Lee Seong-jong
As the soaring main vocal of Infinite, his crystal-clear high notes defined the group's anthemic sound and fueled their rise to pop dominance.
Born 1993 (age 33)·South Korean singer·Birthday: September 3·Millennials
Biography
Lee Seong-jong, known as Sungkyu, didn't just join Infinite—his voice became its signature weapon. Debuting in 2010, he stepped into the role of main vocalist for a group that would help pioneer the 'emotional pop' sound in K-pop, characterized by dramatic, synth-driven tracks. Sungkyu's distinct tenor, capable of both powerful belts and fragile vulnerability, was the perfect vehicle for hits like "Be Mine" and "The Chaser." His leadership extended beyond vocals; he served as the group's unofficial captain, a steadying presence during their intense early years. While Infinite's synchronized dancing earned fame, it was often Sungkyu's key moments in a song's climax that delivered the emotional knockout. He also carved a successful solo path, releasing rock-influenced albums that revealed a grittier, more introspective artist, proving his musicality was not confined to the idol group format. Through both group and solo work, he cemented himself as one of K-pop's most technically gifted and recognizable vocalists of his generation.
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.
Lee was born in 1993, 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 Lee Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Lee's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Released multiple solo albums, including 'Another Me' (2012) and '27' (2015), showcasing a rock-oriented sound.
- As Infinite's leader and main vocalist, led the group to multiple #1 wins on Korean music shows with songs like "The Chaser" and "Last Romeo."
- Won the "Best Male Solo Artist" award at the 2016 Asia Artist Awards.
- Was a vocalist for the Infinite sub-unit Infinite F, which released the EP 'Azure' in 2014.
Did You Know?
He originally auditioned for Woollim Entertainment with a rock song.
He served in the Korean military as an active-duty soldier from 2018 to 2020.
He is an avid reader and has recommended books to fans, influencing book sales.
He hosted the radio show "Kiss The Radio" for several years.
“I pour every emotion I have into the microphone.”
