Vernon (rapper)
A bilingual rap virtuoso who brings a distinct, self-assured flow to Seventeen, shaping the group's hip-hop identity with sharp lyricism.
Born 1998 (age 28)·South Korean and American rapper·Birthday: February 18·Generation Z
Biography
Hansol Vernon Chwe, known simply as Vernon, carries a unique cultural blend into the heart of K-pop. Born in New York and raised in Los Angeles before moving to South Korea, he entered the trainee system at Pledis Entertainment. His fluency in English and Korean, combined with a natural, relaxed rap style, made him a standout. As a key member of the self-producing powerhouse Seventeen and its hip-hop unit, Vernon is integral to the group's songwriting and musical direction. He co-wrote the group's debut track, "Adore U," setting a precedent for his ongoing creative involvement. His stage presence is marked by a cool, collected demeanor that contrasts with explosive performance energy, embodying the global appeal of modern Korean pop music. Beyond group activities, his solo work, like the song "Lotto," showcases a more personal and experimental artistic side.
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.
Vernon was born in 1998, 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 Vernon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1998
#1 Movie
Saving Private Ryan
Best Picture
Shakespeare in Love
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Vernon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1998Born
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2003Started school
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2011Became a teenager
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
2014Could drive
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
2016Could vote
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2019Turned 21
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 28 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-wrote Seventeen's debut song "Adore U," establishing the group's self-producing identity from the start.
- Is a core member of Seventeen's hip-hop team, contributing to the lyrics and composition of many of their tracks.
- Featured on the original soundtrack for the popular webtoon-based drama "Love Revolution."
Did You Know?
Vernon holds dual citizenship in the United States and South Korea.
He was scouted by a Pledis Entertainment agent while shopping with his father in Seoul.
His sister, Sophia, is a social media influencer and has appeared in some of his vlogs.
“I just want to make music that feels right to me.”
