Kim Hongjoong is a talented South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer. He is best known as the leader of the global K-pop group ATEEZ. Fans admire his creative vision and energetic stage presence.
He was born on November 7, 1998 in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. His age in 2026 is 27 years old (turning 28 soon). He stands 5 feet 8 inches (172 cm) tall. His weight is estimated around 60 kg (132 lbs).
His career started in 2015 when he joined KQ Entertainment. He debuted as ATEEZ leader on October 24, 2018. His family includes his parents and an older brother named Kim Bumjoong. His net worth is estimated at $3 million. His main income sources include music sales, tours, and endorsements.
Hongjoong Wiki/Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Hongjoong (김홍중) |
| Birth | November 7, 1998 |
| Age (2026) | 27 years |
| Height | 5’8″ (172 cm) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (dyes frequently) |
| Body Type / Build | Slim / Athletic |
| Shoe Size | 260 mm (KR) / 8.5 (US) |
| Chest Size | 36 inches |
| Waist Size | 28 inches |
| Biceps Size | 12 inches |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Occupation | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Actor |
| Education | Dongan High School, Global Cyber University |
| Career Highlights | ATEEZ Leader (2018-Present), 165+ KOMCA songs |
| Net Worth (2026) | $3 million |
| Wealth Sources | Music sales, Tours, Endorsements, Royalties |
| Notable Skills | Rap, Composition, Music Production, Fashion Design |
| Family | Mr. Kim (father), Mrs. Kim (mother), Kim Bumjoong (brother) |
| Social Presence | Instagram, Twitter (X), TikTok |
Hongjoong Real Name
Kim Hongjoong is the artist’s complete Korean name. His stage name is simply Hongjoong without the surname. The name Hongjoong (김홍중) is written in Hangul characters.
His surname Kim (김) means “gold” in Korean. His given name Hongjoong (홍중) breaks into two parts. Hong (홍) means “wide” or “vast”. Joong (중) translates to “center” or “middle”. Together his name means “to be the center of the wide world”.
Fans affectionately call him “Captain” or “Leader” in English. He is also known as “Korean Big Minion” from his love of Despicable Me characters. His Chinese zodiac sign is Earth Tiger. His MBTI personality type is INFP.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Real Name | Kim Hongjoong (김홍중) |
| Stage Name | Hongjoong |
| Surname Meaning | “Gold” |
| Given Name Meaning | “Wide Center” |
| Nicknames | Captain, Korean Big Minion |
| Name Origin | Korean |
Hongjoong Early Life and Education
Hongjoong was born in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. He grew up in a supportive family environment. His parents encouraged his early interest in music. He attended Leonardo’s Kindergarten as a young child.
He studied at Gwiin Elementary School for primary education. He then graduated from Daehan Middle School. He completed high school at Dongan High School. He later enrolled at Global Cyber University. He majors in entertainment and broadcasting.
Hongjoong was inspired by Block B, Zico, and G-Dragon. He taught himself music composition and production. He spent high school years prioritizing studio time. At age 16, he wrote his first song. At 17, he sent a mixtape to KQ Entertainment. The company made him their first ever trainee in 2015.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Elementary School | Gwiin Elementary |
| Middle School | Daehan Middle School |
| High School | Dongan High School |
| University | Global Cyber University |
| Major | Entertainment & Broadcasting |
| Musical Training | Self-taught composer/producer |
Hongjoong Parents and Siblings
Hongjoong’s father is known as Mr. Kim in public records. His mother is known as Mrs. Kim. Their full names are not publicly shared. His parents supported his music dreams from a young age. They encouraged his early songwriting endeavors.
He has one older brother named Kim Bumjoong. His brother keeps a very private life. He is not involved in the entertainment industry. Hongjoong rarely discusses his family in interviews. He maintains a strong boundary between public and private life.
His family remains based in South Korea. Hongjoong visits them when his schedule allows. He has no public photos with his parents. His brother’s age and profession are unknown. The Kim family stays out of the media spotlight entirely.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Father Name | Mr. Kim (full name private) |
| Mother Name | Mrs. Kim (full name private) |
| Siblings | 1 older brother |
| Brother Name | Kim Bumjoong |
| Brother’s Profession | Unknown (private) |
| Family Location | Anyang / South Korea |
Hongjoong Wife or Girlfriend
Hongjoong is currently single as of 2026. He has no public girlfriend or spouse. He keeps his romantic life completely private. He has never confirmed any relationship. Fans respect his desire for privacy.
