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Woozi
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Lee Ji-hoon (Korean: 이지훈; born November 22, 1996), known by his stage name Woozi (우지), is a South Korean singer, songwriter and record producer. Managed by Pledis Entertainment, he is a member of the South Korean boy band Seventeen, the leader of its vocal team, and part of its subunit Hoshi X Woozi.
Key Information
In 2022, he made his solo debut with "Ruby". Aside from his work as a soloist and with Seventeen, Woozi has also written for other K-pop artists such as NU'EST W, Ailee, and I.O.I.
Early life
[edit]From a young age, Woozi studied classical music and learned to play the clarinet and other band instruments.[1] He successfully auditioned for Pledis Entertainment and met labelmate Bumzu, a frequent collaborator on music production.[2] He graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School and subsequently enrolled in Hanyang University.[citation needed] In 2022, he enrolled in a Master's degree at Anyang University.[3]
Career
[edit]2015–present: Debut with Seventeen and solo activities
[edit]On May 26, 2015, Woozi debuted in the self-producing group Seventeen with the single "Adore U".[4] He helped write and produce every track on their debut extended play (EP) 17 Carat.[5] He has since become Seventeen's main producer along with Bumzu and is credited for writing over 80% of the group's discography as of January 2019.[6][2]
Shortly thereafter, Woozi began writing for other artists as well. In 2016, he and Ailee wrote lyrics for her collaboration with Eric Nam, "Feelin'".[7] In 2017, Woozi wrote the last single released by the project group I.O.I, "Downpour", whose lyrics received praise.[8] Later that year, he gifted the song "Thankful for You" (지금까지 행복했어요) to labelmate Baekho of NU'EST W, which was featured in the group's first EP W, Here.[9] Woozi became a full member of the Korea Music Copyright Association in 2019.[10] On October 15, 2019, Woozi released the song "Miracle" for the soundtrack of the television series The Tale of Nokdu.[11]
In 2021, he worked with fellow Seventeen member Hoshi on the latter's song "Spider", which debuted at number five on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.[12][13] That year, Woozi won Best Producer at the 6th Asia Artist Awards, becoming the youngest recipient of the accolade in the show's history.[14] He released his first mixtape, Ruby, on January 3, 2022.[15] Its lead single, the first track he wrote entirely in the English language, reached number one on iTunes charts in at least 18 different regions, including Chile, Mexico, Indonesia, and Philippines.[16]
On January 26, 2024, Woozi officially released the song "What Kind of Future" as a birthday gift to his late friend Moonbin, who had died the previous year.[17][18]
On February 19, 2025, Pledis Entertainment announced that Woozi would be debuting in a sub-unit alongside Hoshi as Hoshi X Woozi, with the release of a single album titled Beam on March 10.[19]
Endorsements
[edit]In October 2022, Korean fashion brand Romantic Crown announced that they had selected Woozi as their brand model for their 2022 Fall/Winter collection.[20] In March 2023, the brand collaborated with Woozi on a second collection, which featured clothing referencing "Universe Factory", Woozi's nickname for his music studio.[21]
Personal life
[edit]Military service
[edit]Woozi commenced his mandatory military service in the South Korean military on September 15, 2025, as an active duty soldier.[22]
Discography
[edit]Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions |
Sales | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [23] | ||||
| "Q&A" (with Ailee, S.Coups, and Vernon) |
2015 | 58 |
|
Non-album single |
| "YOSM" (요즈음) (Kanto featuring Woozi) |
2016 | 99 |
|
14216 |
| "Ruby" | 2022 | — | N/a | Non-album singles |
| "What Kind of Future" (어떤 미래) |
2024 | 133 | ||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. | ||||
Other charted songs
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [26] | |||
| "Destiny" (운명)[A] | 2025 | 104 | Happy Burstday |
Soundtrack appearances
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [23] |
KOR Hot [27] | ||||
| "A-Teen" with Joshua, Hoshi, Vernon, and Dino |
2018 | 17 | — | A-Teen OST | |
| "Miracle" | 2019 | —[B] | — | The Tale of Nokdu OST | |
| "Is It Still Beautiful" (여전히 아름다운지) with Seungkwan and DK, originally by Kim Yeon-woo |
