2014–2015: Career Beginnings with UNIQ
Cho Seung-youn, better known as WOODZ, began his journey in the industry as a member of the South Korean-Chinese boy group UNIQ, formed by Yuehua Entertainment.
Debuting on October 16, 2014, with the single Falling in Love, UNIQ showcased a blend of Mandarin and Korean tracks. As the group’s main rapper and sub-vocalist, WOODZ contributed to their early success, including the 2015 mini album EOEO.
However, political tensions between China and South Korea halted full-group promotions, leading members to pursue solo activities.
During this period, WOODZ co-founded the music collective M.O.L.A with artists like Pentagon’s Kino and Seventeen’s Vernon, releasing casual collaborations that highlighted his early versatility.
2016–2017: Solo Debut as Luizy and Early Experiments
In July 2016, WOODZ debuted as a solo artist under the stage name Luizy with the hip-hop track Recipe, featuring Flowsik.
Though the release gained moderate attention, it laid the groundwork for his future identity. By 2018, he rebranded as WOODZ, shedding his rapper-centric image to explore alternative R&B with singles like Pool and Different.
These tracks, co-produced with AOMG’s Cha Cha Malone, marked his transition into a vocal-focused artist.
Simultaneously, he expanded his production portfolio, writing for C-pop groups like MR-X and contributing to Super Junior-D&E’s Bout You. His formation of the creative team TEAM HOW in late 2018 underscored his growing autonomy.
2019: Breakthrough with Produce X 101 and X1
WOODZ’s career pivoted when he joined Mnet’s survival show Produce X 101. Initially ranked 67th, his self-produced audition track Dream and relentless charisma propelled him to 5th place, securing a spot in the project group X1.
The group’s debut EP Emergency: Quantum Leap (2019) shattered records, selling over 500,000 copies. However, X1 disbanded in January 2020 due to vote-rigging controversies, forcing WOODZ to rebuild his career independently.
2020–2022: Solo Stardom and Artistic Evolution
Post-X1, WOODZ surged as a soloist with his critically acclaimed EP Equal (2020), featuring the alt-R&B anthem Love Me Harder.
The album debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s World Albums Chart, cementing his reputation as a self-producing powerhouse.
Subsequent releases like Woops! (2020) and Only Lovers Left (2021) showcased genre-blending experimentation, from synth-pop (Bump Bump) to rock-infused tracks (Kiss of Fire).
In 2022, Colorful Trauma and its lead single I Hate You dominated charts, earning him his first music show win on The Show. His collaborations with artists like YUGYEOM (GOT7) and performances on global stages (e.g., KCON) amplified his international appeal.
2023–Present: Military Enlistment and Hiatus
WOODZ enlisted in the military in July 2023, pausing his music career. Before enlistment, he released the single Abyss under EDAM Entertainment (home to IU), teasing a darker, introspective direction. He is set to return in July 2025.
WOODZ Member Profile
Stage Name: WOODZ (우즈)
Birth Name: Cho Seung-youn (조승연)
Birthday: August 5, 1996 (Leo ♌)
Nationality: South Korean
Height: 183 cm (6’0”)
MBTI: ENFP (unconfirmed, based on fan observations)
Fandom: MOODZ 💙
Labels: Yuehua Entertainment (2014–2022), EDAM Entertainment (2022–present)
Positions:
- Main Rapper (UNIQ)
- Vocalist, Producer, Songwriter (Solo)
Education:
- Hanlim Multi Art School
- Global Cyber University (Broadcasting & Entertainment)
Hobbies:
- Football (played in Brazilian youth leagues) 🏆
- Painting and graphic design 🎨
- Writing poetry and composing 🎹
Fun Facts:
- Fluent in Korean, English, Portuguese, and basic Mandarin. 🌍
- Co-founded the production collective Drinkcolor in 2016.
- His stage name “WOODZ” reflects his desire to be “timeless and natural like wood.”
Why You Should Love WOODZ 🎧
- Musical Chameleon 🦎
From hip-hop (Recipe) to soul-stirring ballads (Waiting), WOODZ defies genre limits. His discography is a masterclass in evolution, appealing to fans of pop, R&B, and rock. - Self-Made Artist ✍️
He writes, produces, and choreographs most of his work, offering raw authenticity. Tracks like Different and I Hate You reveal deeply personal storytelling. - Global Citizen 🌐
Having lived in Brazil, the Philippines, and China, WOODZ infuses multicultural influences into his music, bridging K-pop with global sounds. - Unmatched Stage Presence 💃
His performances blend intense vocals, sharp choreography, and magnetic energy—see Love Me Harder’s haunting choreography or Bump Bump’s retro flair. - Relatable Vulnerability 😢
Lyrics about love, insecurity, and growth (Accident, Hope to Be Like You) resonate with listeners navigating similar struggles.
Final Thoughts
WOODZ isn’t just an idol—he’s a renaissance artist reshaping K-pop’s boundaries. Whether you’re drawn to his genre-fluid music, DIY ethos, or infectious personality, his journey is a testament to resilience and creativity.
As fans await his 2025 return, one thing is clear: WOODZ’s legacy is only beginning. 🚀🌟
