# Han (musician)

Han Ji-sung (Korean: 한지성; born September 14, 2000), known professionally as Han, is a South Korean rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is a member of the South Korean boy band Stray Kids and its production team, 3Racha, both affiliated with JYP Entertainment.
Han has been a full member of the Korea Music Copyright Association since February 2023, making him the youngest K-pop idol to be awarded such membership. As of November 2024, Han has registered songwriting and production credits for 167 songs, including "Paradise" by NiziU, "No Idea" by Show Lo, "Nevermind" by Yao Chen, and "Yolo-konde" by JO1. He has also received credits on collaborative tracks with artists including American rapper Lil Durk, Japanese rapper Sky-Hi, Korean-American rapper Tiger JK, and Japanese singer-songwriter Lisa.

## Early life and education

Han Ji-sung was born on September 14, 2000, in Incheon, South Korea, though his family moved to Mokpo when he was very young. As the younger of two sons, Han attended elementary school in Korea until his family moved to Malaysia, where he briefly attended Fairview International School before leaving to be homeschooled.
At fourteen, Han returned to South Korea with the intention of auditioning to become a Korean idol, while also committing to pass all three levels of the Korean Qualification Exam [ko] as part of a promise to his parents that he would return to Malaysia to pursue further education if he was not successful at auditioning within twelve months. Three months after he had returned to South Korea, Han auditioned on a whim for JYP Entertainment with a friend. Ultimately, he was called back for a second audition and subsequently signed as a trainee with the agency.
After debuting, Han enrolled at Gukje Cyber University, along with bandmates Lee Know and Changbin, to study performance and broadcast entertainment.

## Career
### 2017–present: Pre-debut, forming 3Racha, survival show, and Stray Kids

While a JYP Entertainment trainee, Han attended Def Music Academy in Gangnam District. He co-founded 3Racha with bandmates Bang Chan and Changbin after taking MIDI classes together. Formed in 2016, 3Racha became the core of Stray Kids, producing most of the group's work and establishing their reputation as a self-produced act.
Before their official debut, 3Racha released three mixtapes on SoundCloud: J:/2017/mixtape on January 18, 2017. The second mixtape, 3Days on August 16, 2017, featuring Han's solo track, "I See", under the alias J.One, and, Horizon on December 21, 2017. Several pre-debut songs were later reworked as Stray Kids' B-sides.
In the latter half of 2017, Han participated in the Stray Kids survival show; he received consistent praise from company founder and CCO Park Jin-young and other guest judges, and was one of four contestants (alongside Bang Chan, Changbin, and Seungmin) who were never at risk of elimination. After his confirmation as part of the group's lineup, Han went on to make his official debut with Stray Kids on March 25, 2018, when the group released their EP, I Am Not. 3Racha made no further releases on SoundCloud until the release of the song "Carpe Diem" on January 18, 2020 to mark their third anniversary.
In February 2023, alongside his fellow members of 3Racha, Han was promoted from associate to full member of the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA), making him the youngest K-pop idol to be awarded membership. After bandmates Bang Chan and Changbin (first and second, respectively), Han is the third-most KOMCA-accredited fourth-generation idol, with credits for 171 songs as of February 2025.
In summer of 2024, a year ahead of its expected expiration, it was announced that together with his bandmates, Han had renewed his group contract with JYP Entertainment, thus extending Stray Kids' affiliation with the agency for an additional three years.

