NCT is a multinational boy group under SM Entertainment with interesting concepts and the most members in a male K-Pop group. With so many members, they can try out different ideas and approaches to their aesthetics and music. Many members have been fortunate enough to pursue solo activities outside of group activities.

The members work together as a group and follow a concept that can work well for everyone. However, as a soloist, the members are allowed to show off their charms and own personal aesthetics. They can have more freedom to produce and perform music that they're interested in. We're going to look at some NCT members who showed off their charms in their solo projects. Here are 5 NCT solos that personally showed off their charisma and individual tastes. These are not the only NCT members with solos as many more members in NCT also have solos!

1. TaeYong

NCT's TaeYong has always had an interesting and fun way of expressing himself through his solo projects. From his first solo song 'Long Flight', TaeYong has always continued to surprise us with refreshing, shining music since his debut as a solo artist. Not only that, he works closely with his tracks composing and writing for them. While his song 'Long Flight' is a melodic, R&B track highlighting his vocals, his other songs 'TAP' and 'SHALALA' show off his energizing rap skills and futuristic-sounding pop and hip-hop songs. Regardless of the song, TaeYong always shows off how versatile he is and it always has that fun, TaeYong element to the songs. TaeYong is one of the members with a full album release!

2. Ten

NCT's Ten is known for his hypnotic vocals and haunting melodies that are shown in his solo works. All of Ten's solo tracks are suited perfectly to fit his dancing performances for them. His debut solo with 'Dream In A Dream' was impressive and everything people expected of the Thai artist. Seductive, mesmerizing, and beautiful, Ten has kept to this theme for his songs such as 'Birthday' and 'Nightwalker'. He experimented with more upbeat, pop sounds for his single 'Paint Me Naked'. The song was lively and groovy yet it still showcased how incredibly charismatic Ten is when it comes to his solo projects. Ten is another member who has released an album!

3. JaeHyun

We expect nothing less of the vocal king that is NCT's JaeHyun when it comes to his solo projects. JaeHyun's solo songs always show off his silky smooth vocals and the songs are more ballad and pop-focused. Although not a solo, he surprised us with his collab song 'Try Again' with artist d.ear and this was only the beginning of JaeHyun's journey. The artist released his first solo song 'Forever Only', and has kept up the momentum of showcasing his breathtaking vocals in his works.

4. Mark

NCT's Mark is a master with his rapping skills and knows how to blend his skills when it comes to his solo songs. In his first solo song 'Child', Mark has kept a steady momentum and aesthetic to his solo works, following pop, rock, and hip-hop fusions with his songs. 'Golden Hour' really showed his solo power and remained true to his joking nature as the song is about a long-time joke in the fandom. Mark knows how to keep fans on their toes, showing dynamic music with his solos, parts in NCT, and even his features. We hope he releases a full album soon!

5. Taeil

NCT's Taeil has amazing vocals and his voice is fit for any K-Drama ost. Thankfully, our dreams came true! His first solo song was for the 2016 K-Drama "The Merchant: Gaekju 2015" where he sang an OST titled 'Because Of You'. Since then, he has gone on to do more OSTs for K-Dramas like his songs 'Starlight' and 'Lovey Dovey." Not only has Taeil proven himself to be an OST king, but his solo songs prove just how skilled he is as a vocalist when he gets to shine. His singing is powerful and so far he has stuck to ballads that show off his colors. We can't wait to hear more versatility for his future projects and we know he will leave us all shocked with his talent.

Fashion and K-Pop have become intricately intertwined over the past few years. Whereas before, K-Pop idols in fashion was for the exclusively successful (think G-Dragon with Chanel), it’s open and much more common now. There are idols here and there that are global brand ambassadors, and are constantly flaunting one designer fashion accessory or the other.

Now, while this is the case with and in high fashion, certain idols—male K-Pop idols—choose to showcase their personal style preferences. Some go beyond to the realm of genderless fashion, and they make it work for them. As you’ll see in this article, there are 6 standout male K-Pop idols that are masters of the genderless fashion style. Even the girlies find them enviable… and outright beautiful.

1. NCT 127’s Yuta

Yuta's Instagram

Yuta is a talented singer and dancer in NCT 127, but those aren’t the only skills on his portfolio. With his budding acting career and fashion ambassador status, the man is bagging it all. We can see his signature flair for unique, non-conforming clothing and makeup. For all we know, his uniquely genderless style might have even been the reason Louis Vuitton scouted him. He very strongly represents what it means to tiptoe that fine line between masculinity and femininity, and he does it unapologetically.

2. ATEEZ’s SeongHwa

ATEEZ's Official Instagram

We’d say both SeongHwa and leader HongJoong are the genderless style connoisseurs in this mega boy group, but we feel SeongHwa leans more into the spectrum. He likes to show skin, wear lacey tops and corsets, but somehow manages to remain subtle in all his experimental styling. Now, that alone doesn’t make what he wears genderless. What makes it unique is how he puts on those outfits—those androgynous outfits—and carries himself so elegantly while being in them. If anything screams admirable, it’s certainly SeongHwa.

