Jang Woo-hyuk 장우혁 |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Jang Woo-hyuk |
Born |
Daegu, South Korea |
May 8, 1978
Origin | South Korea |
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | |
Years active | 1996–present |
Labels | Seubyonji Entertainment [1] |
Associated acts | |
Website | Official Site |
Jang Woo-hyuk | |
Hangul | 장우혁 |
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Hanja | 張佑赫 |
Revised Romanization | Jang U-hyeok |
McCune–Reischauer | Chang Uhyŏk |
Jang Woo-hyuk (hangul: 장우혁; hanja: 張佑赫; born May 8, 1978) is a South Korean rapper. He debuted under SM Entertainment as one of the members of the 5 member boyband H.O.T. in 1996.
As a member of H.O.T. he was known for being a dancer of the group, and was known for his strong vocal screams in his rap. His nicknames have been "Hammer Boy" for his famous hammer dance from H.O.T.s debut single; Candy. Another well-known nickname of him was "tough guy". When H.O.T disbanded in 2001, Woo Hyuk and two other H.O.T members; Tony An and Lee Jae Won dropped out of SM and formed the trio jtL.
When JTL was created, H.O.T. fans had mixed feelings for JTL. Many of JTL's music videos were boycotted and their performance was hindered by the ex-agency SM Entertainment. However, things changed around when JTL held a 'Guerilla Concert' in front of 12,000 fans.
JTL unofficially disbanded in 2003 as its members began pursuing solo careers. Woo Hyuk became the CEO of Newest Entertainment (a dancing academy). Woo Hyuk collaborated with Kenzie, Pang Shi Hyuk, and many other talented K-pop musicians. Music lovers thirsting for groovy R&B style beats plus a flair of hip hop all blended with Woo Hyuk's inimitable vocals are well advised to check out the release of No More Drama. To prepare for his solo album, Jang Woo Hyuk underwent 10 months of dance training.
Woo Hyuk also changed his style of rapping. Instead of screaming the lyrics out into the mic the way he did during his H.O.T days, he now does his usual rapping.
Jang Woo Hyuk has become popular in the Chinese and Taiwanese markets. In a poll held on China's largest portal site, sina.com, Woo Hyuk topped two categories, beating out Rain by 500 votes in the poll: "Who do you think is the most popular South Korean singer in China?" and more than double the votes in dancing. He has expressed his deep interest of making appearances in China and Taiwan. During the beginning of April 2006, he started his first promotion in China and finally created his official fan club in China; however, he has never held a concert in Taiwan.