Daniel Kang

Biography

Daniel Kang, widely known as Kang Daniel, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Rising to fame as the winner of Produce 101 Season 2, he became the center of the project boy group Wanna One, which achieved massive success domestically and internationally. Following the group's disbandment, he embarked on a successful solo career, establishing himself as a powerhouse in the K-pop industry.

Early Life and Background

Daniel Kang was born Kang Eui-geon on December 10, 1996, in Busan, South Korea. Raised in a single-parent household, he discovered his passion for dance at an early age. Encouraged by his teachers, he pursued an entertainment career, enrolling at Peniel High School of the Arts. His exceptional talent in b-boying and street dance set the foundation for his future success.

Career

Debut and Success with Wanna One (2017-2019)

In 2017, Daniel participated in Mnet's reality survival show Produce 101 Season 2, where he quickly became a fan favorite due to his stage presence, charisma, and dance skills. He won first place, earning the center position in Wanna One, a temporary group under YMC Entertainment and later Swing Entertainment.

Wanna One debuted in August 2017 with the extended play (EP) "1×1=1 (To Be One)", featuring the hit song "Energetic". The group became one of the most successful K-pop acts during their active years, achieving numerous chart-topping hits like "Beautiful", "Boomerang", and "Light". They sold out concerts, won multiple awards, and became a global sensation.

Despite their overwhelming success, Wanna One disbanded in December 2018, concluding their official activities with a final concert in January 2019.

Solo Debut and Establishing KONNECT Entertainment (2019-Present)

After Wanna One's disbandment, Daniel took a brief hiatus due to legal disputes with his former agency. In June 2019, he successfully terminated his contract and established his agency, KONNECT Entertainment, to manage his solo career.

He made his highly anticipated solo debut on July 25, 2019, with the EP "Color on Me", featuring the title track "What Are You Up To." The album topped the South Korean charts, selling over 500,000 copies, proving his immense popularity.

Growth as a Solo Artist

Since his debut, Daniel has consistently released successful music projects, showcasing his versatility in various genres. Some of his notable works include:

• "Cyan" (2020) – Featuring the hit single "2U"
• "Magenta" (2020) – Known for "Who U Are"
• "Yellow" (2021) – A more introspective album with songs like "Antidote" and "Paranoia", which explored his struggles with mental health.

In addition to his music, Daniel has expanded his career into television, becoming an MC for variety shows like Street Woman Fighter (2021) and Street Man Fighter (2022).

Achievements and Impact

Daniel Kang has been recognized with numerous awards, including:

• Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) – Best Male Artist (2019, 2020)
• Golden Disc Awards – Best Solo Artist (2021)
• Seoul Music Awards – Bonsang Award (2021, 2022)

Beyond music, he is known for his philanthropic efforts, regularly donating to causes such as children's welfare, disaster relief, and mental health awareness.

Personal Life and Influence

Daniel has been open about his struggles with anxiety and mental health, using his platform to raise awareness. His transparency has resonated with fans, making him a relatable and inspiring figure in the industry.

In 2022, he made headlines for his relationship with TWICE's Jihyo, though the two later parted ways due to busy schedules.