CONTENT:
1. Profile
2. Career
3. Facts
Profile
Birth Name: Hwang Hyun Jin
English Name: Sam
Weight: 127.9 lbs (58 kg)
Nicknames: Jinnie, Jin, the Prince, Drama Llama, Night Fury
Blood Type: B
Debut: Mar 28, 2018
Birth Date: March 20, 2000
Birth Place: Seoul, South Korea
Education: School of Performing Arts Seoul
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Pets: Kkami (dog)
Height: 180 cm 5'11"
Nationality: Korean
Agency: JYP Entertainment
Hyunjin, born Hwang Hyun-jin on March 20, 2000, in Seoul, South Korea. As a child, Hyunjin developed a keen interest in performing arts, particularly dance and music. At the tender age of nine, he moved with his family to Las Vegas, Nevada, in the United States. While attending elementary school in Las Vegas, Hyunjin had his first immersive encounter with the English language. Moreover, his time in Las Vegas, a city renowned for its high-energy entertainment scene, would have undoubtedly ignited his fascination for performance. During his school years, Hyunjin attended the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA), a well-known institution for nurturing young talents in the entertainment industry. He was also an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoyed playing soccer and was part of his school's soccer team. Growing up, Hyunjin was inspired by various K-pop artists, such as SHINee, EXO, and BTS. In 2015, Hyunjin auditioned for JYP Entertainment. He successfully passed the audition and became a trainee at JYP Entertainment.
During his trainee days, Hyunjin participated in the survival reality show "Stray Kids," which aired on Mnet in 2017. The show aimed to determine the final lineup of JYP Entertainment's new boy group, Stray Kids. As part of his pre-debut activities, he appeared in a few music videos for other JYP artists, such as miss A's "Only You" and TWICE's "Like OOH-AHH." After successfully completing his training and participating in the reality show, Hyunjin officially debuted as a member of Stray Kids on March 25, 2018, when the group released their extended play (EP) titled "I Am NOT."
The lead single from the EP, "District 9," showcased the group's powerful and energetic performance style, with Hyunjin playing a prominent role as the lead dancer and visual of the group. The music video for "District 9" gained widespread attention and broke the record for the most views within 24 hours for a debut K-pop group, garnering over 4 million views. Following the success of their debut, Stray Kids continued to release a series of EPs, including "I Am WHO," "I Am YOU," and "Clé 1: Miroh." Throughout their career, they have gained a dedicated fanbase, known as STAY. In Stray Kids, Hyunjin plays a crucial role as the lead dancer. He is also considered the visual of Stray Kids. Hyunjin's good looks and charming personality have made him a fan favorite. While he may not be the main vocalist of the group, his singing abilities contribute to the group's harmonies. His vocal adds depth to Stray Kids' music, as can be heard in songs like "Hellevator" and "I Am YOU."
He has honed his abilities in various dance styles, such as hip-hop, contemporary, and street dance. One of the key aspects of Hyunjin's performance style is his ability to convey emotions and tell a story through his movements. He is known for his expressive facial expressions, which help to enhance the overall impact of the group's performances. This ability to connect with the audience and convey the message of the song through dance is a testament to his talent as a performer. Hyunjin's dance skills are showcased in numerous performances, such as "District 9," "My Pace," and "Double Knot." Hyunjin has also participated in dance covers, showcasing his skills and versatility as a dancer. For example, he has performed a dance cover of Taemin's "Move," which received praise for his fluid movements.
Hyunjin, has participated in various variety shows, which have allowed him to showcase his personality and humor beyond singing and dancing. Stray Kids and Hyunjin made multiple appearances on "Weekly Idol" variety show, where they participated in entertaining segments like "Random Play Dance" and "2x Speed Dance." In "Idol Room" variety show, Stray Kids participated in various games and challenges, which allowed Hyunjin and the other members to display their wit, and individual talents. "Finding Stray Kids" reality show featured the members of Stray Kids participating in missions and games, providing an opportunity for Hyunjin to showcase his personality. In 2020, Hyunjin appeared on King of Mask Singer show, where he performed anonymously behind a mask.