3. SHINee’s TaeMin

TaeMin's Instagram

We think some fans might have guessed TaeMin would be on the list with the way he orchestrates his fashion in his music videos. From the videos of ‘Idea’ to ‘Move’ to ‘Advice’, this super idol is the standard and monument for pushing gender boundaries in K-Pop fashion. TaeMin not only pushes boundaries, he does it in a way that almost makes you believe that there are no boundaries. His genderless style is even more accentuated through his calm and thoughtful demeanor, and measured body movements on- and off-stage. What is not to love about this? Definitely nothing.

4. BTS’s JiMin

JiMin's Instagram

As a longtime friend to TaeMin, it’s only natural that JiMin would pick up a few tips. That’s not to say that JiMin hasn’t had potential on his own; he definitely has. JiMIn is one for fluidity, both in his performance, vocals and fashion preference. We love that he’s able to tiptoe lines and push limits, and for sure, the genderless style suits him a little too much.

5. SEVENTEEN’s The8

The8's Instagram

The8, from the start of his career as a SEVENTEEN member, has always seemed to fancy eccentric and eclectic modes of self expression. It shows on his art, in his solo music, and most definitely in his fashion style. Just with how flexible yet controlled The8’s body is, we already see the genderless in him. Then he puts on an outfit, and proceeds to nail the androgynous look effortlessly. Such talent without having to try, and for fashion? It’s about time a brand hijacked The8.

6. Stray Kids’s Felix

Felix's Instagram

Ah, Stray Kids’s resident sunshine and co-fashion chingu alongside HyunJin. Felix has been known by fans to have an open-minded personality, not just where people or art is concerned, but also with fashion. His on- and off-stage styles are so catchy in the sense that you can’t really tell if what he's wearing could be for a boy or a girl. We admire his take on the genderless fashion style, and we can’t wait to see what limiting walls he pushes down next.

MBC Plus has announced that preliminary voting for the "2024 Universal Superstar Awards" ("2024 USA") is now open! For those interested in voting for their favorite groups and artists, they can head over to the mobile fandom app, IDOLCHAMP. The preliminary voting period will be from February 1st to February 14th, which will serve as a pivotal step for groups to make it to the "2024 USA" finals.

Within IDOLCHAMP fans will find seven different categories they can vote in. These categories include 'Universal Super Icon', 'Universal Golden Best', 'Universal Best Popularity (Male/Female)', Universal Next Generation (Male/Female)', and 'Universal Super Rookie'. The hottest idol groups who've received love on both a national and global level have been selected as candidates, setting the foundations for a heated competition.

Featured Artists During Preliminary Voting

WAKE ONE / MLD Entertainment / KQ Entertainment / Pledis Entertainment

The category for 'Universal Super Icon' has a total of 21 artists which include NCT 127, BTS' V, BTS' JungKook, BLACKPINK's JiSoo, SEVENTEEN, Lim YoungWoong, and many more. 'Universal Golden Best' has a total of 22 artists which include NewJeans, STAYC, IVE, ATEEZ, Kang Daniel, and Kim HoJoong, among others.

'Universal Best Popularity (Male)' has a total of 55 teams to choose from, with names like NCT DREAM, BTS' JiMin, BTOB, Stray Kids, ATEEZ, ZEROBASEONE, and etc. For 'Universal Best Popularity (Female)' there's a choice of 52 artists which include (G)I-DLE, BLACKPINK's Jennie, SECRET NUMBER, NMIXX, OH MY GIRL, Kep1er, and more.

'Universal Next Generation (Male)' features 20 rising artists that include n.SSign, HORI7ON, PLAVE, XODIAC, &TEAM, BOYNEXTDOOR, RIIZE, and so much more. Then for 'Universal Next Generation (Female)', fans have a choice of 22 groups — NiziU, LIGHTSUM, Lapillus, Queenz Eye, KISS OF LIFE, and VIVIZ, to name a few.

Lastly, the category of 'Universal Super Rookie' has a total of 23 candidates which features groups like ONE PACT, FANTASY BOYS, EVNNE, Loossemble, and EL7Z UP, among many others.

Final Voting Information

After the conclusion of the preliminary voting, the final voting will be open during a 3 week period from February 23rd until March 14th. The final results will be announced at the "2024 Universal Superstar Awards", which will be held at the Grand Peace Palace at Kyung Hee University Seoul on March 27th.

At the KM Chart "2024 USA", artists active within various music genres like K-Pop, trot, ballad, and hip-hop will present unforgettable stages that all fans can look forward to. The "2024 USA" will create a festival-like experience with fans of all walks of life to celebrate the artists who brightly shone in K-Pop in 2023.

Special Event Announcement

Update (February 23)

Kpopmap has now officially launched its special sales event in partnership with IDOLCHAMP! If you purchase IDOLCHAMP coupons through Kpopmap, you will be automatically entered for an opportunity to win a ticket to attend the "2024 USA" in Seoul.

Head here to purchase IDOLCHAMP coupons today and for more information on the sales event!

Who will you be voting for?