MEMBER PROFILE
Eric
Lead Rapper, Lead Dancer, Sub-Vocalist, Maknae in THE BOYZ.
Profile
Before and debut
Eric spent part of his childhood in Irvine, California before returning to Korea. He trained through rap and dance, graduated from SOPA, and became the group’s energetic maknae. He took a health hiatus in 2022, returned later that year, and has since been unusually open about the pressure of maintaining idol life.
Eric debuted with THE BOYZ on December 6, 2017 through The First and its title track “Boy.” The original twelve-member lineup entered during a crowded generation transition and had to build recognition through frequent releases, variety content, and unusually disciplined group choreography.
THE BOYZ career
The group’s turning point came through Road to Kingdom and Kingdom: Legendary War, where elaborate stages made their performance reputation impossible to ignore. Later eras moved through “The Stealer,” “Maverick,” “Whisper,” “Roar,” “Watch It,” “Trigger,” “VVV,” and “Stylish.”
Eric’s role is not static. Ten-member groups survive because members learn when to lead a section and when to make somebody else’s moment work.
Performance identity
Eric performs like the battery percentage is a personal insult. The energy is useful. The moments when he admits the battery is real are more important.
The 2025 “Stylish” era used nine active performers because Sangyeon was enlisted and Ju Haknyeon had been removed from the company lineup. Read the full review here.
Current status
In 2026, nine members excluding New won a court injunction suspending their ONE HUNDRED contracts after a dispute over settlements and trust. New remained under contract by personal choice. The members said they respected that choice and would continue exploring options for the team. This profile treats THE BOYZ membership and agency contracts as separate facts.
Official links
Sources
Checked against official profiles, member accounts, Kprofiles, Kpopping, Korean entertainment coverage, and 2026 court reporting from Yonhap and Korea JoongAng Daily.