Chani
SF9

Chani

찬희 · 강찬희 (Kang Chan-hee)
Kang Chan-hee — Main Dancer · Sub Rapper · Face of the Group · Maknae
SF9 Main Dancer Sub Rapper Face of the Group Maknae
🎂 January 17, 2000 🌍 Korean 📏 177 cm ⚖️ 57 kg 🩸 Type A 🧠 INTP Capricorn
Chani of SF9 is the group's main dancer, sub rapper, and official maknae — and, according to his own members, its "face of the group." Born Kang Chan-hee on January 17, 2000, Chani actually began his career years before SF9 even existed, working as a child actor in dramas like "Queen Seondeok" before training under FNC Entertainment and debuting with SF9 on October 5, 2016. As the youngest member, he brought years of acting experience most idols his age never had, later appearing in dramas such as "Signal" and "Sky Castle" alongside his group promotions. On stage, Chani is known for hitting some of SF9's highest notes and delivering crisp, precise choreography, while off stage he's remembered as the trainee who logged seven years of preparation before finally debuting. A former Fantagio trainee turned SOPA graduate, Chani balances a disciplined, detail-oriented mindset — reflected in his piano and violin skills — with a playful maknae energy that keeps SF9's dynamic lively. Despite his youthful image, he has earned a reputation as one of the bravest members of the group. From his early days as a child actor to now anchoring SF9's dance line, Chani's journey shows just how much groundwork goes into becoming the group's reliable, ever-charming youngest member.
Story

Biography

Who Is Chani? SF9’s Maknae And Main Dancer

Chani is a South Korean singer, dancer, and actor, best known as the maknae (youngest member), main dancer, and sub rapper of SF9 under FNC Entertainment. Born Kang Chan-hee on January 17, 2000, he debuted with SF9 on October 5, 2016, bringing a rare mix of idol training and child-actor experience to the group. Here’s everything to know about Chani’s profile, acting career, and personality.

A Child Actor Before He Was Ever An Idol

Long before becoming SF9’s maknae, Chani was already a working actor, appearing as a child performer in the historical drama “Queen Seondeok.” He later became a trainee under Fantagio Entertainment before eventually joining FNC Entertainment, where he trained for roughly seven years — a long road that finally led to his debut with SF9 on October 5, 2016.

Main Dancer, Sub Rapper, And SF9’s Youngest Member

As SF9’s maknae, Chani brings youthful energy without sacrificing precision. He’s regarded as one of the group’s sharpest dancers and can hit some of the highest notes in SF9’s vocal lineup, despite not being a main vocalist by position. Members have also called him the “face of the group” for his visuals, and Hongkira once described him as the bravest member of SF9.

Acting Career Alongside SF9

Chani never left acting behind after debuting as an idol. He appeared in the films “The King’s Case Note” and “Familyhood” in 2017, and took on drama roles in “Signal” and “Sky Castle.” In February 2018, he graduated from the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA), balancing his education with both idol and acting schedules.

Personality And Talents

Off camera, Chani can play both the piano and violin, enjoys drawing, and has said he can’t handle spicy food or mushrooms. His role models are SHINee’s Taemin and CNBLUE’s Jung Yong-hwa — both big influences on why he wanted to become an idol in the first place. His favorite color is red, and he describes his ideal type as someone kind, sincere, and well-mannered.

Fun Facts About Chani

  • He trained for about seven years before his official debut.
  • He appeared in TVXQ’s “Balloons” music video as a young Yoochun.
  • He’s a former Fantagio Entertainment trainee.
  • Despite being the maknae, he’s considered one of the bravest members of SF9.

Between his early acting resume and his sharp presence as SF9’s main dancer, Chani has
built a career that goes far beyond just being “the youngest” — and FANTASY has been here for every step of
it.

Profile

Basic Information

Stage NameChani
Full Birth NameKang Chan-hee (강찬희)
Date of BirthJanuary 17, 2000
BirthplaceHongseong, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea
HometownSeo-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
NationalityKorean
Height177 cm (5'10")
Weight57 kg (125 lbs)
Blood TypeA
Zodiac SignCapricorn
MBTIINTP
EducationSchool of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA)
AgencyFNC Entertainment
DebutOctober 5, 2016 (SF9, "Feeling Sensation")
LanguagesKorean
NicknamesReal Maknae, Chicken Chani
HobbiesPlaying piano and violin, drawing, watching movies
Favorite ColorRed
Ideal TypeSomeone kind and sincere; someone with good manners
Membership

Groups & Positions

SF9
FNC Entertainment
Main Dancer Sub Rapper Face of the Group Maknae
October 2016 – Present
The Lineup

Group Members — SF9

Youngbin
Youngbin
Leader · Lead Rapper · Lead Dancer
Inseong
Inseong
Main Vocalist
Jaeyoon
Jaeyoon
Vocalist · Sub Rapper
Dawon
Dawon
Lead Vocalist · Lead Dancer
Zuho
Zuho
Main Rapper · Lead Dancer
Taeyang
Taeyang
Sub Vocalist · Main Dancer
Hwiyoung
Hwiyoung
Sub Rapper · Lead Dancer
Chani
Chani
Main Dancer · Sub Rapper · Face of the Group · Maknae
This Idol
Rowoon
Rowoon
Former Member — Lead Vocalist, Visual, Center (2016-2023)
Journey

