Do Han-se (Korean: 도한세; born September 25, 1997), known professionally as Hanse, is a South Korean rapper, singer, and songwriter. He rose to prominence as the main rapper and lead dancer of the boy group VICTON, which debuted on November 9, 2016, with the mini album Voice to New World and the lead single "I'm Fine."[1][2] Hanse made his solo debut on September 25, 2021, with the EP BLAZE, featuring the double title tracks "Take Over" and "Public Enemy," marking him as the second VICTON member to release solo material.[3]VICTON, originally formed by Plan A Entertainment (later IST Entertainment), consisted of seven members at debut, with Hanse contributing rap verses and choreography to the group's discography, including their first music show win in 2019 for "Nostalgic Night" after a hiatus influenced by member Han Seung-woo's participation in Produce X 101.[4] In April 2023, Hanse, along with members Byungchan and Subin, did not renew their contracts with IST Entertainment, entering a period of individual activities while the group remains on indefinite hiatus without official disbandment.[5] Shortly after, on August 10, 2023, Hanse signed an exclusive contract with The Dial Music, a label known for artists like BIGONE and Dive, allowing him to explore rock-influenced sounds beyond traditional idol music.[6]Under The Dial Music, Hanse released singles such as "Gummy Bear" (featuring BIGONE) in October 2023, "Scent of Skin" in April 2024, and "How Time Flies" (featuring BIGONE and Dive) in March 2024.[7] His contract with the agency ended amicably on July 22, 2024, after less than a year, leading him to pursue independent projects.[8] He issued his second EP BLUESSOM on August 28, 2024, which incorporated pop rock elements and title tracks like "Blue Night" and "Milky Way."[9] In 2025, Hanse continued his solo career with the pre-release single "Smoky" (with LAVEEN) on June 5 and the collaboration EP Neighbor Rockstar with musician LAVEEN on July 9, featuring tracks like "Wake Me Up" and emphasizing his evolving rock and alternative style.[10] These releases highlight his songwriting and production involvement, as seen in credits for lyrics and composition across his works.[11]
Early life and education
Early years
Do Han-se was born on September 25, 1997, in Cheongna-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon, South Korea.[12]As the son of ordinary parents, he grew up in a standard family setting in Incheon and has a younger sister born in 2000, with limited public details available regarding familial heritage.[12]From a young age, Do Han-se developed a strong interest in music and dance, which motivated him to pursue auditions for entertainment agencies beginning in middle school, around age 13.[13]These early efforts culminated in his acceptance as a trainee at Plan A Entertainment (later rebranded as Play M Entertainment and then IST Entertainment) in 2015, marking the start of his formal preparation for a career in the industry.[14]
Education
Do Han-se attended Incheon Yale High School, graduating in 2017 shortly after his debut with VICTON.[12] During his high school years, he balanced academics with the rigorous demands of his pre-debut training at Plan A Entertainment, where he joined as a trainee in 2015 alongside fellow VICTON member Im Se-jun.[15]From 2015 to 2016, Do underwent intensive training focused on rap, dance, and vocal development, building the foundation for his positions as VICTON's main rapper and lead dancer.[16]Post-graduation and debut, Do Han-se did not pursue higher education, committing fully to his professional activities in music and entertainment.[12]
Career
2016–2022: Debut with Victon and early solo activities
Do Han-se made his professional debut as a member of the South Korean boy group Victon on November 9, 2016, under Plan A Entertainment, with the release of their first mini-albumVoice to New World.[5] As the group's main rapper and lead dancer, he contributed rap verses to the title track "I'm Fine" and several album cuts, establishing his role in Victon's dynamic performance style from the outset.[17] The debut album marked Victon's entry into the competitive K-pop landscape, blending hip-hop elements with youthful energy to attract an initial fanbase known as Alice.[18]Throughout 2017 and 2018, Victon built momentum with subsequent releases, including the mini-albums Ready (March 2, 2017) and Identity (August 23, 2017), which explored themes of self-discovery and featured Han-se's prominent rap sections in tracks like "Take a Chance" and "Break Time."[18] Their first single albumTime of Sorrow (May 2018) achieved notable international success, topping Japan's Tower Records chart despite limited promotion there, signaling growing overseas interest. By 2019–2020, releases like the mini-album Nostalgia (November 2019), which earned their first music show win for "Nostalgic Night," and Continuous (March 9, 2020) further solidified their discography, with the latter peaking at number 2 on the Gaon Album Chart and contributing to a surge in fanbase expansion, particularly after member Han Seung-woo's high-profile stint on Produce X 101.