Hoshi has long stood at the beating heart of the K-Pop group SEVENTEEN. He is a performer, choreographer, and creative visionary. Through both his group and solo projects, Hoshi has carved an identity defined by power, emotion, and precision. His story traces the artistic evolution of one of K-Pop’s most passionate leaders.

Training for Stardom

Hoshi was born in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, and showed early promise as a dancer. He was discovered by Pledis Entertainment in 2011 after winning a local dance competition and began intensive training soon after. His stage name, which means “tiger’s eye” in Korean, reflects the power and intensity that would later define his presence.

By 2013, Hoshi featured prominently in Seventeen TV, the agency’s pre‑debut reality show that chronicled the rigorous daily lives of trainees. His choreography, leadership instincts, and expressive movement stood out early. This led to his role as the leader of SEVENTEEN’s Performance Team, a position he has maintained since their official debut.

Debut with SEVENTEEN

Hoshi debuted with SEVENTEEN on May 26, 2015, through the EP 17 Carat. The album introduced the 13-member, self-producing boy band known for blending intricate teamwork with personal artistry. As Performance Team leader, Hoshi spearheaded choreography for major hits including “Don’t Wanna Cry,” “Super,” and “Pretty U,” earning SEVENTEEN their nickname “The Kings of Synchronization.” His creative direction became the foundation of the group’s brand.

Over the following decade, SEVENTEEN evolved into one of K-Pop’s leading global acts, selling millions of records with albums such as An Ode, Face the Sun, and their 10th-anniversary record HAPPY BURSTDAY.

BSS and Sub‑Unit Work

Beyond SEVENTEEN’s main structure, Hoshi formed the sub-unit BSS (BooSeokSoon) with members DK and Seungkwan. The sub-unit first released “Just do it” in 2018 and later returned with the mini-album Second Wind in 2023. Known for high-energy and comedic yet polished performances, BSS reflected Hoshi’s lighter, fan-driven side.

In February 2025, Pledis Entertainment announced a new sub-unit pairing Hoshi with Woozi, uniting SEVENTEEN’s performance and vocal leaders. Their debut single album, Beam, was released on March 10 and mixed electronic rock with retro funk. It peaked at No. 2 on South Korea’s albums chart. The title track “96ers” celebrated their shared birth year, while companion songs “Pinocchio” (featuring So!YoON!) and “Stupid Idiot” blended experimental grooves with sharp lyricism.

Solo Musical Identity

Hoshi’s individual artistry first took center stage in April of 2021, when he released his debut solo track “Spider.” The sultry R&B number, which he co-wrote and choreographed, captured attention for its minimalist tension and virtuosic body control. Over the next few years, he continued refining his songwriting, exploring sleek synth production and emotive phrasing.

In September 2025, just ahead of his military enlistment, Hoshi released a surprise single titled “TAKE A SHOT” as a farewell gift to fans. The aggressive hip-hop track, rich in guitars and synth bass, echoed his fiery stage persona and bore lyrics about ambition and renewal.

A Master of Performance

As SEVENTEEN’s principal choreographer, Hoshi’s approach merges storytelling with athletic precision. He draws inspiration from martial arts, animals, and symbolic geometry, motifs often seen in routines like “HOME;RUN” and “Super.” Known affectionately as “Team Tiger,” he incorporates that imagery into his performance aesthetic to express strength and unity.

Hoshi’s Legacy

Hoshi’s trajectory embodies the modern legendary K-Pop artist: he is a producer, performer, choreographer, and creative director in one. Whether leading SEVENTEEN’s synchronized spectacle, pioneering sub-unit experimentation with Woozi, or releasing powerful solo reflections, he continues to expand the vocabulary of K-Pop performance. Hoshi leaves behind a roaring resonance. He is a symbol of discipline, self-belief, and tiger-hearted passion.

Check Out These Tracks

“Damage (HOSHI Solo) (feat. Timbaland)” by SEVENTEEN
“HOT” by SEVENTEEN
“HIGHLIGHT” by SEVENTEEN
“MOONWALKER” by SEVENTEEN
“HIT” by SEVENTEEN

Edited by Pranjal Ghosh

Hoshi: From Trainee to Tiger-Hearted Icon