123, also known as Il-isam, is a South Korean rapper and producer who has steadily carved his place in the country’s hip-hop scene. Born Lee Youngchang in Ulsan on July 3, 1988, he began his music journey after working as a navigator on oil tankers, later moving to Seoul to pursue his passion for music. With a career that started in 2017 through collaborations and independent releases, 123 has built a reputation for thoughtful lyricism, smooth flows, and innovative production. His notable projects include the collaborative EP UP with Minit, as well as singles such as Fine, The Door, Denby, and Songcry. Today, he is signed under Mksm_Universe and continues to expand his artistic influence both as a rapper and a producer.
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Early Life
123 was born Lee Youngchang on July 3, 1988, in Ulsan Metropolitan City, South Korea. He grew up in Ulsan, a port city known for its heavy industry and coastal culture, which played an important role in shaping his early worldview.
After graduating, he worked as a second-class mate on an oil tanker, pursuing a career as a navigator throughout much of his twenties. This demanding maritime lifestyle influenced his resilience and discipline, traits that would later prove essential when he transitioned into music.
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Eventually, driven by a deep passion for hip-hop and artistic expression, he left his maritime career and relocated to Seoul, where he immersed himself in the vibrant underground rap and production scene. Known for his INFJ personality type, 123 has described himself as shy and introspective, qualities that resonate in his lyrical approach.
Career Path
123’s career began in 2017, when he collaborated with Hyuk Skool on the track Surfin’. This marked his official entry into the Korean hip-hop landscape. The following year, in 2018, he released his debut single Fine (피네), which showcased his unique sound and lyrical depth.
From 2018 onward, he continued to experiment and release music, including collaborations like Dry Flower with Deerlounge (2019). His steady progress culminated in 2021 with the release of The Door (문) and several additional singles that captured the attention of the underground scene.
One of his most significant career milestones was the collaborative EP UP, released on March 15, 2021, alongside fellow artist Minit. The EP included standout tracks such as Young! (feat. Jayci Yucca), Party (feat. Skinny Brown), and mksm mood (feat. Holynn and AVOKID), blending sharp lyricism with melodic beats.
Later in 2021, he expanded his discography with singles like Denby and continued to refine his style. His 2022 release Songcry further highlighted his ability to blend vulnerability with musical sophistication.
Over the years, 123 has built strong relationships within the Mksm_Universe collective, collaborating with artists such as AVOKID, Holynn, and Skinny Brown. His music has been distributed on platforms like SoundCloud, Instagram, and YouTube, allowing him to connect with a growing fanbase.
Recent Achievements and Ongoing Projects
In recent years, 123 has focused on strengthening his dual role as both rapper and producer. His recent singles, such as Songcry, reflect a maturing sound that combines introspective lyrics with experimental production. His membership in Mksm_Universe places him at the heart of a creative community that emphasizes collaboration and innovation within Korean hip-hop.
Beyond his solo work, 123 continues to collaborate with other rising and established artists, expanding his reach in the music industry. With his fanbase growing steadily, his artistry has begun to attract attention beyond Korea, resonating with international hip-hop listeners.
Currently, 123 remains active on platforms such as Instagram and SoundCloud, where he shares new projects, updates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his life as an artist. With a career that began in the late 2010s and has continued to evolve dynamically, 123 stands as a strong voice in South Korea’s independent hip-hop movement, blending personal storytelling with universal themes.
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