Lee Dae-hwi

Lee Dae-hwi, known mononymously as Daehwi, is a South Korean singer-songwriter, producer, and television personality. Born January 29, 2001, in Seoul's Gangnam District, he rose to prominence as a member of the project boy group Wanna One, formed through the 2017 survival show Produce 101 Season 2. Today, he is a key member of AB6IX, where he contributes as a songwriter and producer, and he has also carved out a presence as a host, actor, and variety show guest.

Daehwi's career spans multiple facets of the entertainment industry. He has hosted M Countdown, acted in the drama Love Is for Suckers, and appeared in advertisements in Times Square. His creative output includes writing and producing music for his groups and other artists, and he remains a prominent figure in K-pop, with a dedicated fanbase that follows his solo activities and group projects alike. [edit]

Lee Dae-hwi was born on January 29, 2001, in the Gangnam District of Seoul, South Korea. He trained under Brand New Music, a label known for nurturing hip-hop and R&B talent. His big break came in 2017 when he participated in the reality competition show Produce 101 Season 2. During the show, he served as the center for the performance of "It's Me," a role he later reflected on with some regret in interviews, noting the pressure and expectations that came with it.

Daehwi's talent and charisma earned him a third-place finish overall, securing his spot in the temporary project group Wanna One. His pre-debut training and the exposure from the show laid the groundwork for his future success. He was just 16 years old at the time of his debut, and his journey from trainee to idol was marked by intense competition and public scrutiny. [edit]

Lee Dae-hwi made his debut with Wanna One in August 2017, and the group quickly became one of the most successful acts of their generation. After Wanna One disbanded in January 2019, he debuted as the maknae of AB6IX under Brand New Music. He also became the permanent host of M Countdown in 2019, a role that increased his visibility and showcased his hosting skills.

In 2018, he appeared in a Times Square advertisement in New York City, a testament to his international recognition. He expanded into acting with a role in the 2022 drama Love Is for Suckers. In 2026, AB6IX released their first full-length album in five years in March, and the group held their 7th anniversary concerts "6ix to Seven" in Seoul on May 23-24. That same year, Wanna One announced a reunion, with filming for the reality show "Wanna One Go: Back to Base" taking place, and Daehwi actively participated. In April 2026, he announced his departure from his agency Raemmer after nine years, with reports suggesting he may join The Black Label. [edit]

Lee Dae-hwi is known for his versatility as a singer-songwriter, producer, actor, and host. As the maknae of AB6IX, he brings a youthful energy to the group, but his songwriting and production skills give him a mature edge. He is often praised for his charisma on variety shows and his ability to connect with audiences. His fandom spans both Wanna One's Wannable and AB6IX's ABNEW, and he maintains an active presence on Instagram, where he shares behind-the-scenes moments and personal updates. [edit]

Lee Dae-hwi stands as a distinct force in the global entertainment landscape, recognized for his dual identity as a versatile idol and a creative powerhouse. As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person, but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). While he commands significant attention across Asia and among international K-pop enthusiasts, he remains outside the current tiered lists maintained by the engine. His influence is felt through his work with AB6IX and the recent high-profile reunion activities of Wanna One, yet these achievements have not translated into a specific numeric rank within the system's latest audit. The fanbase surrounding Lee Dae-hwi does not have a formally documented name in authoritative records. While dedicated followers exist under various community banners, no single official designation has been universally adopted or verified by the entity managing his public profile. This lack of a singular label reflects a scattered but passionate following that spans both the Wannable and ABNEW communities without coalescing into one branded group. Despite the absence of a formal title, the collective energy of his supporters remains evident in their engagement with his variety appearances, music releases, and the nostalgic resurgence of his former group's projects.[edit]

Daehwi's Instagram handle, @hwisosik, cleverly blends his name with "sosik," the Korean word for news or updates, creating a personal brand that feels intimate and direct. He has maintained a professional relationship with Raemmer's CEO for nine years, a tenure he deeply valued before eventually parting ways. On a YouTube show, fellow group member Jeon Woong playfully confessed to Daehwi's "idol sickness," offering fans a glimpse into his charming, slightly mischievous side. He also stays connected with his former Wanna One members, notably sharing positive updates about Lee Gwang-rin, who reportedly retired from the industry to pursue film directing and is thriving in his new role. In April 2026, the atmosphere on set for the reunion reality show "Wanna One Go: Back to Base" was so authentic that Daehwi noted it felt exactly like 2017 again. By January of that same year, the group had already snapped a photo ahead of the show's production, setting the stage for their official reunion at the opening ceremony of the Mnet program later that spring.[edit]

Details about Lee Dae-hwi's family are not widely publicized. He was born in the Gangnam District of Seoul, and he has not shared much about his parents or siblings in interviews. As of 2026, he is not married and has no children. His focus remains on his career, and he lives a relatively private life outside of his professional activities. [edit]

Lee Dae-hwi is closely associated with his Wanna One bandmates, including Park Ji-hoon and Kang Daniel, with whom he has maintained friendships. He also has a long-standing professional relationship with his agency Raemmer's CEO, whom he worked with for nine years. Within AB6IX, he is close to fellow member Jeon Woong, who has spoken about his personality. [edit]

Lee Dae-hwi has kept his personal life private, and there are no confirmed public relationships as of 2026. As a K-pop idol, he has not publicly documented any dating history, and his relationship status is not officially disclosed. He remains focused on his career, and his fans respect his privacy in this area. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Lee Dae-hwi's net worth to be around $10 million as of 2026. This financial standing is built upon a diverse array of income streams that reflect his multifaceted career. A significant portion of his earnings derives from his music activities with AB6IX, including album sales, digital streaming numbers, and revenue generated from concert tours. Beyond performing, his contributions as a songwriter and producer generate substantial royalties from tracks he has written for himself and other artists. His visibility extends to television, where his hosting duties on M Countdown and acting roles in dramas like Love Is for Suckers add to his portfolio. Additionally, high-profile endorsement deals, such as his appearance in advertisements in Times Square, contribute meaningfully to his overall wealth. Over the years, his net worth has grown steadily, mirroring the expanding scope of his professional endeavors and the enduring success of his group activities. While exact figures remain private, the breadth of his projects suggests a robust financial foundation within the competitive K-pop industry.[edit]