사무엘

사무엘 소개

Samuel, also known as Kim Samuel ((김사무엘) and formerly known as Punch (펀치), is a Korean-American singer, rapper, dancer, and lyricist under his own label, SAMUEL MANAGEMENT & ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC GROUP. He is best known as a former pre-debut member of SEVENTEEN, one-half of the former duo 1PUNCH, and a contestant on Produce 101 Season 2, where he placed 18th in the finale.

Prior to his official debut, Samuel was part of the pre-debut lineup of SEVENTEEN and appeared on the group's reality program Seventeen TV. He ultimately departed the group and its agency in 2013 before SEVENTEEN made their official debut.

Following his departure from SEVENTEEN, Samuel debuted as a member of the duo 1PUNCH under Brave Entertainment in 2015, using the stage name Punch. After the duo's activities came to an end, he continued his career as a solo artist.

Samuel made his official solo debut on August 2, 2017, with the mini album 'Sixteen'. Prior to his solo debut, he gained significant public recognition through his participation in Mnet's survival program Produce 101 Season 2, finishing the competition in 18th place.

Samuel announced in June 2019 that he intended to begin promoting as an independent artist. Brave Entertainment, however, maintained that his exclusive contract with the company remained valid and stated that it would take legal action regarding his decision. Samuel and his family subsequently sought the termination of his contract, resulting in a prolonged legal dispute between the two parties.

The Seoul Central District Court ruled in Samuel's favor in November 2021, allowing him to terminate his exclusive contract with Brave Entertainment. Although the company initially announced its intention to appeal the ruling, both parties eventually reached a settlement. Brave Entertainment confirmed in January 2022 that the contractual dispute had been resolved and that its legal proceedings involving Samuel would come to an end.

Reports later emerged that Samuel was positively considering signing an exclusive contract with BPM Entertainment, although an agreement between the two parties was never officially confirmed.

After an extended period away from music releases, Samuel returned with his third mini album, Now, on April 21, 2024. He continued his solo activities with the digital single Rockstar in 2025.

Samuel released his fourth mini album, Samuelito, on June 8, 2026, continuing his activities as a solo artist under his own label, SAMUEL MANAGEMENT & ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC GROUP.

출처: kpopping.com