[18]In 2019, amid industry restructuring, Plan A Entertainment merged with FAVE Entertainment under Kakao M, rebranding as Play M Entertainment (later IST Entertainment) on April 1, with Victon transitioning smoothly under the new management.[19] This period saw Victon expand internationally, including their first Japanese promotions through the 1st Asia Tour "Voice to Alice" in Tokyo and Osaka in late 2019, where they performed hits to enthusiastic crowds and fostered early ties with Japanese fans.[20] Domestically, the group engaged fans via reality shows such as Victon's Born Identity (2017) and Victon's Wise Life (2020), offering glimpses into their daily routines and strengthening Alice's loyalty through humorous and relatable content.[5]Han-se's early solo endeavors began emerging in 2020, with contributions to Victon's songwriting, including co-credits on tracks like "What I Said" from Nostalgia, showcasing his growing creative input. He made his official solo debut in 2021 with the EP BLAZE on September 25, featuring the double title tracks "Take Over" and "Public Enemy," a high-energy hip-hop project addressing personal empowerment and gender fluidity, which highlighted his versatile rapping and garnered attention for its bold music video featuring drag elements.[21] This release marked a pivotal step in his individual career while still prioritizing group activities.[22]
2023–present: Solo career, agency transitions, and collaborations
Following his departure from IST Entertainment on April 20, 2023, alongside fellow VICTON members Choi Byungchan and Jung Subin, Do Han-se pursued independent opportunities before signing an exclusive contract with The Dial Music on August 11, 2023.[23][6] This move allowed him to expand his solo endeavors under a label focused on diverse musical expressions. However, the partnership was short-lived, as The Dial Music announced the end of their exclusive contract on July 22, 2024, after which Do transitioned to independent status to further control his artistic direction.[8]In October 2023, Do released his single album Gummy Bear, marking his first project under The Dial Music and showcasing a shift toward pop-punk influences with a feature from BIGONE. The album's title track highlighted his evolving rap style and collaborative approach, building on his earlier solo EP Blaze from 2021. He followed with the single "How Time Flies" (feat. BIGONE and Dive) in March 2024. After his contract ended, he self-released his second EP BLUESSOM on August 28, 2024, incorporating pop rock elements with title tracks "Blue Night" and "Milky Way." This release underscored his growing emphasis on personal songwriting and genre experimentation during his solo phase. By 2025, as an independent artist, Do expanded his collaborations with the EP Neighbor Rockstar alongside LAVEEN, released on July 9, 2025, which blended rock elements across tracks like "Rocks In My Head" and "Wake Me Up." Preceding the EP was the single "Smoky," issued on June 5, 2025, as a teaser that captured themes of emotional haze and resilience.[24][25]Despite his solo focus, Do maintained ties to VICTON, with the group entering an effective hiatus amid member agency transitions; while some contracts expired without renewal—such as those of Kang Seungsik and Lim Sejun in December 2024—Do remained affiliated, supporting occasional group commemorations like their 9th anniversary photo in 2025. His international outreach included his first solo concert in Brazil on February 16, 2025, at Vip Station in São Paulo, where he performed a set blending VICTON hits and solo tracks for an enthusiastic audience. In a March 2025 interview for "Honest Talk on Music," Do reflected on his journey, emphasizing the freedom of independence and his desire to explore raw, rebellious sounds beyond idol constraints.[26][27][28][29]
Discography
Extended plays
Do Han-se's solo extended plays mark his transition from group activities to individual artistry, showcasing his versatility in hip-hop, rap, and rock-infused sounds. His debut EP, Blaze, established his solo presence with introspective and energetic tracks, while subsequent releases like BLUESSOM and Neighbor Rockstar explored pop rock and experimental elements.[7]
Blaze
Released on September 25, 2021, Blaze is Do Han-se's debut solo extended play, consisting of six tracks that blend hip-hop and rap with themes of passion and self-discovery. The EP features dual title tracks "TAKE OVER" and "Public Enemy," highlighting his confident lyricism and production involvement. It sold 7,589 physical copies via the kit version.[30]
The EP received attention for its raw energy and collaborations with prominent Korean hip-hop artists, contributing to Do Han-se's growing reputation as a solo rapper.[31]
BLUESSOM
Released on August 28, 2024, BLUESSOM is Do Han-se's second solo extended play, consisting of four tracks incorporating pop rock elements. The EP features double title tracks "Blue Night" and "Milky Way," emphasizing emotional depth and melodic experimentation.[9]
No.