He has no children and no known past relationships. He focuses his energy entirely on music. He spends most time producing songs and leading ATEEZ. He has stated that work is his priority.
Some fans speculate about his dating life. However, no evidence supports any rumors. He rarely discusses personal matters in interviews. His social media shows only work. He is fully dedicated to his career.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Single |
| Spouse | None |
| Girlfriend | None (publicly known) |
| Children | None |
| Past Relationships | None confirmed |
| Dating Status | Private / Unconfirmed |
Hongjoong Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Hongjoong turns 27 years old in 2026. His birthday is November 7, 1998. He is a Scorpio by zodiac sign. He was born in the Year of the Earth Tiger. He is the second oldest ATEEZ member.
His height is 5 feet 8 inches (172 cm). He weighs approximately 60 kg (132 lbs). His slim build suits his dance style. He has dark brown eyes and naturally black hair. He frequently dyes his hair in bold colors. He has fair skin tone.
He has a small ear piercing on his left ear. He sometimes wears multiple accessory earrings. His fashion style is bold and unique. He customizes many of his own clothes. He has no known tattoos (members joke he fears needles). His blood type is B.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (2026) | 27 years |
| Birthday | November 7, 1998 |
| Height | 5’8″ (172 cm) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (dyes frequently) |
| Blood Type | B |
| MBTI Type | INFP |
Hongjoong Before Fame
Before fame, Hongjoong was a shy but ambitious teenager. He loved listening to Michael Jackson and block B. He dreamed of becoming a music producer, not an idol. He spent hours studying music production online. He wrote his first song at age 16.
He was not accepted by big entertainment companies. Instead, he targeted KQ Entertainment (Block B’s agency) . At age 17, he sent a mixtape and handwritten letter. The company had no trainee system at that time. They were impressed by his talent and determination.
He became KQ Entertainment’s first ever trainee in 2015. For six months, he trained completely alone. He had no fellow trainees to practice with. He used this time to master composition skills. He recorded a song 1395 times to perfect it. Other members later joined him. The group first performed as KQ Fellaz.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Pre-debut Age | 16-18 years |
| First Song Written | Age 16 (2014) |
| Audition Method | Sent mixtape to KQ |
| Training Period | 3+ years (2015-2018) |
| Solo Training | 6 months (first trainee) |
| Pre-debut Group | KQ Fellaz |
Hongjoong Career
Hongjoong debuted as ATEEZ leader on October 24, 2018. The group released “Pirate King” and “Treasure” as debut songs. He serves as main rapper, composer, and producer. He has over 165 songs registered with KOMCA. This includes ATEEZ title tracks and B-sides.
He wrote “Aurora,” “Good Lil Boy,” and “Celebrate” for ATEEZ. He co-wrote “Wonderland,” “Guerrilla,” and “HALA HALA” . He produced tracks for junior group xikers’ debut project. He also collaborated with Chungha on “EENIE MEENIE” in 2024.
His solo series “BY. HONGJOONG” began in 2019. He reimagines classics from David Bowie and Michael Jackson. He released original solos “A Walker” (2023) and “NO1” (2025) . He featured on Odetari’s “SMB” (January 2025) . He also worked with Bradley Simpson on “Almost” (July 2025) .
He debuted at Balmain Homme during Paris Fashion Week 2023. He became a Balmain ambassador afterwards. He also supports the Polished Man campaign against child abuse.
| Era | Year | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Debut | 2018 | ATEEZ debut with “Pirate King” |
| First Solo Series | 2019 | “BY. HONGJOONG” launch |
| Fashion Debut | 2023 | Balmain Homme Paris Fashion Week |
| Global Collab | 2025 | “SMB” with Odetari |
| Current | 2026 | 165+ KOMCA songs, World tours |
Hongjoong Social Media Presence
Hongjoong has an active Instagram account (@hongjoong_ateez) . He posts behind-the-scenes and personal photos. He uses Twitter (X) for group updates. ATEEZ’s official accounts handle most promotions. He has no personal TikTok account.
He appears on ATEEZ official YouTube channel. He does live broadcasts on YouTube and Instagram. His fansite “ATINY” shares his updates. He has millions of followers across platforms.
