If you’re a fan of Produce 101 series, then you probably know WOODZ.

Soloist Cho Seung-youn, known professionally as Woodz, is a South Korean singer-songwriter, rapper, dancer, and record producer. He has been on a journey of musical self-discovery, thriving as an independent artist.

Interesting Facts about WOODZ

Prior to pursuing solo music, WOODZ had a lengthy career as an idol, and this experience has made him an even greater musician. Everything he creates is certain to leave an impression due to his soulful, lilting voice.

So here’s a rundown of interesting facts about Seung-Youn, from his journey of musical self discovery, flourishing in his role as an artist.

He is a member of boyband UNIQ

Seung-youn first debuted in 2014, as a member of Chinese-South Korean boy group UNIQ, and penned lyrics to several of their songs.

Woodz auditioned more than 50 times for various entertainment companies, such as SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment, before being accepted as a trainee at YG Entertainment.

He had been training at YG for one and a half years before he joined the Uniq pre-debut team.

Joined in a rap competition show

In the year 2016, Seungyoun had always been keen on focusing only on music, so he applied to be a part of the Show Me The Money series. He applied in season 4 , but due to scheduling conflicts with “EOEO” promotions, he was forced to wait until season 5.

Although, the WOODZ did not advance very far in the competition, he received a great feedback to début as a solo rapper under his first stage name, Luizy. His first song, “Recipe,” was a rap-influenced melody co-written with Flowsik.

He was on Produce X 101 

Woodz participated in Produce X 101 in 2019, which is a stepping stone to his well-deserved public recognition. He ranked fifth in the competition where he earned a spot in X1, the 11-member boy band.

However, due to a scandal involving vote manipulation, the group disbanded in early 2020, allowing WOODZ to focus solely on his solo career.

Studied in the Philippines

Woodz went to the Philippines to study English for one year at Reedley International School in Manila. That’s why he can speak a little Tagalog. Aside from that, he can also speak Korean, Chinese, Tagalog, Portuguese, and English.

He joined Hanlim Multi Art School’s Practical Dance Department a year late since he was living overseas. Later, Woodz enrolled in the Department of Entertainment and Media at Global Cyber University after transferring there.

Star soccer player for a Brazilian academy

WOODZ has been known to have participated as an athlete in a professional children’s soccer league in Brazil during his early teenage years. However, he left that behind in order to achieve his dream of becoming a singer after hearing a song by Lee Seunggi.

After making a debut as an idol, he made his name known as an avid soccer enthusiast in the entertainment world. Singer WOODZ even appeared on the JTBC soccer variety ‘Gather to Kick – The Morning Football Club of the Legends’.

Can play musical instruments

He can play several instruments like the drums, piano, guitar as well as beatboxing.

He produces songs for other singers

In 2017, he co-produced the song “Always” for the survival program, marking the first time he had produced a track for another artist. As his musical style shifted from rap to R&B in 2018, Seungyoun changed his stage name from Luizy to WOODZ and has used it as a solo artist.

Cho Seung Youn opened up on KBS 2TV’s “Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook” why he performs under the name WOODZ as he said, “I have the mindset of ‘Deep roots, light branches.’ So I try to have a rooted, solid attitude about things and try to keep my thoughts light.”

He also shared that when he was active in the group UNIQ, his stage name had been Luizy. The musician revealed that while he was in Brazil, they call people who had small statures Luizinho.

WOODZ has co-produced and written songs for Super Junior, Suran, and ONF artists. He has also released two EPs, a single album, several digital releases, and tracks since changing his identity.

Later, he released his first solo-produced song, “Baby Ride,” which featured BTOB’s Hyunsik. The song unveiled a softer, more laid-back aspect of the rapper as an artist, in contrast to his first album, which emphasized hardcore hip-hop.

The ‘All-rounder’

WOODZ is known for his trademark nickname, “The All-Rounder”, due to his extensive abilities as a performer, rapper, and dancer. He proved that his music compositions & skills have a wide range of concepts and themes.

Don’t miss this chance to catch him live at his ‘2023 WOODZ OO-LI WORLD TOUR IN MANILA‘ . Happening on June 17, 2023 at the New Frontier Theater. Secure your tickets now via TicketNetPH outlets nationwide and http://ticketnet.com.ph.

This event is brought to you by PULP Live World.