Lee Seung-hoon (rapper)
A dynamic rapper and performer who transformed from a TV talent show contestant into a vital, stylish pillar of the K-pop group WINNER.
Born 1992 (age 34)·South Korean rapper·Birthday: January 11·Millennials
Biography
Lee Seung-hoon, known as Hoony, entered the spotlight not through a typical trainee system but via the high-pressure arena of 'K-pop Star.' His sharp skills caught the eye of YG Entertainment's chief, leading to a pivotal agency shift. He then faced the crucible of 'WIN: Who Is Next,' a survival show where his team's victory forged the group WINNER. As main rapper and a principal dancer, Hoony became the group's energetic heartbeat, known for his fluid movement and charismatic stage presence. His career expanded into solo endeavors and variety show appearances, revealing a thoughtful and witty personality beyond the performances. In 2024, he stepped fully into the solo spotlight with his own album, cementing his identity as an artist who earned every step of his journey.
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 1992, 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 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Lee's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
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
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
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
2013Turned 21
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
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as a member of WINNER after the group won the 2013 survival reality competition 'WIN: Who Is Next.'
- Released his first solo mini-album, 'HOONY,' in July 2024, featuring the title track 'Shooting Star.'
- Co-wrote and co-composed numerous tracks for WINNER, including 'Mola' and 'OMG.'
Did You Know?
He initially trained at JYP Entertainment after 'K-pop Star' before moving to YG Entertainment.
He is known for his impressive tutting and finger-tutting dance skills.
He served as a fixed panelist on the MBC variety show 'King of Mask Singer.'
“My lyrics are my truth, sharp enough to cut through the noise.”