2021 | 25 | 22 | Hospital Playlist OST Part 8 | |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. | |||||
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Award | Year | Category | Nominee(s) / work(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Artist Awards | 2021 | Best Producer | Woozi | Won | [14] |
| Melon Music Awards | 2017 | Hot Trend Award | "Downpour"[C] | Nominated | [29] |
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Park, Su-jeong (June 18, 2015). "[My Name] 세븐틴 (2) 보컬팀 - 우지, 조슈아, 정한, 도겸, 승관" [[My Name] Seventeen (2) Vocal Team – Woozi, Joshua, Jeonghan, DK, Seungkwan]. TenAsia (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
- ^ a b Yoon, Seung-geun (January 19, 2019). '프로듀서' 우지 "솔로 욕심? 세븐틴이 먼저죠"(인터뷰) ['Producer' Woozi "Greed for solo? Seventeen comes first" (interview)]. StarNews (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 31, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
- ^ Anyang University (February 15, 2022). 우리대학 대학원 입학 세븐틴 최승철, 이지훈, 윤정한 합격증 전달 축하. Anyang University. Archived from the original on March 1, 2024. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
- ^ Benjamin, Jeff (May 30, 2015). "Here's What a 13-Member K-Pop Boy Band Looks Like: Watch 'Adore U' by Seventeen". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 7, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
- ^ Won, Ho-jung (May 26, 2015). "Seventeen hopes to shine like diamonds with '17 Carat'". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ Chin, Carmen (October 26, 2021). "SEVENTEEN on the importance of making their own music: "This is like our philosophy"". NME. Archived from the original on November 1, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ Kim, Joo-ae (October 11, 2016). "'올드스쿨' 에일리, 센 언니 'NO'...애교만점 '흥 부자' (종합)" ['Old School' Ailee, older sister 'NO'... Full of aegyo 'heung rich' (comprehensive)]. Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 1, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ Han, Jeong-won (March 30, 2019). ""흥행 문제 없어"...진영·백호·우지·정세운, 소문난 프로듀싱 ★ [엑's 기획]" ["No performance problems"... Jinyoung·Baekho·Woozi·Jeong Sewoon, famous producing ★ [X's plan]]. Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 1, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ Kim, Mi-ji (October 11, 2017). '프레젠트' 뉴이스트W 백호 "세븐틴 우지가 솔로곡 선물...가사수정 無" ['Present' Nu'est W Baekho "Seventeen's Woozi presents a solo song... No lyrics correction"]. Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
- ^ Hwang, Hye-jin (January 28, 2019). "'뮤직쇼' 세븐틴 우지 "저작권협회 정회원 됐다, 굴비 기대돼"" ['Music Show' SEVENTEEN's Woozi "I'm a full member of the Copyright Association, I'm looking forward to Gulbi"]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 1, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ Ji, Min-kyung (October 15, 2019). "세븐틴 우지, '녹두전' OST 세 번째 주자..오늘(15일) 'Miracle' 발매 [공식]" [SEVENTEEN's Woozi, 'The Battle of Nokdu' OST 3rd Runner..Today (15th) 'Miracle' Released [Official]]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 31, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
- ^ Delgado, Sara (April 2, 2021). "SEVENTEEN's HOSHI Talks First Solo Mixtape "Spider"". Teen Vogue. Archived from the original on April 2, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ McIntyre, Hugh (April 18, 2021). "BTS, Chanyeol, Stray Kids, Astro And Hoshi: Hits Making Moves On The World Songs Chart". Forbes. Archived from the original on November 1, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ a b 그룹 세븐틴, '2021 AAA' 대상 '올해의 가수'... 개인 수상까지 3관왕 영예 [Group SEVENTEEN, '2021 AAA' grand prize 'Singer of the Year'... 3 crown honors up to individual awards]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). December 3, 2021. Archived from the original on December 4, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
- ^ Lee, Tae-soo (December 28, 2021). "세븐틴 우지, 내달 3일 첫 믹스테이프 '루비' 발표" [SEVENTEEN's Woozi to release the first mixtape 'Ruby' on the 3rd of next month]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 28, 2021. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
- ^ "세븐틴 우지, 솔로 믹스테이프 '루비'로 아이튠즈 차트 1위" [SEVENTEEN's Woozi tops iTunes chart with solo mixtape 'Ruby'] (in Korean). 뉴스1. January 4, 2022. Archived from the original on January 15, 2022. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
