In a K-Pop industry overflowing with polished visuals and carefully manufactured personas, only a handful of groups dare to be genuinely different. A.C.E is one of them. If you have been searching for everything there is to know about the A.C.E members — their real names, their positions, their personalities, and what makes each one irreplaceable — you have landed in exactly the right place.
Since their debut on May 23, 2017, A.C.E has built a reputation that most idol groups spend entire careers chasing: authenticity. They pour themselves into their performances, actively shape their own creative direction, and deliver live stages so intense they leave audiences speechless. Yet despite all of this, they remain one of the most underappreciated acts in the Korean music industry.
That ends today.
This is your complete, fully verified, in-depth guide to every A.C.E member — their stories, their talents, their personalities, and the reasons their devoted fanbase, known as Choice, will champion them with unmatched passion. Whether you are a longtime fan deepening your knowledge or a curious newcomer who just stumbled upon this group, this article gives you everything you need — with zero misinformation.
Who Is A.C.E? A Quick Introduction to the Group
Before diving into individual member profiles, it helps to understand the group as a whole — because A.C.E is not your typical K-Pop act, and that context makes each member’s contribution all the more meaningful.
The Story Behind A.C.E
A.C.E — which stands for Adventure Calling Emotions — is a five-member South Korean boy group that debuted on May 23, 2017, under Beat Interactive, with their debut single “Cactus.” That debut single said everything about who this group intended to be: dark, intense, and choreographically uncompromising.
Before their official debut, A.C.E first gained a following busking on the streets of the Hongdae district in Seoul, covering the dance choreography of popular groups. That grassroots origin story — earning fans one sidewalk performance at a time — is deeply woven into the group’s identity and explains much of the genuine connection they share with their audience.
From the very beginning, A.C.E positioned themselves as “Performance Idols.” Unlike many idol groups where choreography is handed down from external teams and songs are selected by label executives, A.C.E members have always been deeply involved in shaping their own artistic output. As of March 2024, the group have released 2 repackaged albums, 5 mini-albums, and 2 single albums — a catalog that tells the story of five artists who have refused to stand still.
What Makes A.C.E Different from Other K-Pop Groups?
Several qualities set A.C.E apart in a crowded market:
Theatrical, high-intensity live performances. Every A.C.E stage is an experience in itself — precise, emotionally raw, and cinematic in quality. Fans and critics alike consistently single out their live performance ability as exceptional even by K-Pop standards.
Genre fearlessness. A.C.E blends hardstyle, rock, EDM, and pop with a confidence few idol groups attempt. Their viral rock cover performances introduced them to international audiences far beyond the traditional K-Pop listener base.
Pre-debut hustle. Before their official debut, the members had individually trained under major companies including Jellyfish Entertainment, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and CJ E&M — bringing a level of experience to their debut that was immediately evident.
A uniquely loyal fanbase. The Choice community is widely known for being one of the most dedicated and emotionally invested fandoms in K-Pop, built on a genuine two-way relationship with the members themselves.
With that foundation in place, let us meet the five artists at the center of it all.
A.C.E Members — Full Profile Breakdown
This is the heart of what you came for. Below is a comprehensive and fully verified look at each A.C.E member — their real names, correct positions, backgrounds, and the qualities that make each one stand out.
1. Park Junhee (박준희) — The Dedicated Leader
Stage Name: Park Junhee (formerly Jun)
Birth Name: Park Jun-hee (박준희)
Birthday: June 2, 1994
Birthplace: Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, South Korea
Position: Leader, Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer
Representative Color: Red
Park Junhee is the group’s steady, quietly commanding leader — a man who has spent years proving that real leadership means showing up fully every single time, on stage and off.
Junhee trained under Jellyfish Entertainment alongside VIXX before transferring to CJ E&M. That long road to debut — he was a trainee for 7 years and during that period he almost debuted 3 times — built in him a resilience and a hunger that is still palpable in every performance. He did not stumble into this career. He fought for it.
He appeared on Mnet’s I Can See Your Voice as Kangta’s look-alike, earning him the fan nickname “Suncheon’s Kangta.” Outside of A.C.E, Junhee has also pursued acting, landing the lead role in the BL web drama Tinted with You — a project that introduced him to an entirely new audience and demonstrated his ability to carry a narrative performance with the same conviction he brings to the stage.
He enlisted on February 7, 2022, and was discharged on August 6, 2023. Following his military service, he changed his stage name to his birth name on August 12, 2023.
Why fans love him: Junhee carries the group with a quiet, unshakeable dependability. His vocal performances have a warmth and emotional depth that rewards close listening, and his leadership style — protective, humble, and lead-by-example — has earned the deep trust of both his members and the Choice fandom.
