Lee Ho-seok, better known by his stage name Wonho, is a South Korean singer under Highline Entertainment. He is a former member of South Korean boy band Monsta X, which debuted under Starship Entertainment in 2015 through Mnet's survival show, No.Mercy.
Career
2014–2015: Early life and debut
Wonho was born on March 1, 1993 in Sanbon-dong, Gunpo, South Korea. Prior to his official debut, Wonho was part of a project group called Nu Boyz formed under Starship Entertainment in August 2014. The quartet uploaded multiple tracks to their company's YouTube channel and performed at the opening show of Starship X concert in December 5, 2014. On late December, Starship Entertainment and Mnet launched a competition program called No.Mercy and Wonho was selected along with six other participants as a member of Starship Entertainment's new boy group Monsta X on the last episode of the show. Wonho debuted in Monsta X, a hip-hop boy group, with the release of their first extended play, Trespass, on May 14, 2015.
2015–present: Monsta X and solo career beginnings
Wonho was part of the Korean boy group Monsta X, until late 2019, where he held the position of a vocalist and has participated in writing, composing and arranging songs. While in the group, Wonho has modeled for clothing brands, and has been featured in magazines like Grazia, ELLE, Dazed, GQ and MAPS. On October 31, 2019, Starship Entertainment announced Wonho's departure from Monsta X following recent allegations surrounding him. Rumors about his herb usage when he was younger, surfaced on social media as it is an illegal substance in Korea. However, the narcotics investigation team of Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, launched an inquiry into the allegations and on March 14, Starship Entertainment released an official statement announcing that the investigation had been concluded and Wonho had been cleared of all allegations and that the rumors were false. Wonho signed with Highline Entertainment as a solo artist on April 10. The agency explained that he will be promoting as a solo artist and producer. On May 6, Maverick Entertainment revealed through a twitter post that they had signed a management agreement with Wonho.
Modeling
In January 2018, Wonho did a photoshoot along with Monsta X’s Shownu as part of a Nylon Campaign called “Dreams come true”. His outfit featured comfortable streetwear from various designer brands. As part of the magazine feature, an interview was done regarding the Monsta X’s album “The Code”. In June, Wonho was part of the Ceci Korea photoshoot themed “Black and White: Male beauty”. In this issue he modeled with Minhyuk of Monsta X where they aimed to blend their masculine side with the warm wardrobe. In August, Wonho alongside Monsta X’s Shownu were featured in a summer pictorial by GQ Magazine that aimed to showcase masculine physique. It also included an interview, where they talked about their life as artists. This photoshoot and interview was featured in the August 2019 Issue of GQ Magazine. In October 2018 he participated on the collaboration photoshoot of DAZED, a fashion magazine, and Under Armour, a sportive clothing brand. This collaboration aimed to promote the sportive and healthy lifestyle. In December, he was on the MAPS magazine cover with Monsta X’s Minhyuk. They posed for their ‘Nostalgia’ issue trying a contemporary style and photography. The magazine came out on 12 December. In March 2019, Wonho alongside Monsta X’s Hyungwon were featured in GRAZIA Magazine a week before their 2nd Album release. This photoshoot featured elegant and sophisticated formal wear as well as an interview, inquiring about their daily interests, health, lifestyle and more. In August 2019, Wonho participated in a photoshoot with Monsta X’s Shownu. The photoshoot was a result of Tom Ford collaboration project with ELLE to promote their new perfume line. In September 2019, Wonho was featured in DAZED Magazine under the concept of “Mystery Kingdom” showcasing his duality on and off stage. In an interview, he reveals his motivation and embraces his emotional side. In November 2019, Wonho was featured in Elle's Campaign “Elle Body Challenge”, project to showcase and promote a healthy lifestyle. It also featured an interview in which he talks about healthy habits and emphasizes on the importance of exercising. Lastly, this included a tutorial in which Wonho gives tips on proper form and recommended exercises.
