Bangkok expresses thanks to NCT's Taeyong for making Lumphini Park aerobics viral—a dance step that even main dancers sweat over.
On 9 April 2026, a soft power phenomenon caught attention early in the year as the aerobics area at Lumphini Park, once mainly used by retirees for exercise, became crowded with young people and international tourists flocking to check in following the footsteps of Taeyong, leader and top artist of NCT. Bangkok officially thanked him for helping revive the health movement.
The Beginning: Running VLOG in Bangkok
About a month ago, Taeyong released a VLOG on his YouTube channel titled “ˋˏ 툥이랑 같이 러닝 뛸 사람? ᖰ◕‿◕ᖳ ˎˊ | TAEYONG Running VLOG in Bangkok,” showing his simple lifestyle in Bangkok, including jogging and joining an aerobics group at Lumphini Park.
A key highlight that made this clip legendary was the world-class artist, known as a “main dancer” with sharp choreography, openly admitting, “Thai aerobics steps are really difficult.” Taeyong’s struggle to keep up with the instructor’s footwork became an endearing moment quickly shared on social media.
After the clip went viral, the hashtag #Taeyong surged alongside the trending “Lumphini Park aerobics” on TikTok and Twitter. Many Thai and international fans began appearing at the Sun Smile area in Lumphini Park around 6 p.m. to experience firsthand the challenge described by their idol.
The Taeyong Effect! Thais are exercising and caring more about health.
Health-Conscious Youth: The number of people joining aerobics has visibly increased, especially among teenagers who normally might not be interested in this activity.
A New Tourism Landmark: Korean tourists and fans worldwide have added “Lumphini Park aerobics” to their must-do list when visiting Bangkok.
Upgrading Public Spaces: On 7 April 2026, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt officially launched a new stage and sound-lighting equipment donated by the private sector to support the huge influx of exercisers.
Bangkok Thanks Taeyong, Communicating During Songkran Festival
During the 2026 Songkran Festival, Bangkok took the opportunity to post an official thank you message to Lee Taeyong for inspiring urban residents to care for their health and breaking age barriers in public parks.
Most public comments were positive, with many admitting, “I came to exercise because of Taeyong,” and praising Bangkok for timely leveraging this soft power trend to benefit the health of city residents.