In the vibrant world of K-pop, where artists constantly reinvent themselves, Cho Seung-youn, known by his stage name WOODZ, emerges as a unique and multifaceted talent. He is not just an idol but a true artist – a talented singer, rapper, dancer, songwriter, and producer. His journey in the entertainment industry is a story of resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of art, marked by various roles in different groups and an impressive solo career. WOODZ is widely recognized as an “all-rounder” in K-pop, excelling in every aspect
WOODZ’s career path has spanned several significant stages: member of the Korean-Chinese boy group UNIQ; a notable contestant on challenging survival shows like Show Me The Money 5 and Produce X 101; member of the popular project group X1; and finally, a successful solo artist under EDAM Entertainment.
Currently, WOODZ is temporarily pausing his artistic activities to fulfill his mandatory military service. He enlisted on January 22, 2024, and is scheduled to be discharged on July 21, 2025. His return is highly anticipated by his fanbase, MOODZ, and the K-pop community.
Table of contents
Biographical Background
- Full Name: Cho Seung-youn (조승연)
- Date of Birth: August 5, 1996
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Birthplace: Sources vary, listing both Gyeonggi Province and Seoul. However, detailed biographies suggest Seoul, based on family business references in Gangnam.
- Brazil: Lived for two years after elementary school to attend a football school. Learned Portuguese and got the nickname Luizinho.
- Philippines: Spent a year studying, learning English and some Tagalog.
These international experiences helped him become fluent in multiple languages and develop a global mindset early on.
Education
- Graduated from Hanlim Multi Art High School
- Attended Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts and Global Cyber University
Cho Seung-youn graduated from Hanlim Multi Art High School , a prestigious institution known for training many K-pop artists. He later attended the Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts and Global Cyber University.
Career
Beginning the Idol Career: UNIQ and Early Solo Steps
The Path to the Stage
Before his official debut, Cho Seung-youn went through a challenging journey. He auditioned over 50 times for various entertainment companies, including major players like SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment, before being accepted as a trainee at YG Entertainment for 1.5 years.
At YG, he was initially part of “Team C”. He then joined the pre-debut lineup for UNIQ, a collaborative project between the Chinese company Yuehua Entertainment and YG. Ultimately, UNIQ debuted under Yuehua’s management. This process highlights the fierce competition and extraordinary perseverance required in the K-pop industry. Training at YG, even without debuting there, provided him with valuable foundational experience. The Yuehua-YG connection also explains UNIQ’s unique positioning in the market.
The UNIQ Era (Main activities from 2014 – approx. 2018)
- Debut: UNIQ, a 5-member multinational (Korean-Chinese) boy group, officially debuted on October 20, 2014, with the single “Falling In Love”.
- Role: Seungyoun served as the Main Rapper and Vocalist in the group. He also participated in writing lyrics for some of UNIQ’s songs, such as “Best Friend”.
- Activities: The group promoted simultaneously in both China and South Korea , releasing EPs like EOEO (2015) and various digital singles.
- Challenges: Group activities faced difficulties and gradually stalled due to tensions in China-Korea relations (related to the unofficial Hallyu ban). This context is crucial for understanding why members, including Seungyoun, had to seek individual paths. UNIQ’s trajectory was significantly impacted by external geopolitical factors, forcing members to pursue alternative avenues (solo activities, survival shows) earlier than perhaps planned. This demonstrates the vulnerability of multinational groups to political shifts.
First Solo Steps (as Luizy)
- Show Me The Money 5 (2016): Seungyoun participated in this popular rap competition show. Although eliminated, his battle performance against rapper Flowsik helped him gain attention.
- Solo Debut (Luizy): He officially debuted as a solo artist under the name Luizy on July 29, 2016. This stage name was associated with a hip-hop/rap style.
- Debut Releases: He released the collaboration single “Recipe” with Flowsik (whom he met on SMTM5), a track he co-produced. This was followed by “Baby Ride” featuring Im Hyun-sik (BTOB) and the B-side track “How Have You Been”. He also reunited with Hyunsik for the track “Eating Alone” for a variety show soundtrack and featured on Lee Gi-kwang’s (Highlight) song “Dream”.
