Kim Ji-woong: The Resilient Journey of a K-pop Star and Actor
In the competitive world of South Korean entertainment, few stories are as marked by perseverance as that of Kim Ji-woong. A multi-talented artist, Kim has navigated the highs and lows of the music industry, transitioning from early group debuts and legal battles to achieving global recognition as a member of the powerhouse boy band Zerobaseone. Beyond music, he has established himself as a versatile actor, blending his charismatic stage presence with compelling screen performances.
Born on December 14, 1998, in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, Kim grew up in a disciplined environment; his father served in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. He is the middle of three brothers, with an older brother just one year his senior and a younger brother ten years his junior.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Key Facts
- Full Name: Kim Ji-woong (Korean: 김지웅)
- Birth Date: December 14, 1998
- Current Group: Zerobaseone (debuted July 2023)
- Notable Acting Roles: Kissable Lips, The Sweet Blood, and Roommates of Poongduck 304
- Career Milestone: Ranked 8th in the finale of the survival show Boys Planet
- Recent Release: Self-written digital single "Closer" (July 2026)
A Turbulent Start in Music (2016–2020)
Kim's professional journey began in 2016 when he debuted as Jinam, a member of the boy group INX. However, the group's trajectory was cut short by their disbandment at the end of 2017. This period was marked by significant legal strife, as the members filed a lawsuit against their agency citing mistreatment. The Seoul District Court eventually ruled in favor of the group, voiding their exclusive contracts.
Following INX, Kim joined the pre-debut group Ateen under the stage name "King." Despite releasing a single in Japan, the group never officially promoted in South Korea and disbanded in 2019 after several members successfully sued the company CEO for sexual assault. Kim then transitioned into modeling, appearing at Fashion Weeks in Vietnam, Taipei, and China, before joining another pre-debut group, B.I.T, which promoted in Japan until August 2020.
Kim's resilience was further highlighted during the 2020 reality survival show Burn Up: Challenge to Billboard. He secured first place in the male category, leading to the release of the single "Sick of Love" with fellow winner Kim Min-jung.
Transition to Acting and Global Stardom (2021–2025)
In 2021, Kim expanded his artistic repertoire by debuting as an actor. He took on his first leading role in the Naver TV web series The Sweet Blood, an adaptation of the webtoon The Sweet Girl. He further gained popularity in the BL (Boys' Love) genre—a category of media focusing on romantic relationships between male characters—through the series Kissable Lips (2022) and Roommates of Poongduck 304. The latter became a massive hit, ranking first in the BL genre on the streaming service Watcha.
The turning point of his career arrived in December 2022 when he was announced as a contestant on Mnet's Boys Planet. His experience and maturity resonated with viewers, and on April 20, 2023, he placed 8th overall with 1,338,984 points. This achievement earned him a spot in the final lineup of Zerobaseone, who officially debuted in July 2023 with the mini-album Youth in the Shade.
During this period, Kim continued to balance music and acting, appearing as Lee Ji-woong in the series The Good Bad Mother in May 2024.
Solo Ventures and Philanthropy (2026–Present)
Continuing his growth as a musician, Kim announced the release of his first digital single, "Closer," on July 14, 2026. An R&B/Soul track that he wrote himself, the song serves as a heartfelt message of gratitude to the fans who supported him throughout his career.
Beyond the spotlight, Kim is known for his significant philanthropic efforts. He has consistently donated to disaster relief and children's welfare, including:
- Donations to Turkey following a major fire incident in 2021.
- Support for the Green Umbrella Children's Foundation in 2024.
- ₩10 million for wildfire victims in Ulsan and Gyeongsang provinces in March 2025.
- ₩10 million for flood victims in the Seoul area in August 2025.
- ₩10 million to the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association in June 2026 to support children's special occasions.
| Period | Role/Group | Key Achievement/Project |
|---|---|---|
| 2016–2017 | Singer (INX) | Debut as Jinam |
| 2018–2020 | Singer (Ateen, B.I.T) | Modeling in Asia; Winner of Burn Up |
| 2021–2022 | Actor | The Sweet Blood, Kissable Lips |
| 2023–Present | Singer (Zerobaseone) | 8th place on Boys Planet; Global debut |
| 2026 | Solo Artist | Released self-written single "Closer" |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which group is Kim Ji-woong currently a member of?
Kim Ji-woong is currently a member of the South Korean boy band Zerobaseone, a group formed through the reality competition show Boys Planet.
What was Kim Ji-woong's rank on Boys Planet?
He ranked 8th in the final episode of Boys Planet with a total of 1,338,984 points, which secured his position in the winning group.
Has Kim Ji-woong acted in any dramas?
Yes, he has starred in several web series, including The Sweet Blood, Kissable Lips, and Roommates of Poongduck 304, as well as the series The Good Bad Mother.
What other stage names has Kim Ji-woong used?
Before debuting with Zerobaseone, he was known as Jinam during his time with INX and as "King" during his time with Ateen.
What is Kim Ji-woong's first solo song?
His first digital single is titled "Closer," an R&B/Soul track released on July 14, 2026, which he wrote himself as a tribute to his fans.