Woojin & Jiyoung

South Korean boy band

* Hip hop
* R&B
* Electronic pop
* SM Entertainment
* EMI
* Warner Music
 Members | * Woojin
 Associated acts | * X-Infinity
 Blood type | * A (Woojin)
 Animal | * Hare (Woojin)
 Emoji(s) | * 🐇 (Woojin)
* 🐢 (Jiyoung)

**Woojin & Jiyoung** (Korean: 우진&지영; RR: *Ujinaenjiyong*) are a Korean pop duo consisting of Woojin and Jiyoung. The duo are signed with A+ Entertainment and originally debuted with SM Entertainment. The two originally knew each other from when they were both members of XXIV from 2013 to 2014. Their first extended play was released on March 11, 2020. The duo released their first studio album on February 22, 2023 with their first album Worldwide, which also features a television series of the same name.

The group formed in 2019 under SM Entertainment as a project for the anniversary of XXIV. The two decided that a long-term collab would be suitable, and began to write their first EP shortly after. The release of their first EP in 2020 successfully created hype for their future projects. 2020 also saw the two win multiple awards including New Artist of the Year at the Melon Music Awards, Rookie of the Year at the Golden Disc Awards, New Star of the Year and Album of the Year at the MTV Korea Music Awards. The two built on the momentum they had created in 2020 releasing their second EP FOREVER in 2021 and their third EP Fear in 2022. The two EPs were both high successful with both outselling previous EPs. The duo also won their first Song of the Year Award at the 2021 Seoul Music Awards, as well as Best Duo at the Golden Disc Awards.

2022 was a quiet year for the pair while they worked on their first studio album Worldwide. The project was originally planned to release on December 1, 2022, however they had to push it back due to scheduling issues. The duo left SM and joined A+ Entertainment in late 2022. The album would release in 2023, and broke multiple records and featured three single to chart in the top 50 in Korea and 2 that would break the top 100 charts in the United States. The two are currently working on a sequel album, as well as producing, writing and directing a show based on the album and have a world tour from late 2023 to early 2024.

## History

### 2019–2020: Formation and TREASURE

The idea for Woojin & Jiyoung began as early as 2018; the original concept pitched to SM Entertainment, was a XXIV reunion album. However, multiple members were unable to record due to prior commitments. Woojin & Jiyoung were originally planned to perform as a sub-unit of XXIV during the group's reunion. The two decided to proceed as a duo and formed Woojin & Jiyoung in 2019. Woojin and Jiyoung stated in an interview with Vogue Korea that they wanted their next album to tell a story. The two had shared ideas for a concept album for multiple years, and they pitched the idea to SM Entertainment, and they were given the greenlight to create their first studio album.

While working on their first studio album, the two released their first singles album TREASURE on October 29, 2019. The album was fairly successful, with over 45,000 in sales within the first month alone. Both albums were rated positively by fans. However, neither generated any awards nominations for the young duo.

The duo began working on their debut EP, while they were beginning to create the storyline for their first album. Work the album was slow because Woojin had other responsibilities as a member of X-Infinity, and Jiyoung as a member of BFREINDS. There was also difficulties due to their projects being released by both SM Entertainment and A+ Entertainment. The issues persisted for long enough, which led to brief calls by thw two for SM to acquire A+, though this was soundly rejected by the management and CEO of A+, who preferred that their reputation as an independent label, separate from the big three (SM, JYP and YG) remain, as it was a crucial part of the company's identity.

### 2020–2021: Everybody Wants To Rule The World, FOREVER and FEAR and awards

The two followed with RED, BLUE, GREEN on March 1, 2020. The song "RED" off the album garnered the most popularity from the fans and from the media, with it reaching number 4 on the Korean charts. Their song Treasure was their most successful song up to that point with over 500,000 streams on Spotify a mere three months after release. Their debut EP Everybody Wants To Rule The World, which was named after the Tears For Fears song of the same name, released on March 16, 2020 and did well in sales. The duo won many awards in 2020 including New Artist of the Year at the 2020 Melon Music Awards, New Star of the Year at the MTV Korea Music Awards and were nominated for Rookie of the Year at the Golden Disc Awards.