Participating in SMTM5 and debuting solo as Luizy marked Seungyoun’s first significant steps in establishing his individual artistic identity separate from UNIQ. He leveraged this platform to showcase his rapping skills and interest in music production,, a strategic move to build credibility as a rapper/producer beyond the idol group framework.
Reinvention: The Birth of WOODZ and Produce X 101
Transition to WOODZ (2018)
- Stage Name Change: In May 2018, Yuehua Entertainment announced Seungyoun would officially use the stage name WOODZ for his solo activities. He explained the name reflects his philosophy – “Deep roots, light branches” – and signifies a more serious approach to music.
- Musical Shift: WOODZ marked a shift towards music rich in R&B influences and a greater focus on vocals, although still incorporating rap elements. He released the digital singles “Pool” (featuring Sumin) and “Different” , both co-produced with renowned producer Cha Cha Malone of AOMG.This was followed by “meaningless”.
The change from Luizy to WOODZ was more than nominal; it signified a deliberate artistic maturation and a desire to be recognized for a broader musical palette beyond hip-hop. The philosophy behind the name WOODZ suggests intentionality and a deeper connection to his craft. This was a pivotal moment of self-redefinition towards greater artistic depth and breadth.
The Produce X 101 Journey (2019)
- Participation: He competed on the Mnet survival show.
- Impact: The show brought him significant public recognition. He excellently showcased his “all-rounder” skills. He also learned to express himself more authentically, showing his natural side.
- Outcome: He successfully finished in 5th place, securing a spot in the project group X1.
Produce X 101 served as a crucial launching pad, rebooting WOODZ’s career and exposing his diverse talents to a wider audience after UNIQ’s hiatus and his quieter initial solo efforts. The show demonstrated his ability to shine under pressure and connect with viewers, overcoming the recognition challenges he previously faced and setting the stage for his later solo success.
The X1 Chapter (August 2019 – January 2020)
- Debut: X1 officially debuted on August 27, 2019, with the EP Quantum Leap and title track “Flash” at the prestigious Gocheok Sky Dome. Seungyoun expressed excitement about debuting with talented members.
- Role: He continued his role as Vocalist and Rapper within the group.
- Activities: However, X1’s activities were short-lived due to the Mnet vote manipulation investigation that plagued the entire Produce series.
- Disbandment: X1 officially disbanded on January 6, 2020, after the members’ agencies failed to reach an agreement on the group’s future. Seungyoun shared an emotional handwritten letter about the situation, expressing his and the fans’ regret and heartbreak.
Though brief and ending in controversy, the X1 experience brought WOODZ a significant wave of exposure and fan support. However, the abrupt end was another considerable setback, testing his resilience once again. X1 represented a high-profile yet ultimately tumultuous chapter, further shaping WOODZ’s narrative of overcoming adversity.
Shining Solo: Crafting the Sound of WOODZ
Post-X1 Solo Career
- Continuing the Journey: After X1’s disbandment, Cho Seung-youn returned to his solo activities under the name WOODZ.
- Management Change: He left Yuehua Entertainment following his contract expiration and officially signed with EDAM Entertainment (home to IU) in October 2022. This move was positively received by fans, seen as a good step for his career. Joining EDAM, a smaller but highly regarded agency known for prioritizing its artists (like IU), signaled a potential shift towards greater creative control and focused support for his solo career, contrasting with Yuehua’s larger structure and multi-group management. This may have been a strategic choice to seek a more artist-centric environment allowing for tailored career development and musical exploration.
Deep Dive into Solo Discography
- Prolific Output: Since fully focusing on his solo career in 2020, WOODZ has consistently released multiple EPs, single albums, and digital singles.
- Key Releases: EPs: Equal (2020), Woops! (2020), Only Lovers Left (2021), Colorful Trauma (2022), OO-LI (2023 – first release under EDAM).
- EPs: Equal (2020), Woops! (2020), Only Lovers Left (2021), Colorful Trauma (2022) 15, OO-LI (2023 – first release under EDAM).
- Single Albums: Set (2021).
- Digital Singles: Includes popular tracks like “Love Me Harder” (파랗게), “Bump Bump”, “Feel Like”, “Waiting” (his music show win track), and “Amnesia” (released before enlistment).