- ^ Choi, Jae-soo (January 26, 2024). 세븐틴 우지, 故문빈 생일에 곡 '어떤 미래' 선물. Yonhap (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "Fulfilling a promise, Seventeen's Woozi officially releases "What Kind of Future" (어떤 미래) - listen". Bandwagon Asia. January 26, 2024. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Shim, Sun-ah (February 19, 2025). "Seventeen's Hoshi, Woozi form new unit, to release first single next month". Yonhap News Agency. Archived from the original on February 19, 2025. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
- ^ Cheon, Seol-hwa (October 27, 2022). "로맨틱크라운, 세븐틴 우지와 함께한 22FW 패션 화보 공개 ::". 스타데일리뉴스 (in Korean).
- ^ Lim, Jong-bin (March 17, 2023). "로맨틱크라운, 세븐틴 우지'와의 두번째 시즌 23SP 화보 공개". 뉴스브라이트 (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 14, 2024. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
- ^ Hwang, You-mee (September 15, 2025). "Seventeen's Woozi enlists, Hoshi to follow". The Korea Herald.
- ^ a b Peaks on the Circle Chart:
- "Q&A (2015)". circlechart.kr. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- "YOSM (2016)". September 6, 2016. Archived from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
- "A-Teen (2018)". August 18, 2018. Archived from the original on August 23, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
- "Is It Still Beautiful (2021)". October 30, 2021. Archived from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
- "What Kind of Future (2024)". February 3, 2024. Archived from the original on February 8, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Cumulative sales of "Q&A":
- "Gaon Download Chart November 29 – December 5, 2015". Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
- "Gaon Download Chart December 6 – 12, 2015". Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on March 14, 2017. Retrieved December 16, 2015.
- ^ 2016년 37주차 Download Chart. Archived from the original on October 10, 2016. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
- ^ Peak chart positions on Circle Digital Chart:
- "Destiny". Circle Chart. May 31, 2025.
- ^ Peak chart positions on Billboard K-pop 100:* "Is It Still Beautiful": "BILLBOARD K-POP 100 (The week of September 4, 2021)". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 2, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
- ^ 2019년 42주차 Download Chart [Week 42 of 2019 Download Chart]. Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ "MMA Voting". Melon. Archived from the original on November 16, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
External links
[edit]Woozi
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family background
Lee Ji-hoon, professionally known as Woozi, was born on November 22, 1996, in Busan, South Korea.[8] As the only child in his family, he grew up in a supportive household that encouraged his personal development.[8][9] From a young age, Woozi displayed a keen interest in music, beginning with classical studies and learning to play the clarinet along with other band instruments.[10] He was largely self-taught in several aspects of music and enjoyed singing, often receiving positive feedback on his voice from those around him.[10] His exposure to K-pop came through media and general cultural influences in Busan, bolstered by familial encouragement to pursue his passions.[11] Inspired by performers like Chris Brown and Park Jin-young, at the age of 14 Woozi relocated from Busan to Seoul in 2011 to pursue trainee opportunities with Pledis Entertainment, transitioning from his familiar coastal hometown environment to the demands of the capital's entertainment scene.[9] This move marked the end of his early childhood in Busan and the start of a more structured path toward his musical career.Education and pre-debut training
Woozi attended Hanlim Multi Art School in Seoul, where he majored in practical music and graduated in 2015.[9] The institution, known for its focus on performing arts, allowed him to hone his vocal and instrumental skills alongside other aspiring artists. In 2011, at the age of 14, Woozi successfully passed an open audition at Pledis Entertainment and joined as a trainee, marking his entry into the competitive K-pop industry.[12] His family supported the move to Seoul to pursue this opportunity, enabling him to relocate and commit to his musical aspirations. The subsequent four-year training period was intensive, involving up to 12 hours daily of vocal lessons, dance practice, and performance drills to prepare for debut.[13][14] As an early trainee, Woozi quickly demonstrated his production talent by composing demo tracks and assisting with studio sessions, often experimenting with melodies on instruments like the guitar and piano that he had learned since childhood.[12]Career
