Sohn Hyun-woo (손현우), better known by his stage name Shownu (셔누), is the leader, main dancer, and lead vocalist of the boy group MONSTA X under Starship Entertainment. Aside from this, Shownu as also participated in making the choreography of most MONSTA X songs.
Shownu was initially a trainee of JYP Entertainment, for around two years, after winning first place in the JYP auditions in 2009. Although Shownu gained praise at the company for his powerful dancing, he left the company citing conflicts with the company and a feeling of stagnation.
Shownu continued to participate in the idol industry, becoming a backup dancer for Lee Hyori and doing promotions with her, as well as appearing in her music videos; "Bad Girls" and "Going Crazy". He also appeared in the music videos; "Talk to My Face" by D-Unit and "Pitapat" by Bestie.
After he auditioned and joined Starship Entertainment, he became part of the project Nu Boyz, alongside future Monsta X members Jooheon and Wonho, as well as #Gun.
In December 2014, he competed in Mnet's survival reality show No.Mercy. He, alongside six other contestants, then debuted in the hip-hop boy group Monsta X in 2015.
In 2016 Shownu was a contestant on the dance show “Hit the Stage”.
On June 9, 2022, it was announced that he had renewed his contract with Starship Entertainment.