### Subunit and solo activities

In 2019, Han appeared on episode 197 of King of Masked Singer, competing for the title of 99th Generation Mask King with the disguise of Imgeokjjeong. Han was eliminated in the first round. In October 2022, he appeared on episode 32 of LeeMujin Service where he performed a jazz-inspired remix of Stray Kids' then-new release "Case 143", as well as songs by Twice, YB, and Se So Neon.
Individually, Han has participated in special performances for Korean music festivals, including a cover of SSAK3's "Play That Summer" with Lia of Itzy and Juyeon of The Boyz at MBC Music Festival 2020, and a cover of Kim Sung-jae's "As I Told You" with bandmates Hyunjin and Felix at KBS Song Festival 2022.
As part of 3Racha, Han has performed with N.Flying at 2019 KCON LA, and on a remix of their pre-debut track "Runner's High" at 2019 KCON Thailand with Soyeon of (G)I-DLE and Hongjoong of Ateez. 3Racha have also given numerous performances, whether as an introduction, outro, or act independent of wider Stray Kids sets at the MAMA Awards, including a special stage at MAMA 2022 with Tiger JK and Jung Jae-il.
In February 2022, 3Racha announced their first official guest single "Just Breathe", a collaboration with Japanese rapper SKY-HI. In September 2022, 3Racha composed the track "Heyday" for the fourth soundtrack compilation of Street Man Fighter.
After a minor car accident which prevented the full Stray Kids lineup from originally performing as intended, Han made his first international festival appearance as part of 3Racha at the Global Citizen Festival 2023 in New York City.
In April 2020, Stray Kids were invited to sing the theme for the first season of the anime adaptation of Tower of God, with 3Racha writing and composing for the opening theme "Top" and Han himself writing and composing for the ending theme "Slump". In July 2020, all members of 3Racha received writing and composition credits on Stray Kids' second domestic television OST, "Hello Stranger". In April 2024, as part of 3Racha, Han co-produced Stray Kids' first OST for a Japanese drama, "Why?" for Fuji TV's RE: Revenge – At the End of Desire. In July 2024, 3Racha co-wrote and co-produced the Stray Kids song "Slash" for the Deadpool & Wolverine soundtrack, marking Han's first contribution to the soundtrack of a Hollywood cinematic release, and his second major film OST after 3Racha were approached to produce a theme song for Doraemon: Nobita's Sky Utopia.

#### SKZ-Record/Player and solo music

After debuting, Stray Kids began a YouTube-based non-album singles project, SKZ-Record/Player, where individual members could upload solo and/or sub-unit original songs, cover versions, or dance performances, exploring their own artistic expression beyond the group's collective style. As of August 2024, Han was the most prolific contributor to the project, with nine original solo songs (in release order: "Close"; "I Got It"; "Alien"; "Wish You Back"; "Happy"; "Volcano"; "Miserable (You & Me)" ;"Human" "13"; and "Maybe"), three original sub-unit songs ("Zone", as part of 3Racha; "Want So Bad", a duet with bandmate Lee Know; and "Respirator", a duet with bandmate Seungmin), one original duet with Bae of Nmixx ("1, 2, 3, 4, 5"), and two cover versions (both with bandmate Seungmin and both of songs by Day6). He was also credited as the lyricist and co-composer of "Hold On", recorded for the project by Seungmin.
Six of these, plus a further, previously unheard solo song, "Run", were released to digital platforms as part of Stray Kids' digital compilation album, SKZ-Replay, in December 2022. As of July 2024, the remainder had yet to see wider release, though "Respirator" was performed in March 2024 on the final day of Stray Kids' fourth fan-meeting, SKZ Magic School.
As of December 2024, Han has had several additional songs which had neither been released to SKZ-Record/Player nor to wider digital platforms, including "Scissor", which was performed at the Unite ON: Hallyu Festival in 2020, and "Don't Say", which was performed during Stray Kids' 5-Star Dome Tour in 2023, where Han played guitar during concert for the first time.

#### Presenting and guest judging

Since 2020, Han has intermittently served as a special guest presenter of Show! Music Core, co-presenting three episodes (October 10, 2020; March 26, 2022; and October 22, 2022).
With 3Racha, he has been a special guest performer on the finale of Loud on September 4, 2021; special guest judge for the "JYP Match" mission on Street Woman Fighter 2 in September 2023; and special guest judge for the final episodes of JYP Entertainment's survival show Nizi Project Season 2 in December 2023.

