Being an idol often means your image is highly maintained, sticking to beauty standards that often favor thinness. This is why, when male stars fulfill their mandatory military enlistment and undergo transformations as they gain weight and build muscle, there are usually huge reactions from fans.
ARMYs Are Shocked By BTS Jin’s Dramatic Physical Transformation Since Enlisting In The Military
One such transformation has left a popular idol still unrecognizable to some, even months after his service ended.
When NCT debuted in 2016 with NCT U’s The 7th Sense, the members were all teens or in their early twenties and on the thinner side.
NCT U | SM Entertainment
Leader Taeyong remained on the slimmer side throughout his activities afterward, adding some lean muscle as he aged, but nothing too intense.
| ELLE Korea
However, once his enlistment began, fans noticed that the idol’s new habits in the Navy were affecting his physique. Standard and timed meals, along with weight training, caused the idol to put on some healthy weight, and he consistently gained attention for his visuals.
NCT Taeyong’s Visuals Go Viral While In The Navy
Taeyong has since been released and returned to activities, losing a bit of weight, but remaining more muscular as he has stated is his preference. In mid-April, Taeyong’s collaboration with Anderson Paak, “Rock Solid” was released.
In a new TikTok promoting the release, Taeyong and Anderson Paak do a skit, while Taeyong is dressed in a tank top.
@official_nct
That’s me EVERYTHING, ALL AT ONCE, NEO 2026NCT.COM #TAEYONG #AndersonPaak #RockSolid #NCT #NCT_10TH_ANNIVERSARY
♬ original sound – backgarden – backgarden
Many commenters expressed surprise over seeing Taeyong’s buff visuals, even saying they at first thought it was a cosplayer rather than the actual idol.