KANG DANIEL

KANG DANIEL (강다니엘) is a South Korean solo singer-songwriter, performer and former member of Wanna One. His solo work spans rhythmic pop, R&B, dance music and occasional rock influences. Known for expressive movement and stage control, he gradually expanded his role from singer and dancer to writing and producing his own recordings. His separately credited solo releases are kept distinct from the earlier Wanna One group catalogue.

Born in Busan on December 10, 1996, Kang developed an interest in dance before appearing on Produce 101 Season 2 in 2017. He finished in first place and became the center of Wanna One, the project group formed through the program. Its breakout songs and group honors helped establish his public profile, but those records belong to Wanna One rather than his later individual discography.

His solo debut arrived on July 25, 2019 with the EP color on me and lead single What Are You Up To. He went on to build a three-part color series through CYAN and MAGENTA (2020), concluding with YELLOW (2021). The 2021 single PARANOIA brought a heavier emotional and visual atmosphere, while Antidote continued his exploration of vulnerability. These recordings presented ideas far beyond his earlier television image.

In 2022, Kang released The Story, his first full-length studio album, with the buoyant Upside Down and collaborations that expanded his sound. The following year, REALIEZ developed a cinematic narrative around the dramatic lead single SOS. He also recorded Japanese-language material and performed internationally. Some projects credited to outside collaborators or soundtracks are distinguished from records released under his own name.

After moving to ARA (Artistic Round Alliance) in 2024, he released ACT and its electropop title track Electric Shock. In June 2025, his sixth EP Glow to Haze followed the stages of a fading romance, starting with the light-footed lead single Episode and moving toward more troubled songs. Kang participated in composition and production, reflecting a growing wish to direct the musical work himself rather than only performing it.

December 2025 brought the five-track English-language project PULSEPHASE. For the first time in his album career, Kang participated in the writing, composition and production of every track. Its lead song Backseat Promises was accompanied by an official track video. His solo singles around this period included NO DAY (September), Obsession (January 2026) and Stay (February 2026), each credited separately from the multi-track albums.

Kang began his mandatory military service on February 9, 2026, with discharge scheduled for August 8, 2027. Despite the pause in regular promotions, ARA released his previously recorded single Blue on October 21, 2026. This intimate R&B song describes two people whose feelings are becoming clearer even as neither can define the relationship. Kang wrote the lyrics and participated in composing alongside BIBLEIN and JUNBEOM. The accompanying Blue video is an illustrated official lyric video, not a newly filmed performance during military service.