Ahn Chil-hyun, a talented individual, was initially discovered by SM Entertainment at Lotte World, the world's largest indoor theme park, situated in the vibrant city of Seoul. This serendipitous encounter marked the beginning of his remarkable journey in the entertainment industry.
Prior to his solo endeavors, Ahn Chil-hyun gained valuable experience as a back-up dancer for renowned Korean singer Yoo Young-jin. It was during this period that he crossed paths with fellow dancer and future H.O.T. bandmate, Moon Hee-jun, forming a lasting bond that would shape the course of his future.
In 1996, Kangta, as Ahn Chil-hyun is professionally known, became the first artist to be handpicked by Lee Soo-man, the visionary head of SM Entertainment, to join a new music group called High-five Of Teenagers (H.O.T.). This prestigious selection solidified his position within the group, which went on to achieve immense popularity.
After the group disbanded in 2001, Ahn Chil-hyun was approached by SM Entertainment to continue his career as a solo artist. He became the first member of H.O.T. to release a solo album, a milestone that was met with immense success. His debut album, "Polaris", was a resounding hit, and its follow-up, "Pinetree", released in 2002, further cemented his status as a talented solo artist.
