Kim Woosung, also known as WOOSUNG or Sammy, is a Korean-American singer, songwriter, composer, and producer born on February 25, 1993, in Wonju, South Korea. Best known as the lead vocalist and electric guitarist of the South Korean indie-rock band The Rose, WOOSUNG has garnered international acclaim for his unique voice, musical versatility, and contributions to both group and solo projects. His musical journey began after moving to the United States in his early childhood. Initially aspiring to play American football, WOOSUNG’s plans were derailed by a shoulder injury in ninth grade, leading him to channel his energy into music.
In 2011, WOOSUNG auditioned for the South Korean reality TV show K-pop Star, narrowly missing the top ten. After taking a break from music to teach English in Korea, he was approached by Park Dojoon in 2015 to join his indie band, Windfall. The group, later renamed The Rose, debuted in 2017 with the single “Sorry,” which gained widespread critical acclaim. Billboard named “Sorry” one of the best Korean pop songs of 2017, solidifying WOOSUNG and the band’s place in the music scene. As the last member to join the band, WOOSUNG’s distinct vocal style and guitar skills quickly became central to The Rose’s success.
In addition to his work with The Rose, WOOSUNG explored opportunities in television, becoming a co-host of the popular variety show After School Club in 2019. He later left the show to focus on his burgeoning music career. In the same year, he participated in the JTBC talent competition Superband, where he advanced to the final rounds and placed fourth. As part of the temporary band Moné during the show, WOOSUNG co-wrote several songs, showcasing his abilities as a composer.
WOOSUNG made his solo debut in July 2019 with the pre-release single “Lonely” and the EP Wolf. The title track “Face” and its accompanying music video quickly garnered millions of views, marking a successful start to his solo career. The EP peaked at number 19 on the Gaon Album Chart, further proving his talent as a solo artist. His work on original soundtracks, including the K-Dramas Catch the Ghost and Itaewon Class, helped expand his reach in the Korean entertainment industry.
In 2021, WOOSUNG launched his first full-length album, Genre, under his independent label Woolfpack. Collaborating with artists like KARD’s BM and Ladies’ Code’s Ashley, the album demonstrated his continued musical evolution. WOOSUNG also joined Epik High on their North American tour in 2022, further broadening his international fanbase. That year, he released his second EP, Moth, which featured the well-received single “Phase Me.”
WOOSUNG’s career continued to grow in 2023, notably with his feature on Agust D’s (Suga of BTS) track “Snooze” alongside the legendary composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. This collaboration earned critical and commercial praise, adding another milestone to his musical journey. WOOSUNG also ventured into voice acting, being cast in the Netflix animated series Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld, set to release in 2024.
With a new EP, cryptically titled 4444, hinted at in 2024, WOOSUNG remains a dynamic force in both the Korean and international music scenes, consistently pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues. His talent, versatility, and dedication continue to resonate with fans around the world.