SEVENTEEN is one of the top groups not only in K-pop but the world. Under Pledis Entertainment, they use numbers to their advantage with 13 members, each as charismatic and funny as the last. The group splits into three subunits to highlight their talents: performance, vocal, and hip-hop. Consisting of S.Coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu, and Vernon, SEVENTEEN’s hip-hop unit is a force in the music industry.
THE FIRST OFFICIAL UNIT TRACK
With every comeback comes the excitement of a new hip-hop unit song. Often the most energetic and loud music on the album, the hip-hop unit has released hits like “Monster,” “LALALI,” and most recently “Water.” Everything started for the team with their first official track “Ah Yeah” on SEVENTEEN’s debut EP, 17 Carat.
“Ah Yeah” is a techno hip-hop song with a deep beat consistently playing in the background. With a name drop of each unit member, the track serves as an introduction to their rap styles. It also debuted what fans consider one of Vernon’s most iconic rap lines. Since this song, the unit’s talent and bandwidth have evolved with time while staying true to their original sound and style.
SEVENTEEN’S LEADER S.COUPS
It takes someone with determination to be a K-pop idol, but it takes someone with care and attentiveness to be a leader. S.Coups is that person for SEVENTEEN. Not only the leader of SEVENTEEN, S.Coups is the leader of the hip-hop unit as well as the subunit SVT LEADERS, including members Hoshi and Woozi.
S.Coups started his career with Pledis in 2010 and was presented with multiple opportunities to debut in other groups. Though he had been at Pledis for so long, he was the only member of the hip-hop unit not on the first lineup of SEVENTEEN during SEVENTEEN TV. As fate took its course, he soon was alongside twelve other younger trainees, to be known as SEVENTEEN. S.Coups debuted with the group in 2015 as the leader and oldest member, leading to many referring to him as the father of SEVENTEEN. Though known for his tough exterior, S.Coups has abundant love for his members, his brother, and his dog, Kkuma.
MYSTERIOUSLY WONWOO
Wonwoo might typically be quiet, but his impact on SEVENTEEN is incredibly loud. Packed with talent, Wonwoo’s position was up for debate before debut. With a soothing voice, precise dance skills, and flowing rap, he was eligible for both the vocal and hip-hop unit. His deep voice differentiated him from the rest of the members, so the company decided Wonwoo would fit most in the hip-hop unit where his low register would make the most impact.
Since their debut, Wonwoo has focused most of his talent on making and promoting his music. In 2021, Wonwoo and Mingyu collaborated with singer LeeHi on a single called “Bittersweet.” To fans’ excitement, the track received a music video. After three years, Wonwoo returned with Jeonghan as JxW for their single album release This Man prior to Jeonghan’s military enlistment. Early in his career, Wonwoo also took on the job of directing the video for their song “Holiday,” released in celebration of 1000 days of SEVENTEEN.
GLOBAL ICON MINGYU
Often referred to as the visual, Mingyu is an international sensation. With his charismatic and extroverted personality, Mingyu has made himself known among many K-pop idols and brands. He is part of the friend group known as the ‘97 liners with popular faces like BTS’s Jungkook, ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo, and others. As for brands, Mingyu is an ambassador for many beauty and fashion brands such as Dior, L’Occitane, Innisfree, and most recently, Calvin Klein.
Mingyu is one of SEVENTEEN’s members who stays very focused on physical fitness. He is not only the tallest of the group, but one of the tallest K-pop idols in the industry. Though his visuals are usually the focus of people’s attention, this doesn’t mean he lacks talent. Mingyu often has viral fancams because of his stage presence, one of his most famous being his “Shadow” performance. Like Wonwoo, Mingyu directed the music video for “Snap Shoot” for their fifth anniversary as a group.
VERNON THE ENIGMA
Individual, unique, and a stand-out artist: these are all words to describe the talent that is Vernon. While Vernon can be defined in such a way, no perfect adjective encapsulates exactly who he is other than “Vernon.” Born in Manhattan, New York, Vernon is the only foreign member of the hip-hop unit. His stage name, “Vernon,” is his mother’s maiden name, which is also part of his full name: Hansol Vernon Chwe.
He believes strongly in being yourself and has expressed his love of individuality through his fashion and solo music career. This belief has impacted his love of different genres of music with inspirations like Paramore and David Bowie, and can be seen in his solo song “Black Eye,” his collaborative song with (sic)boy, “Miss You,” and “Beg for You” with Charli xcx, Rina Sawayana, and A.G. Cook. His talent expands to writing and producing songs. Vernon has over 100 copyrighted songs to his name, making him one of the youngest and most credited K-pop idols and the second most in SEVENTEEN behind Woozi.
FASHION FIENDS
Though Mingyu is known for being an ambassador of many brands, he’s not the only member of the hip-hop unit involved in the fashion world. Vernon made international fashion waves as Kenzo’s first global brand ambassador in 2023. For every Kenzo event he attends, more eyes end up on SEVENTEEN as fans passionately support him no matter the time or place.
Leader S.Coups is a brand ambassador for many brands including Neogen, NARS Cosmetics Korea, and Loewe. He recently made his Paris Fashion Week debut in 2024 wearing full Loewe alongside other brand ambassadors. S.Coups met up with the group’s youngest member Dino to film a “What’s in My Bag” video for W Korea as they both promoted their collaboration with RIMOWA.
Wonwoo was also chosen to be an ambassador for RIMOWA and was seen in April at the RIMOWA show with S.Coups. Though he loves a good bag, he most currently represents the beloved Burberry, constantly showing his adoration for the brand on Instagram. He was seen at the opening of Burberry’s pop-up store in September of 2023 and has been repping the brand since.
PET PARENTS AND GAME BOYS
When these men aren’t on stage or attending fashion events, they often found work out, cook, or hang out with their furry friends, just like anyone else. Cat-lover Vernon is open about his adoration for the animal and has a black cat named Jazz. S.Coups is known for the massive love he has for his dog Kkuma, and she was featured on the “Dog-guest Show.” Seol is Wonwoo’s dog, last seen on his Instagram in February, and Mingyu has three dogs: Aji, Bobpul, and Baptori, though they aren’t often seen together
Mingyu and Wonwoo also share a passion for photography, as shown on their respective Instagrams. While Vernon tends to stay quite private about his life outside of work, he is one to take a stroll in whatever city they may be in and try something new. Wonwoo and S.Coups are into gaming and play against each other. Wonwoo created a live series called “GAM3 BO1,” the same name as one of the hip-hop unit’s songs, where he plays different games for Carats, SEVENTEEN’s fans.
Keep up with SEVENTEEN on Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can listen to their music on Spotify and Apple Music.
Want to learn more about SEVENTEEN’s units? Here are 7 things you need to know about the performance team!