## Artistry

Praised in media as a "musical chameleon", "instinctual lyricist", and "a hidden gem" who possessed "the charms of a rock star", Han is commonly described as an all-rounder with strong skills across rap, singing, dancing, songwriting, and production. He has also been praised for his musical instrument-playing, improvisation, comedy talent, and acting. Consequently, the nickname "ace of the fourth generation" has been applied to Han.
Since debut, Han ranked consistently in Tumblr's K-Pop Stars of the Year, ranking 39 in 2018, 19 in 2019, 30 in 2020, 20 in 2021, and 16 in 2022. Billboard ranked him sixth in their 2024 K-Pop Artist 100, and Demi Phillips, writing for We Got This Covered, ranked him among the best male K-pop singers of all time. Additionally, as part of Stray Kids, Han has been noted as a rising star by Forbes Korea, Gold House, and Time.

### Songwriting and production

Han draws inspiration from various sources, including film, anime, reality TV, and paintings. A prolific lyricist and songwriter, he explores diverse genres and distinct top-line melodies. Han has numerous unreleased compositions, including "Scissor" and 3Racha tracks "My People" and "Passion." At one point, he revealed having around 40 archived songs that he set aside, feeling they no longer reflected his artistic growth.
Han has shared that songwriting was initially challenging due to difficulties organizing ideas, but his confidence grew with experience. He avoids composing to trends, finding it unfulfilling, and instead allows inspiration to come naturally by clearing his mind and resting. Han is known for exploring themes like love and introspection, crafting lyrics with profound depth, clever wordplay, storytelling, evocative emotion, mood, and symbolism.
After Stray Kids' appearance on Kingdom: Legendary War, 3Racha began receiving attention and positive critiques for the imaginativeness and versatility of their production and mixing skills in rearranging both songs by other artists and their own work, particularly "Pray (I'll Be Your Man)" (originally by BTOB) and "Jasin", a mashup of their own songs ("God's Menu" and "Side Effects", which had each received very different domestic reception). Speaking on his work writing for Stray Kids, Han has expressed the desire that the band "become a genre" unto themselves, which has been reflected in cultural acknowledgement of the group as fully self-produced and their influence over the emergence of the "mala (taste)" genre, with their "unique lyrics never seen before" evoking both comfort and empathy in the listener as well as the "strong" and "addictive beats" and a "variety of melodies" well-matched to their lyrics creating distinctive musical stylings which "strengthened diversity in the KPop market" as a defining influence of the fourth generation of K-pop.
Additionally, Han has managed recording sessions for Stray Kids across many of their album and single releases. He has stated that when vocally directing, his preference remains focused on "bringing out each member's unique qualities" rather than strict adherence to his original ideas.
Han wrote the song "Wish You Back" inspired by the 2016 romantic fantasy film Your Name; the film's director, Makoto Shinkai, praised the track as "beautiful".
Han has expressed a desire to write and perform an original soundtrack for a Korean drama, as well as expressing interest during an appearance on MMTG in composing a follow up to "13" after the EXchange couple who inspired the song, Seo Dong-jin and Song Da-hye, got back together.
Besides his contribution to Stray Kids' discography and his individual material, Han has co-written and produced songs for other artists, predominantly artists associated with affiliates or sub-labels of JYP Entertainment. These include Chinese artists Show Lo, Yao Chen, and JO1. Most notable is the song "Paradise", recorded by Japanese girl group NiziU as the theme for Doraemon: Nobita's Sky Utopia in 2023, which became the first song produced by 3Racha to hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Japan.