2. Lee Jiham (이지함) — The Vocal Showstopper
Stage Name: Lee Jiham (formerly Donghun / Lee Donghun)
Birth Name: Lee Dong-hun — legally changed to Lee Ji-ham (이지함)
Birthday: February 28, 1993
Birthplace: Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Position: Main Vocalist
Representative Color: Blue
Among dedicated K-Pop vocal appreciation communities, the name Lee Jiham — formerly known as Donghun — comes up repeatedly and for good reason. His vocal ability is exceptional by any standard: emotionally resonant, technically refined, and instantly recognizable.
His mom received the grand prize on a program called ‘Dojeon Jubu Gayo Star,’ which inspired him to become a singer. That musical household clearly left its mark — Jiham has described himself as having “the saddest voice and eyes in the group,” a self-assessment that fans wholeheartedly agree with whenever he delivers a ballad.
Jiham competed on Superstar K5 prior to becoming a trainee under CJ E&M, and later appeared on I Can See Your Voice as well, winning the episode and earning high praise from Got7’s JB. His MIXNINE journey in 2017 further cemented his reputation as one of the most genuinely talented vocalists to come through a K-Pop survival format.
He enlisted in the military as a public service worker on September 23, 2021, and was discharged on June 22, 2023. On February 27, 2025, he announced a further name change to Lee Jiham, stating: “I’ve decided to live my life as easy-ham.”
Why fans love him: Jiham’s voice does something to people. It carries an aching, lived-in quality that makes even casual listeners stop and pay attention. For fans who prioritize raw musical craft above all else, he is consistently cited as one of K-Pop’s most underappreciated vocal talents.
3. Wow (와우) — The Creative Wildcard
Stage Name: Wow (와우) Birth Name: Kim Seh-yoon (김세윤)
Birthday: May 15, 1993
Birthplace: Jeolla-do, South Korea
Position: Main Dancer, Main Rapper, Vocalist, Visual
Representative Color: Purple
Every great group needs a member who consistently surprises — who pushes creative boundaries just because they can. In A.C.E, that member is Wow, the group’s only remaining member to still use a stage name, and for good reason: the name has become entirely his own.
Wow trained at YG Entertainment alongside Winner before later moving to CJ E&M, where he met Jun and Donghun. That YG training background shows in his performance precision — Wow is not just a technically capable dancer, he is a performer who commands full attention the moment he steps on stage.
Beyond his work within A.C.E, Wow has pursued solo creative projects including personal musical releases and social media content that reflects a deeply individual artistic identity. His fashion, his visual concepts, and his overall self-presentation consistently demonstrate someone who thinks seriously about art and authenticity. He has a younger sister, Kim Eun Suh, a former contestant on SIXTEEN and Idol School.
Wow enlisted for his mandatory military service in September 2021 and was officially discharged from military service on June 9, 2023 — the first A.C.E member to return, helping rebuild group momentum ahead of the others’ discharge.
Why fans love him: Wow is the member who makes fans feel like they are always discovering something new. His creative restlessness is infectious, his performance intensity is unmatched, and his willingness to be fully, unapologetically himself has made him a symbol of artistic authenticity within the Choice community.
4. Kim Byeongkwan (김병관) — The Performance Powerhouse
Stage Name: Kim Byeongkwan (formerly Jason)
Birth Name: Kim Byeong-kwan (김병관)
Birthday: August 13, 1996
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Position: Main Dancer, Lead Rapper
Representative Color: Orange
Ask any A.C.E fan which member leaves them breathless on stage, and a significant number will immediately say Kim Byeongkwan. As the group’s main dancer, his physical performance ability is extraordinary — combining technical precision with an electrifying stage energy that is genuinely difficult to look away from.
In May 2018, it was announced that he had changed his stage name from Jason to his birth name. Kim Byeong-kwan participated in the first season of K-pop Star but was eliminated during the final round of casting. He also competed on MIXNINE in 2017, finishing in 4th place — a result that brought him significant attention but ultimately did not lead to a debut, as the planned group was cancelled.
On April 11, 2022, Kim Byeong-kwan enlisted for his military service as a member of KATUSA, the second K-pop idol to do so after Day6’s Young K. KATUSA requires an exceptionally high level of English proficiency — a testament to his linguistic abilities. He was discharged from the army on October 10, 2023.
What makes Byeongkwan particularly compelling is the contrast between his stage presence and his off-stage personality. On stage: sharp, fierce, completely commanding. In fan interactions and variety content: warm, humorous, and openly affectionate with his members.
Why fans love him: The duality. Byeongkwan offers fans two versions of himself — the unstoppable force on stage and the gentle, caring person behind it — and both are entirely genuine.
