During his military service, 'Drowning' achieved significant success on music charts.
He is currently gaining prominence as a solo artist.
The story of Cho Seung-yeon, known as WOODZ, illustrates a pivotal moment in his musical journey. Under the theme of 'late bloomers', he has firmly established his position as a vocalist while evolving as an artist.
Debuting in 2014 as part of the multinational group UNIQ, his beginnings were anything but smooth. Within the confines of a collaborative Korean-Chinese group, he faced many challenges and the group's activities came to a halt in 2016 due to the THAAD fallout. During this period, his solo career also faced a slump.
However, in 2019, WOODZ made a spectacular comeback through the Mnet program 'Produce X 101'. Rising through the ranks, he secured a place in the final group, which allowed him to re-enter the public consciousness despite the brief span of the group's activities. Unfortunately, the group's early disbandment due to vote manipulation forced him to explore new paths. Through his solo career, he showcased his skills in rap, vocals, and production, refining his musical identity.
Among the remarkable moments in his journey, a live video of 'Drowning' released during his military service marked a turning point. One year post-release, the song re-entered the major music charts, culminating in a number one spot. In this way, WOODZ made a lasting impression on the public, not just as a flash in the pan but as a result of years of hard work. Now, he is reaffirming his identity as a solo vocalist and gaining more prominence.
WOODZ's music showcases a blend of diverse elements that highlights his creativity. His style, which traverses genres from hip-hop to R&B and band sounds, is well-received due to its rich variety. He expresses his unique character through pronunciation, emotion, and technical aspects, delivering even emotional ballads with intensity.
His fanbase has solidified as his solo activities fill the gaps left during his time in the Korean-Chinese collaboration group. The rising popularity of 'Drowning' illustrates that he continues to receive love even during his military service. This suggests that an artist's fandom can evolve beyond fleeting trends into a foundation for genuine success.
WOODZ stands not just as an artist but as a musical icon, exerting significant influence in the industry. By demonstrating that heartfelt messages through music resonate with the public, he maintains a direction that aligns with current trends.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
