Hyunjin
현진 · 황현진 (Hwang Hyun-jin)
Hwang Hyun-jin — Main Dancer · Rapper · Visual
March 20, 2000 South Korean 178 cm 60 kg Type A Pisces
Hyunjin is the main dancer, rapper, and visual of Stray Kids, the JYP Entertainment boy group that has dominated global charts since its 2018 debut. Born Hwang Hyun-jin on March 20, 2000, in Seoul, South Korea, he was street-cast by JYP while shopping with his mother and trained for two years before appearing on the Mnet survival show Stray Kids. Known for his theatrical, precision-driven choreography and effortless switch between fluid and sharp dance styles, Hyunjin has become one of the group's most recognizable performers. He is also a credited songwriter with nearly 30 KOMCA-registered works, an accomplished visual artist who shares his own oil paintings, and the group's signature whistler on tracks like "Grow Up." Since 2023, Hyunjin has built a major fashion career, becoming Versace's first Korean and Asian global ambassador before adding Cartier and GUESS to his portfolio, while also collaborating musically with international artists such as Troye Sivan, PinkPantheress, and d4vd. Standing 178 cm tall with an ISTP/ENTP personality, Hyunjin blends a cool, composed stage presence with a warm, playful side beloved by STAY, Stray Kids' global fandom. Whether leading Dance Racha alongside Lee Know and Felix, contributing lyrics to the group's self-produced discography, or walking international runways, Hyunjin represents the rare idol who thrives as a performer, artist, and style icon all at once — a defining face of fourth-generation K-pop.
Story
Biography
Who Is Hyunjin of Stray Kids?
Stray Kids‘ Hyunjin (황현진, Hwang Hyun-jin) is the main dancer, rapper, and visual of the eight-member South Korean boy group under JYP Entertainment. Born March 20, 2000, in Seoul, Hyunjin has grown from a hesitant trainee into one of K-pop’s most recognizable performers, admired for his sharp choreography, painterly artistic sensibility, and status as a global brand ambassador for Versace, Cartier, and GUESS.
From Street-Cast Trainee to Stray Kids’ Main Dancer
Hyunjin’s story begins with a chance encounter — he was scouted by JYP Entertainment while shopping with his mother during middle school. After two years of training, he appeared on the 2017 Mnet survival show Stray Kids, where he was introduced with the roles of “Rap” and “Dance.” On March 25, 2018, he officially debuted with Stray Kids through the mini album I Am Not, quickly becoming known for his ability to switch between fluid, relaxed movement and sharp, jerky precision on stage.
A Multi-Talented Artist Beyond the Stage
Beyond dancing, Hyunjin is a credited songwriter with dozens of KOMCA-registered works, including sub-unit tracks like “Wow,” “Taste,” and “Muddy Water.” He is also an accomplished visual artist, regularly sharing his own oil paintings, and is famous among fans for his distinctive whistling featured on songs like “Grow Up.” In 2021, Hyunjin took a temporary hiatus following unverified bullying allegations that were later refuted by his teachers and classmates, returning to full activities that July with renewed focus on his craft.
A Global Fashion Icon
Since 2023, Hyunjin has become one of K-pop’s most sought-after names in high fashion, becoming Versace’s first Korean and Asian global ambassador, followed by ambassadorships with Cartier and GUESS. His collaborations with artists like Troye Sivan, PinkPantheress, and d4vd further highlight his crossover appeal well beyond the Stray Kids fandom, STAY.
Today, Hyunjin continues to headline Stray Kids’ record-breaking world tours while building an independent legacy as a dancer, songwriter, painter, and fashion ambassador — proof that the group’s “prince” is far more than just a visual.
Profile
Basic Information
| Stage Name | Hyunjin |
| Full Birth Name | Hwang Hyun-jin (황현진) |
| Date of Birth | March 20, 2000 |
| Birthplace | Seongnae-dong, Seoul, South Korea |
| Hometown | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 178 cm (5'10") |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Blood Type | A |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| MBTI | ISTP / ENTP |
| Education | Seoul Seongil Elementary School · Seongnae Middle School · Seoul Performing Arts High School · Global Cyber University (Practical English) |
| Agency | JYP Entertainment |
| Debut | March 25, 2018 (Stray Kids, "I Am Not") |
| Languages | Korean, some English |
| Nicknames | Prince Seo Craft, Hwang Craft, Kkami's Dad |
| Hobbies | Painting, dancing, writing lyrics, watching movies, editing videos |
| Favorite Color | Black |
| Ideal Type | Someone caring and considerate with a warm smile |
Membership
Groups & Positions
Stray Kids
JYP Entertainment
Main Dancer Rapper Visual Songwriter
March 2018 – Present
The Lineup
Group Members — Stray Kids
Bang Chan
Leader · Vocalist · Producer
Lee Know
Main Dancer · Vocalist
Changbin
Main Rapper · Vocalist
Hyunjin
Main Dancer · Rapper · Visual
This Idol
Han
Main Rapper · Vocalist · Producer
Felix
Lead Rapper · Lead Dancer · Vocalist
Seungmin
Main Vocalist
I.N
Main Vocalist · Maknae
Journey
Career Timeline
2016
Scouted by JYP Entertainment
While shopping with his mother during middle school, Hyunjin was street-cast by a JYP Entertainment scout and joined the company as a trainee.
2017
Joined the survival show Stray Kids
Appeared on Mnet's reality survival program "Stray Kids," introduced with the roles of rapper and dancer, and was confirmed as a member of the final line-up.
2018
Debuted with Stray Kids
Officially debuted on March 25, 2018, as main dancer and sub rapper with the mini album "I Am Not" and title track "District 9."
2019
Became a Music Core MC
Was appointed as a fixed MC for Show! Music Core alongside SF9's Chani, hosting from February 2019 to February 2021.
