Chenle

Background

Zhong Chenle, known for his stage name and mononym Chenle, is part of N.C.T. — one of the biggest boy bands in the Korean pop industry to date. However, his music career started before he became a part of N.C.T. Chenle was born on November 22, 2021, in Shanghai, China, growing up with his parents and older brother. It is known that he studied at Beijing Contemporary Music School, showing his immense interest in music at a young age. When he was five, he entered the Shanghai Ying Siu Sing School and began taking dance classes. In 2008, he started studying vocal music with Huang Jing and entered the Shanghai Little Flute Art Troupe.

Chenle released his first solo album in 2010, titled “Tomorrow.” The next year, he was invited to sing at the Golden Hall of Vienna. Accompanied by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Chenle performed ‘Memory’ from Andrew Lloyd Webbers’ musical, “Cats.” He garnered massive attention since he was the youngest singer to ever perform a solo there, and his music experience became more advanced from there. He released two more albums after that, “My Wings” (2011) and “You Are There” (2014). Not only that, but he also participated in singing competitions and uploaded song covers on YouTube throughout the years. Chenle also represented China as a young cultural diplomat in the World Organization of Child Ambassadors of Peace, founded by the renowned pianist and award-winning producer Ezekiel Elkin. Through this, he sang in their international multicultural show that took place in Buenos Aires in 2014. He also started acting by doing a minor role in the Chinese drama “The Queen of SOP 2.” Chenle then began his Korean pop idol career in 2016, when he debuted as a member of N.C.T. Dream.

He was one of the four members that had not been introduced in the pre-debut documentary organized by S.M. Town called “S.M. Rookies,” garnering surprise from fans. His first discography with N.C.T. Dream was the single ‘Chewing Gum,’ featured later in their first single album “The First,” released in 2017 with the lead single ‘My First and Last.’ Chenle continues to promote music in N.C.T. Dream and later with sub-units N.C.T. U and N.C.T. 127 as part of NCT 2018.

It was not until 2019 that N.C.T. Dream finally had its domestic breakthrough by winning digital sales in music shows and, later, Bonsang Awards at the 34th Golden Disc Awards. Not only through this, but N.C.T. Dream’s success also continues to flourish after opening their YouTube account, CHANNEL N.C.T. DAILY, garnering attention from worldwide fans. In 2020, Chenle became a part of the Korean radio show Yuedong Seoul as their main D.J. He then departed a year later. Chenle’s impressive success in the music industry made fans and netizens alike highlight his wealthy family background. It was mainly shown through his pre-debut pictures, where we can see him posing in front of large houses, massive courtyards, and in front of luxury cars. Reportedly, he’s the grandson of a Chinese conglomerate that was a part of the 20 most successful entrepreneurs in China.