It’s been a year of many firsts for WINNER’s rapper, main dancer, and choreographer Lee Seung-hoon. In July last year, 10 years after the group’s debut, he released “My Type,” his first-ever solo album. He also held his first solo fan concert, “Offline Live,” marking another milestone in his career.
Much like the beloved rom-com “My Sassy Girl,” where the unexpected and unconventional lead character captivates audiences with her unpredictable charm, Seung-hoon has always stood out for his unique charisma. His witty, daring, and sometimes mischievous energy on and off stage mirrors the sassy, fearless spirit of the film’s iconic heroine. This January 2025, as we celebrate his birthday month, here are ten reasons why he is our sassy type.
From roadblocks to stepping stones
Seung-hoon’s legendary “K-pop Star” audition proves an obstacle can become an advantage. As he was trying to impress the judges with his dance moves, he accidentally stepped on a floor mat. Showing why he is the king of freestyle dancing, he improvised and used the mat as a tool in his choreography. His composure and creativity earned him laughter and approval from the judges.
‘I’ but passionate
He is an introvert but onstage he is the most passionate. He dances like there’s no tomorrow, showing his toned body which was a result of his strict regimen of sleeping early and regular exercise. He doesn’t drink alcohol but indulges when he has the chance, like eating donuts during a “Waterbomb Festival” performance.
Life doesn’t get sweeter! Photos: Lee Seung-hoon’s IG Live
His unusual ceremonial first pitch in a baseball game caused controversy. He danced for 18 seconds to “My Type” before throwing the ball.
A fan complained that the pitch disrupted the game, but many cheered and defended Seunghoon knowing it was coordinated with the officials and done for fun in good faith. Conventional is not in his dictionary. He gives more than a 100% every time.
Collector of hyphens
On top of being the group’s rapper, dancer, and choreographer, Lee’s vocals are something to be proud of. He showed his vocal prowess when he starred as Song Sam-dong, the lead character in “Dream High” the musical. Lee released two solo tracks, “Serenade” and “Flamenco,” under previous Winner albums. He participated as a lyricist and composer in several tracks, including this memorable verse from “Moviestar,” “Even when I wanted to shine and everyone else shined. I was satisfied with being that streetlamp in the alley that flickers every once in a while.”
Out-of-the-box ideas
Because of the Olympics, promotion for his album was limited, but it did not deter him from finding other ways to introduce his music. For the title track, instead of the usual music video, he released a story film directed by Webtoon artist, Kian84, and a performance video sponsored by Cass, a major beer brand in Korea. He also released track videos for the remaining songs in the album. He appeared in radio programs, home TV shopping, and lotto draws. He delivered a Ted-like presentation that strongly resembled Steve Jobs’ unveiling of the iPhone.
Video: YG Entertainment
His out-of-the-box ideas are all over his YouTube, TikTok, and variety shows. He previously sneaked into SM Entertainment’s office to spy. He brought a computer desktop inside a cafe, eliciting laughter from everyone who saw his antics.
Leader
Two years ago, the group’s leader Kang Seung-yoon was injured. Following the tradition of replacing the leader with a leg injury, Lee took over the leadership responsibilities until Kang recovered.
WINNER’s Seung-hoon Hyung. Video: tVN
He was also the group’s chef in their “Youth Over Flowers” show in Australia, and prepared sumptuous meals for the members and staff.
Family first, always
“I eat pork, but I buy beef for my family.” This was how Lee described his spending habits. When he and fellow Winner member Jinu talked about finances on “ZIP Daesung,” Bigbang Daesung’s YouTube show, Seunghoon said he spends more for his family.
Family! Family! Family! Photo: ZIP Daesung YouTube channel
He offered to watch over his sister’s kids so she could watch a concert without worries. He is truly the best brother and uncle. He showed his fatherly instincts in the variety reality show, “Half-moon Friends” while patiently teaching a kid how to ride a bike. He named the Instagram account “Maetamong is Dad,” for his pet Haute, an Italian Greyhound dog.
Everybody’s bestie
Not just to Winner members, but his debut album is proof of the kind of friend he is. His friends from “Adventure by Accident” gave their time and talent to help promote his album.
He is a successful fanboy.
PHOTO: @Spurs_KR X account
He attended a signing event as a Tottenham fan, the same day Winner held a signing event for Inner Circles (fandom). He joined a Tottenham promo and won a fan sign opportunity. His photo holding the signed soccer jersey together with Son Heung-min was shared on the team’s official Instagram account. Later at Winner’s fan signing event, he bragged about the signed jersey to the members and fans.
Firm and strict
In “Half-Moon Friends,” the members of Winner take on the role of teachers for kindergarten children. Teacher Lee disciplined the little ones when they became rowdy, reminding them to behave appropriately. He also encourages Inner Circles to be mindful and not disturb others in public spaces where Winner is present.
Fandom prez
Lee is the president of Inner Circle, the fandom he named “Park Inseo.” He has a tattoo of the Winner logo with a circle, which he said was a homage to the fandom. Prior to the release of his solo album, he hiked a mountain and went live on Weverse, a testament to his commitment to be with Inner Circles, every step of the way.
He kept all the letters he received in the military, writing the names of all the fans on paper. He thanked all of them during a Weverse Live of Winner’s eighth anniversary. He constantly reminds fans not to neglect their studies or work to attend Winner’s events. He is the perfect boyfriend who buys chocolates for fans waiting at the airport but is frank enough to tell them to forget about wanting to marry him because it is an unhealthy dream. He definitely knows where to draw the line. The friendzoned Inner Circles have accepted and even embraced his track “Brother and Sister,” as their official song.