He uses social media sparingly but meaningfully. He posts birthday messages for fans. He shares song previews and studio clips. He avoids controversial topics online. His posts are mostly music-focused. He interacts with fans through live streams.
| Platform | Handle | Activity Level |
|---|---|---|
| @hongjoong_ateez | Regular (personal) | |
| Twitter (X) | @ATEEZofficial | Group account |
| YouTube | ATEEZ Official | Variety appearances |
| TikTok | @ateez_official_ | Group account |
Hongjoong Net Worth and Achievements
Hongjoong’s net worth in 2026 is $3 million. He earns from album sales and world tours. ATEEZ sold over 750,000 albums in one day for “The World Ep.2 : Outlaw”. He also earns songwriting royalties from 165+ songs.
He makes money from brand endorsements with Balmain. ATEEZ endorsement deals include multiple global brands. Concert tours generate millions in revenue annually. He owns no known luxury real estate. His wealth is growing steadily each year.
He has no solo awards yet as an individual. ATEEZ has won multiple music show awards. The group earned Bonsang at Seoul Music Awards. They won Worldwide Fan Choice at MAMA. They performed at Coachella and Mawazine festivals. His biggest achievement is ATEEZ global success.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2026) | $3 million |
| KOMCA Songs | 165+ registered |
| Album Sales | 750,000+ (single day) |
| ATEEZ Debut | October 24, 2018 |
| Major Festival | Coachella, Mawazine |
| Brand Ambassadorship | Balmain |
Hongjoong Legacy and Impact
Hongjoong changed how K-pop idols approach music production. He is one of few leaders who produces group music. He proved small company idols can go global. ATEEZ succeeded despite no “Big 3” company backing.
He inspires younger idols to learn production. He mentored xikers members personally. He taught them songwriting and stage presence. He showed that leaders can be creative directors.
His Polished Man campaign support raised awareness. He paints one fingernail for the cause. This represents 1 in 5 children facing abuse. His fashion influence challenges gender norms. He wears bold, custom, androgynous clothing. He encourages fans to express themselves freely.
| Impact Area | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Music Production | Idol-producer model |
| Mentorship | Guided xikers group |
| Social Causes | Polished Man campaign |
| Fashion | Gender-fluid styling |
| Small Company | Global success without Big 3 |
Hongjoong Nationality and Religion
Hongjoong holds South Korean nationality by birth. He was born in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province. He is a sole citizen of South Korea. He has no dual citizenship. He represents Korea in global events.
He has not publicly discussed his religion. South Korea has diverse religious beliefs. Many idols keep faith private. He has no known church or temple affiliation. His lyrics do not reference specific religions.
His ethnicity is Korean. His family background is entirely Korean. He speaks Korean and some English. He learned English for international tours. He studied Japanese for Japanese promotions.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Birthplace | Anyang, Gyeonggi Province |
| Citizenship | South Korea only |
| Ethnicity | Korean |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Languages | Korean, English, Japanese |
Hongjoong Future Plans and Goals
Hongjoong plans to release more solo music soon. His “BY. HONGJOONG” series continues in 2026. He wants to collaborate with Western artists. He already worked with Odetari and Bradley Simpson. He seeks more global music partnerships.
ATEEZ will continue world tours in 2026-2027. The group plans another full album release. Hongjoong will produce most tracks himself. He wants to write for other K-pop groups. He aims to expand his production credits.
He hopes to design his own fashion line. He customizes many stage outfits. He might launch “HONGJOONG by…” collection. He will continue Polished Man advocacy. He wants to open a production studio. His long-term goal is music executive.
| Future Plan | Target |
|---|---|
| Solo Music | 2026-2027 |
| ATEEZ Album | 2026 |
| Fashion Line | Undecided |
| Global Collabs | In progress |
| Production Studio | Long-term goal |
Hongjoong Awards and Achievements
Hongjoong has no individual awards yet. His group ATEEZ has multiple collective awards. They won Bonsang at 33rd Seoul Music Awards. They received Worldwide Fan Choice at 2021 MAMA. They earned Best Performance at Genie Music Awards.
They won Next Generation award at 2019 Soribada Awards. They received Best Male Group at 2022 Hanteo Music Awards. They earned Artist of the Year nomination at MAMA. They won Favorite International Group at 2023 Kids Choice Awards.