A prime example of Hyunjin's musical evolution was during the release of Stray Kids' fourth extended play (EP) "Cle 1: Miroh" in 2019. This EP saw a more mature musical style from the group, with a significant focus on EDM and hip-hop influences. Hyunjin's rapping style in particular developed a more aggressive and confident tone, which is notably displayed in tracks like "Miroh" and "Victory Song." The "God's Menu" performance in 2020 is an excellent example where Hyunjin's dance skills took center stage, earning him widespread recognition for his performance abilities. In 2020, Hyunjin also showcased his evolution as a lyricist in Stray Kids' track "The View" from the album "IN生" ("IN Life"). His rap verse in the song was partly written by himself.
Hyunjin has already made a few notable appearances in dramas, which have allowed him to demonstrate his acting skills. In 2018, Hyunjin made a brief cameo appearance in the web drama series "A-TEEN," which focuses on the lives of high school students. In 2020, Hyunjin took on a more prominent role in the short drama series When You Love Yourself, playing the character of Ji-hoon. The series, which aims to raise awareness about mental health issues among teenagers, allowed Hyunjin to showcase his acting abilities.
He has also taken part in solo projects and collaborations that showcase his individual talents and artistry. Hyunjin has shared several dance covers on Stray Kids' official YouTube channel, showcasing his exceptional dancing skills and unique style. One notable example is his dance cover of Taemin's "Move". In 2021, Hyunjin released a special dance performance video for the song "Play With Fire" by Sam Tinnesz featuring Yacht Money. In 2021, Hyunjin and fellow Stray Kids member Seungmin released a cover of the song "I Don't Want to Admit" by 10cm. In 2020, Hyunjin was featured in the Korean edition of "Dazed" magazine, where he participated in a photoshoot and interview.
Hyunjin's contributions to Stray Kids' music are also evident in his songwriting. For instance, he played a significant part in writing his rap verses in several of the group's tracks, including "The View", "My Pace", and "Double Knot". His performances of popular songs, such as Billie Eilish's "when the party's over", have garnered millions of views. Furthermore, Hyunjin has also ventured into modelling, having worked with several fashion brands. In 2020, he became an official model for Jambangee Jeans.
Hyunjin's fashion choices have ranged from casual streetwear to sophisticated and elegant looks. He often sported oversized hoodies, jeans, and sneakers, reflecting the youthful and energetic image of the group during their early days. As Stray Kids began to establish their identity, he was often seen wearing bold prints, unique accessories, and layered outfits that showcased his growing confidence and individuality. During the "MIROH" era, Hyunjin's style took a more sophisticated turn, featuring tailored suits, sleek silhouettes, and refined accessories. In "God's Menu" and "Back Door" eras, Hyunjin's fashion became even more daring and fashion-forward. He experimented with bold patterns, unconventional cuts, and statement-making accessories, demonstrating his ability to pull off a wide range of styles with ease. In present day, he can be seen wearing a mix of high-end designer pieces, streetwear, and vintage-inspired outfits, reflecting his eclectic and versatile sense of style.
Hyunjin, like many celebrities, has used his platform and influence to participate in philanthropy and charity work. I am... - During Stray Kids' first world tour in 2019, the group donated a portion of the proceeds from their concert merchandise sales to the Childhood Cancer Foundation in South Korea. In 2018, Hyunjin participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge, a viral campaign aimed at raising awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research.
Hyunjin, as a member of Stray Kids, has achieved numerous awards and accomplishments throughout his career. Stray Kids and Hyunjin received multiple rookie awards in 2018, including the Best New Male Artist award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), the New Artist Award at the Golden Disc Awards, and the Rookie Award at the Seoul Music Awards. They has won several music show awards for their songs, such as "Miroh," "Levanter," "Back Door," and "Thunderous." They has received multiple awards at the Gaon Chart Music Awards, including the New Artist of the Year award in 2018 and the World K-pop Rookie award in 2019. In 2019, they won the Best Music Award at the Asia Artist Awards, showcasing their musical prowess and the impact of their songs on the global stage. The group has been recognized at the Soribada Best K-Music Awards, winning the Rising Hot Star Award in 2018 and the Music Star Award in 2019. They also received the Worldwide Fan's Choice award at the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards, demonstrating the group's strong connection with their international fanbase.