Seventeen debut and group activities
Woozi debuted as a member of the South Korean boy group Seventeen on May 26, 2015, with the release of their debut extended play 17 Carat and its lead single "Adore U."[15] In the 13-member group, he serves as the leader of the vocal team subunit, alongside members Jeonghan, Joshua, DK, and Seungkwan, and holds positions as lead vocalist and sub-rapper.[16] As a key creative force, Woozi has been instrumental in shaping Seventeen's self-producing identity, contributing to choreography concepts through his music production to ensure synchronization with performances, though primary choreography direction is led by performance team leader Hoshi.[17] Woozi's songwriting and production have defined many of Seventeen's signature tracks, establishing the group's dynamic sound blending pop, hip-hop, and electronic elements. He served as the primary songwriter for "Mansae" from their 2015 EP Boys Be, co-writing lyrics with members S.Coups, Vernon, Mingyu, and Wonwoo, and co-composing with frequent collaborator Bumzu.[18] For the 2017 single "Don't Wanna Cry" from Al1, Woozi co-wrote and co-composed the track with Bumzu, incorporating electronic beats to evoke emotional depth. His full production role shone in "Very Nice" from the 2016 repackage Love & Letter, where he co-wrote and co-composed the upbeat summer anthem with S.Coups, Vernon, and Bumzu. Similarly, for the 2019 title track "HOT" from You Made My Dawn, Woozi led the songwriting and production, blending guitar riffs with hip-hop to convey the group's confident evolution. These contributions have helped Seventeen achieve multiple Billboard milestones, including topping the World Digital Song Sales chart with tracks like "Don't Wanna Cry" and earning six top 10 entries on the Billboard 200.[19] Under Woozi's vocal leadership and musical guidance, Seventeen has undertaken several landmark world tours that highlight their synchronized performances and fan engagement. The group's first global outing, the 2017 Diamond Edge World Tour, spanned 13 countries and showcased Woozi's produced hits in stadiums across Asia, North America, and Australia. This was followed by the 2019 Ode to You World Tour, which visited 18 cities in Asia and North America, drawing over 200,000 attendees and featuring intricate vocal arrangements led by Woozi. By 2025, amid mandatory military enlistments for several members, Seventeen continued their momentum with the ongoing [NEW_] World Tour, performing as a nine-member unit starting with shows at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium on September 13–14, emphasizing adaptability and group resilience. Additionally, Woozi represented the vocal team in external projects, such as serving as a special vocal coach and judge on the 2023 survival program R U Next?, where he provided feedback on trainees' performances to foster emerging talent.Solo releases and production work
Woozi released his debut solo mixtape, Ruby, on January 3, 2022, marking his first independent musical project outside of Seventeen activities.[4] The title track, a fully English-language rock-infused song, quickly rose to No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs charts in 18 countries, including Chile, Mexico, and the Philippines, showcasing his ability to blend introspective lyrics with dynamic production.[20] Beyond his solo output, Woozi has established himself as a prolific producer for external artists, extending his creative influence across the K-pop landscape. In 2015, he co-produced the collaborative track "Q&A" featuring Seventeen members S.Coups and Vernon alongside Ailee, blending smooth R&B elements with harmonious vocals.[21] The following year, he co-wrote lyrics for Ailee's "Feelin'" with Eric Nam, contributing to its emotional depth and melodic structure. His production credits also include works for groups like I.O.I and artists such as BAEKHO, demonstrating his versatility in crafting tracks that resonate with diverse styles.[22] Within Seventeen, Woozi has handled full production for subunit releases, including BSS's Second Wind (2023), where he composed and arranged key tracks to amplify the unit's upbeat energy.[23] In recent years, Woozi's production role has intensified amid Seventeen's evolving discography, particularly with pre-enlistment projects. For the group's best-of album 17 Is Right Here (2024), he received credits on every track, overseeing composition and arrangement to weave together the band's decade-long narrative through reimagined hits and new material like "MAESTRO."