Stray Kids' Hyunjin Biography: Profile, Net Worth 2025, Background, Career, and Family

As a member of the internationally acclaimed K-pop group Stray Kids, Hwang Hyun-jin, also known by his moniker Hyunjin, is a South Korean rapper, dancer, singer-songwriter, and visual phenomenon who has won over millions of hearts. His transformation from a middle school student to a K-pop idol and ambassador for luxury brands is evidence of his skill, tenacity, and charm. Hyunjin is one of Stray Kids' most well-known members, renowned for his captivating live performances and expanding musical and design influence.

Profile:

Stage Name: Hyunjin (현진)

Birth Name: Hwang Hyun-jin (황현진)

Birthday: March 20, 2000

Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea

Nationality: South Korean

Hyunjin is praised for his expressive rap delivery, beautiful dance skills, and eye-catching visuals. He is a notable member of Stray Kids, a group created by JYP Entertainment through a 2017 survival program of the same name, thanks to his adaptability and creative flair. Hyunjin, who is well-known for his dramatic dancing and emotive performances, has earned a place in the group's unofficial subunit, Danceracha, alongside Lee Know and Felix. He does this by skillfully fusing strong, forceful movements with a more delicate, poetic style.

Background:

Hyunjin grew up in a middle-class family in Seongnae-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul. Although he has kept information about his parents private, he had a strong relationship with his family as an only child. His early years were characterized by a developing interest in the arts and a love of athletics, since he was a standout soccer player in elementary school. He briefly resided in Las Vegas, Nevada, as a child, where he used the English name "Sam" and went to kindergarten, which helped him later develop a basic command of the language.
In his third year of middle school, Hyunjin made an unexpected foray into the entertainment industry. Despite having no prior training in dance, singing, or rapping, he was discovered by a JYP Entertainment agent while shopping with his mother. Captivated by the prospect, he began working for the agency in 2015 and refined his skills at the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) for two years, graduating in February 2019 with a degree in Practical Dance. He was inspired to seek a career on stage by the senior trainees' performances, which stoked his passion for dancing.

Career:

When Hyunjin was chosen to appear on JYP Entertainment's survival program Stray Kids in 2017, his career took off. He demonstrated his rap and dancing skills after being announced as a contestant on October 12, 2017, earning a spot in the final lineup with eight other members: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, I.N., and previous member Woojin. With the release of the mini-album I Am Not and its lead track "District 9," Stray Kids made their official debut on March 25, 2018, which also marked Hyunjin's rise to prominence as the group's primary dancer and sub-rapper.
Hyunjin has played a crucial role in Stray Kids' success since his debut, adding to their self-produced discography and captivating live performance. He has demonstrated his songwriting abilities by releasing solo works under the SKZ-PLAYER and SKZ-RECORD series, such as the self-composed songs "Miss You" (2020), "Ice.Cream" (2022), and "Contradicting" (2023). He is the fourth most credentialed songwriter in the group, after the producing trio 3Racha (Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han), having 29 credits with the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) as of January 2025.
Hyunjin has made waves in fashion and television in addition to music. From February 16, 2019, to February 20, 2021, he was a regular MC on MBC's Show! Music Core, where his grace and wit delighted viewers. His fashion impact rose when he became Versace’s first South Korean and Asian male worldwide ambassador in July 2023, followed by ambassadorships with Cartier (September 2024) and Givenchy Beauty (February 2025). These ties have seen him visit Milan Fashion Week, star in Versace’s Holiday 2023 campaign, and wear unique creations for Stray Kids’ performances, including their 2023 VMAs participation.
Hyunjin’s career encountered a setback in February 2021 when bullying claims from his school years surfaced. Though contested by classmates and professors, JYP Entertainment placed him on leave until July 2021. He came back stronger, resuming his routine with the release of "Mixtape: Oh" and confirming his commitment to his followers and art.

2025 Net Worth:

Given his varied profession, Hyunjin's estimated net worth ranges from $4 million to $6 million. He makes money via Stray Kids' album sales, globe tours, and streaming revenue, He also has lucrative endorsement relationships with high-end companies like Givenchy Beauty, Versace, and Cartier. His solo endeavors and songwriting contributions generate extra revenue. Although precise numbers fluctuate, Hyunjin's financial success reflects his growing notoriety in K-pop and fashion, and forecasts indicate that it will only increase as Stray Kids' popularity spreads around the world.

Family:

Regarding his family life, Hyunjin is remarkably private. He has no siblings because he is an only child, ruling out any relationship to Yeji from ITZY, who has the same last name as him but is unrelated. His mother was crucial to JYP Entertainment's discovery of him, although his parents are still out of the public eye. Frequently mentioning his preference for dogs over cats since he is allergic to feline fur, Hyunjin has shown fondness for Kkami, a dog he has owned since he was sixteen years old. Even his SKZOO character, Jiniret, a ferret that reflects his sharp features, was inspired by Kkami, who is still a cherished part of his life.