Xiaojun

Xiaojun, born Xiao Dejun on August 8, 1999, is a Chinese singer and songwriter best known as the main vocalist of the boy group WayV and a member of the larger NCT project under SM Entertainment and Label V. With a powerful voice and emotional delivery, he has become a standout vocalist in the Chinese K-pop scene. He made his solo debut in July 2024 with the digital single Best Friends, showcasing his storytelling abilities through a heartfelt Mandarin ballad.

Growing up in a musical family in Dongguan, Guangdong, Xiaojun was inspired by his father and older brother, both singers. He trained under SM Entertainment before debuting with WayV in January 2019. Since then, he has contributed to the group's success with albums like Take Off, Awaken The World, and Phantom, and participated in NCT-wide projects. Known for his stable live vocals and expressive stage presence, Xiaojun continues to build his career both as a group member and solo artist. [edit]

Xiaojun was born and raised in Dongguan, Guangdong, China, in a family where music was a constant presence. His father is a professional singer, and his older brother also pursued singing, which deeply influenced his own passion for music. From a young age, he showed interest in singing and playing instruments like the guitar and ukulele.

He attended Dongguan City Middle School and later received formal training in music and performance. Before joining SM Entertainment, he participated in local vocal competitions and audition programs, though details remain sparse. He was eventually scouted through SM's China-focused auditions and became a trainee under Label V. His selection as a member of WayV in late 2018 was the pivotal moment that launched his career. [edit]

Xiaojun debuted as the main vocalist of WayV on January 17, 2019, with the digital EP The Vision. The group quickly gained attention with subsequent releases like Take Off (2019) and Moonwalk (2019), where his high notes and ad-libs became a signature. In 2020, WayV's Awaken The World and the English version of Love Talk expanded their global reach. Xiaojun also participated in NCT 2020 and 2021 projects, appearing on tracks like From Home and Make A Wish.

On July 18, 2024, Xiaojun released his first solo single Best Friends, a Mandarin ballad that highlighted his vocal control and emotional depth. As of 2026, he remains active with WayV and NCT, continuing group promotions and exploring solo opportunities. [edit]

Xiaojun is widely recognized as the emotional vocal anchor of WayV, known for his refined, expressive singing and powerful high notes. His aesthetic blends elegant modern fashion with an artistic, slightly dramatic flair, often seen in flowy shirts and artistic hairstyles. Media outlets portray him as a sophisticated yet warm performer, while fans admire his genuine and humorous social media presence. He shares the official fandom name WayZenNi with WayV. Fan culture includes trending his high-note moments on Weibo and creating vocal analysis videos. His content tone is sincere and storytelling-focused, especially in ballads, and he maintains a warm, expressive, occasionally theatrical tone online.[edit]

Xiaojun is currently the 96th most famous person in C-Pop / Mandopop, a standing that reflects his sustained resonance across global media and consumption signals. This placement anchors him firmly among the era's defining vocalists, recognized not just for technical prowess but for an emotional delivery that transcends language barriers. The iFANN Global Fame Rankings track this trajectory, confirming his steady position within the industry without fluctuation from the previous cycle.

His influence extends deeply into the organized energy of the WayZenNies, the official fandom that has mobilized globally since the group's inception. These fans are known for their high-energy support, having turned out in force for events ranging from sold-out gatherings in the Philippines to the extensive "Phantom" fanmeeting tour across Europe. While Xiaojun maintains a close bond with supporters through his social media presence and his two-year tenure hosting *The Show*, the collective identity remains unified under the WayZenNies banner rather than splitting into individual sub-fandoms. His career highlights, such as the chart-topping debut of *Take Off* and the long-awaited reunion with Winwin in mid-2026, serve as shared milestones that reinforce the community's dedication. Fans often describe his generous Leo nature as a catalyst for these interactions, creating a dynamic where professional achievements are celebrated as communal victories.[edit]

Born in the Year of the Rabbit with blood type A, Xiaojun carries a dramatic, theatre-like personality that fans find both captivating and endearing. He is fluent in Mandarin and Korean, with working English skills, and often showcases his musical versatility by playing the guitar and ukulele on stage or in casual settings. His contributions extend beyond singing, as he has penned lyrics for several WayV tracks, adding a personal touch to the group's discography.

A foundational legend in his lore stems from the immediate impact of WayV's 2019 debut. The release of *Take Off* was not merely successful; it topped music charts almost instantly, establishing Xiaojun as a powerhouse vocalist right out of the gate. Fans still recount the viral live performances of his high-note sections during the "Phantom" era, moments that cemented his reputation for stability and power. Another significant chapter in his narrative is his two-year run as the host of *The Show*, concluding in November 2025, which highlighted his reliability and charm before audiences. The story of the May 2026 reunion between Xiaojun, Kun, and the returning Winwin remains a particularly emotional beat for the fandom, marking a long-awaited return that resonated deeply with years of anticipation.[edit]

Xiaojun comes from a musical family. His father is a professional singer, and his older brother is also a singer. He has kept his family life largely private, with no public details about his mother or other relatives. [edit]

Xiaojun is closely associated with his WayV bandmates Kun, Ten, Winwin, Hendery, and Yangyang. He has also worked with other NCT members on group projects and collaborated with SM artists on various stages. [edit]

As a K-pop idol under SM Entertainment, Xiaojun has kept his romantic life private. There are no confirmed public relationships as of 2026. Fan speculation exists but is not supported by credible sources. He is currently reported as single. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Xiaojun's net worth is estimated at $1-3 million as of 2026, a figure derived from his extensive work with WayV and the broader NCT project. His income streams are anchored in album sales, digital streaming numbers, and revenue from concert tours and fan meetings. Merchandise sales further contribute to this total, while his solo debut single Best Friends has added a distinct layer to his earnings profile. Occasional variety show appearances and brand endorsements round out his financial portfolio, though the specific value of his individual share within group deals remains private. As an active artist living in 2026, there is no estate or posthumous revenue to consider.[edit]

Xiaojun has won awards primarily as part of WayV, including the Mnet Asian Music Award for Best New Asian Artist in 2019. The group has also received several rookie and popularity awards at Chinese and Korean ceremonies. No major solo awards have been reported as of 2026. [edit]