Hyun Jin-young

Hyun Jin-young (born Heo Hyeon-seok on February 3, 1971) is a pioneering South Korean singer and dancer, widely recognized as one of the first artists to introduce hip-hop to Korea. Born in Seoul, Hyun began his career under the guidance of Lee Soo-man and became the first artist signed to SM Entertainment (then S.M. Studio) in 1989. He debuted in 1990 with Hyun Jin-young and Wawa, releasing influential tracks like “Sad Mannequin,” “Sexy Lady,” and “You Are in My Unclear Memory.” Though his album sales were modest, his bold adoption of hip-hop dance and music shocked and fascinated Korean audiences, setting the stage for future hip-hop acts. Throughout the early '90s, Hyun’s career was marred by multiple drug-related arrests, but he made a comeback with his fourth album Wild Gangster Hip Hop-21C Hyun Jinyoung Vol.IV in 2001 and later explored jazz with Street Jazz In My Soul in 2006. Aside from music, he served as a producer at SidusHQ and began teaching at RAUM music academy in 2007. Hyun remains a respected figure in Korean music, with his contributions honored through releases like the 2025 album 힙합 20주년 기념 앨범 commemorating 20 years of Korean hip-hop.

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