Key Takeaways

• Album Announcement: NCT rapper/singer TAEYONG has revealed his debut full-length solo album, WYLD, set for release on May 18.
• Creative Involvement: He wrote lyrics for all tracks and contributed to the composition of nine, showcasing his artistic evolution.
• Teaser Rollout: Fans can expect teaser images and videos starting May 4, leading up to the album’s release.
• Previous Work: TAEYONG debuted solo in 2023 with the Shalala EP and followed up with the Tap EP in 2024.

NCT rapper/singer TAEYONG announced the details of his upcoming debut full-length solo album, WYLD, which is due out on May 18. Following a series of solo EP and single releases, the 30-year-old leader of the expansive 24-member K-pop boy band will drop the 10-track album a press release describes as “a deeply personal and sonically dynamic project.”

In addition to writing lyrics on all the tracks and contributing to the composition of nine of them, he also helped shape the album’s production, resulting in what is described as “a cohesive body of work that captures his evolving artistry, balancing raw intensity with emotional depth, while offering an unfiltered look into his inner world.”

TAEYONG made his solo debut in 2023 with the Shalala EP, which he followed up in 2024 with the six-track Tap EP. He recently collaborated with Anderson .Paak on the single “Rock Solid,” which dropped earlier this month.

In preparation for the album’s release, TAEYONG launched a countdown to the LP on Tuesday (April 28) across NCT’s social media channels, including an animated version of the snarling teeth cover image accompanied by an animal growling sound and a post featuring the planned rollout of teasers and the phrase “Born to lead, destined for the top. Instinct is restrained by Me,” in gothic black script on a blood red background. It also included the cryptic message “Neominal is approaching.”

Fans can expect a rollout of teaser images and mood sampler videos beginning on May 4, as well as a highlight medley due out on May 13, followed by a video teaser for the LP’s title track on May 17.