5 Ways Hyunjin Achieved His 'First Solo Hit'—And The Definitive Chart-Topper

The question of Hwang Hyunjin's "first solo hit" is complex, but as of December 17, 2025, the definitive answer lies in a major international collaboration that shattered chart records. While Stray Kids' Hyunjin has captivated millions with his self-composed tracks and viral dance breaks, his official entry onto the global solo charts came via a surprise duet, marking a significant milestone in his individual career trajectory.

This article dives deep into the different facets of his solo success, from his official collaboration with a Western artist to the beloved self-produced songs that paved the way, giving fans a complete picture of the multi-talented artist's burgeoning solo authority.

Hwang Hyunjin: The Prince of Performance—A Comprehensive Profile

Hwang Hyunjin is a globally recognized artist, best known as the main dancer, lead rapper, and sub-vocalist of the South Korean boy group Stray Kids. His striking visuals, powerful stage presence, and deep artistic involvement have made him one of the most prominent figures in the fourth generation of K-pop.

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• Full Name: Hwang Hyunjin (황현진)
• Stage Name: Hyunjin
• Group: Stray Kids (SKZ)
• Position: Main Dancer, Lead Rapper, Sub-Vocalist
• Date of Birth: March 20, 2000
• Zodiac Sign: Pisces
• Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
• Agency: JYP Entertainment
• Training Period: Approximately 2 years (Joined JYP in 2015)
• Debut Date: March 25, 2018 (with Stray Kids)
• Artistic Roles: He is an active lyricist and composer for his solo/unit tracks and is renowned for his original choreography and dance performance videos.
• Global Ambassadorship: He serves as a global ambassador for several high-profile luxury and fashion brands, cementing his status as a fashion icon.

The Definitive First Solo Hit: "Always Love" Collaboration with d4vd

For fans seeking the concrete, chart-verified answer to Hyunjin’s first solo hit, the search concludes with the single "Always Love." Released in mid-2025, this collaboration with American viral hitmaker d4vd propelled Hyunjin onto major Western charts, a rare feat for a K-pop idol’s first official solo outing.

Shattering Chart Records

The track, "Always Love," quickly demonstrated its topical authority and commercial strength.

• First UK Chart Entry: Hyunjin scored his first solo U.K. chart win as "Always Love" debuted on both the Official Singles Downloads Chart and the Official Singles Sales Chart. This placement is a significant indicator of global market penetration and sales success.
• Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Debut: The single opened at No. 49 on the prestigious Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. This marks Hyunjin's first solo hit on any Billboard chart and is particularly notable because it crossed over into a non-traditional K-pop genre, showcasing his versatility and d4vd's influence.
• Global Digital Success: The song’s strong performance on streaming platforms and digital sales charts worldwide confirmed its status as a commercial hit. The collaboration successfully merged d4vd’s distinct alternative sound with Hyunjin’s emotive vocal delivery, creating a unique track that appealed to a broad, international audience.

This collaboration not only provided Hyunjin with his first tangible solo hit but also strategically positioned him as an artist capable of bridging the gap between K-pop and Western music genres, setting a high bar for future solo projects.

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The Pre-Debut Solo Era: SKZ-PLAYER and SKZ-RECORD Gems

While "Always Love" is the official chart hit, the foundation of Hyunjin's solo authority was built long before, through his consistent output of self-composed music released under Stray Kids' unofficial series, SKZ-PLAYER and SKZ-RECORD. These tracks are considered his true "first solo songs" by the fandom (STAY) and are essential entities in his discography.

"So Good": The Fan-Favorite SKZ-PLAYER

One of the most notable tracks from this era is "So Good." Originally released as an SKZ-PLAYER video, the song was later officially included on Stray Kids' 2024 album, 合 (HOP). The song's smooth, R&B-influenced sound and polished performance video demonstrated Hyunjin’s capabilities as a solo artist.

• Musicality: "So Good" showcased a vibe that many fans felt perfectly suited Hyunjin’s strengths, drawing comparisons to the solo work of other prominent K-pop artists.
• Official Release: Its inclusion on a main group album elevated it from an unofficial project to a recognized track, giving it a wider audience and commercial presence.

"long for you" and "Little Star": Emotional Depth

Hyunjin has also used the SKZ-RECORD series to share more personal, self-written ballads.

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• "long for you": A self-composed track where Hyunjin participated in both the lyrics and composition. It is a testament to his growing skills as a producer and songwriter, allowing him to express a deeper, more emotional side of his artistry.
• "Little Star": This song is frequently cited by fans as one of their favorite SKZ-RECORDs. Its beautiful, meaningful, and soft ballad nature resonated deeply, confirming that Hyunjin’s solo appeal is not limited to high-energy dance tracks but extends to emotional, heart-wrenching compositions.

Beyond Music: Viral Solo Moments and Future Potential

Hyunjin’s "solo hits" are not solely confined to music streaming platforms; his impact on performance and fashion also contributes significantly to his topical authority and global influence.

The MAMA 2025 Solo Dance Break

At the 2025 MAMA Awards, Hyunjin delivered a viral solo dance break during Stray Kids' performance. This moment was widely discussed, with fans and critics praising his incredible grace, unbridled power, and ability to command the stage alone. These high-profile solo stages serve as powerful, non-musical "hits" that generate immense social media buzz and anticipation for a formal solo debut.

The Christmas Solo Album Speculation

In late 2025, fan speculation and a K-pop voting platform poll highlighted Hyunjin as the vocalist "best suited for a Christmas-themed solo album." While not an official release, the overwhelming consensus and media coverage around this idea demonstrate the public's eagerness and the perceived commercial viability of a full-fledged solo project from him.

The Future of Hyunjin's Solo Career

The success of the "Always Love" collaboration provides a clear blueprint for Hyunjin's future solo career. It proves his ability to chart independently and collaborate across different genres. Fans are now eagerly anticipating a full Hyunjin solo debut album, which many believe will blend the polished, commercial sound of "Always Love" with the deeply personal, self-composed style seen in "So Good" and "long for you." The combination of his established dance prowess, growing songwriting credits, and proven chart success makes him one of the most exciting K-pop artists to watch for an imminent solo launch.