Hyunjin, like many artists, has been inspired by various individuals and role models. Hyunjin has mentioned in interviews that he looks up to J-Hope from BTS, particularly for his dancing skills and stage presence. Another significant role model for Hyunjin is Taemin from the group SHINee. Hyunjin has also expressed his admiration for G-Dragon, the leader of the legendary K-pop group BIGBANG. Hyunjin has mentioned in various interviews that he is a fan of the K-pop group EXO.
Hyunjin has his own personal interests and hobbies outside of his career. Hyunjin is known to have a talent for drawing and painting. Hyunjin has expressed an interest in photography, often capturing moments from his daily life and travels. Hyunjin is known for his love of animals, particularly dogs. To maintain his physical fitness and health, Hyunjin engages in various forms of exercise and sports, such as working out at the gym, playing soccer, and practicing martial arts.
In October 2021, Hyunjin from Stray Kids was featured as the "Artist of the Month" on Studio Choom, where he delivered a performance that quickly reached an impressive milestone in views. He performed to "Motley Crew" by Post Malone and received positive feedback from fans. In November 2021, they released a new single, "Christmas EveL," which is a holiday-themed song with a catchy, upbeat tune. The group also performed at the 2021 Asia Artist Awards, where they took home the "Best Musician" award. They performed at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) on December 11, 2021. Stray Kids is also nominated for several awards, including Best Male Group, Worldwide Fans' Choice, and Best Dance Performance Male Group. The group, however, has started the year with some news. On January 1, 2022, Stray Kids released a teaser for their upcoming project, "Oddinary," which is set to be unveiled in 2022.
Facts
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Hwang Hyunjin, also known by his English name Sam, has taken the K-pop world by storm as an integral member of the band Stray Kids. His journey in the entertainment industry began when he was only a teenager, training for two years before making his debut.
Known for his striking looks and talent, Hyunjin's charm is far from just skin deep. As an only child who spent part of his childhood in Las Vegas, he developed a unique worldview and personality that greatly contributes to his charisma on stage. His nickname "SOPA Prince" stems from his time at the School of Performing Arts (SOPA) in Seoul, where he studied Practical Dance and graduated in 2019.
In addition to his talent in dance, Hyunjin also boasts proficiency in rapping, often contributing to Stray Kids' discography. Yet, he strives to be recognized for his skills more than his looks. His ambition is embodied in his personal motto, "Let's try, even when you regret it later," revealing a relentless pursuit of growth and improvement. Hyunjin is bilingual and can communicate in basic English, further enhancing his international appeal.
An animal lover, Hyunjin has a dog named Kkami that he's raised since he was 16 years old. Unfortunately, despite his love for animals, he's allergic to cat fur. In his downtime, he enjoys reading fans' comments on his fan cafe, showing his appreciation and connection to his followers.
Hyunjin has a wide range of interests outside of his music career. If he weren't a part of Stray Kids, he'd pursue a career as an interior designer. He also has a penchant for drawing, a hobby he often shares with fans on Stray Kids' Instagram. As a food lover, he enjoys sushi, sashimi, and chicken, with watermelon being his favorite fruit.
Despite his busy schedule, Hyunjin is known for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He eats abundantly in the morning and stops after 4 pm, and he prioritizes hydration and skincare. Interestingly, he also has a particular fondness for autumn and black and white colors, which often reflect in his aesthetic choices.
Living in a dorm with his bandmates, Hyunjin has been noted as the hardest to wake up, with the loudest alarm that reverberates across the whole dorm. I.N, another Stray Kids member, often comes to his room to wake him up. Throughout his journey with Stray Kids, Hyunjin has always looked up to GOT7's Jinyoung as a role model, admiring his senior's talent and charisma.