- Soundtrack Contributions (OSTs): He has participated in OSTs for dramas like Yumi’s Cells Season 2 (“About You”), Monthly Magazine Home (“There For You”), and the reality show EXchange (“Sun or Suck”). Notably, his performance of the song “No One Else” on Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook was deeply moving, as it was a song his late father loved.
Table: WOODZ Solo Discography (Albums & EPs)
This table provides a chronological overview of WOODZ’s main solo releases, illustrating his consistent and rich musical output.
| Album/EP Title | Type | Release Date | Label (at time of release) | Reference Sources |
| Equal | 1st Mini EP | 2020-06-29 | Yuehua | 4 |
| Woops! | 2nd Mini EP | 2020-11-17 | Yuehua | |
| Set | 1st Single Album | 2021-03-15 | Yuehua | 2 |
| Only Lovers Left | 3rd Mini EP | 2021-10-05 | Yuehua | 15 |
| Colorful Trauma | 4th Mini EP | 2022-05-04 | Yuehua | 15 |
| OO-LI | 5th Mini EP | 2023-04-26 | EDAM | 7 |
| Amnesia | Digital Single | 2023-12-18 | EDAM | 8 (Note: EDAM lists as Digital Single 15) |
Musical Identity
- Genre Blending: WOODZ’s music is a unique blend of K-pop, Hip Hop, R&B, sometimes incorporating rock influences. His music is often described as having a “chill, R&B type of vibe” but constantly explores diverse sounds across albums.
- Artistic Philosophy: He emphasizes authenticity, wanting to share his own stories and worldview through his music. The fandom name MOODZ also reflects this – those who love WOODZ’s romantic “mood” and want to be his “muse”.
- Maturation: He is consistently involved in the production process, leading to increasingly mature and deep music. The shift to the WOODZ stage name also marked him becoming “more serious” about music.
WOODZ’s solo music isn’t confined to a single genre but reflects his “all-rounder” nature, allowing him to explore various styles while maintaining a core identity rooted in personal expression and skilled production. His musical journey parallels his personal growth and evolving artistic vision, from the hip-hop of Luizy to the broader sonic palette of WOODZ.
The Artist-Producer: WOODZ’s Creative Universe
Multifaceted Talent
WOODZ’s abilities extend far beyond the typical idol singer role. He is consistently praised for his comprehensive skills including singing, rapping, and dancing, skills clearly demonstrated through his performances and on survival shows.
Songwriting & Production Prowess
- Deep Involvement: WOODZ is deeply involved in the lyric writing, composition, and production of his own solo music.2 The extensive list of self-produced tracks in is clear evidence of this.
- Contributions to Other Artists: His production talent extends beyond his personal projects. He has composed/produced for numerous other artists and projects, including UNIQ, the Chinese survival show Idol Producer, Korea’s The Unit, the subunit Super Junior-D&E , the group ONF, singer Suran, producer EDEN, a collaboration between Ravi (VIXX) & Eunha (GFriend) 18, artist Primary 18, GEMINI 18, singer YENA 18, and many others.18 He has a close collaborative relationship with producer EDEN, who considers him like a son.
Table: Selected Songwriting/Production Credits (Outside WOODZ Projects)
This table illustrates the breadth and impact of WOODZ as a producer, fulfilling the request for examples of his skills.
| Artist / Project | Song Title | Role (C=Compose, L=Lyrics, A=Arrange) | Year | Reference Sources |
| UNIQ | Best Friend | L | 2015 | |
| Idol Producer (China) | It’s OK | C, L, A | 2018 | 11 |
| The Unit (KBS) | Always | C 18 | 2018 | 18 |
| EDEN | Dance (feat. WOODZ) | L | 2018 | 18 |
| Super Junior-D&E | Evanesce II | C | 2018 | 18 |
| JUN (U-KISS) | Hold It Down | C, L | 2018 | 18 |
| Jamie (Park Jimin) | Pick Up The Phone | C, L | 2018 | 18 |
| ONF | Ice & Fire | C, L | 2019 | 2 |
| Suran | Don’t Hang Up | C, L | 2019 | 2 |
| Ravi (VIXX) & Eunha (GFriend) | BLOSSOM | C | 2019 | 18 |
| Primary | Bless You | C, L | 2020 | 18 |
| YENA | The Ugly Duckling | C | 2024 | 18 |
Collaborative Projects
- M.O.L.A (Make Our Lives Awesome): He co-founded this music collective in 2015. Members include close friends like Jamie (formerly Park Jimin of 15&), Kino (Pentagon), producer Nathan, and Vernon (Seventeen). The group released tracks like “My Way” and “Chillin'”.Nathan and Jamie’s appearance on the Woops! album was seen as a mini M.O.L.A reunion.