[24] This hands-on approach underscores his overlap with group songwriting, where he typically leads creative direction for Seventeen's releases. In July 2025, Woozi, alongside bandmate Vernon, accepted an invitation to join the Recording Academy's 2025 New Member Class, recognizing his contributions as a producer and songwriter in the global music industry.[25] Woozi's productivity stems from his dedicated home studio, dubbed "Universe Factory," where he composes extensively. As of 2023, he had registered over 157 songs with the Korean Music Copyright Association, and by 2025, his total credits approached 200, reflecting an output exceeding 100 compositions annually through iterative experimentation and late-night sessions.[22][26] This rigorous routine has yielded a vast archive, including nearly 500 unreleased demos, fueling both his solo endeavors and external collaborations.[27]Sub-unit and collaborative projects
Woozi serves as the leader of Seventeen's Vocal Team sub-unit, which consists of vocalists Jeonghan, Joshua, DK, and Seungkwan. The team released "Pinwheel" on October 15, 2017, as a pre-release single for the album Teen, Age, where Woozi provided lead vocals and oversaw production, emphasizing harmonious ballads that highlight the members' vocal synergy.[28] The unit followed with "Hug" on the 2019 mini-album You Made My Dawn.[29] Later in 2019, they contributed "Second Life" to the album An Ode, with Woozi again leading vocals and production to create an uplifting, emotive sound.[29] In 2025, Woozi debuted as part of the special sub-unit Hoshi x Woozi alongside Seventeen's Hoshi, releasing their first EP Beam on March 10. The three-track project, including the lead single "96ers," blends Hoshi's dynamic choreography and performance elements with Woozi's signature production and vocal delivery, marking their first dedicated duo collaboration.[30] The EP showcases a high-energy fusion of dance-pop and introspective lyrics, reflecting the duo's longstanding creative synergy within Seventeen.[31] Beyond Seventeen, Woozi has engaged in external collaborations, including featuring on Kanto's 2018 track "YOSM," where he contributed vocals to the hip-hop-infused song. He also composed and performed the OST "Miracle" for the 2019 historical drama The Tale of Nokdu, delivering a poignant ballad that earned praise for its emotional depth. Additionally, Woozi served as a guest producer and judge on the 2023 survival show R U Next?, providing vocal analysis and feedback to trainees, drawing on his production expertise to guide emerging artists.[32][33][34] Woozi has contributed to special projects, such as composing tracks for the 2018 web drama A-TEEN, including the group's collaborative OST that supported the series' youthful narrative. In 2025, he participated in fan events tied to the Hoshi x Woozi sub-unit, including preparations for their Warning fan concert tour spanning July to August across South Korea and internationally, featuring exclusive performances and interactions ahead of broader Seventeen activities.[33][35]Artistry
Musical influences and style
Woozi's musical influences draw from both K-pop and Western artists, with early exposure to music beginning through church choir and playing instruments like the clarinet, guided by his pastor-principal at an English academy.[36] He has expressed admiration for Bruno Mars, naming the singer as his top choice for a potential collaboration during a 2019 interview.[37] Additionally, Woozi has covered tracks by Michael Jackson, such as "Man in the Mirror," reflecting an appreciation for the pop icon's style.[38] His artistic style has evolved to incorporate a blend of pop, R&B, and EDM elements in SEVENTEEN's tracks, often under his production leadership.[39] Woozi's songwriting frequently features introspective lyrics exploring themes of youth, love, and personal growth, as seen in the 2016 track "Highlight," which emphasizes perseverance and shining through challenges.[40] He favors upbeat tempos that subtly mask deeper emotional layers, contributing to SEVENTEEN's versatile sound.[22] As a vocalist, Woozi possesses a light tenor range with strong falsetto capabilities, which he employs for high harmonies and stylistic flair in songs like "Heaven's Cloud."[41]Songwriting and production techniques
