YangYang

YangYang, born Liu Yangyang on October 10, 2000, in Taipei, Taiwan, is a singer, rapper, and dancer best known as a member of the K-pop group WayV and its sub-units. He debuted in 2019 under SM Entertainment's Chinese-label Label V, becoming the first Taiwanese idol to debut under the company. Fluent in Mandarin, Korean, and English, YangYang brings a multilingual edge to the group's global appeal. His stage presence, sharp rapping, and dance skills quickly earned him a dedicated fanbase.

As part of WayV, YangYang has contributed to multiple EPs and albums, including the 2019 debut single The Vision and the 2020 full-length album Awaken the World. He also joined the rotational NCT 2020 project, appearing on the album NCT 2020 Resonance. Known for his charismatic performances and youthful energy, YangYang continues to grow as an artist, collaborating with fellow NCT members and exploring solo activities. [edit]

YangYang was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, into a supportive family. He attended Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School, a prestigious institution known for its academic rigor. During his school years, he developed an interest in dance and music, participating in school performances and dance clubs. At age 16, he was scouted by SM Entertainment through a global audition, leading him to move to Seoul, South Korea, to train as a K-pop idol. He trained for about three years, honing his skills in rap, dance, and vocal performance, before being announced as a member of SM's new Chinese boy group WayV in 2018. [edit]

YangYang debuted as a member of WayV on January 17, 2019, with the digital single The Vision. The group's first EP, Take Off, released later that year, peaked at number 7 on the Gaon Album Chart. In 2020, WayV released their first full-length album Awaken the World, which debuted at number 3 on the Gaon Album Chart and sold over 200,000 copies. YangYang also participated in the NCT 2020 project, performing on the album NCT 2020 Resonance and its follow-up Resonance Pt. 2. He gained individual recognition for his rap verses in songs like Turn Back Time and Kick Back. In 2021, WayV released the EP Kick Back, which topped the Gaon Album Chart. YangYang has also appeared on variety shows and hosted radio segments, expanding his presence beyond music. [edit]

YangYang is widely recognized for his energetic, multilingual, and versatile public persona. On stage, he projects sharp confidence as a rapper and dancer, often wearing streetwear-infused high-fashion looks that blend youthful vibrancy with urban edge. Off stage, his bright, playful personality shines through behind-the-scenes content and variety shows, where he is known for his humor and approachable charm. Media outlets frequently highlight his status as the first Taiwanese idol under SM Entertainment, emphasizing his global appeal. Fans, part of the NCTzen fandom (with WayV fans called Luvies), celebrate his birthday on October 10 with fan projects and enthusiastically cheer his rap parts during concerts. His social media voice, primarily on Instagram (shared account with Xiaojun), is casual, humorous, and interactive, often sharing dance challenge videos and personal updates.[edit]

YangYang commands a fiercely loyal following within the global K-pop ecosystem, anchored by his identity as the first Taiwanese idol to debut under SM Entertainment. While the collective fanbase identifies officially as NCTzen, no distinct individual fandom name exists for his supporters, who instead rally around his reputation as a criminally underrated main rapper and lead dancer. This devotion manifests in high-energy digital campaigns; when WayV returned with their fourth EP Phantom in late 2022, fans mobilized across social platforms to break streaming records and celebrate the end of a release drought. The community also cherishes specific cultural myths surrounding him, particularly the narrative of his affluent upbringing in Düsseldorf, Germany, which has become a defining piece of lore retold in fan edits. Another enduring story is his chaotic, affectionate chemistry with fellow member Ten, a dynamic that sparked viral moments during the Low Low promotions. These narratives, combined with his sharp stage presence and multilingual charm, have cultivated a protective and vocal audience that advocates tirelessly for his visibility. Despite this intense engagement and significant commercial success with WayV, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated YangYang but currently finds he does not hold a placement in the published rankings, including the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list.[edit]

YangYang holds the distinction of being the first Taiwanese idol to debut under SM Entertainment. He speaks Mandarin, Korean, and English fluently, bringing a unique multilingual edge to his performances. Fans affectionately call him 'Yangyangie,' and he owns a pet dog named Ddung-i. In 2021, he released a solo dance cover of Kai's Rover, which accumulated millions of views on YouTube. Beyond these facts, a popular legend among his followers frames him as one of the 'Rich Kids' of NCT, a story rooted in reports of his wealthy upbringing in Taiwan and Germany after moving there at age 11. This narrative has become a staple of his persona in fan culture. Another iconic element of his lore is his playful, chaotic friendship with member Ten, which gained widespread attention through their banter during the Low Low promotions. Their dynamic turned a simple interview moment into a viral sensation that defined their group's early chemistry.[edit]

YangYang has not publicly shared details about his family members. He was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, and his family has been supportive of his career. He currently resides in Seoul, South Korea, for his activities with WayV. [edit]

YangYang is associated with SM Entertainment and its sub-label Label V. He is a member of WayV alongside Kun, Ten, Winwin, Xiaojun, and Hendery. He has collaborated with other NCT units, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream, during the NCT 2020 project. [edit]

YangYang has kept his personal life private and has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. As of 2026, he is reported to be single, focusing on his career with WayV and NCT. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN's editorial analysis estimates YangYang's net worth at $5 million. His primary income streams originate from his activities with WayV and NCT, encompassing album sales, concert tours, merchandise, and digital streaming. WayV's albums have sold over 1 million copies cumulatively, while tours across Asia and North America have generated significant revenue. YangYang also earns from individual endorsements, variety show appearances, and social media promotions. His net worth has steadily grown since his debut in 2019, with a notable increase following the success of WayV's Awaken the World album in 2020.[edit]

YangYang has won several awards as part of WayV and NCT, including the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Award for Best New Asian Artist (Mandarin) and the 2021 Asia Artist Award for Best Artist (Singer) – Group. He also received the 2022 Golden Disc Award for Best Album (Bonsang) for WayV's Kick Back. [edit]