Chenle

Biography

Zhong Chenle is a Chinese singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor based in South Korea. He is best known as a member of the South Korean boy band NCT and its sub-units NCT Dream and NCT U, managed by SM Entertainment. Chenle first debuted in August 2016 with NCT Dream and has since established himself as one of the group’s main vocalists and a prominent figure in K-pop.

Early Life and Education

Zhong Chenle was born on November 22, 2001, in Shanghai, China. He grew up with an older brother who is significantly older than him. From a young age, Chenle displayed exceptional musical talent and began training in music and performance early in life. He entered the Shanghai Ying Siu Sing School in 2006, where he began formal dance training, and later joined the Shanghai Little Star Art Troupe, studying vocal music under a professional instructor.

As a child singer, Chenle performed in various concerts and television shows in China and abroad. At age nine, he became the youngest singer invited to perform solo at the prestigious Golden Hall of Vienna, showcasing his early vocal skill on an international stage. By the time he was fourteen, Chenle had released three solo albums and held his own solo concert in China, highlighting his success prior to joining the K-pop industry.

Before moving to South Korea, he attended Shangwen Middle School and later enrolled at the Beijing Contemporary Music School, from which he graduated in 2020, further developing his musical foundation.

Career

Pre-Debut and Solo Beginnings

Chenle began his musical journey as a child singer in China, gaining recognition through performances in major venues and television programs. His early success included releasing multiple albums and performing internationally, which set the stage for his recruitment by SM Entertainment.

Debut with NCT Dream (2016–Present)

In 2016, Chenle signed with SM Entertainment and moved to South Korea to pursue his career as an idol. He made his official debut on August 24, 2016, as a member of NCT Dream, the youth-focused sub-unit of NCT, with the digital single Chewing Gum. Since debuting, Chenle has served as one of NCT Dream’s main vocalists, contributing powerful and emotive performances to the group’s releases.

In addition to his work with NCT Dream, Chenle has participated in NCT’s rotational projects, including NCT U, where he has contributed his vocal talent to collaborative releases across the group’s varied discography.

Discography