Known for his role as the center of the boy group Wanna One in 2017, Kang Daniel established a solid position for himself as a solo artist in the years that followed. After Wanna One disbanded in late 2018, he began his solo journey, releasing numerous albums and songs that achieved high rankings on both domestic and international charts.

His album “Act,” released in September 2024, reached No. 8 on South Korea’s Circle Chart Album Chart and sold more than 100,000 copies in its first week. In September 2025, he embarked on a tour across 12 major cities in the United States, including Charlotte, Washington, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and San Jose. Around the same time, he also returned to the music scene with the English-language single “No Day,” marking an important step in expanding his career internationally.

In April 2026, Wanna One reunited through the program “WANNA ONE GO: Back to Base.” However, only nine members took part in the group’s in-person activities, with Kang Daniel absent as he was carrying out his mandatory military service. Even so, Daniel actively contributed to the program through pre-recorded interviews, and the group even prepared a standee for him at the press conference.

Wanna One and Daniel’s return also reminded fans of the surprisingly close friendship between Kang Daniel and SUGA — a friendship that Daniel has only opened up about once on a television show. It was also the first time he officially revealed that he and SUGA were actually friends, and interestingly, SUGA was the one who took the initiative to start their friendship.

Kang Daniel further explained that this happened shortly after he debuted with Wanna One. During that time, the BTS rapper gave him a great deal of advice and encouragement, acting like a more experienced senior. In return, Kang Daniel expressed deep gratitude for SUGA’s kindness and praised his friendliness. The idol also holds their friendship in high regard.

SUGA is often known for being quiet, introverted, and reserved, so fans found it hard to believe that he was the one who first called Daniel, after which the two became friends. Moreover, since there had rarely been visible real-life interactions between members of the two groups, fans were surprised to learn that they are actually that close.

When asked about SUGA’s personality, Kang Daniel noted that they share many similarities: both are rather introverted and prefer spending most of their time at home. However, Daniel pointed out that this is extremely difficult—especially given SUGA’s busy schedule as a global star. He hardly has any personal time for himself.

Although this was the first time Kang Daniel publicly spoke about his friendship with SUGA, there had actually been “some earlier signs.” For example, when BTS won a Daesang at a year-end awards ceremony, Daniel approached Jin to shake his hand in congratulations, and SUGA later hugged Daniel as a gesture of thanks in return.

In the end, fans were delighted to learn that the two famous idols are friends and continue to support each other in their careers:

- I love how yoongi is said to be friends with very unєхpєctєd people. like. heechul. kang daniel. kihyun. zhoumi. hongbin. woozi.

- Wow. Suga must really like kang daniel for him to initiate the friendship.

- Kang Daniel and Suga’s friendship is strong I see

- Talking about homebodíєs and Kang Daniel mentioned his Suga “hyung” idk but i find it cute i love this friendship

- Yoongi calls KangDaniel wow that's another level.... I feel like suga, Namjoon &jungkook are the least social in bts yoongi×daniel friendship continues

- Guys guys remmber that Kang Daniel was said there's 2 idols who texted him and ask him to be his friend? THAT 2 IDOLS IS SUGA AND WOOZI, HOW IF WOOZI AND SUGA BECAME FRIENDS CAUSE OF KANG DANIEL??!!!!

- It’s so heartwarming to see two talented idols supporting each other like real friends. True friendship knows no fame!

- SUGA and Kang Daniel’s bond just proves that kindness and genuine connections exist even in the hectic K-pop world

- Seeing this friendship makes me love BTS even more, and it’s amazing that Daniel has such a respectful and caring friend in SUGA

- This shows that behind the fame and stage lights, idols can have real, meaningful relationships. Their friendship is goals