Jang Wooyoung
A core member of K-pop group 2PM, known for his sharp dance skills and successful pivot into a respected solo artist and songwriter.
Born 1989 (age 37)·South Korean singer·Birthday: April 30·Millennials
Biography
Jang Wooyoung entered the K-pop scene as part of 2PM's 'beastly idol' wave in 2008, a group famed for its intense athleticism and powerful performances. While initially recognized for his precise dancing and vibrant stage presence, Wooyoung steadily carved out his own creative space. His solo debut in 2012 with '23, Male, Single' was a confident statement of individuality, exploring R&B and pop sounds distinct from his group's work. This began a parallel journey where he proved himself not just a performer but a capable songwriter and producer, contributing tracks to 2PM's albums and crafting his own solo material. Over the years, he has balanced group commitments with a steady output of EPs, demonstrating a musical maturity that has allowed him to evolve alongside the industry and maintain a dedicated fanbase long after his debut.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jang was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jang Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Jang's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
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
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as a member of the influential K-pop boy band 2PM under JYP Entertainment in 2008.
- Released his first solo EP, '23, Male, Single,' in 2012, establishing a career parallel to his group work.
- Has written and composed songs for 2PM's discography, contributing to the group's musical direction.
Did You Know?
He was a contestant on the survival reality show 'Hot Blood Men,' which formed the members of 2PM.
His solo work often showcases a smoother, more R&B-influenced style compared to 2PM's energetic pop.
He has also pursued acting, appearing in television dramas and musical theatre productions.
“I pour everything into the stage; that's my real language.”
