Sangyeon

Who Is Sangyeon? Meet THE BOYZ’s Trusted Leader

Sangyeon is the leader and main vocalist of the South Korean boy group THE BOYZ. Born Lee Sang-yeon on November 4, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea, he has guided THE BOYZ from their debut in December 2017 all the way through their rise into one of K-pop’s most acclaimed performance-driven acts. If you’re a new fan wondering who holds this ten-member group together, the answer is simple: it’s Sangyeon.

Early Life and Trainee Days

Sangyeon grew up in Garak-dong, Songpa-gu, and attended Hanlim Multi Art School, a launching pad for many K-pop idols. His entry into the industry has a fun backstory: while he was grabbing a rice burger near his school, a casting director noticed his striking side profile and handed him a business card. That chance encounter set his idol career in motion, and he trained for years before debuting.

Debut and Rise With THE BOYZ

On December 6, 2017, Sangyeon debuted as the leader of THE BOYZ with the mini album The First. From the start, his stable, expressive vocals and steady leadership set the tone for the group. He helped steer THE BOYZ through their breakout win on Mnet’s Road to Kingdom in 2020 — a competition that transformed the group’s image and proved their theatrical, storytelling approach to performance was something special.

Beyond singing, Sangyeon is also a songwriter and composer, having co-written tracks like “Spring Snow.” Members describe him as the “father” of the group — someone who quietly looks after everyone and keeps morale high, earning him nicknames like “Class President” and “The Boss.”

Personality, Talents, and Fan-Favorite Moments

Off stage, Sangyeon is known for his playful sense of humor, his talent for impressions, and his love of snowboarding and driving. He’s Catholic, close with idols from other groups like SEVENTEEN’s S.Coups, and often praised by his own members as the most well-rounded talent in THE BOYZ.

Military Service and What’s Next

In March 2025, Sangyeon enlisted to fulfill his mandatory military service, temporarily stepping back while the rest of THE BOYZ continued promoting under their new agency, ONE HUNDRED. Fans, known as THE B, continue to eagerly await his return to the stage.

Whether you’re just discovering THE BOYZ or you’ve followed Sangyeon since his trainee days, his journey from a shy schoolboy in Seoul to a beloved K-pop leader is a genuinely inspiring one.