INFINITE H
An anniversary that reminds fans how time flies, it has already been 13 years since this MV was released.
Between urban melancholy and a smooth, understated flow, INFINITE’s iconic duo reminds us why its hip-hop legacy still resonates today.
On January 28, 2013, the K-pop landscape gained a new shade with the release of the music video “Without you” (니가 없을 때). Today, we celebrate the anniversary of this visual and sonic masterpiece that marked the debut of INFINITE’s very first official sub-unit: INFINITE H. Formed under Woollim Entertainment, the duo, JANG DONG WOO and HOYA (Lee Howon), was created to explore the group’s hip-hop roots, hence the “H” in their name.
Even before their official debut with the album “FLY HIGH”, the two rappers had already won over audiences during INFINITE’s concerts. For “Without you”, the duo made a strong impression by collaborating with one of the rising stars of the time, Zion.T, whose distinctive vocal tone brings incomparable depth to the chorus. Produced by the legendary Primary, the track moves away from aggressive beats in favor of a refined hip-hop sound infused with R&B and driven by a haunting piano line that underscores the sorrow of the lyrics.
The music video itself is a visual work of art. DONG WOO and HOYA are shown in stylized urban settings, playing with contrasts between cool color palettes and warm lighting that perfectly convey the emptiness left by a loved one’s absence. Their fashion, blending chic streetwear with iconic early-2010s accessories, remains a lasting reference for the “hip-hop idol” aesthetic even today.
Although INFINITE H has been inactive since HOYA’s departure from the agency in 2017, both artists continue to shine in their respective paths:
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LEE HOWON : Since leaving his original agency to grow as an actor and solo artist, he has continued to surprise with his versatility. Recently, he pushed his limits by taking part in an ice show, trading his hip-hop dance sneakers for ice skates. His performance in“나혼자만레벨업 on ice” impressed audiences, as he successfully translated his innate sense of rhythm and fluidity onto the ice, proving once again that he remains one of the best performers of his generation, regardless of the stage. At the same time, he continues to shine on screen, notably in the drama “Check-in Hanyang”, cementing his status as a key actor in the industry.
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JANG DAONG WOO : True to his boundless energy, he recently made a strong solo comeback. In November 2025, he released his second mini-album “AWAKE”, followed by a fan-concert tour titled “CONNECTION”, with stops in Seoul and Manila. He also remains active with INFINITE, which recently celebrated its 14th anniversary.
“Without you” is not just a breakup song; it is a testament to an era in which INFINITE H proved that “idol rappers” could deliver music that was credible, sensitive, and artistically ambitious. On this anniversary, revisiting the MV means rediscovering the perfect alchemy between DONG WOO’s power and HOYA’s precision, a classic that, like fine wine, only grows better with time.
This legendary INFINITE H music video showcases the iconic duo in a melancholic hip-hop atmosphere, elevated by Zion.T’s soulful voice.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: YouTube WOOLLIM Entertainment
