Initially studying sports, he decided to become a singer at the age of 20 and moved to Seoul to pursue that career.

[1][2] He played soccer in middle school, and attended Woosong University to study sports.

[3] He decided to pursue a career in singing at the age of 20, which his parents and friends vehemently opposed.

[4] He auditioned for H2 Media singing Kang Min-kyung's "Go to the Hospital" and dancing to G-Dragon's "Heartbreaker", and he was immediately accepted as a trainee.

[7] He made his acting debut along with his group in the film Shinokubo Story (2013), where he played one of five characters seeking to become "stars".