Title
Featured Artist(s)
Length
1
Blue Night (청야 (靑夜))
–
3:25
2
Eyes Deep As The Ocean (바다를 담은 듯한 그 눈을 본다)
–
3:10
3
Asurai (아스라이)
123
3:33
4
Milky Way
Skinny Brown
3:37
Neighbor Rockstar
Neighbor Rockstar, released on July 9, 2025, in collaboration with musician LAVEEN, is Do Han-se's third extended play and features five tracks drawing on experimental rock influences, including guitar-driven rhythms and alternative structures. As a joint project, it emphasizes dynamic interplay between the artists' styles, with title tracks "Wake Me Up" and "Slow Motion" leading the sound. No chart peak data is available as of November 2025, reflecting its recent release and niche appeal.[10]
The EP's rock-oriented experimentation marks a departure from Do Han-se's earlier rap-focused work, earning praise for its innovative fusion in live performances and music videos.[32]
Single albums and singles
Do Han-se's single albums and singles primarily encompass concise releases outside of his extended plays, highlighting his versatility in pop-rap and collaborative formats.His debut single album, Gummy Bear, was released on October 23, 2023, via The Dial Music. Featuring two tracks—"Gummy Bear" with BIGONE and "Unlucky Girl" with Dive—the project adopts a playful pop-rap style characterized by upbeat rhythms and humorous lyricism. It debuted and peaked at number 41 on the Circle Album Chart in South Korea.[33][34]As a lead artist, Do Han-se released "Take Over" on September 25, 2021, under Play M Entertainment, marking his initial solo venture with aggressive rap delivery over a thumping dance beat. The track did not achieve notable chart positions on major South Korean charts.[35]On March 18, 2024, he released the digital single "How Time Flies" featuring BIGONE and Dive.[7]In 2025, he issued "Smoky" on June 5, as a pre-release collaborationsingle with LAVEEN, blending introspective themes with hazy, atmospheric production; no significant chart data is available for this release.[36]Prior to 2023, Do Han-se contributed featured verses to various pre-solo collaborations, including tracks associated with Victon's group activities, though no standalone major features were noted post-2023.[11]
Songwriting credits
Do Han-se has accumulated songwriting credits for 90 songs registered with the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) as of July 2025.His contributions to Victon's discography primarily focus on rap lyrics, beginning with their debut extended playVoice to New World in 2017, where he received writing credits for tracks such as "What Time Is It Now?", "I'm Fine", "Your Smile And You", and "The Chemistry".[37] In later group releases like Fenomenal (2020), Do continued this role, penning rap sections for songs including "Chronograph", "Want Me", "Stupid O'Clock", "Bonnie and Clyde", "Ink", "Stay", "In Love", and "Dear. Young", emphasizing themes of youthful struggle and resilience.[37]Transitioning to solo endeavors, Do took on full authorship for all tracks on his 2021 extended play Blaze, showcasing his evolution in crafting introspective rap narratives. This self-composed approach extended to his 2025 extended play Neighbor Rockstar, where he co-wrote the title track with collaborators LAVEEN and REDA, blending personal storytelling with urban rock influences. An earlier example of his solo composition is the 2021 track "Take Over", which he fully wrote and performed, highlighting his thematic depth in exploring ambition and identity.[38]Overall, Do's songwriting has shifted from collaborative group rap contributions to more autonomous solo works, reflecting a growing emphasis on emotional authenticity and lyrical innovation in his career.[37]
Other activities
Fashion and public appearances
Do Han-se has made notable appearances in the fashion industry as a representative of Victon, particularly during Seoul Fashion Week. In 2020, he participated in the event, marking an early foray into modeling that highlighted his emerging presence beyond music.[39] The following year, in 2021, he walked the runway alongside bandmate Heo Chan for the brand SETSETSET during the Fall/Winter collection showcase, their second joint appearance at the event and emphasizing streetwear aesthetics suitable for urban youth culture.[40][41]His personal fashion style draws heavily from rock subcultures, blending pop-punk, cyberpunk, emo, and grunge elements with androgynous touches. This is evident in his choices of vibrant hair colors, glittering accessories like chokers, chunky footwear, and monochromatic outfits accented by neon details, often showcased in Victon's visual concepts such as the 2019 "Nostalgic Night" and 2021 "Take Over" promotions.[42] Do Han-se's aesthetic, which evolved significantly after adding piercings and tattoos around 2018, positions him as a trendsetter within K-pop, prioritizing self-expression through bold, avant-garde looks.[42]In terms of endorsements, Do Han-se contributed to Victon's selection as models for the 2020 spring/summer collaboration between casual apparel brands Teddy Island and Slowacid, aligning with his edgy, street-oriented image.[43] He has not taken on major acting roles, instead channeling his public persona into fashion and promotional visibility.Beyond runway work, Do Han-se has engaged in various public events, including group fan meetings and promotions as part of Victon, which often feature interactive sessions with fans to build personal connections. A highlight in his solo activities came with his first concert in Brazil titled "Misery Loves Company" on February 16, 2025, at Clube Homs in São Paulo, serving as a key cultural appearance to engage international audiences.[44]
Philanthropy and endorsements
Do Han-se has participated in philanthropic efforts primarily through his association with the K-pop group Victon. In October 2021, he joined fellow members Kang Seung-sik, Heo Chan, and Lim Se-jun in a charity project organized by the international NGO Good Neighbors to observe the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17. The collaboration featured promotional images and content shared by Good Neighbors to raise global awareness about poverty eradication and children's rights, with proceeds from Victon's related activities donated to support the organization's initiatives in underprivileged communities worldwide.[45]Victon's group-level philanthropy has also included fan support initiatives during periods of hiatus, such as encouraging and facilitating donations tied to fan events and album sales to aid humanitarian causes. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to social good within the group's activities, though specific individual contributions by Do Han-se beyond the 2021 project remain limited in public record.In terms of endorsements, Do Han-se has maintained a low-profile approach post his 2023 solo debut, with no major brand deals reported as of November 2025. His public image has occasionally aligned with lifestyle and beauty sectors through minor promotional appearances, but these have not resulted in prominent ambassadorships.