In a heartwarming milestone for NCT fans, Haechan, the beloved main vocalist of NCT 127, NCT Dream, and NCT U, celebrated his 11th anniversary since being introduced as an SM Rookie on July 17, 2014, with an emotional message to fans on July 17, 2025.
The #11YearsWithHaechan hashtag trended worldwide on X, as fans flooded the platform with tributes to the singer’s journey, from his SM Rookies debut to his upcoming solo album in Q3 2025.
Fans praised Haechan’s resilience and talent, calling him a “superstar singer-songwriter” and expressing excitement for his solo debut, dubbed “Holo.”
Lee Dong-hyuck, known professionally as Haechan, marked a significant milestone in his career, reflecting on his journey from a young trainee to a cornerstone of NCT’s multifaceted universe.
Born on June 6, 2000, in Seoul, Haechan joined SM Entertainment in 2013 after a standout audition where he sang Justin Bieber’s “Baby” and Huh Gak’s “Hello.”
Introduced as an SM Rookie on July 17, 2014, he debuted with NCT 127 in July 2016 with “Fire Truck” and NCT Dream in August 2016 with “Chewing Gum,” cementing his role as a versatile vocalist and dancer across multiple subunits.
The #11YearsWithHaechan hashtag, paired with “FU11 JOURNEY WITH HAECHAN,” exploded on X, with fans sharing heartfelt posts about Haechan’s growth.
A fan highlighted his evolution from a “bright teenager” to an artist known for his powerful vocals and mischievous charm, noting his upcoming solo debut as a pivotal moment.
Fans also celebrated his contributions to NCT’s success, including hits like NCT Dream’s “When I’m With You” from their 2025 album DREAMSCAPE and NCT 127’s chart-topping releases.
The outpouring of love underscored Haechan’s impact, with one user declaring, “He’s worked endlessly, always giving his best.”Haechan’s journey has not been without challenges.
In December 2018, he fractured his shinbone while preparing for NCT 127’s Neo City – The Origin tour, forcing a hiatus. He returned in March 2019, showcasing resilience that fans celebrated during #11YearsWithHaechan.
In January 2023, health issues like heart palpitations led to another brief break, but Haechan bounced back for NCT 127’s Ay-Yo comeback. His strength was further highlighted in a 2023 NCT 127 documentary, where he shared the emotional toll of balancing two groups, earning praise for his “remarkable grace” under pressure.
The anticipation for Haechan’s solo debut, teased for Q3 2025, has amplified excitement. In fan calls and live sessions, Haechan hinted at an R&B-focused album, with fans on Reddit speculating it could feature a Michael Jackson-inspired sound, given his admiration for the pop icon.
A Reddit post gushed, “This teaser is SO HAECHAN STYLE. The RED. The dance style: contemporary and pop,” reflecting enthusiasm for his artistic vision. His cover of “First Love” and collaborations like “N.Y.C.T.” with Taeil have already showcased his vocal prowess, fueling expectations for his solo project.
Haechan’s philanthropy also shone during #11YearsWithHaechan. In February 2023, he donated ₩100 million to the Community Chest of Korea for Turkey-Syria earthquake victims, and in March 2025, he gave ₩50 million for Yeongnam wildfire victims, earning him a spot in the Honour Society.
Fans lauded his generosity, calling him “our superstar” and expressing pride in his growth. His love for fans, whom he calls “Sunflowers,” was evident in his emotional Bubble message on August 31, 2024, amid NCT’s challenges following Taeil’s departure: “These three letters, ‘NCT,’ are my everything.”
The #11YearsWithHaechan celebration also highlighted Haechan’s unique personality. Known for his ENFP MBTI type and playful nicknames like “Dongsookie,” he’s the mood-maker of NCT, often using aegyo and skinship to charm fans.
His love for Disney’s The Lion King, medium-rare steak, and gaming (Apex Legends) adds relatability, while his dream to be a singer-songwriter resonates with fans hoping for original tracks on his solo album.
A Medium post by a fan captured his impact: “You, who lived up to your nickname, Full Sun, have shone such warm daylight into my pitch black world.”
As Haechan prepares for his solo debut, fans are eager for more NCT 2025 updates, including potential appearances at BTS Festa 2025, where NCT Dream is rumoured to perform.
The #11YearsWithHaechan milestone has solidified his legacy as a vocal powerhouse and beloved idol, with fans on X and Reddit rallying for his solo success.
