Seungmin

Seungmin: The Steadfast Voice of Stray Kids

Early Life and Education

Kim Seung-min (김승민), known mononymously as Seungmin, was born on September 22, 2000, in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea. He grew up alongside his parents and an older sister. Inspired by his grandfather, a former high school baseball pitcher, Seungmin aspired to become a professional baseball player during his childhood. He even served as a ceremonial first pitcher for the SK Wyverns at the age of nine. However, due to family circumstances, he shifted his focus to music, discovering his passion through choir participation and a poetry contest win in elementary school .

Seungmin briefly lived in Los Angeles during his fourth-grade year, where he honed his English skills. Upon returning to Korea, he attended Bongeun Elementary and Middle Schools, followed by Cheongdam High School, graduating in February 2019 .

Path to Stardom

In February 2017, Seungmin auditioned for JYP Entertainment's 13th Open Audition, securing second place among 3,500 participants. He became a trainee shortly thereafter and participated in the reality survival show "Stray Kids" later that year. His consistent performances and vocal prowess earned him a spot in the final lineup. Seungmin officially debuted with Stray Kids on March 25, 2018, during their showcase "Unveil (Op. 01: I Am Not)" at Jangchung Arena .

Role in Stray Kids

As the main vocalist of Stray Kids, Seungmin is celebrated for his rich mid-to-low vocal tone and emotional delivery. He is part of the sub-unit VOCALRACHA, alongside I.N, focusing on vocal-centric performances .

Vocal and Performance Skills

Seungmin's vocal stability and expressive singing have been highlighted since his debut. His rendition of "Stitches" during the survival show showcased his ability to convey deep emotions. Over time, he has also improved his dance skills, known for clean and precise movements .

Solo Projects and Collaborations

Beyond group activities, Seungmin has contributed to various original soundtracks (OSTs) for Korean dramas:

• "Here Always" for Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

• "Close to You" for Love in Contract (2022)

• "Destiny" for The Midnight Studio (2024)

• "Phobia" for the web novel and webtoon I'm the Queen in This Life (2024) 

He has also released solo tracks like "Stars and Raindrops" and participated in the SKZ-Record project with songs such as "Piece of a Puzzle" and a cover of Justin Bieber's "Ghost."

Media Appearances and Hosting

Seungmin has showcased his versatility by hosting music programs:

• Co-hosted After School Club (2018)

• Co-hosted We K-Pop (2019) 

In 2023, he appeared as a contestant on King of Masked Singer, performing under the alias "Ink."

Fashion Endeavors

Seungmin's fashion sense has garnered attention in the industry. In November 2023, he featured on the cover of Nylon Japan in collaboration with Coach for their holiday campaign. He made his fashion week debut at the Loewe Fall/Winter 2024 Women's Show in Paris and attended the 2024 Met Gala as a guest of Tommy Hilfiger .

Personal Life and Interests

Known for his disciplined lifestyle, Seungmin maintains practice journals and consistently works on self-improvement. He is a devoted fan of the Lotte Giants baseball team and enjoys photography, music, and walks. Despite his love for Korean cuisine, he struggles with spicy foods .

Conclusion

Seungmin's journey from aspiring baseball player to main vocalist of Stray Kids exemplifies his adaptability and dedication. His contributions to music, both within the group and as a solo artist, along with his ventures into hosting and fashion, highlight his multifaceted talent and commitment to his craft.