* Real Name: Jung Hyun Chul (정현철 or Jung Hyuhn Cheol)
* Stage Name: Seo Taiji (서태지)
* Birthday: February 21, 1972
* Birthplace: Seoul, Korea
* Blood Type: O
* Height: 173 cm
* Weight: 55 kg
* Favorite Food: Pork Ribs
Known to many as the "Culture President," Seo Taiji has become one of the most influential cultural icons South Korea has seen. After dropping out of high school at the age of 15, Taiji became the bassist for metal band Sinawe (시나위). However, the band broke up in 1991, and Taiji did not fully bust into Korea's mainstream until 1992 when Seo Taiji and Boys (서태지와 아이들) debuted. The group, which was a wild success from the start, was made up of of Lee Ju-no (이주노), Yang Hyeon-seok (양현석), and of course Taiji himself. The group is credited with popularizing rap, hip-hop and dance music, and many of their songs have clear heavy metal influences. Many have compared the reign of the Taiji Boys to that of Michael Jackson, and their is no denying the influence they have had over modern Korean pop culture. However, after four albums, the group broke it off in 1996.
Taiji seemed to disappear from the music scene until 1998, when he made his much-anticipated debut as a solo rock artist. Since then he has released three albums, one single, two live albums, and a compilation set titled [&] in order to celebrate his 15th Anniversary last year (there are only 15,000 in existence, all of which sold out within minutes). With his solo debut, Taiji returned to his roots in rock and metal music. His first solo album (in total his 5th album) contained metal influences along with innovative and intriguing guitar riffs. His second solo/6th album is his heaviest, consisting of much harder rap metal tracks. His third solo/7th album, however, took a different turn and was much more pop-punk sounding in style. His eight album (fourth solo album) is expected to be released mid-2008.
Seo Taiji currently own his own record company (Seo Taiji Company) and is the mastermind the yearly music festival ETP Fest.