5. Kang Yuchan (강유찬) — The Maknae With Star Power
Stage Name: Kang Yuchan (formerly Chan)
Birth Name: Kang Yu-chan (강유찬)
Birthday: December 31, 1997
Birthplace: Jeju, South Korea
Position: Main Vocalist, Maknae
Representative Color: Yellow
As the youngest member — the maknae — of A.C.E, Kang Yuchan carries a label that often implies inexperience. He defies it completely. From A.C.E’s earliest days, it was clear this was not a maknae coasting on charm — this was a serious, multi-talented performer holding his own against every member of the group.
Before debut, Kang Yuchan was part of dance team Alive87, specialized in popping dance, and trained under JYP Entertainment alongside Kim Byeongkwan. His dance background is extensive, and his performance precision reflects years of dedicated training long before A.C.E ever debuted.
He was a participant in the idol rebooting show The Unit, finishing 9th place, and subsequently debuted with the temporary boy group UNB on April 7, 2018. That early experience performing with a separate group added a dimension of stage maturity that enriched his A.C.E contributions upon his return.
On August 16, 2022, Kang Yuchan enlisted in the military and was discharged on February 15, 2024 — the last A.C.E member to return, completing the full reunion of all five members.
Why fans love him: Yuchan brings a contagious warmth and commitment to every stage that makes audiences instinctively root for him. He is the youngest member who has always felt like a fully equal presence — and that is no small achievement in a group as talented as A.C.E.
💡 Expert Note: What is most remarkable about the A.C.E members collectively is not any single individual talent — impressive as each member is — but the way those talents combine. Park Junhee’s steady leadership and emotional vocal delivery. Lee Jiham’s breathtaking main vocal artistry. Wow’s creative intensity and dance mastery. Kim Byeongkwan’s electrifying performance power. Kang Yuchan’s all-round warmth and vocal strength. Remove any one of them and the equation changes fundamentally.
A.C.E’s Musical Journey — Discography Highlights
Early Days — Debut and Building an Identity (2017–2018)
A.C.E announced themselves to the world on May 23, 2017, with their debut single album Cactus — a hardstyle song produced by Zoobeater Sound. It was not a safe, crowd-pleasing debut. It was a statement of intent. A.C.E released their second single album Callin’ on October 19, 2017, continuing to build their performance-idol identity with each release.
During this early phase, the group’s viral rock cover performances became some of their most-watched content, introducing them to international fans far beyond the traditional K-Pop audience. The covers showed a group willing to go places most idol groups never attempt — and the response from global audiences validated that instinct completely.
On June 7, 2018, A.C.E released their first repackaged album A.C.E Adventures in Wonderland with the title track “Take Me Higher.”
Rise to Recognition (2019–2021)
This period produced some of A.C.E’s most celebrated work and marked their most significant international expansion.
On May 17, 2019, A.C.E released their second extended play Under Cover with the title track of the same name. A.C.E released their third extended play Under Cover: The Mad Squad on October 29, 2019, with the title track “Savage.”
A.C.E released their fourth extended play HJZM: The Butterfly Phantasy on September 2, 2020, with the title track “Favorite Boys.” The EP drew critical attention internationally, with NME praising the group and stating they would “surprise us in the years to come.” A remix of “Favorite Boys” — titled “Fav Boyz” — was produced by American DJ Steve Aoki, featuring Nigerian-American rapper Thutmose.
A.C.E released their fifth extended play Siren: Dawn on June 23, 2021, with the lead single “Higher.” They also released “Spark” as part of the original soundtrack for the boys’ love Korean drama Light on Me on July 8, 2021 — a release that demonstrated the group’s vocal support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Return, Reunion, and Continued Growth (2022–Present)
Following the completion of all members’ mandatory military service — with Kang Yuchan completing his first schedule after being discharged from military service on February 15, 2024 — A.C.E reunited as a full unit and wasted no time.
In April 2024, A.C.E held a fanmeeting titled “Home Sweet A.C.E” for the first time in 3 years in Korea. The group then released the special single “Supernatural” on May 31, 2024, as a full unit — marking Kang Yuchan’s first official release since his return from military enlistment. “Supernatural” gained popularity in the US, giving A.C.E their first entry in the Top 100 Mainstream Top 40 Airplay chart.
In June 2024, A.C.E toured the US with their “Rewind:US” tour covering 14 cities and performed at KCON in Los Angeles. In July 2024, A.C.E announced Latin American and European dates for the tour.
Why A.C.E Is Called K-Pop’s Most Underrated Group
The word “underrated” gets used carelessly in fan communities. In A.C.E’s case, it carries genuine weight — and understanding why requires an honest look at the gap between what this group offers and what the mainstream industry has returned to them in recognition.
