Woo Won-jae (Korean: 우원재; born December 23, 1996),[1] also known as Woo, is a South Korean rapper. In 2017, he released his debut single "We Are" (Korean: 시차; RR: Sicha) which had commercial success and widespread acclaim. He has released one studio album and two EPs.
Career
2017-2018: Show Me the Money 6, signing with AOMG and af
In 2017, Woo participated in Show Me the Money 6, where he finished in third place.[2] He gained a lot of popularity through the show.
Woo made his debut through releasing a single "We Are", featuring Gray and Loco on September 4, 2017. The single was meant for Woo's final 2 stage in the finals of Show Me The Money 6, but he was eliminated in the top 3 round. The song was a very huge success as it made a successful all-kill in numerous Korean charts.[3]
On October 31, it was announced that Woo has signed with hip hop label AOMG.[4] Following the signing, he released a single album titled "Anxiety" on November 2.[5]
Woo released his first EPaf on November 22, 2018, with the title track "a fence". One of the tracks in the EP, titled "Cash", was pre-released on November 16.[6]
2020: Black Out
Woo released his first studio album Black Out on August 18. The album included a pre-release single titled "Used To", which was released on August 11.[7]
2022: comma
Woo released his second EP comma on November 24.[8]
2024: Departure from AOMG and new label
In March 2024, it was announced that Woo has left hip hop label AOMG after his exclusive contract with them has expired.[9] On May 31, Woo, along with Gray and Code Kunst, co-founded Duover, a new label.[10]
Artistry
i-D wrote that "Having spoken publicly about his struggle with anxiety and panic attacks, Woo’s lyrics are just as honest and open as he is – from not being afraid to get dark when expressing his feelings, to revealing details of a romantic relationship."[11]
Philanthropy
On March 8, 2022, Woo donated ₩10 million to the Hope Bridge Disaster Relief Association to help those affected by the massive wildfires that started in Uljin, Gyeongbuk, which also spread to Samcheok, Gangwon.[12]
^Kang Nae-ri (March 8, 2022). "이동휘·우원재·김이나, 산불 성금 천만 원씩 기부(공식)" [Lee Dong-hwi, Woo Won-jae, and Kim In-a donate 10 million won each for forest fires (official)] (in Korean). YTN. Retrieved March 8, 2022 – via Naver.
^Song Min-ju (December 27, 2022). "내성적' 우원재, 예능 MC 도전...첫 게스트는 조세호" ['Introverted' Woo Won-jae, a variety show MC challenge... The first guest is Jo Se-ho] (in Korean). TV Report. Retrieved December 27, 2022 – via Naver.