Ravi (rapper)
A multi-hyphenate South Korean artist who evolved from a group's rapper into an independent label head and prolific solo producer.
Born 1993 (age 33)·South Korean musician·Birthday: February 15·Millennials
Biography
Ravi, born Kim Won-sik, first entered the public eye as the deep-voiced rapper and performer for the conceptually daring K-pop group VIXX. While the group cultivated a dedicated fanbase, Ravi's ambitions stretched far beyond the idol framework. He quietly built a reputation as a songwriter and beatmaker, eventually establishing his own independent label, Groovl1n. His solo work, beginning with the 2017 mini-album 'R.eal1ze,' allowed him to explore grittier, more personal hip-hop sounds distinct from his group's theatricality. As an entrepreneur, he expanded his empire with the founding of THE L1VE, signing and producing for other artists. His career path is a case study in artistic self-determination within the highly structured K-pop industry, proving that a member of a major group can successfully carve out a parallel, self-directed identity as a creator and executive.
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.
Ravi 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 Ravi Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Ravi'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
- Founded and serves as CEO of two independent music labels, Groovl1n and THE L1VE.
- Released multiple solo albums and EPs, including 'Love&Fight' and 'R.OOK BOOK'.
- Composed and produced songs for a wide range of artists, including for his own group VIXX and labelmates.
- Served as a main rapper and performer for the K-pop group VIXX from their 2012 debut.
Did You Know?
He is known for his love of fishing and often incorporates it into his content and even music video concepts.
He completed his mandatory military service as an active-duty soldier in the South Korean army.
He participated in the hip-hop competition show 'Show Me the Money 5' in 2016 before his official solo debut.
“I want to be remembered as a musician who always tried new things.”