The duo's second EP FOREVER was released on September 9, 2021 to much fanfare. Without You won Song of the Year at the Seoul Music Awards. Heartbreaker, off of FOREVER was also nominated for Song of the Year at the Mnet Asian Music Awards. The EP was highly streamed on all platforms, and won the duo numerous awards.

### 2022: HOPE, RISE and the duo's explosion in popularity with Mamí

HOPE was released on June 12, 2022, and was also fairly successful. The EP received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, praising it for its fresh sound and unique vocals and visuals.

The final EP released before their debut studio album, RISE was released on December 12, 2022. It is to date, their highest selling EP with over 100,000 copies sold. Their song attack won Song of the Year at the Seoul Music Awards.

Woojin and Jiyoung participated with three of their dancers in a strike by dancers under SM Entertainment in order to collectively bargain for better wages and improved working conditions.

On January 15, 2022, the duo released their smash hit song "Mamí, which featured Bad Bunny, Ozuna and Rauw Alejandro. The song reached number one on the Korean charts, where it remained for ten straight weeks. The song also reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 2 one the Billboard Global 200. The song won Best Music Video at the Genie Music Awards, was nominated for Best Song and Music Video at the Golden Disc Awards, won Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year and Song of the Year by downloads at the Japan Golden Disc Awards, won Best Rap & Hip Hop Song and Best Music Video at the Korean Music Awards, was nominated for Best Music Video at the Mnet Asia Music Awards, won Song of the Year at the Seoul Music Awards, and was nominated for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration at the Soompi Music Awards. In total, the song was nominated for twelve awards, seven of which the duo won. The song is by far their most streamed with over 125 million streams on Spotify, and was the most critically acclaimed and decorated song in the duo's discography. Mamí was certified Gold by the KCMA, and triple platinum, as well as RIAJ double platinum and MC Gold.

The group would officially leave SM in August of 2022 after multiple failed contract disputes, and alleged failures by SM to meet the agreed upon terms in the previous strike. In November of 2022, the duo signed with A+ Entertainment.

### 2023–present: Worldwide album, media franchise, future projects and planned hiatusc

The day of the release of the Worldwide album, it was announced that a sequel album was already in the works. February 22, 2023 was also the premiere of the television series based on the album. Worldwide received multiple awards nominations, including winning Album of the Year at the 2023 Genie Music Awards, Album of the Year – 1st quarter at the Gaon K-Pop Chart Awards, Best Album at the Golden Disc Awards, Album of the Year at the Melon Music Awards, Favorite Album at the Kids' Choice Awards. The album was also nominated for various awards inclduing Best Album/Album at the Genie Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, Japan Golden Disc Awards, Korean Music Awards, Mnet Asian Music Awards and Best Pop Album, Best Rap Album, Dance Album of the Year at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Worldwide also won Album of the Year at the Seoul Music Awards.

On June 18, 2023, the duo released the extended play Timeless.

SM Entertainment announced on January 10, 2023 that Jiyoung will begin his mandatory military service in 2024.

On February 24, 2023 it was announced that Woojin is planned to begin his mandatory military service following the end of the Woojin & Jiyoung: Worldwide Tour in April, 2024.

A deluxe version of the Worldwide album is planned to be released in May of 2023, and will include additional content and the entirety of their first three EP, as well as a compilation album scheduled for release in 2024.

## Artistry

### Musical Style and Influences

Woojin & Jiyoung have shown a wide range of genres in their discography. The two have shared their mutual love for other K-pop groups such as BigBang, Shinee, TVXQ and Winner. They also cite influences of synthpop including Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, Eurythmics, Blondie and Duran Duran, which was featured in their debut release TREASURE. Other influences include: The Cure, David Bowie, G-Dragon and Nirvana.