The Talent-to-Recognition Gap
By any objective measure — vocal technique, dance proficiency, live performance quality, creative range — A.C.E operates at a level that places them among the most accomplished acts in K-Pop. Lee Jiham is consistently praised by vocal analysts as one of the genre’s most gifted performers. Kim Byeongkwan’s dance ability draws comparisons to main dancers at significantly larger agencies. Wow’s creative output would receive far louder celebration if it came from an artist under a Big Three label.
And yet the mainstream awards, prime-time music show wins, and widespread media coverage have not arrived in proportion to the talent on display.
The Independent Label Reality
Operating under an independent label like Beat Interactive, without the promotional infrastructure of entertainment giants like HYBE, SM, JYP, or YG, means fewer broadcast slots, fewer brand partnerships, and less of the sustained media presence that converts talent into mainstream name recognition. A.C.E have climbed that hill anyway — and their achievements are arguably more impressive because of it.
Underrated, Not Undervalued
Within the communities that know A.C.E, this group is not undervalued at all. The Choice fandom is organized, passionate, and deeply invested. The “underrated” label is really an invitation directed at the broader audience that has not yet discovered what A.C.E is capable of. It is not a complaint. It is a recommendation.
How to Get Into A.C.E — A Beginner’s Fan Guide
Where to Start Listening
Do not begin chronologically. Instead, start with “Favorite Boys” for an accessible, high-energy introduction, then move to “Savage” for the full performance-idol experience. Follow that with “Higher” to hear their melodic, anthemic side. Once those three tracks have done their work — and they will — explore the rest of the catalog from the beginning.
Where to Follow A.C.E Online
The group maintains official accounts on Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, and TikTok under their official A.C.E handles. Individual members are also active on personal accounts — Wow’s personal Instagram (@5ehyoon) and Park Junhee’s accounts (@ocean__park) offer more candid creative content between official schedules.
Must-Watch Performances
Their rock cover performances on YouTube remain the single best introduction to what makes A.C.E different. Music show performances of “Savage” showcase their synchronized intensity at its peak. And for emotional range, any stage featuring Lee Jiham’s extended vocal moments will demonstrate why he is held in such high regard.
Frequently Asked Questions About A.C.E Members
Q1: How many members does A.C.E have? A.C.E has five members: Park Junhee, Lee Jiham, Wow, Kim Byeongkwan, and Kang Yuchan.
Q2: Who is the leader of A.C.E? Park Junhee serves as the leader of A.C.E, a role he has held since the group’s debut in May 2017.
Q3: What does A.C.E stand for? A.C.E stands for Adventure Calling Emotions.
Q4: Who is the main vocalist of A.C.E? Lee Jiham (formerly known as Donghun) holds the position of main vocalist.
Q5: Is A.C.E still active? The group reunited as a full five-member unit following the completion of all members’ mandatory military service, with Kang Yuchan completing his service in early 2024. They have continued releasing music and touring internationally.
Q6: Why did some members change their names? On August 12, 2023, Beat Interactive announced that members Jiham, Jun, and Chan would begin using their given names Lee Donghun, Park Junhee, and Kang Yuchan for promotion. Subsequently, Lee Donghun announced a further change to Lee Jiham in February 2025.
Q7: Who is the youngest member of A.C.E? Kang Yuchan, born December 31, 1997, is the youngest member — the maknae — of A.C.E.
Q8: What label is A.C.E under? A.C.E debuted under Beat Interactive. The contract with Beat Interactive officially came to an end on March 31, 2025. Individual members have since signed with separate agencies, while the group continues activities under the A.C.E name.
There are K-Pop groups that succeed because of the machinery behind them — and then there are groups like A.C.E, who have built something real from the ground up, fueled almost entirely by talent, perseverance, and the loyalty of fans who recognized something genuine when they encountered it.
The five A.C.E members — Park Junhee, Lee Jiham, Wow, Kim Byeongkwan, and Kang Yuchan — are not interchangeable parts of a manufactured product. They are distinct, fully realized artists who create something extraordinary together. Junhee’s steady leadership and emotional vocal depth. Jiham’s breathtaking main vocal artistry. Wow’s creative fearlessness and performance intensity. Byeongkwan’s electrifying stage power. Yuchan’s warmth, versatility, and all-round talent. Remove any one of them and the equation changes fundamentally.
That is the mark of a truly great group.
If this article has introduced you to A.C.E for the first time, consider this your formal invitation to go deeper. Start with the tracks recommended above. Watch a live performance. And when you find yourself deep in a fan cam rabbit hole at midnight wondering how you got there — welcome to Choice. You will find very good company here.
