WOODZ Returns to the Stage at Summer Sonic While Kim Sae-ron Allegations Resurface

Singer WOODZ (Cho Seung-youn) will return to the stage following his military discharge with a performance at Japan’s major music festival, Summer Sonic 2025.

WOODZ is confirmed to perform on August 16 in Tokyo and August 17 in Osaka, marking his official comeback after completing his military service.

Summer Sonic is one of Japan’s largest urban music festivals, featuring top domestic acts as well as internationally renowned artists. This year’s lineup includes Japanese stars like HYDE (vocalist of L’ArcenCiel) and Official HIGE DANDism, along with global pop icons such as Alicia Keys and Camila Cabello, drawing the attention of music fans worldwide. WOODZ will take the stage in both Tokyo and Osaka.

WOODZ enlisted in the military on January 22, 2023, serving as part of the Army band unit. He is scheduled to be discharged on July 21, 2025, with Summer Sonic marking his first public stage after completing service.

Originally debuting in 2014 as part of the five-member boy group UNIQ, he re-debuted in 2019 as a member of X1 through Mnet’s Produce 101. After the group disbanded, he began his solo career under the name WOODZ.

While he was known primarily for rapping and dancing during his group activities, WOODZ steadily expanded his skills, gaining recognition as a vocalist. Over time, he built a unique musical identity through explorations in hip-hop, dance, rock, and other genres.

Consistently holding concerts and evolving as a live performer, he earned a reputation as a “performance-focused artist.” Notably, with the release of his 2022 album Colorful Trauma, he began incorporating live band performances into his festival stages. His pre-enlistment track “Drowning” gained renewed attention during his military service, experiencing a chart resurgence and staying near the top of music rankings.

As his discharge date approaches, anticipation is growing for WOODZ’s next chapter. Starting with Summer Sonic, he is expected to resume full-scale domestic and international activities.

WOODZ Caught in Rumored Past Relationship With Late Actress Kim Sae-ron

On April 12, WOODZ’s agency EDAM Entertainment addressed rumors linking him romantically to the late actress Kim Sae-ron, stating they could not confirm or deny the claims as it involves his private life. The speculation began when YouTuber "Entertainment President Lee Jin-ho" claimed Kim Sae-ron dated a singer from early 2021 to May 2022.

Though no name was mentioned, online users speculated the singer was WOODZ, citing past social media interactions and a coffee truck allegedly sent by Kim to WOODZ’s MV shoot. This resurfaced amid ongoing controversy involving actor Kim Soo-hyun, whom Kim’s family claims dated her from age 15 until 2021. Kim Soo-hyun has denied dating her while she was a minor and is pursuing legal action against her family and others for defamation and blackmail.

As WOODZ prepares for his long-awaited Summer Sonic comeback, speculation over his rumored past with the late Kim Sae-ron continues to circulate—just as Kim Soo-hyun confronts legal battles of his own in the midst of the unfolding controversy.

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