2021
Took a temporary hiatus
Went on hiatus from February to June 2021 following unverified bullying allegations later refuted by teachers and classmates, returning to activities in July.
2023
Named Versace Global Ambassador
Became Versace's first Korean and Asian global brand ambassador, starring in the brand's Holiday 2023 campaign.
2024
Released solo song "So Good"
Wrote and composed his own solo track "So Good," included on Stray Kids' special album "HOP."
2025
Collaborated with d4vd on "Always Love"
Was featured on American singer d4vd's single "Always Love," released June 27, 2025.
Music
Discography
🎵
So Good
Solo B-side (HOP)
2024
🎵
Rush (Remix, feat. Troye Sivan & PinkPantheress)
Collaboration
2023
🎵
Always Love (d4vd feat. Hyunjin)
Collaboration
2025
💜
Mixtape
Pre-debut EP
2018
💜
I Am Not
EP
2018
💜
I Am Who
EP
2018
💜
I Am You
EP
2019
💜
Clé 1: Miroh
EP
2019
💜
Clé: Levanter
EP
2019
💜
Go Live
Studio Album
2020
💜
In Life
Studio Album (Reissue)
2020
💜
NOEASY
Studio Album
2021
💜
Oddinary
Studio Album
2022
💜
Maxident
EP
2022
💜
5-Star
Studio Album
2023
💜
Rock-Star
EP
2023
💜
ATE
EP
2024
💜
HOP
Special Album
2024
💜
KARMA
Studio Album
2025
🎧
Hellevator
Digital Single
2017
🎧
God's Menu
Single
2020
🎧
Thunderous
Single
2021
🎧
MANIAC
Single
2022
🎧
S-Class
Single
2023
🎧
Lose My Breath (Feat. Charlie Puth)
Single
2024
🎧
Walkin On Water
Single
2024
🎧
Karma
Single
2025
Recognition
Awards & Achievements
Best New Artist – Male
Melon Music Awards
2018
Album of the Year – 5-Star
Circle Chart Music Awards
2023
Album Bonsang – NOEASY
Golden Disc Awards
2022
Album Daesang – 5-Star
Asia Artist Awards
2023
Top K-Pop Album – 5-Star
Billboard Music Awards
2023
Album of the Year – KARMA
Golden Disc Awards
2026
Best Performance
Hanteo Music Awards
2023
Did You Know?
Trivia & Fun Facts ✨
★
Was street-cast by JYP Entertainment while shopping with his mother in middle school.
★
Lived in Las Vegas, USA, for a short time as a child.
★
His stage name and real name are the same: Hyunjin.
★
Ranked 36th on TC Candler's "100 Most Handsome Faces of 2020."
★
His baptismal Catholic name is Joseph, and he wears a cross necklace gifted by his grandfather.
★
Considers himself an aspiring interior designer if he weren't an idol.
★
Grew up with pet dogs named Kkomi and Kkami.
★
Talks in his sleep and is famously the hardest member to wake up.
★
Is allergic to cat fur.
★
Whistles the memorable hook on Stray Kids' "Grow Up."
★
Enjoys painting with oil paints and often shares his artwork on social media.
★
Is the fourth most credited songwriter in Stray Kids behind the 3RACHA members.
★
Was part of KBS project group Bbangbbangz in 2019 with Golden Child's Bomin, Astro's Sanha, and AB6IX's Daehwi.
★
Made his acting debut with a cameo in the web series "A-Teen 2."
★
Was ranked in Forbes Korea's "30 Under 30" as one of the top five entertainers in 2023.
★
Became Versace's first Korean and first Asian male global ambassador in 2023.
★
Was later announced as an ambassador for Cartier in 2024 and GUESS in 2026.
★
Featured on Troye Sivan and PinkPantheress's remix of "Rush" in 2023.
★
Is part of the group's unofficial dance sub-unit, Dance Racha, with Lee Know and Felix.
★
Donated 100 million KRW to support the hearing impaired in 2024.
★
His five-word self-description is "The Passionate Final Round Boss."
★
Friends with The Boyz's Younghoon, Golden Child's Bomin, and AB6IX's Daehwi.
★
GOT7's Jinyoung is one of his idol role models.
★
Set a personal wake-up alarm recorded in his own voice.
★
Used to share a dorm room with Bang Chan, Lee Know, and Seungmin.
★
Loves visiting water parks but dislikes hiking on difficult trails.
★
Got a small eyebrow piercing in 2024.
★
Enjoys thriller and sci-fi movies in his free time.
★
Wants to travel to France someday.
★
His childhood dream was to become a professional soccer player.
The Fandom
Fan Club & Fan Name 💜
Official Fan Name
STAY
STAY is the official fandom name of Stray Kids, revealed on August 1, 2018. It comes from the word "Stray" with the letter "r" removed — the idea being that fans are the "reason" Stray Kids can keep walking their own path. Every August 1st is celebrated as STAY Weeek, when the members release surprise songs, letters, and gifts to thank their fans.
Official Fan Color
Compass Silver & Red
Stray Kids has never confirmed one official fandom color, but the silver-and-red compass on the group's lightstick has become the color combination most associated with STAY at concerts and events.
Official Light Stick
Nachimbong (Official Light Stick)
Nicknamed the "Nachimbong," a blend of the Korean words for "compass" (nachimban) and "stick" (bong), the lightstick features a spinnable silver-and-red compass without a fixed direction, engraved with the message "You make Stray Kids stay." It supports Bluetooth central-control syncing for concerts.
Fan Community Platform
Weverse
Stray Kids' main platform for connecting with STAY through posts, live broadcasts, and membership content, alongside Bubble for private messaging.
Stay Connected
Social Media
Photos
Gallery 📷