### Rapping and vocals

A versatile rapper, Han is capable of fast, "spitfire" delivery with clear diction, cool and dynamic tone, and smooth flow, as well as melodic and lyrical rapping and freestyling. He has been ranked among the fastest rappers in South Korea.
Having taken on increased singing duties for Stray Kids after the departure of the band's original main vocalist in 2019, Han's vocals have garnered positive public and critical reception. During an interview as part of promotions for Stray Kids' EP Maxident on K-909 in 2022, host BoA commented that Han's singing was of similar high standard to his rapping, a view in line with Han's reputation for strong vocal delivery with a "refreshing", "warm", and "smooth and soft singing voice" capable of high notes, falsetto, and stable belting. During Stray Kids' participation in reality competition Kingdom: Legendary War, Han received praise and attention for his vocal performance in the group's cover of BTOB's "(Pray) I'll Be Your Man", including from fellow competitors The Boyz and BTOB, as well as host Max Changmin of TVXQ.
Since opening his personal Instagram account in March 2024, Han has posted a variety of cover versions, including songs by Stephen Sanchez, Dean Lewis, tuki, and Silica Gel. These have received widespread attention and praise for Han, including Esquire Hong Kong which reposted his cover of "Beautiful Things" with the comment, "a powerful voice, so charismatic that it's no wonder [Han is] called Stray kids[sic] Ace".

### Dancing, stage presence and live performance

As a live performer, Han has generally received highly positive critical reception, specifically noted for bringing "fierceness", "energy", "expressiveness", and "depth" to performances. His dance skills are generally well-regarded, particularly for someone not in the official dance line of his group, with Han receiving praise for bringing musicality and fluidity to choreography. He has also received praise for being "naturally charming" enough to draw audience attention, with "handsome" and "heartwarming visuals".
Han is able to play both the piano and the guitar.

### Influences and influence

Han was inspired to become a rapper by acts such as Tablo of Epik High, Zico of Block B, and Tiger JK, as well as the rap line of BTOB. His father was also previously a rock musician, which influenced Han to appear on both Lee Mujin Service and King of Masked Singer. Han is interested in band music, particularly rock music of diverse sub-genres and languages, including J-Rock bands One Ok Rock and Mrs. Green Apple, Australian pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer, and Italian rock act Måneskin, as well as South Korean rock artists including YB, DAY6, and Silica Gel. Additionally, he has explored genres including R&B, bossa nova, and jazz as part of an expressive solo style distinctive from that of Stray Kids as a group.
Han has been cited as an influence or inspiration by artists including Jongseob of South Korean boyband P1Harmony, Alan Pasawee of Thai boyband Bus, Kunho of South Korean boyband All(H)Ours, Hyui and Seita of Japanese boyband Nexz, and Make Mate 1 contestant Lee Do-Ha. Additionally, in an interview with FNC Entertainment, Japanese rock fusion act Uverworld named Stray Kids among Korean artists they felt stood out as "high quality" acts breaking down boundaries between idol culture and band culture.

#### Awards and recognition

In 2024, as part of 3Racha, Han received the Best Creator Award at the Asia Artist Awards with 3Racha. Han has received similar nominations (as part of 3Racha) for Best Producer and Best Arranger at the Asian Pop Music Awards, and his work for Stray Kids has also received multiple nominations and awards at ceremonies including Asia Star Entertainer Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Circle Chart Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, MAMA, and MTV Video Music Awards.
As part of Stray Kids, Han also received the Prime Minister's Commendation at the 2023 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards with Stray Kids.
Individually, Han has consistently been the only fourth-generation idol to appear in the top 15 of the Idol Composer Trend Index (아이돌 작곡가 트렌드지수)—spending just one week outside the top 10—through every week of the first four months of 2024. He did so despite no official solo single releases or guest features.
In July 2024, "Twilight" (또 다시 밤), a song composed by Han and included as a B-side on Stray Kids' EP Ate, was his first solo-composition to hit the Billboard World Digital Sales Chart, debuting at number 10. As of 31 July 2024, he was the most-followed member of Stray Kids on South Korean music service Melon.

