5-STAR ACE: HAN JISUNG

Han Jisung makes up 1/8th of Stray Kids (SKZ) but we’re sure you already knew that. His associated animal is a quokka as its known to look or be the happiest animal; but STAYS also refer to him as a squirrel. These animals were chosen because he naturally has round cheeks but also as he eats they get stuffed like a quokka or squirrel.

His smile alone is enough to make your day as well as his contagious laugh. Trust us, he’s got us grinning from ear to ear when we see and hear them. Han is also very smart as well as very clumsy, and is one of many idols that make fans feel like he’s a friend. From the outside looking in there is only so much we know and can say about Han, but so far we do know and can say that he is deeply humble and caring to both his members and STAYS.

Many STAYS refer to him as 4th Gen Ace and Han of course is nothing short of that, he can sing, rap, dance, play instruments, he’s hilarious, handsome and open about his mental health. We love a relatable, honest and self aware Virgo King. In honor of Han’s birthday we here at POP TOKKI are going to breakdown some of our favorite, fan favorites and best moments that we believe prove what a rare talent Han Jisung is. Buckle up because it’s definitely going to be long but very satisfying to your eyes and ears.

HAN JISUNG

Han was the first Stray Kid(s) apart from Bang Chan of course to make up one of the most popular KPOP groups. He has stated many times that he is introverted and has struggled with anxiety, something that many of us can relate too. Much of the music Han has made and released so far has made many STAYS feel seen and heard as well as given them something to relate to or to get lost in when feeling sad or anxious.

In these 2 episodes we get to see Han in a more relaxed and comfortable environment away from the stage. As he shares more about himself as a person, artist and friend alongside some of his fellow SKZ members. We can see that even his members notice his amazing talent and seen how far he has come as an artist, so much so that he gets embarrassed or shy when its addressed. We also get to see him in action singing a few solo track songs and playing the guitar. Also, how his mind works when constructing the narrative of a song.

From what we see in this next video, Han knows who he is as a person very deeply. Not very many people know confidently who they are as a person, however that is not to say he still doesn’t have those days where he feels lost. We also get to see just how caring all his members are for him and how well they know him.

3RACHA

Han Jisung has proven he’s a man of many talents as years go by. With Stray Kids’ latest release back in June, ‘5-Star’ has become “THE ALBUM” of the summer, selling over 5 million pre-order copies. Every song off the ‘5-star’ has been written by Han and of course 3RACHA (Changbin & Bangchan) with the exception of 2 tracks.

Many if not all tracks Stray Kids has released has been produced and written by 3RACHA. Han’s rap and flow on all 3RACHA tracks are so smooth and fast, making it look like its the easiest thing in the world. Feeling hyped and shocked every time we hear them as if we are listening to them again for the very first time.

3RACHA tracks tend to have a more aggressive sound as their beats are heavy in bass and consist mainly of fast paced rap flows. Released on the SKZ ‘Maxident’ album, the title track “3RACHA” is a favorite among fans. Looking cool while he raps so effortlessly, this track showcases the fast flow of Han Jisung.

“HEYDAY (Prod. Czaer)” came out in 2022, this track is commonly used in dance studios for dance practices for its catchy beat. This track continues to be a favorite among STAYS as well as us here at POP TOKKI. As the track slows down a bit and Han’s verse comes in, will remain forever satisfying to our ears. Han’s famous parts comes in 1:11 and later at 2:08 until the end. If you don’t have this song in your playlist or daily shuffle now is the time to add it!

STRAY KIDS (SKZ)

As we know Han has been responsible along side others for many of our favorite SKZ tracks. While we can’t mention every single one, we will lists a few of our favorites from the past and currently.

Starting off with “HELLEVATOR”, despite being an older track it definitely sticks out in our books. With this track you get a variety of vocals and rap by Han. As the beat drops while he sings “I’m on a Hellevator” at the top of his lungs is so fulfilling every single time we listen to it.

More recently off their ‘5-STAR’ album is “TOPLINE (Feat. TIGER JK)” which instantly became a favorite just from the albums promo teaser, and once released did not disappoint. Not only is this track great, it also features Tiger JK who Han has mentioned many times is someone he looks up and has been a fan of for a every long time. We can only imagine how Han felt when he recorded this track with one of his idols.

This track oozes with the essence of 3RACHA, as Tiger JK’s rap transitions into Han’s, it creates such a smooth and perfect blend of rap styles. Han’s way of rapping is very distinct and unmistakable, he has such as strong presence and tone that you can distinguish immediately upon hearing any SKZ track.

“Congratulations” is a cover song sang by Han and fellow SKZ member Seungmin. Choosing this was a must for distinguishing Han’s vocal range and it definitely speaks for itself, what can’t this guy do…. literally. Despite being a cover song, Han and Seungmin’s vocal harmonies compliment each other extremely well. From this cover Han lefts us wanting more of these vocals for future SKZ and solo single releases.

