SEVENTEEN's Hoshi: Uncovering His Past as a Taekwondo Dan Holder

SEVENTEEN's Hoshi is gaining attention for his unexpected past as a Taekwondo dan holder and promising athlete. Fans and bloggers are highlighting this background, which adds another layer to his multifaceted persona, often contrasting his powerful stage presence with his off-stage charm. This revelation provides insight into the origins of his discipline and physical prowess.

Hoshi, whose real name is Kwon Soonyoung, was a Taekwondo athlete in elementary school, even receiving scouting offers due to his talent. He decided to quit Taekwondo because he did not want to shave his head, shifting his focus to dance in middle school. He formed a dance club and won first place in a Namyangju dance competition, which led to him being cast by Pledis Entertainment in 2011. Bloggers note that he displayed exceptional dance skills even before receiving professional training.

Local bloggers frequently emphasize Hoshi's "tiger" (호랑이) stage persona, derived from his intense gaze while dancing, contrasting it with his "hamster" (햄찌) nickname for his cute, off-stage demeanor. This duality is considered a significant part of his appeal, with his athletic background contributing to his powerful performances. His past as a Taekwondo practitioner is seen as a foundation for his current discipline and physical capabilities as a main dancer.