Evolution of NCT Jeno in 23 Years, 20 Facts You Need to Know

In honor of NCT Jeno ’s birthday on April 23, let’s look at his growth, changes, and facts – from birth to now.

Evolution of NCT Jeno in 23 Years

1. The Strong King

Lee Jeno (이제노) is a talented rapper, dancer, and vocalist of NCT. He was born on April 23, 2000, in Incheon, South Korea. His name was given by his grandmother, and in Hanja, it is roughly translated as ‘strong king.’

2. A Mischievous Child

From a young age, Jeno was lively. And one of shocking facts of NCT Jeno: he was a mischievous child! He once slapped a stranger in a public bath because he mistook that person for his dad!

3. Debut as A Toddler

With his adorable and cute face, Jeno started his acting jobs in commercials by the age of five. He was street cast on the subway and appeared in his first commercial for Enfant Milk. Not long after, he appeared in other commercials, like Pulmuone, SK Telecom, Dr. You, and more.

4. First Significant Change

Entering the industry as a toddler made Jeno lose his mischievous trait. He suddenly changed to be more mature and responsible. Jeno preferred studying and reading books to hanging out.

5. Smart and Creative

Since Jeno was studying hard, he achieved excellent scores in academic subjects. The teenage Lee Jeno even scored the second-highest grades in his class and entered Science in high school. After graduating high school, Jeno decided to learn architecture in college (although he dreamed of becoming a car designer).

6. The All-Rounder

One of the facts about NCT Jeno is that he was born all-rounder. Apparently, he has had many talents since he was a teenager. Jeno is good at sports and even joined the track team at his school. Not only that, but he also loved to play soccer. Jeno could have easily become anything he wanted: scientist, architect, or even athlete.

7. Audition with SM Entertainment

However, life had a different plan for Jeno. SM Entertainment approached the 13-year-old Jeno hoping to cast him. Jeno and his mother gave a chance for SM Entertainment, and he performed SHINee’s Beautiful at his audition.

Lee Jeno became more responsible after debuting in entertainment industry | Twitter

8. Joining One of the Biggest Agencies

In June 2013, Jeno officially joined one of the biggest agencies at that time, SM Entertainment. At the same time, Jaemin also arrived, and the two became fast friends.

9. A Fast Learner

Considering Jeno had no experience in performance skills (he came with acting background), he had to learn everything from scratch. However, any obstacles wouldn’t stop Jeno; he is indeed a fast learner. As a result, on December 3, 2013, Jeno earned himself a highly coveted spot in SM Rookies.

10. Long Way to Debut

During his long way to debut, Jeno appeared on EXO’s EXO 90:2014 reality show. He even adorably joined as a musketeer alongside SM Rookies members in Disney Channels’ The Mickey Mouse Club, which aired from July to December 2015.

11. Debut with NCT

Finally, in 2016, Jeno hit the stage as the main rapper and lead dancer for NCT Dream. Fans instantly fell for Jeno!

12. The Success Story

Since his debut with NCT, Jeno has appeared on screen more often. He participated in the NCT 2018 Project and became the MC for SBS MTV’s The Show for over a year.

13. Debut as Songwriter

Still in 2018, Jeno came back with NCT Dream. Not only that, but he also featured a collaboration with Red Velvet Yeri for the Trolls x SM Station OST. Besides, Jeno began lending his songwriting skills to his group too.

14. Representative in Malaysia

In 2019, Jeno and fellow groupmates Jisung and Jaemin represented Kpop stars at K-wave & Halal Show in Malaysia. This marked the friendship between Korea and Malaysia and was attended by President Moon Jae-in.

15. Kind-hearted Jeno

Still in 2019, Jeno and Jaemin volunteered to visit children in Indonesia in collaboration with Good Neighbours International and Gugah Nurani Indonesia Foundation.

16. Getting More Collabs

In 2020, Jeno joined NCT’s rotational unit, NCT U. Following that, in 2021 and 2022, Lee Jeno got more collaboration projects, such as in California Love with Donghae, Villain with Key, and Hot & Cold from 2022 Winter SM Town: SMCU Palace alongside his labelmates Seulgi, Kai, and Karina.

17. The Group’s Captain

It is no longer a secret that Jeno has natural leadership ability. NCT DREAM members admitted that Jeno is the group’s captain, although he is not the official leader. Not only is he the pillar to support his teammates, but his thoughtfulness, sincerity, and patience allow him to listen and lead.

18. Powerful Dancer

In addition to his songwriting and vocal skills, Jeno proves himself as the lead dancer of the group with his very distinct way of dancing. Jeno’s moves are graceful yet powerful. Although he said he is introverted, he seems to have a completely different personality on stage.

19. Expanding Career as A Model

On September 13, 2022, Jeno became the first Kpop idol to be the opening model for a New York Fashion Week show. He walked for Peter Do’s Spring 2023 collection show.

20. The $5 Million Man

Lee Jeno is said to be one of the richest Kpop idols, with a net worth of US$ 5 Million per 2023 (according to Forbes & Business Insider).

Above are some facts about NCT Jeno, but there is another hilarious fact: Jeno is an allergic cat owner. Despite his allergy to cats, he owns three cats: Bongshik, Seol, and Nal.

Finally, we would like to say happy birthday, NCT Lee Jeno! Wish you many happy returns and success!

JENO WITH MY BIRTHDAY HEADBAND IM STILL CRYING AHAHAHA ㅠㅠ#제노 #JENO #NCTDREAM_THEDREAMSHOW2 #NCTDREAM #THEDREAMSHOW2_in_SEATTLE pic.twitter.com/8axJLAia1k
— cait ♡ tds2!! (@doieshope) April 22, 2023