Woozi's songwriting process typically begins with composing melodies on instruments such as the piano or guitar, skills he developed during his middle school years when he first started creating music. He then crafts lyrics primarily in Korean, though he has incorporated English for select projects like his 2022 solo mixtape Ruby, where the intuitive flow of the language allowed for a more personal expression. This iterative approach involves multiple revisions, often starting with digital memos on his phone or computer due to his self-admitted poor handwriting, to refine the structure and emotional resonance before finalizing. By 2025, Woozi has amassed nearly 200 credits for songwriting, composition, and production across SEVENTEEN's discography and beyond.[42][43][44][45] In production, Woozi leverages his multi-instrumentalist abilities, proficiently playing the piano, guitar, drums, and clarinet, to build foundational tracks that blend organic elements with digital enhancements. He directs vocal recordings and oversees arrangements, collaborating with SEVENTEEN members who contribute to lyrics and structural tweaks for a cohesive group dynamic. Emphasis is placed on layering elements—such as building tension through instrumental progressions and silences—to create dynamic shifts, particularly amplifying emotional intensity in choruses.[42][46] Woozi has adapted to evolving digital trends by experimenting with AI technologies to explore their capabilities and limitations, ensuring they complement rather than replace human creativity in the workflow. This forward-thinking methodology is reflected in his 2025 sub-unit collaboration with Hoshi under the name HxW, where production highlights a raw, performance-driven sound that integrates member input for innovative results.[47][48]Personal life
Relationships and privacy
Woozi has consistently emphasized prioritizing his career and group activities over romantic relationships in public statements. In a 2023 interview, he addressed comments on Seventeen's dating situation by noting the demands of their schedule, stating that personal matters take a backseat to music production and performances. As of 2025, no romantic relationships have been confirmed for Woozi, aligning with his expressed focus on professional growth.[49] He maintains close friendships within Seventeen, particularly with Hoshi, whom he has described as "the closest friend in my life" during promotions for their 2025 unit single album Beam. Woozi also shares a strong bond with Vernon, often highlighting their supportive dynamic in group content. The members lived in shared dormitories until enlistments disrupted these arrangements, fostering a familial environment that Woozi credits for his emotional stability.[50][51] To preserve privacy amid fame, Woozi adopts a low-profile lifestyle, restricting social media activity to occasional updates on Weverse, Seventeen's official fan platform. This selective engagement helps him avoid scandals and maintain boundaries, as evidenced by the agency's notices against privacy invasions targeting the group.[52] Woozi occasionally references parental support in interviews, crediting his family for nurturing his early interest in music without divulging specifics. In a 2022 discussion, he alluded to their encouragement during his trainee days, underscoring their role in his perseverance.[14]Military service
Woozi enlisted for mandatory military service on September 15, 2025, at the age of 28, as an active-duty soldier in the South Korean Army.[53] He underwent five weeks of basic training at an Army boot camp before being assigned to his unit.[53] Prior to his enlistment, Woozi participated in Seventeen's 2025 promotional activities and a special send-off event titled "HOSHI X WOOZI FAN" with fellow member Hoshi, who enlisted the following day on September 16.[54] These were his final public engagements before beginning service.[7] His service is expected to last 18 months, in line with standard active-duty requirements for the Army.[55] During this period, Seventeen has continued activities as a nine-member unit, with Woozi joining Jeonghan, Wonwoo, and Hoshi on active duty.[56] As of November 2025, Woozi has completed basic training, with no further public updates available due to military restrictions on communication.[57] Pledis Entertainment has confirmed his good health and dedication to fulfilling his duties.[54] Upon discharge, Woozi is anticipated to rejoin Seventeen for full-group activities, aligning with the agency's plans for the group's continued promotions post-enlistments.[58]Public image and endorsements
