I’m gonna love you’ with Exo’s D.O, ‘Heat’ with lIlBOI and Mirani, ‘Blanket’ with Suran and ‘Air Drop’ with Rad Museum. Wonstein apparently approached Taeyong for a collaboration stating that he thought it would “be cool if the rap loving fans and the idol loving fans could both enjoy something together.”
Wonstein appeared in one of Taeyong’s insta lives where they both acknowledged their collaboration and that they were working on ‘something’. The few hints Taeyong has given is that it has something to do with the ‘Big Bang theory’ and ‘space’. The song is set to be released in April 2022, and fans of both artists eagerly await it. The two were also spotted together with Zayson recently posing for pictures.
Wonstein is a credible independent artist that is well renowned, and the fact that he actively sought to work with Taeyong speaks volumes about Taeyong’s professional appeal to a wide variety of individuals. As Taeyong expands his circle of friends, the opportunities for him to develop artistically also grow exponentially.
