Becoming SEVENTEEN Woozi: Idol Reveals Casting Story, Trainee Life, Debut + Solo Career
Born as Lee Ji Hoon, the elementary student who fell in love with pop songs began to dream to become a singer. However, to debut is not always easy, going through obstacles prior to his rise to stardom. This is SEVENTEEN Woozi's story.
On March 2, SEVENTEEN Woozi, who earned the modifier "all-rounder" idol for his excellent skills in producing songs, dances, vocals, lyrics, and composition, sat down for an interview with the media outlet Dispatch.
During the interview, the idol narrated his story from the beginning - from his casting story to how he finally debuted as an idol and soloist.
SEVENTEEN Woozi Reveals Joining Pledis Entertainment Through an Open Audition
Lee Ji Hoon, also known now as Woozi, shared that he developed a love for pop songs after he was enrolled in an English Academy.
"The director was a pastor, and he liked music a lot. I learned music from him for the first time. The director taught me English using pop songs. Following the pastor, the church choirs and plays musical instruments. At a young age, I just liked it, so I followed it well. I want to sing a song like this."
Pursuing his love for music until high school, the aspiring idol went to an open audition organized by Pledis, where the competition rate is 300:1.
Preparing Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours," as a competition piece, he was the last one to sing from a group of five to six.
He vividly remembered what happened that day and narrated:
"When the judges listened to other participants' songs, they stop after less than a minute. But they listened to my song until the end. Actually, I got the feeling then. 'Oh, I'm going to be picked."
Woozi Reveals Trainee Life: 12-Hour Training Paid Off After Pledis Asked Him to Join 'Performance Team'
The male idol aspirant that time eventually became a trainee under the agency, remembering how hard their training was.
"On the first day of practice, I practiced until 4 a.m. I think we all did it fiercely. I worked really hard to death. To the point where I can be confident. I didn't neglect either dance or singing. That effort made me who I am now."
ALSO READ: SEVENTEEN Woozi Becomes the Youngest Winner of 'Best Producer' at Asia Artist Awards to Date
He then revealed he was actually not good at dancing before - the reason he practiced 12 hours a day, straining his body.
But his hard work paid off when the company asked, "Do you want to be in the performance team?"
Woozi Debut in SEVENTEEN: From Group's Producer and Leader to Soloist
Thanks to his passion and perseverance, Woozi debuted in SEVENTEEN in 2015 as the group's producer and leader of "Vocal Team."
Woozi, along with the group, then rose to fame, notable for their hit tracks, "Adore U," "Mansae," "Pretty U," "Very Nice," and more.
In regards to their modifier, "Self-Produced Idol," Woozi said:
"It's a lie to say that there was no pressure. I agonized every moment and worked fiercely, and it created the SEVENTEEN we are today."
He added:
"I think the strength of SEVENTEEN is being able to tell stories that are not made up. We talk about stories that suit us the best."
Meanwhile, after working in a group for about seven years, Woozi revealed his desire to expand the musical spectrum, finally debuting as a soloist in January with his mixtape, "Ruby."
"Ruby" is a song written, composed, and produced by Woozi himself. It expresses a red jewel, Ruby, reminiscent of the blazing sun in midsummer. In fact, the title track is carries much significant meaning that you think.
Woozi, despite his solo journey, expressed love for his group by saying,
"SEVENTEEN is a diamond. SEVENTEEN has 'CARAT'. Since I'm a soloist, I thought it would be fun to choose another gem. I was thinking about what would be the strongest gem, and Ruby came to mind. Red jewel."
READ MORE: SEVENTEEN Woozi Reveals Pictorial, Interview Ahead of Solo Mixtape Release
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Written by Eunice Dawson