Brand endorsements
Woozi's involvement in brand endorsements has primarily occurred through group activities with Seventeen, as well as select solo roles that highlight his personal style and appeal as a producer and performer. As an early endorsement, Woozi participated in Seventeen's partnership with the clothing brand Spao from 2016 to 2018, featuring in promotional photoshoots and campaigns that showcased casual, youthful menswear targeted at young consumers. In 2022, Woozi was selected as the brand model for Romantic Crown's Fall/Winter collection, featuring in campaigns that highlighted his casual fashion sense.[59] On August 20, 2022, Woozi threw the ceremonial first pitch at the KBO League game between the LG Twins and the Kiwoom Heroes at Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Wearing the LG Twins uniform, he delivered a solid pitch that was well-received by fans and spectators.[60] These endorsement deals have played a key role in Woozi's commercial success, with his estimated net worth at $3-5 million as of 2025, driven by his growing individual popularity beyond group activities.[11]Philanthropic efforts
Woozi, as a core member and primary producer of SEVENTEEN, has actively participated in the group's philanthropic initiatives focused on child welfare and youth support. From 2018 to 2024, SEVENTEEN directed proceeds from album sales, concerts, and anniversaries toward organizations aiding underprivileged children, including donations to ChildFund Korea in 2019 for educational programs and to the Korean National Commission for UNESCO in 2022 to support global education for marginalized youth affected by crises.[61][62] These efforts cumulatively exceeded 100 million KRW dedicated to child welfare causes, reflecting the group's commitment to leveraging their platform for social good. In 2017, Woozi personally contributed by donating a shirt to the WeAja Charity Flea Market, which raised funds for educational assistance to children in need.[63] On an individual level, Woozi has supported child welfare through fan-driven charity platforms. In 2021 and 2024, he was selected as a CHOEAEDOL Charity Fairy, prompting donations of 500,000 KRW each time to the MIRAL Welfare Foundation, which provides comprehensive support for low-income families with disabled children, including medical and educational aid.[64][65] As part of SEVENTEEN, he co-contributed to the establishment of the "Going Together – For Youth Creativity and Well-Being" Global Youth Grant Scheme in 2022–2024, initially seeded with a $1 million group donation to UNESCO for music education in underprivileged areas worldwide.[66] In 2025, ahead of his military enlistment, Woozi joined SEVENTEEN's ongoing youth advocacy by participating in their $250,000 donation to UNESCO on International Youth Day, funding mental health and creative projects for global youth groups.[67] Although no specific pre-enlistment donation to military families was recorded for Woozi, the group's efforts extended to relief funds, aligning with his involvement in broader campaigns. In interviews, Woozi has expressed motivations rooted in gratitude toward fans and his Busan upbringing, stating a desire to "give back through music and support" to empower young people facing challenges, echoing SEVENTEEN's ethos of fostering dreams in underserved communities.[68]Discography
Solo singles and EPs
Woozi released his first solo mixtape, Ruby, on January 3, 2022. The single-track project, consisting of the English-language song "Ruby," topped iTunes Top Songs charts in 18 countries, including Chile, Mexico, and Indonesia. On January 26, 2024, Woozi issued the single "What kind of future," which peaked at number 133 on the Circle Digital Chart. In 2025, Woozi contributed the solo track "Destiny" to Seventeen's album Happy Burstday, released on May 26, which peaked at number 104 on the Circle Digital Chart. As of June 2025, Woozi's solo releases have amassed approximately 61 million streams on Spotify.[69]| Release | Type | Date | Key Tracks | Chart Peak | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby | Mixtape/Single | January 3, 2022 | "Ruby" | N/A (iTunes #1 in 18 countries) | First solo mixtape; self-written and produced. |
| What kind of future | Single | January 26, 2024 | "What kind of future" | #133 (Circle Digital Chart) | Solo single. |
| Destiny | Single (album track) | May 26, 2025 | "Destiny" | #104 (Circle Digital Chart) | Solo track on Seventeen's Happy Burstday. |
