
Choi Hyun-suk

Choi Hyun-suk (Korean: 최현석; born April 21, 1999) is a South Korean rapper and one of two leaders alongside Park Ji-hoon of boy group Treasure under YG Entertainment. The group made their official debut on August 7, 2020 with the lead single, "Boy". He is also known for his television appearances as a contestant on reality-survival programs "Mix Nine" and "YG Treasure Box."
Biography.
Early life.
Choi Hyun-suk was born on April 21, 1999 in South Korea. He is the eldest among his family consisting of a sister and parents. At the age of 8, while watching Big Bang's documentary "The Beginning", Choi grew fascination towards rap and hip hop, thus wishing to join the South Korean music industry with eyes solely on hip hop label YG Entertainment. After auditioning through V-Spec Academy, he successfully joined as a trainee in 2015. Before becoming a trainee, Choi attended Chungdam High School.
2017–present: Career beginnings and debut with Treasure.
In October 2017, Choi made his first television appearance through JTBC reality-survival program "Mix Nine" alongside Kim Jun-kyu. He finished the show in 5th place, securing a spot out of nine as a winner. On October 5, 2018 Choi made a cameo appearance on Netflix television series "YG Future Strategy Office" as himself. In November 2018, he participated in reality-survival program "YG Treasure Box", where 29 trainees competed to become a member in YG Entertainment's next boy group. During the finale, Choi was revealed as the 7th chosen member for the group, later named Treasure. Ahead of Treasure's debut, on May 30, 2019 Choi featured on labelmate Lee Hi's EP "24°C" on b-side single "1, 2" , where he also participated in production through lyrics. 
Treasure made their official debut on August 7, 2020 with the lead single, "Boy" and single album, "The First Step: Chapter One".
Artistry.
Influences.
Among multiple occasions, particularly through Mix Nine, Choi revealed his main influences who he primarily viewed as role models towards the genres rap and hip hop was Big Bang's G-Dragon and Taeyang alongside American hip hop artists Kendrick Lamar and Asap Mob.
Endorsements.
In January 2018, Choi modeled for Japanese sports clothing and accessories brand, Descente, for their new semester menswear range.
Discography.
Production credits.
All song credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association's database, unless otherwise noted.