Haechan, a beloved member of NCT, is ready to step into the spotlight on his own terms with his first-ever solo album, “TASTE.”
The announcement, made at midnight KST on August 18, 2025, sent waves of excitement through the NCT fandom and the broader K-pop community.
The album is set for release on September 8 at 6 p.m. KST, marking a pivotal moment in the idol’s already impressive career.
As one of NCT’s most recognized voices, known for his smooth tone, vocal agility, and stage charisma, Haechan’s solo debut has been long-awaited. With this new chapter, he promises a flavor all his own.
“TASTE”: The Solo Flavor of Haechan
The album’s title, “TASTE,” suggests a deeply personal and stylistically rich project that showcases different “flavors” of Haechan’s artistry.
While specific track details have yet to be revealed, fans are speculating that the album will span a range of genres—likely leaning into R&B, pop, and electronic influences that suit his vocal color.
The first teaser, released alongside the announcement, features sleek visuals with a mature and refined aesthetic.
Although brief, the teaser already signals a shift from his group concepts with NCT 127 and NCT DREAM, hinting at a more intimate and artistic solo direction.
Official Schedule Poster Revealed
On August 19 KST, the excitement was amplified with the release of Haechan’s official schedule poster.
The poster outlines a detailed promotional timeline, including concept photo drops, music video teasers, tracklist reveals, and special content leading up to the release of “TASTE.”
This structured rollout follows the tried-and-true K-pop formula but also suggests that fans will get to explore Haechan’s personal identity as an artist over the course of several weeks.
From visual teasers to possibly behind-the-scenes clips, this promotional schedule aims to build anticipation and deepen fans’ connection to Haechan’s journey as a soloist.
A Voice Fans Know, a Story Yet Untold
Since debuting with NCT in 2016, Haechan has stood out for his distinctive vocals, expressive performance style, and endearing personality.
Whether harmonizing with NCT 127’s powerful sound or bringing youthful energy to NCT DREAM’s concepts, Haechan’s versatility has earned him recognition as one of SM Entertainment’s most well-rounded idols.
But now, with “TASTE,” he steps into new territory—telling his own story. Without the context of a group’s concept, fans are curious to see how Haechan defines himself musically and thematically.
Will this album reflect personal experiences, emotional introspection, or bold experimentation?
In previous interviews and fan interactions, Haechan has expressed interest in exploring deeper musicality, and many expect this album to allow him to showcase more than just vocal skill.
This could be the project that redefines him—not just as a group idol, but as an individual artist.
A Strong Legacy, A Solo Future
Haechan’s solo debut comes at a strategic time. With several of his fellow NCT members having already made successful solo debuts or expanded into acting and variety, fans have long hoped for Haechan to take the plunge.
His solo debut also follows the larger trend in SM Entertainment of allowing its artists space to express individual colors while still maintaining the integrity of the larger group brand.
Taeyeon (Girls’ Generation), Baekhyun (EXO), and Taemin (SHINee) have set the gold standard for this model—and now, Haechan is joining their ranks.
With his experience, fanbase, and natural talent, many expect “TASTE” to perform well both domestically and internationally, potentially charting on iTunes and Spotify upon release.
Fans Show Their Love with Global Support
The announcement immediately lit up social media, with hashtags like #HAECHAN_TASTE, #HaechanSoloDebut, and #TASTEbyHaechan trending across platforms like X (Twitter) and Instagram.
Fans from all corners of the world have begun planning streaming projects, buying physical album bundles, and even organizing fan events to celebrate this long-awaited milestone.
Haechan’s dual fanbases—NCTzens and Dreamzens—have come together in support, excited not just for the music, but for the growth of an artist they’ve followed for nearly a decade.
What’s Next? Countdown to September 8
As September 8 draws closer, anticipation is at an all-time high. With teaser photos, concept videos, and potentially a pre-release track on the way, SM Entertainment is clearly investing heavily in Haechan’s solo debut rollout.
Given his track record of stage presence, emotional delivery, and unmatched tone, Haechan’s “TASTE” could become one of the standout K-pop solo releases of 2025.