- Drinkcolor: Co-founded in 2016. (Further details not available in provided sources).
- TEAM HOW: Co-founded his personal production team in 2018.
His involvement in multiple creative collectives (M.O.L.A, Drinkcolor, TEAM HOW) underscores his proactive approach to music creation and collaboration, seeking out like-minded artists outside traditional company structures. This indicates a desire to build an artistic community and control his own creative process, demonstrating initiative, networking skills, and a commitment to building his personal creative ecosystem.
Awards & Achievements
- Music Show Win: He achieved his first solo career win with the song “WAITING” on The Show (Week 41, 2021).
- Major Awards: At the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2021, he was awarded the AAA Icon (Singer). He was also named KPOPREVIEWED’s Choice for Best New Male Soloist at the KPOPREVIEWED Awards 2020.
- Nominations: His album Equal earned him a Rookie of the Year nomination at the 35th Golden Disc Awards (2021).
- Sales & Digital Performance: WOODZ has achieved respectable commercial success with impressive physical album sales (over 560,100 total copies, Equal being the bestseller with over 143,791 copies). He also maintains a steady presence on digital music charts and boasts high YouTube views (over 168 million total).
While not yet possessing numerous top-tier grand prizes (Daesangs), WOODZ’s consistent album sales, chart presence, music show win, and specific awards like the AAA Icon indicate a solid and dedicated fanbase (MOODZ) and industry recognition for his impact as a solo artist. His success is measured more by his consistent artistic output, strong fan support (driving sales and streams/views), and specialized awards rather than widespread major award wins.
Beyond Music
- Variety & Reality Shows: He has appeared on popular shows like Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook, Daebak Show w/ Eric Nam, EXchange (as a guest host) , Mama the Idol , SEOUL PLAY. He also participated in the group reality show X1 Flash.
- Acting: Early in his career (2016), he took on supporting roles in two Chinese films: A Chinese Odyssey: Part Three (as Zhu Bajie/Pigsy) and MBA Partners.
Although primarily focused on music, appearances on variety shows help WOODZ showcase his personality and connect with fans. His early acting roles indicate an initial exploration of broader entertainment fields. However, his core identity and career trajectory remain firmly rooted in music, where his production and solo performance talents are most prominent.
Current Chapter: Duty and Anticipation
Military Service
Currently, WOODZ is fulfilling his mandatory military service as required by South Korean law. He enlisted on January 22, 2024 and is expected to complete his service and be discharged on July 21, 2025. Before departing, he shared a heartfelt letter with his fans (MOODZ), expressing gratitude and promising to return healthy
Recent Activities (Pre-Enlistment)
- Final Release: The digital single “Amnesia” was released on December 18, 2023. He metaphorically linked his military service period to a “temporary amnesia,” connecting the song’s title to this life transition
- Final Concert: He held the ‘OO-LI Finale’ concert in January 2024 as a farewell to fans before enlisting.
WOODZ’s pre-enlistment activities were carefully planned to provide fans with a final musical release and concert experience, demonstrating his thoughtfulness towards his fanbase and ensuring a sense of closure before his hiatus. Linking the song “Amnesia” to his personal life transition shows how he meaningfully connects his art with his reality.
Conclusion: The Resilient Artist
The journey of WOODZ, or Cho Seung-youn, is an inspiring testament to resilience and artistic passion. He has navigated group lineup changes, the rigors of survival shows, and multiple reinventions in his solo career.
He has established himself as a true “all-rounder” and a respected artist-producer within the K-pop scene. With his diverse talents, relentless creativity, and musical sincerity, WOODZ has captured the hearts of a loyal fanbase, MOODZ. As he serves his national duty, fans and the industry alike await his return in 2025, eager for the next chapter in the evolving artistic story of one of K-pop’s most unique talents.