Career Timeline

2009
Child acting debut
Made his first acting appearance as a child actor in the historical drama "Queen Seondeok."
2016
Became FNC trainee
Joined FNC Entertainment as a trainee after previously training under Fantagio Entertainment.
2016
Debuted with SF9
Officially debuted as the maknae of SF9 with the single album "Feeling Sensation" on October 5, 2016.
2017
Film roles
Appeared in the films "The King's Case Note" and "Familyhood."
2018
Graduated SOPA
Graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) in February 2018.
2019
Drama "Sky Castle"
Took on a supporting role in the hit drama "Sky Castle" while continuing SF9 promotions.
Music

Discography

💜
Feeling Sensation
Single Album
2016
💜
Burning Sensation
EP
2017
💜
Breaking Sensation
EP
2017
💜
Knights of the Sun
EP
2017
💜
Sensational Feeling Nine
Studio Album (Japan)
2017
💜
MAMMA MIA!
EP
2018
💜
Sensuous
EP
2018
💜
Narcissus
EP
2019
💜
RPM
EP
2019
💜
Illuminate
Studio Album (Japan)
2019
💜
9loryUS
EP
2020
💜
Special History Book
EP
2020
💜
First Collection
Studio Album
2020
💜
Golden Echo
Studio Album (Japan)
2020
💜
Turn Over
EP
2021
💜
Rumination
EP
2021
💜
The Wave Of9
EP
2022
💜
The Piece Of9
EP
2023
💜
Sequence
EP
2024
💜
Fantasy
EP
2024
💜
D.W.B.H
EP (Japan)
2024
💜
Love Race
EP
2025
💜
About Love
EP
2026
🎧
Fanfare
Digital Single
2016
🎧
O Sole Mio
Digital Single
2017
🎧
Easy Love
Digital Single
2017
🎧
Now or Never (Japanese Ver.)
Japanese Single
2018
🎧
RPM (Japanese Single)
Japanese Single
2019
🎧
Good Guy (Japanese Ver.)
Japanese Single
2020
🎧
Savior
Digital Single (UNIVERSE Music Project)
2021
Recognition

Awards & Achievements

🏆
Music Show #1 – "Trauma" (with SF9)
Music Bank
2021
🏆
Best Dance Performance – Male Group Nominee – "Good Guy" (with SF9)
Melon Music Awards
2020
Did You Know?

Trivia & Fun Facts ✨

Born Kang Chan-hee on January 17, 2000, in Hongseong, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea.
He grew up in Seo-gu, Daejeon, South Korea.
He worked as a child actor in the historical drama "Queen Seondeok" before becoming an idol.
He was previously a trainee under Fantagio Entertainment before joining FNC Entertainment.
He trained for approximately seven years before officially debuting.
He debuted with SF9 on October 5, 2016, as the group's maknae.
He graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) in February 2018.
He can play both the piano and the violin.
His hobbies include drawing, sleeping, and playing the piano.
He can't handle spicy food and dislikes mushrooms, except in stews.
His favorite color is red.
His role models are SHINee's Taemin and CNBLUE's Jung Yong-hwa.
He has a younger brother.
He is considered the bravest member of SF9, according to member testimonials.
He can reportedly hit some of the highest notes among SF9's members.
He appeared in the films "The King's Case Note" and "Familyhood," both released in 2017.
He took on drama roles in "Signal" and "Sky Castle" alongside his SF9 promotions.
He appeared as a young version of Yoochun in TVXQ's "Balloons" music video.
He was part of FNC's pre-debut trainee unit "NEOZ School."
He is often praised by members for having one of the best physiques in the group.
He doesn't enjoy watching horror or scary movies.
He finds joy in being complimented for looking cool.
He is learning to drive as one of his personal goals.
He won an art prize when he was younger.
Fans and members alike call him the "real maknae" for his youthful charm.
His ideal type is someone kind and sincere, with good manners.
He and fellow member Hwiyoung once appeared together as special guests on a Thai sitcom.
He has said he becomes especially happy when people tell him he looks cool.
The Fandom

Fan Club & Fan Name 💜

Official Fan Name
FANTASY
SF9's official fandom name, decided by fan vote on January 12, 2017. FANTASY is a backronym standing for Future, Accompany, Next, Together, Affect, SF9, You — a promise that the group and their fans will walk into the future side by side.
Official Fan Color
Fantasia Hologram
Unveiled on October 5, 2018 (SF9's 2nd debut anniversary), Fantasia Hologram is described by the group as "a color with a profound and mysterious charm that only SF9 and FANTASY can create" — a shifting, pastel-prism shimmer rather than one flat shade.
Official Light Stick
Jigu Bong (Earth Stick)
Released alongside the Fantasia Hologram color on October 5, 2018, the Jigu Bong ("Earth Stick") is a black wand topped with an icy-blue crystal gem, running on 3 AAA batteries with steady, blink, and flicker modes. A brighter Ver. 2, offered in black or white, followed in 2020 with improved luminous power.
Fan Community Platform
FNC Fancafe · Universe
SF9 connects with FANTASY mainly through FNC Entertainment's official Daum Fancafe for membership content and the Universe app, alongside their official SNS channels.
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