Woozi

Lee Ji-hoon, known professionally as Woozi, was born on November 22, 1996, in Busan, South Korea. His early education included classical music training, during which he learned to play musical instruments such as the clarinet. His career in the music industry commenced when he successfully auditioned for Pledis Entertainment, where he later collaborated with Bumzu, who became a frequent partner in music production. He subsequently graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School and further pursued higher education at Hanyang University, later enrolling in a Master’s degree program at Anyang University in 2022. These formative years established a foundation for his future endeavors as a performing artist and producer.

Woozi officially debuted on May 26, 2015, as a member of the self-producing boy band Seventeen with the single “Adore U.” From the outset of the group’s career, he played a central role in their musical output, contributing to the writing and production of every track on their debut extended play, 17 Carat. His involvement expanded, and he became Seventeen’s primary producer alongside Bumzu, being credited for composing and writing over 80% of the group’s discography by January 2019. This extensive contribution led to his recognition within the industry, culminating in his induction as a full member of the Korea Music Copyright Association in 2019.

Beyond his work with Seventeen, Woozi has also composed for other notable K-pop artists, including NU’EST W, Ailee, and I.O.I. His solo career began on January 3, 2022, with the release of his first mixtape, “Ruby.” The lead single, which marked his first entirely English-language track, achieved chart success, reaching number one on iTunes in multiple international regions. His consistent output and critical acclaim were further acknowledged when he received the Best Producer award at the 6th Asia Artist Awards in 2021, becoming the youngest recipient of this honor in the event’s history. On January 26, 2024, he released “What Kind of Future” as a tribute to his deceased friend, Moonbin. Woozi’s musical journey also includes participation in sub-units, such as Hoshi X Woozi, which is scheduled to debut with a single album titled “Beam” on March 10, 2025. He is scheduled to begin mandatory military service on September 15, 2025, with a projected discharge date of March 14, 2027.