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Arak Choonhaven (Thai: อารักษ์ ชุณหะวัณ; born May 27, 1995), known mononymously as Arak, is a Thai Rapper under Brisco Entertainment in the boy group IZED that debuted in 2011.
Early Life[]
Arak Choonhaven, who was born in Khon Kaen, Thailand, grew up within a close-knit family relationship. Arak spent significant time with his parents and extended family members, but he also made time to play outdoors with friends and attend community activities like temple festivals and local markets.
"Growing up in a small town gave me firsthand experience with nature's beauty. I spent hours outside with my friends, running through rice fields and climbing trees. My family had a little farm where we raised chickens and produced vegetables. I loved helping my dad in tending to the crops and feeding the animals. We'd often take our fruit to the local market to sell or swap it for other goods."
Arak liked traditional Thai activities like takraw and kite flying, and he ate foods like Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad) and Khao Soi (Curry Noodle Soup) on a regular basis. "One of my fondest childhood memories is celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year festival," Arak said. "People would be throwing water at each other, dancing, and enjoying traditional Thai food in the streets."
Career[]
Pre-debut[]
Arak became a Brisco Entertainment trainee after auditioning through their global auditions in Thailand of 2009. He became better known after he appeared in XOXO's music video for the single "Golden Kaws" in 2010.
2011-2018: IZED[]
Main Article: IZED
2011[]
Arak felt a combination of excitement, worry, and pride after making his debut with IZED on November 4, 2011. Having gone through hard training and auditions to gain a spot in the group, Arak's debut and release of their first single album "IZICLE" was a huge accomplishment for him.
As a rapper, Arak was eager to show off his skills and style to a larger audience. At the same time, he was concerned about how the general public would perceive him and the group. He was continuously under pressure to succeed and stand out in a crowded industry.
Despite the anxieties and pressure, Arak felt enormous delight and satisfaction in reaching this position in his career. He felt honored to represent Thailand and bring attention to his country through the music of the group, making all of his hard work and sacrifices worthwhile.
2012-2013[]
Arak and the other members were motivated and eager to continue growing their careers and reputations as artists in 2012, after having now been together for one year. The release of IZED's first mini-album was a huge achievement for the group. However, the temporary hiatus of IZED in 2013 caused by member D.H enlisting in the military presented minor challenges for the group, as they had to adjust to performing as a smaller group.
2014-2015[]
After three years as an IZED member, Arak felt a sense of desire to continue improving and growing as an artist in 2014 and 2015. Arak and the other members of IZED have earned valuable industrial experience at this stage. Having released two albums and one single, performed on different stages, and garnered a devoted fanbase.
IZED released their third mini album as a group in 2014, after the discharge of member D.H. Arak felt proud of their growth and progress, as well as enthusiastic to continue promoting their music. However, in 2015, member Ho enlisting in the military caused the group to take another temporary hiatus. This was a difficult moment for Arak and the remaining IZED members, as they had to work harder and promote as a four-membered group.
2016-2017[]
After now being in IZED for four years [at the time of his military procedure], Arak felt a strong attachment to his fellow members and the group's fandom, glazed. However, in April 2016, Arak had to go back to Thailand for compulsory military service. This was a difficult time for Arak as the outcome of his draft lottery, and maybe having to leave his fellow IZED members behind, disappointed him. Furthermore, with member Ho still serving in the military, there were only three members left to promote as IZED 2.0, and Arak felt guilt and responsibility for putting his groupmates in a difficult position.
Brisco Entertainment announced the result of Arak's lottery draw on News 1. "Arak has drawn a black card and is exempt from military service."
In 2017, Arak experienced pressure to maintain his success as an IZED member. Due to the K-Pop industry being highly competitive and constantly evolving, Arak felt that the group needed to constantly innovate and adapt in order to remain relevant.
2018[]
It was time for IZED's contract renewal, and Arak studied his future as a musician; after seven years in the profession, he pondered whether he wanted to remain as an idol or take a different route in the music industry. He eventually opted to renew his contract, but IZED ended up taking an unannounced break from group activities.
2019-2020: Solo Activities[]
2019: Home[]
- Arak flew back to Thailand on new years day to spend the year with his family.
2020: Mini-Album[]
- January 9th, his debut mini-album, Battleborn, was released.
2021-present[]
2021: Musical Theatre[]
- Supporting role as Isaiah in Hymnody (debut role).
- Supporting role as Satow Yori in On The Way Up.
2022: I Am Nat (Musical Theatre)[]
- Lead role as Nat in I Am Nat (breakout role).
- Garnered widespread critical acclaim for its emotional storytelling and Arak’s exceptional performance.
- Became one of the top-grossing and most attended musicals in South Korea in 2022.
- Elevated Arak’s reputation from idol to a respected figure in the musical theater community.
2023: Whispers of the Forgotten (Musical Theatre)[]
- Supporting role as Ethan in Whispers of the Forgotten.
2024: A Season of Promises (Musical Theatre)[]
- Supporting role as Caleb in A Season of Promises.
Discography[]
For discography as part of IZED, see IZED discography.
Mini-Albums[]
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Battleborn |
Track listing
|
Musical Theatre[]
| Year | Title | Role | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Hymnody | Isaiah | Supporting |
| On The Way Up | Satow Yori | ||
| 2022 | I Am Nat | Nat | Lead |
| 2023 | Whispers of the Forgotten | Ethan | Supporting |
| 2024 | A Season of Promises | Caleb |
Concert/Tour/Fan meeting[]
| Year | Concert/Tour/Fan Meeting | Date/Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | New Years With Arak | January 5/COEX Convention Center | Fan Meeting |
Awards & Nominations[]
Musical Theatre[]
| Award Show | Year | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The 16th Daegu International Musical Festival (DIMF) | 2022 | DIMF Best Musical | I Am Nat | Won |
| Best Actor | Arak Choonhaven - Nat | Won | ||
| DIMF Audience Choice | I Am Nat | Won | ||
| The 7th Korea Musical Awards | 2023 | Best Musical Grand Prize | Won | |
| Best Actor | Arak Choonhaven - Nat | Won | ||
| Best Ensemble Award | I Am Nat | Won |
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- He loves to play traditional Thai instruments like the Khim and the Ranat Ek.
- He learned how to play these instruments from his grandfather who was a renowned musician in their community.
- His given-name means Protect/Guardian Spirit.
- He shares a birthday with former Wanna One member, Jaehwan.
- He is the only IZED member that does not have his ears pierced.
- He can twist his elbows to the front of his arms.
- His name was intended to be Annop, but the nurse mixed him up with another baby and put Arak on the birth certificate instead.