#### Style and endorsements

Han has cultivated a comfortable, quirky personal style, including check shirts, cardigans, and streetwear.
As a member of Stray Kids, Han has served as an ambassador for domestic and international fashion and cosmetic brand campaigns, including Bench, Clio, Mahagrid, Nacific, and Tommy Hilfiger; this led to Han, together with his bandmates, making his debut appearance at the Met Gala in May 2024.
In 2024, Han made his first solo fashion appearance by modeling in Balmain for W Korea as the cover star for two issues of a wider Stray Kids themed collection. He went on to wear several pre-release Balmain pieces while performing on tour with Stray Kids later in the year.

## Personal life

Besides his native Korean, Han speaks English and Japanese, to which he had further exposure after sharing a dorm with Japanese trainees prior to debut. He also has some familiarity with Mandarin Chinese and Malay.

### Health

In 2019, Han took a temporary break from attending secondary promotional activities with Stray Kids following being diagnosed with anxiety.

## Discography
### Songs

| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Peak chart positions | Peak chart positions | Peak chart positions | Peak chart positions | Peak chart positions | Album |
| Title | Year | KOR | HUN | JPN Cmb. | JPN Hot | NZ Hot | US World | Album |
| As lead artist |||||||||
| "Zone" (as 3Racha) | 2018 | — | — | — | — | — | — | SKZ-Replay |
| "We Go" (as 3Racha) | 2020 | — | — | — | — | — | 10 | In Life |
| "Ice Americano" (with Lee Know) | 2020 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single |
| "Close" | 2020 | — | — | — | — | — | — | SKZ-Replay |
| "I Got It" | 2020 | — | — | — | — | — | — | SKZ-Replay |
| "Gone Away" | 2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Noeasy |
| "Alien" | 2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — | SKZ-Replay |
| "Wish You Back" | 2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — | SKZ-Replay |
| "Happy" | 2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — | SKZ-Replay |
| "Muddy Water" (with Changbin, Hyunjin and Felix) | 2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Oddinary |
| "Heyday" (as 3Racha) | 2022 | — | — | — | — | — | 13 | Street Man Fighter Original Vol.4 Crew Songs |
| "3Racha" (with Bang Chan and Changbin) | 2022 | — | — | — | — | 24 | 13 | Maxident |
| "Volcano" | 2023 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single |
| "Miserable (You & Me)" | 2023 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single |
| "Want So Bad" (with Lee Know) | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single |
| "13" | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single |
| "1, 2, 3, 4, 5" (featuring Bae of Nmixx) | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single |
| "Respirator" (산소호흡기) (with Seungmin) | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single |
| "Maybe" | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single |
| "Human" (사람이니까) | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single |
| "Hold My Hand" | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | 9 | Hop |
| "Truman" (with Felix) | 2025 | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA | Mixtape: Dominate |
| As featured artist |||||||||
| "Just Breathe" (Sky-Hi feat. 3Racha) | 2022 | — | 15 | 50 | 50 | — | 11 | The Debut |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that region. |||||||||

## Videography
### Music videos

List of music videos, showing year released, artist and name of the album :
| Title | Year | Artist(s) | Album | Ref. |
| "Hold my hand" | 2024 | Han | Hop | |

## Filmography
### Television shows

List of TV shows of Han, showing year aired, role, and notes :
| Year | Title | Role | Remark | Notes |
| 2017 | Stray Kids | Contestant | | Debuted with Stray Kids |
| 2019 | King of Masked Singer | Contestant | Episode 197 | As Imgeokjjeong (Korean: 걱정을 해서 걱정이 사라지면 걱정이 없겠네 임걱정; RR: geogjeong-eul haeseo geogjeong-i salajimyeon geogjeong-i eobsgessne imgeogjeong; lit. If you worry and your worries go away, you won't have any worries) |
| 2019 | Show! Music Core | Special MC | Episode 697 | October 10, 2019 |
| 2022 | Show! Music Core | Special MC | Episode 760 | March 26, 2022 |
| 2022 | Show! Music Core | Special MC | Episode 783 | October 22, 2022 |