Woozi

Early life

Woozi studied classical music and learned to play different instruments such as the clarinet and band instruments since a young age.[1] He joined Pledis through auditions and met Bumzu, with whom he frequently collaborates on music production.[2] As a trainee, Woozi appeared in music videos for label-mates NU'EST, Hello Venus and Orange Caramel. He also starred in the online program Seventeen TV alongside other Seventeen members.[3] Woozi attended Hanlim Multi Art School and then enrolled in Hanyang University.[4]

Career

2015–present: Seventeen and solo activities

On May 26, 2015, Woozi debuted with the "self-producing" group Seventeen with the single "Adore U".[5] He participated in writing and producing all the tracks on their debut EP, 17 Carat.[6] He became Seventeen's main producer alongside singer-songwriter Bumzu and he is currently credited for the lyrics and composition of 80% of the group's songs.[7][2]

Woozi then started writing for other artists as well. In 2016, he joined Ailee in writing the lyrics for her new collaboration with Eric Nam, "Feelin'".[8] In 2017, he wrote the last single of the project group I.O.I, "Downpour", which received attention for the beautiful lyrics.[9]

In 2019, Woozi became a full member of the Korea Music Copyright Association.[10] On October 15, 2019, Woozi released the song "Miracle" for the soundtrack of the drama The Tale of Nokdu.[11]

In 2021, he worked with fellow Seventeen's member Hoshi on his new song, "Spider", which debuted at number 5 on the World Digital Song Sales chart.[12][13] With the release of his group's ninth EP Attacca, he was interviewed by Rolling Stone with members Joshua and Vernon on their online segment 'The Breakdown' to discuss how he wrote the title track and oversaw the recording process.[14] He was awarded for his works as a music producer, winning Best Producer at the 6th Asia Artist Awards, the youngest recipient for the accolade.[15]

On January 3, 2022, Woozi released his first mixtape titled Ruby.[16] The single hit No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs charts in at least 18 different regions, including Chile, Mexico, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This also marks his first time writing lyrics entirely in English for a track.[17]

Discography

See also: Seventeen discography

Singles

Title Year Peak chart

positions Sales (DL)

[A] Album

KOR

[18] US

World

[19]

As lead artist

Ruby 2022 — — N/A Non-album single

Soundtrack appearances

Miracle 2019 —[B] — N/A The Tale of Nokdu OST

As featured artist

YOSM (요즈음)

(Kanto feat. Woozi) 2016 99 —

KOR: 25,591[21]

14216

Filmography

Online programs

Year Title Channel Ref.

2013–2014 Seventeen TV Ustream [3]

Music video appearances

Year Title Artist Notes Ref.

2012 Face NU'EST Pre-debut [22]

Venus Hello Venus [23]

2014 My Copycat Orange Caramel [24]

Awards and nominations

See also: List of awards and nominations received by Seventeen

Award Year Category Recipient Result Ref.

Melon Music Awards 2017 Hot Trend Award "Downpour"[C] Nominated [25]

Asia Artist Awards 2021 Best Producer Woozi Won [15]

Notes

Sales figures for tracks are based on digital downloads, except noted.

"Miracle" did not enter the Gaon Digital Chart, but peaked at number 144 on the component Gaon Download Chart.[20]

I.O.I and Woozi were nominated alongside the song as singer and producer respectively.