How was SEVENTEEN’s Woozi discovered by Pledis Entertainment?

Lee Ji Hoonbetter known as Woozi in the k-pop industry, he is the brilliant mind behind almost all of SEVENTEEN’s discography. Author of hits that consolidated the boy group, such as “Adore U”, “VERY NICE” and “Mansae”, his talent is widely recognized in South Korea as one of the best in the music production industry.

Winner of the “Best Producer” award at the 2021 Asia Artist Awards, Woozi became the youngest professional to achieve the feat, which ended up highlighting his influence in the industry even more. However, through an interview with Dispatch the following year, he reveals that the beginning of his career was not easy at all, as there was a lot of pressure involved in achieving the dream of becoming an idol.

During her competitive audition for Pledis Entertainment, where Woozi performed a cover of the song “I’m Yours” by Jason Mrazhe says he vividly remembers the turnaround that happened that day:

When the judges listened to the other contestants’ auditions, they stopped after less than a minute. But they listened to mine until the end. In fact, it was at that moment that I had the feeling that I would be chosen.”

No sooner said than done: Woozi joined the label and, after five years as a trainee, debuted with SEVENTEEN in 2015, assuming the position of leader of the Vocal Unit, a sub-unit dedicated to the group’s vocalists. But, before that, he comments that his effort did not decrease after passing the audition, and that the training only intensified:

On the first day of practice, I trained until 4 in the morning. I think we all did that. I worked really hard, to the point where I could feel confident. I didn’t skip any choreography, or even singing lessons. That effort made me who I am today (…) I think SEVENTEEN’s strength (because of the effort) is that we are able to tell stories that are not made up. We talk about what we like the most.”

SEVENTEEN has released over 20 albums and mini-albums to date, a feat that is largely due to their self-production model. The group is responsible for creating their own choreography, writing their own lyrics and composing their own raps, which has contributed significantly to their continued success in many countries around the world.

SEVENTEEN’s most recent release came in April of this year, with the album “17 is Right Here”; listen and watch the MV for the title track “MAESTRO”!