Things that you need to know to the new rising actor, Hoya!

Currently, ‘Seoul Ghost Stories,’ a work that deals with 10 realistic-looking ghost stories that will give more horror than death that began with revenge, desire, and a curse, is attracting attention due to the lavish casting of actors and idols.

As fans are getting curious about this new Korean movie let’s get to know more about Hoya, who is one of the cast members, as he puts off a powerful impression that is 180 degrees from his regular image.

Trainee Days

Lee Hodong was better known by his stage name Hoya or Lee Howon, is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, dancer, and actor. He was born in Busan, South Korea, on March 28, 1991.

To pursue his career as an idol, Hoya decided to drop out of high school during his first year. He was a former JYP Entertainment trainee and later joined Woollim Entertainment after he dropped out.

Debut with INFINITE

Hoya debuted as a rapper, vocal, and main dancer of INFINITE. And the group officially debuted on June 9, 2010. INFINITE released their debut mini-album ‘First Invasion’ and its lead single ‘Come Back Again.’

INFINITE H

Infinite H was formed in September 2012 by Hoya and fellow INFINITE member Jang Dongwoo. The subgroup released its first mini-album, titled ‘Fly High,’ in January 2013 with the title single ‘Special Girl.’

Departure in INFINITE and Woollim Entertainment

Hoya revealed that his contract, which expired on June 9, 2017, would not be renewed, and that he would be departing INFINITE as well as Woollim Entertainment last August 30, 2017.

Solo Debut

Hoya made his solo debut on March 28, 2018, with his first mini-album ‘Shower.’ He also released a digital single titled, ‘Baby U’ featuring Kriesha Chu in the music video last September 12, 2018.

After serving in the military, Hoya made his comeback with the new digital single album ‘1AM’ with the title track of ‘Stay with me’ last June 9, 2021.

Acting Career

Hoya made his acting debut in the tvN drama ‘Reply 1997,’ later on, the drama become a major hit and raised his popularity. Following this, Hoya starred in SBS’ music romance drama, My Lovely Girl, which co-stars his fellow Infinite member Kim Myungsoo last 2014.

Due to his popularity as a rising actor, Hoya was cast as the lead role in the film Hiya. He played a high school student who only dreams of becoming a singer. And last March 10, 2015, the film was premiered.

In the following year, Hoya starred in SBS’s melodrama Mask, acting as Park Soo Ae’s brother. He was also cast in the sitcom ‘Strong Family 2017,’ MBC’s new drama, ‘Radiant Office,’ and ‘Two Cops.’

On April 1, the omni-bus style film revealed the poster of its cast lineup features Hoya, BTOB’s Minhyuk, Oh My Girl’s Arin, MONSTA X’s Shownu, Cosmic Girls’s Exy and Seola, The Boyz’s Haknyeon, Golden Child’s Jaehyun, and AleXa.

The upcoming horror movie is set to premiere on April 27, 2022.

New Home

A few days ago, it was confirmed that Hoya signed an exclusive contract with Initial Entertainment, following the announcement of the said company on April 1, 2022.

Are you excited to see him on screen again? Share your thoughts with us in the comment below!