Solo & Unit Releases
“Bittersweet” (2021) – Unit single in collaboration with Wonwoo, featuring Lee Hi. Released digitally; Mingyu is credited on this track.
“Shake It Off” (2025) – Solo track by Mingyu, credited under SEVENTEEN but performed solely by him, featured on the album Happy Burstday.
Soundtrack Appearances
“Warrior” (逆燃) (2021) – Performed with Joshua, Jun, The8, and Vernon for the Falling Into Your Smile OST
“Betting” (2023) – A collaborative OST track with Shingo Katori, Jeonghan, and Seungkwan for War of Traps. Reached #31 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
Songwriting & Composition Contributions
Kim Mingyu has an extensive list of credits as a songwriter and composer for SEVENTEEN’s group tracks from their debut in 2015 through 2025. According to KOMCA and fandom sources, he has contributed to dozens of songs across multiple albums.
2015–2016: Ah Yeah, Fronting, Mansae (and its Hip-Hop Team ver.), Chuck (엄지척), Popular Song (유행가), Drift Away, Love Letter, Healing, Space (끝이 안보여) — spanning EPs 17 Carat, Boys Be, Love & Letter, and its repackage.
2016–2017: Beautiful, Boombboomm, Lean On Me, If I, Crazy in Love, Check-In, Without You, Clap, Trauma, Hello, Campfire — across Going Seventeen, Al1, Teen, Age.
2018–2019: Thinkin’ About You, Love Letter (Japanese Ver.), What’s Good, Our Dawn Is Hotter Than Day, Chilli, 9-TEEN, Back It Up, Let Me Hear You Say, Lucky, Snap Shoot, Together.
2020–2022: Hey Buddy, Heaven’s Cloud, Ready to Love, Gam3 Bo1, I Can’t Run Away, Domino, Fire.
2023–2025: God of Music, Monster, God of Light Music, LALALI, Water, Shake It Off, Encircled (writing/composition for each as noted).
Kim Mingyu isn’t just SEVENTEEN’s charismatic rapper and visual powerhouse—he’s also a hands-on artist shaping the group’s sound and style behind the scenes. Known for his playful yet emotional lyricism, Mingyu plays a key role in crafting SEVENTEEN’s identity as a self-producing idol group. From penning heartfelt verses to experimenting with melodies and delivering memorable rap lines, his creative process reflects both his musical talent and his eye for aesthetics. Beyond music, Mingyu’s love for art, design, and photography often bleeds into SEVENTEEN’s concepts, making him a true multi-hyphenate star.
This section dives deep into how Mingyu writes, collaborates, and brings SEVENTEEN’s music to life—showing that there’s much more to him than just his stage presence.
1. Team-Based Creativity
SEVENTEEN is known for being a self-producing idol group, meaning members are deeply involved in writing, composing, and choreographing their own music.
Mingyu often collaborates with Woozi (SEVENTEEN’s main producer) and the Hip-Hop Team (S.Coups, Wonwoo, Vernon), contributing lyrics and concepts, especially for rap verses.
He views songwriting as a group effort—ideas are brainstormed collectively, and members refine lyrics together to ensure each track feels authentic to their identity as a group.
2. Lyric Writing Style
Mingyu writes lyrics that reflect his personality: playful, confident, yet emotional.
His lines often feature youthful energy, humor, and sincerity—he has a knack for balancing charismatic rap with heartfelt messages.
For example, in songs like Snap Shoot and Mansae, his verses are cheeky and light, while in Ready to Love, he shows vulnerability and emotional depth.
3. Inspiration & Themes
Mingyu has said in interviews that he draws inspiration from personal experiences, conversations with members, and moments they share with fans (CARATs).
He frequently channels friendship, nostalgia, and playful energy into his work, which reflects SEVENTEEN’s brand of “youthful sincerity.”
His interest in visual art and design influences his creative style. He often thinks about songs as “pictures,” envisioning a full concept (visuals, fashion, mood) alongside the lyrics.
4. Process in the Studio
Beat & Mood First: Mingyu often begins with a beat or melody before writing lyrics, especially for Hip-Hop Team tracks.
Lyric Sketching: He jots down rhymes or wordplay that fits the theme, then refines it with Woozi and other members.
Layering Energy: He experiments with different tones in his rap delivery, sometimes recording multiple takes to find the best vibe.
Concept-Driven Work: If the group is working on a title track, Mingyu adjusts his lyrics to match the concept—this keeps songs cohesive with their albums.
5. Multifaceted Creativity
Mingyu’s artistic side doesn’t stop at songwriting. He’s contributed to:
Album designs and logos (he helped design the SEVENTEEN logo).
Photography: He’s taken concept photos for album booklets (Semicolon era).
Visual storytelling: His love for style and imagery translates to music videos and performances—he understands how music and visuals create a full fan experience.
6. Signature Touches in His Work
Rap with melody: Mingyu often blends melodic rap lines into SEVENTEEN’s songs, making tracks sound more dynamic.
Catchy phrases: Known for inserting memorable lines that fans can chant during concerts.
Balance of playful and emotional: His writing often captures both sides of his personality—a confident performer with a sentimental heart.
Why Mingyu’s Process Stands Out
Mingyu isn’t just a rapper who performs lyrics—he’s a hands-on artist who:
Helps shape SEVENTEEN’s identity through visuals and design.
Brings fresh, youthful energy to their sound.
Uses his charisma and fashion-forward persona to influence concepts, bridging music, visuals, and branding seamlessly.