ILLIT Wonhee's Cousin Hwang Su-ji Returns as Classical Pianist in Seoul

Hwang Su-ji, who first shot to fame on the Korean dating reality show Love Catcher in Bali, is shifting gears this summer to step onto the classical stage as a pianist.

According to a newly released promotional poster, Hwang will hold a solo piano recital on July 11 at 5 p.m. KST at Sotaesan Hall in Seoul's Dongjak district. The performance marks a major milestone just before she relocates to the United States to pursue her master's degree in music.

Hwang first captured viewers' attention in 2022 during the fourth season of the hit dating reality franchise Love Catcher, which airs on the Korean streaming platform TVING. She quickly amassed a significant online following, often drawing comparisons to IVE member Jang Won-young, and has consistently focused on her musical career since the show concluded.

She is also well known for her family ties to the K-pop industry as the older cousin of Wonhee, a member of the rookie girl group ILLIT. The cousins have frequently generated buzz online for their striking familial resemblance while successfully carving out distinct paths in the entertainment world—one as a rising K-pop idol, and the other as a classical performer.

In the recital poster, Hwang poses in an elegant white dress while holding a piece of sheet music, projecting a calm and polished aura. The imagery seamlessly blends the fresh, youthful persona she displayed during her reality TV stint with the more formal, sophisticated presence of a classical musician.