SOLO TRACKS

Han has released many solo tracks which have all been so very special and as always relatable. Han has a way of writing his songs that can be applied to any situation. His songs are used as a shoulder to lean on in hard times, however in the form of a song. Much of these releases come from his own personal issues as well as inspiration from Anime and K-Drama’s as he has stated before.

Han’s most recent released solo single titled “Miserable (You & Me)” came out of know where and left STAYS speechless. “Miserable (You & Me)” is no doubt a love song. However, whether you have been in love or not, this track makes you feel all the emotions of losing your love to someone else. The track gives off very early Y2K pop and R&B styles with the sound, clean vocals and rap sequence.

Ever feel like running away from life because it gets too hard? “RUN” perfectly portrays those feelings as well as wanting change. Whenever we hear “RUN” we can’t help but feel that its vibe translates to a chill late night. Despite its upbeat sound, “RUN” expresses deep and true feelings,

“The morning is a fresh start for someone
But the fresh dawn air weighs heavy on me
My half-asleep mind is dazed I have no intention of waking up
I just blink my eyes“.

As Han writes tracks like these from where ever he draws his inspiration from, we know he will continue to invoke emotions in us all. Han has such a way of perfectly translating all kinds of emotions into his music while making them very catchy in their tone. If there was ever an opportunity we’d would love to see firsthand how his thought and writing process happens.

Han made us all feel heard with “Alien”, this track talks about how one feels alone and so different to the point where they feel like an “Alien”. This track has definitely made STAYS cry with lyrics like,

“Falling down, I’m an alien on this earth
I don’t seem to belong anywhere by myself
No matter how much I smile, I feel so lonely
Like aliens trying to blend in with Earthlings
No one can hear me when I try and say something.”

With tracks and lyrics like these that can so deeply move you and stir emotions up within yourself is what makes them so unique and special.

We had to include “Close” as the last solo track. It is one of those tracks that expose inner feelings of wanting to know someone better. Hence the title name “Close”. As the song starts the opening lyrics read,

“Will you tell me about yourself?
You, who was seen from afar
I don’t want to just watch without doing anything
Yeah, just tell me about you“.

From those lyrics alone we can understand the rest of the track. He breaks down the inner thoughts and awkward feelings of getting “Close” to this person. The beat has a sparkling and refreshing sound, the music video visuals fit perfectly with the tone of the track. There is something about the way he sings “Baby” that scratches our brain just right.

STAGE PRESENCE & DANCE

Though there are so many fan cam videos of Han we chose “CASE 143” and “MANIAC” to breakdown. This particular video of Han performing “CASE 143” is a favorite, 1. because his intense eye contact to the crowd, 2. his styling, 3. his aura, 4. his effortless dancing and lastly his facial expressions. Han and his stage presences is something else, he moves so effortlessly as he looks so confident doing it. He also always seems to be rizzing up the crowd whether intentional or not, we are sure STAYS aren’t complaining.

What can we say but ‘ODDINARY’ Han is definitely a favorite era for STAYS. Anytime we watch Han performing “MANIAC” its always so pleasing to the eye, the ‘ODDINARY’ era was in our opinion definitely owned by Han. However, that does not mean he has not been great in any others; just look at the amount of talent he has. His visuals and dance skills never seem to disappoint.

FAN FAVORITES

It has been collectively dubbed that these performance videos are the most viewed fan favorites. We can understand why, in these two videos there is an essence of swag that Han so easily pulls off as always. His visuals, vocals and dancing are just too good to not share. The first video showcases a fan focused cam of Han performing alongside fellow SKZ members Hyunjin and Felix.

JYP groups like ITZY and NMIXX shared the stage with SKZ in doing a JYP collab back in winter of 2022. Where they performed “You In My Faded Memories” by JYP Nation (O.G. by Hyun Jin Young). Performed on the same day as the video above, Han seemed to be glowing extensively in all he did on that day. Han’s famous part comes in at 1:28 followed by a dance sequence by all groups which Han killed no doubt.

As music is a way to heal for many people. We know that for Han it’s his way of healing and expressing himself wholeheartedly. Where he can express his vulnerability without being completely vulnerable. Almost like a sheer curtain where you can see through it but its not completely exposed.

Han has no doubt proven to be a jack of all trades and continuously blows us away whether it be by dance, visuals, rap or even by being so humble. He remains a force to be reckon with and we can’t wait to see what solo singles he releases next. We can only hope he releases a solo single album of all his unreleased tracks and new ones, he’s probably writing a new song as you read this!

STAYS everywhere as well as us here at POP TOKKI want to thank Han for being open, honest, real and giving us songs to connect with on a deep level. Han continues to blow us away, leaving us with lasting impressions thanks to his raw talent and humble nature.

We here at POP TOKKI want to wish Han Jisung 5-STAR ACE a very special birthday! Happy Han Day! Happy Birthday Han!