Wonwoo joined Pledis Entertainment in 2011, where he would undergo singing and dancing training for four years.[4] As a trainee, he participated from the first season onwards of Seventeen TV, an online reality show that introduced Pledis' trainees and showed potential members of the boy group Seventeen before their official debut. The show was broadcast periodically on Ustream, where the trainees showed themselves training, singing, creating choreographies and playing games.[5] The online show also included participation in concerts, titled Like Seventeen.[6][7]
2015–present: Seventeen and solo activities
In 2015, Wonwoo debuted as a member of the South Korean boy group Seventeen with the extended play17 Carat on May 29.[8][9] Within the 13-member group, he was selected to be a member of its hip-hop unit. Since debuting in Seventeen, he has participated in the songwriting of over 35 songs, the majority of which being songs performed by the hip-hop unit.[10]
In 2021, Wonwoo and Seventeen bandmate Mingyu released a digital single titled "Bittersweet", featuring Lee Hi.[11] "Bittersweet" ranked first on the iTunes song chart in ten regions upon release.[12]
In 2022, Wonwoo released a cover of IU's "Knees" as a tribute to his late mother.[13]
In 2023, Wonwoo was featured in Dive Studio's Mindset series, releasing three episodes detailing his relationship with his mental health.[14]
In 2024, Wonwoo and bandmate Jeonghan debuted as Seventeen's second official subunit named Jeonghan X Wonwoo, alternatively known as JxW, with the single album This Man. The album featured three tracks, including Wonwoo's first commercially released solo song "Leftover", where he is credited for songwriting.[15] Achieving commercial success, This Man broke the first-week sales record for an album released by a K-pop sub-unit within four days of its release.[16]
Other ventures
Fashion and ambassadorships
In November 2022, Wonwoo was announced as the new sole model for South Korean cosmetic brand Huxley.[17] In June 2023, Wonwoo made his first appearance on the cover of Japanese fashion magazine Men's Non-no, alongside Seventeen member DK.[18] The pair would go on to be featured in other issues cataloguing their fashion.[19][20][21][22] He would again be featured on the cover for the magazine's July 2024 issue alongside Jeonghan, in promotion of This Man.[23] In September 2023, Wonwoo attended British luxury fashion house Burberry's opening of their new pop-up store in Seoul.[24]
In March 2024, Wonwoo attended an event for luxury suitcase brand Rimowa in Seoul.[25] In April, he was announced as the new global model for South Korean cosmetic brand The Face Shop.[26] In June, Wonwoo, alongside Seventeen members S.Coups and Vernon, became the new global brand ambassadors for Chitato, an Indonesian snack brand under Indofood.[27]
Philanthropy
In March 2019, Wonwoo donated personal items for auction by Nabiya Cat Shelter, an animal shelter in Seoul.[28] He again donated items for their 2022 auction drive.[29]
Personal life
Wonwoo lives in Seoul with bandmate Mingyu.[30] He enjoys video games, frequently hosting livestreams of games via Weverse.[14][31] He is a fan of South Korean esports team T1.[32][33]
^"세븐틴 세 번째 콘스트, 다양한 무대로 팬들 매료" [Seventeen's third concert, captivated fans with various stages]. HEI (in Korean). November 23, 2013. Archived from the original on March 15, 2016. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
^"세븐틴, 데뷔전 마지막 콘서트 연다..'최종 점검'" [Seventeen, last concert before debut revealed...'the final check']. Osen (in Korean). August 12, 2014. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
^Kim, Sun-woo (June 21, 2024). "세븐틴 정한·원우, K팝 역대 유닛 앨범 초동 1위" [SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan and Wonwoo take first place in K-pop's all-time unit albums]. JTBC News. Archived from the original on June 23, 2024. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