## Members

### Current Members

* Woojin
* Jiyoung

### Touring Members

Woojin & Jiyoung have had a total of nine back-up dancers since 2019, with five active at a time. Hyunwoo and Jonghyun are the only two that have been signed since 2019. Lee Eun-gi is still signed as a touring dancer with the duo; however he is currently serving his mandatory military service.

* Joo Jonghyun (2019–present)
* Kim Seungri (2021–present)
* Koo Youngho (2022–present)
* Han Tae-woo (2023–present)
* Lee Sung-bin (2023–present)

* Lee Eun-gi (2019–2022) – Currently serving mandatory miliatry service
* Kang Ho-jin (2019–2022, 2022–2023) – Officially listed as inactive, but still considered a touring member
* Lee Jun-ho (2021–2022, 2022) – Currently serving mandatory military service

## Discography

Main article: Woojin & Jiyoung discography
Woojin & Jiyoung's discography consists of one studio album, four extended plays, one compilation album, two live albums, one soundtrack album, two singles album and twenty singles. Their first release was their singles albums TREASURE and RED, BLUE, GREEN (2019). Their first extended play Everybody Wants To Rule The World was released on March 16, 2020; which was followed up with three other EPs from 2021 to 2022: FOREVER (2021), HOPE (2022), and RISE (2022). They released their first studio album Worldwide on February 22, 2023.

The duo are planning to release their first live album in 2024, following the conclusion of the Woojin & Jiyoung: Worldwide Tour.

* Worldwide 2 (*TBD*)

Live Albums* Worldwide: Live (2024)

Compilation Albums* Woojin & Jiyoung (2023)

* FOREVER (2021)
* HOPE (2022)
* LIBERTY (2022)
* Timeless (2023)

Soundtrack Albums* Worldwide: Original Television Soundtrack (2024)

Singles Albums* TREASURE (2019)
* RED, BLUE, GREEN (2020)
* HAPPY (*TBA*)

* RED
* BLUE
* GREEN
* KING FOR A DAY
* Without You
* FOREVER
* DESTINY
* 24/7 Love
* Top of the World
* IDOL
* Everybody Wants To Rule the World
* Worldwide
* XXIV
* Attack
* Mamí
* My Melody
* No One But Us
* SOLO
* UNTITLED SONG: PROJECT X

## Filmography

Main article: Woojin & Jiyoung filmography
See also: Woojin filmography and Jiyoung filmography
Woojin & Jiyoung released a ten episode documentary on the formation of their group and following the recording process of their first album Worldwide title "Woojin & Jiyoung: The Story" on February 22, 2023 on Netflix.

A television show based on the universe of the Worldwide album was released on Netflix on February 22, 2023; which is the same day the album was released.

## Awards and Nominations

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Woojin & Jiyoung
See also: List of awards and nominations received by Woojin and List of awards and nominations received by Jiyoung
Woojin & Jiyoung won Album of the Year at the Korean Music Awards, Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards and the Seoul Music Awards.

Their song Mamí was certified platinum by the Korean Music Content Association, the Record Industry Association of America and the Record Industry Association of Japan.

 KMCA Certified Gold, RIAJ Certified Gold, RIAA Certified Gold, MC

 3x KMCA Certified Platinum, RIAA Certified Platinum

## Tours

Main article: List of Woojin & Jiyoung concert tours
* Woojin & Jiyoung: Debut tour (2019–2020)
* W&J Saving the World tour (2021–2022)
* Woojin & Jiyoung: Worldwide Tour (2023–present)

## Notes

1. ↑ Comes a combination of the first syllables in the two's first names "Woo" and "Ji."
2. ↑ While technically not official members, touring members are listed here.
3. ↑ Minho was added as backup dancer from October 20 to November 20, 2022 during contract disputes between SM and Park Jun-ho. He was later moved back down to the reserve following the signing of a contract.