Hoya (singer)

Hoya
Hoya in 2013
Native name	이호원
Born	Lee Ho-dong[1][2] (1991-03-28) March 28, 1991 Busan, South Korea
Other names	Hoya Lee Ho-won
Alma mater	Daekyung University
Occupation	Rapper Actor Dancer
Musical career
Genres	K-pop Dance-pop Hip hop
Instruments	Rapping Vocal
Years active	2010–present
Labels	Woollim Entertainment
Associated acts	Infinite Infinite H Dynamic Black

Lee Ho-won (Hangul: 이호원;^[1][3] Born on (1991-03-28)March 28, 1991^[4]), better known by his stage name Hoya, is a South Korean rapper, dancer, songwriter and actor. He is a lead rapper and main dancer of the South Korea boy band Infinite^[5] and its sub-group Infinite H.^[6]

Biography

Hoya was born in Busan, South Korea. He dropped out of high school during his first year to pursue his dream as a singer. His father was against the decision, causing Hoya to leave home. After dropping out, he took and passed his high school qualification exam, thus receiving his high school certification at the age of 16.^[7] Later his father accepted him and he now supports Infinite wholeheartedly. Hoya auditioned after he dropped out and ended up in his current agency, Woollim Entertainment. He was a former JYP Entertainment trainee.^[8]

On March 10, 2014 he announced that his real birth name is Lee Hodong, not Howon as he had previously told the public, and that he changed it in order not to share a name with comedian Kang Hodong.^[9] Kang Ho-dong acted as a fool in a comedy show when Hoya was nine years old. As a result, Hoya's friends teased him about it and thus having to change his name to Lee Ho-won in the end.

Hoya graduated from Daekyung University, majoring in Applied Music with fellow members Sungkyu, L, Sungyeol and Dongwoo.^[10]

Hoya at K-Pop World Festival 2013.

Career

2010: Debut with Infinite

Hoya debuted as rapper, vocal and main dancer of South Korean boyband Infinite in 2010. The group officially debuted on June 10, 2010.^[11]

2012–14: Infinite H's debut and Acting roles

On April 30, 2012, it was reported that Hoya would make his acting debut through tvN's new television drama, but the news was denied by his agency. A week later, Hoya confirmed that he was cast for a supporting role in the tvN drama Reply 1997.^[12][13] He played Kang Joon-hee, who harbors a secret crush on an unexpected character.

In September 2012, Hoya and fellow Infinite member Dongwoo formed a subgroup called Infinite H.^[14] The subgroup released their first mini-album, titled Fly High, in January 2013. The subgroup has a different musical direction and style concept from Infinite, placing their focus on each member's rap and performance ability with Hip Hop style.

In December 2012, He participated in special unit, Dynamic Black, and performed "Yesterday" on SBS Gayo Daejun.^[15][16]

On April 8, 2014, Hoya had a duet, Ooh Ooh with Eric Nam and featured on Eric Nam's digital single. In July 2014, he had a duet Need You Now with Henry Lau. It was featured on Henry's second mini-album titled Fantastic.

On September 24, 2014, Hoya was cast in a lead role in movie Hiya. He played a high school student who only dreams of becoming a singer, Jin-ho. The movie premiered on March 10.

2015–present: Solo activities

On September 12, 2015 Hoya created his own YouTube channel entitled Real Hoya and uploaded his first video, a cover of Zion.T's song titled "Kiss Me", on September 14, and shared the link via Instagram.^[17]

In June 2016, Hoya became a contestant in Mnet's new dance survival show Hit The Stage,^[18] where they collaborate with professional dancers to compete in different genres of dancing under a given theme.^[19]

Discography

Soundtrack appearances and solo performances

Songwriting credits

Filmography

Film

Television drama

Television series

Variety Shows

Music video Appearances

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hoya (vocalist).

• Hoya on Twitter
  
• Hoya on Instagram
• Hoya at HanCinema