He personally earned KOMCA recognition for 165+ songs. He was named Balmain ambassador in 2024. He received Paris Fashion Week debut invitation. He has no Grammy or Billboard awards yet. His biggest prize is global fandom love.
| Award | Category | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul Music Awards | Bonsang | 2023 |
| MAMA | Worldwide Fan Choice | 2021 |
| Genie Music Awards | Best Performance | 2019 |
| Hanteo Music Awards | Best Male Group | 2022 |
| Kids Choice Awards | Favorite International Group | 2023 |
Hongjoong Category Section
Hongjoong is primarily a singer and rapper in K-pop. He is also a songwriter, producer, and composer. His main category is K-pop idol and music artist. He has 165+ songs registered with KOMCA.
Hongjoong Songs List
- Pirate King (2018) – ATEEZ debut
- Treasure (2018) – Debut double single
- HALA HALA (2019) – Heung ver.
- Aurora (2019) – Hongjoong solo composed
- Wonderland (2019) – First #1 album track
- Answer (2020) – Epic anthem
- Good Lil Boy (2020) – Hongjoong produced solo
- Inception (2020) – Emotional lead single
- Thanxx (2020) – Hip-hop influenced
- Fireworks (I’m The One) (2021) – Energetic
- Celebrate (2021) – Fan song (Hongjoong wrote)
- Guerrilla (2022) – Breakthrough hit
- Cyberpunk (2022) – Fan favorite B-side
- HALAZIA (2022) – Cinematic track
- Bouncy (2023) – Viral challenge song
- Crazy Form (2023) – High-energy
- MATZ (2024) – Hongjoong x Seonghwa unit
- A Walker (2023) – Hongjoong solo original
- NO1 (2025) – From Golden Hour Pt.3
- SMB (2025) – with Odetari (global collab)
Hongjoong Hobbies
- Music production (spends hours in studio)
- Songwriting (writes daily)
- Customizing clothes (designs stage outfits)
- Playing piano and guitar
- Watching Minions movies (owns merchandise)
- Photography (takes concert photos)
- Reading about fashion trends
- Listening to Western pop music
- Collecting shoes and accessories
- Drawing and sketching designs
Hongjoong Favorite Things
- Color: Black and Red
- Food: Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
- Drink: Iced Americano
- Movie: Despicable Me (Minions)
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- K-pop Idol: G-Dragon (BIGBANG)
- Western Artist: David Bowie
- Fashion Brand: Balmain
- Animal: Squirrel (his representative emoji)
- Number: 7 (lucky number)
Hongjoong Interesting Facts
- He recorded one song 1395 times to perfect it.
- He trained alone for 6 months as KQ’s first trainee.
- He paints one fingernail for Polished Man campaign.
- He was not accepted by any big entertainment company.
- His MBTI type is INFP (the Mediator).
- He owns multiple Minion-themed items and slippers.
- He writes and produces most ATEEZ title tracks.
- His role models are Zico and G-Dragon.
- He debuted as actor in ATEEZ music videos only.
- His name means “center of the wide world”.
FAQs
1. How old is Hongjoong in 2026?
Hongjoong is 27 years old in 2026. He was born on November 7, 1998.
2. What is Hongjoong’s real name?
His real name is Kim Hongjoong (김홍중) . He uses Hongjoong as his stage name.
3. Is Hongjoong the leader of ATEEZ?
Yes, he is the leader (Captain) of ATEEZ. He has held this role since October 2018.
4. What is Hongjoong’s net worth?
His net worth is approximately $3 million. He earns from music, tours, and endorsements.
5. Is Hongjoong married or dating?
No, he is single as of 2026. He keeps his private life confidential.
Conclusion
Hongjoong is a 27-year-old South Korean rapper and producer. He stands 5 feet 8 inches (172 cm) tall. He weighs around 60 kilograms. He comes from a family of four including his parents and older brother. His net worth in 2026 is $3 million.
He leads ATEEZ, a globally successful K-pop group. He has over 165 songs registered with KOMCA. He writes and produces most of ATEEZ’s music. He debuted at Paris Fashion Week with Balmain. He supports the Polished Man campaign against child abuse.
His journey from KQ’s only trainee to global star inspires many. He proves that talent and hard work beat company privilege. He continues to make music, lead ATEEZ, and create fashion. He is single and focused on his career. His future includes more solo music and global collaborations. He remains a true artist and visionary leader.
