Han (musician)
A core creative engine of Stray Kids, his rapid-fire rap and introspective songwriting fuel the group's explosive, self-made identity.
Born 2000 (age 26)·South Korean singer and rapper·Birthday: September 14·Generation Z
Biography
Han Ji-sung, known simply as Han, emerged not just as a performer but as a foundational architect of Stray Kids' sound. Born in 2000 in South Korea, he spent part of his childhood in Malaysia, an experience that broadened his perspective before he entered the JYP Entertainment trainee system. His talent was unmistakable early on as part of 3RACHA, the group's pre-debut production unit, where he helped write and produce tracks that were raw, lyrically dense, and emotionally charged. As Stray Kids' main rapper and vocalist, Han delivers verses with a distinctive, breathless intensity, but it's his songwriting that reveals deeper layers. He often pens lyrics tackling anxiety, self-doubt, and the pressures of youth, connecting with a global audience on a profoundly personal level. More than just a member, Han represents the group's 'self-producing' ethos, turning personal struggle into anthems of resilience.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Han was born in 2000, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Han Was Born
The biggest hits of 2000
#1 Movie
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Best Picture
Gladiator
#1 TV Show
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Han's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2000Born
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2005Started school
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2013Became a teenager
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Could drive
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2018Could vote
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2021Turned 21
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 26 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Is a founding member and key songwriter/producer for the chart-topping K-pop group Stray Kids.
- Co-wrote and co-produced multiple tracks on Stray Kids' albums that have topped the Billboard 200 chart.
- Released solo songs like 'Alien' and 'I GOT IT' that showcase his distinct musical style and lyrical depth.
Did You Know?
He is fluent in Korean and English, and also knows some Malay from living abroad.
His stage name 'Han' was chosen because it is a common Korean surname and syllable, making it easy to remember.
He is known for being able to rap extremely fast; one of his famous rapid verses is in the song 'God's Menu'.
He has a pet dog named Berry.
“Even if I’m not perfect, I’m going to love myself.”
