Yohan King: The South Korean Singer Who Conquered the OPM Scene
In the vibrant landscape of Philippine music, few stories are as compelling as that of Yohan Hwang, widely known by his stage name Yohan King. A South Korean-born singer who has made Manila his home, Yohan has successfully bridged the gap between K-pop sensibilities and the soulful melodies of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
His journey from a student in Gyeonggi-do to a celebrated musical talent in the Philippines is a testament to his passion for song and his ability to connect with a diverse audience through the universal language of music.
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Key Facts
- Full Name: Yohan Hwang (황요한)
- Birth Date: November 27, 1995
- Origin: Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
- Major Achievement: Winner of the first season of I Love OPM
- Musical Genres: K-pop, OPM, and Ballad
- Current Base: Manila, Philippines
Early Life and Move to the Philippines
Yohan Hwang was born in Goyang-si, Ilsan, South Korea. Growing up in a South Korean household alongside his older brother, Joseph, and a younger sister, his early years were rooted in his home country. However, a significant turning point occurred in 2014 when his family relocated to the Philippines.
During this transition, Yohan continued his education at De La Salle College Antipolo. It was during his time at La Salle that a chance recommendation from a friend led him to perform the Side A classic "Ako'y Sayo." The enthusiastic response from the crowd ignited a newfound confidence and a deep-seated love for singing.
The Rise to Fame: I Love OPM
Yohan's professional breakthrough came when he joined the ABS-CBN television competition I Love OPM. The program featured non-Filipino contestants competing to perform OPM—a genre consisting of songs originally composed and performed by Filipino artists.
Audition and Competition Success
On February 27, 2016, Yohan auditioned with a rendition of "Ako'y Sa'Yo at Ika'y Akin." His performance earned him three approved marks from the esteemed panel of judges: Toni Gonzaga, Lani Misalucha, and Martin Nievera. The judges praised his ability to sound like a true Filipino singer.
Throughout the competition, Yohan consistently secured high scores. He became the first finalist to advance to the grand finals after receiving significant votes from the studio audience. He competed alongside other notable finalists such as Harris Dio Smith, J Morning, and Ryan Gallagher.
The Grand Finale Victory
In the grand finals held at Resorts World Manila on April 23, 2016, Yohan chose to step outside his comfort zone. Known primarily for soft, sweet ballads, he performed a powerful rendition of Sugarfree's "Huwag Ka Nang Umiyak" with the Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble. This strategic move was intended to prove his vocal range and seriousness as a professional artist.
The gamble paid off. Yohan won the competition with 32.82% of the combined votes from the judges and the public. As the winner, he received 2 million pesos, a one-year recording contract with Star Music, and a vacation package to Cebu. The judges lauded his growth, with Lani Misalucha noting that he had proven himself to be a "singing heartthrob" rather than just a visual performer.
Musical Style and Career Highlights
Since his victory, Yohan has maintained a presence in the entertainment industry. He has appeared on various television programs, including Wowowin and ASAP. One of his notable musical contributions includes a Korean-language cover of Yeng Constantino's "Ikaw," which was used for the Tagalog-language dub of the series Love in the Moonlight.
| Stage | Song Performed | Original Artist | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gate 1: Audition | "Ako'y Sa'Yo at Ika'y Akin" | I-Axe | Three Approved Marks |
| Gate 2: Bump-Off | "Nasa 'Yo Na Ang Lahat" | Daniel Padilla | Judges' Choice (92.3%) |
| Gate 3: Kababayan Bump-off | "Gusto Kita" | Gino Padilla | Kababayan's Choice |
| Gate 4: Take Off | "I Believe" | Jimmy Bondoc | Kababayan's Choice |
| Gate 5: Grand Destination | "Huwag Ka Nang Umiyak" | Gary Valenciano | Winner (32.82%) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OPM?
OPM stands for Original Pilipino Music, which refers to contemporary musical compositions in the Philippines that are written and performed by Filipino artists.
How did Yohan King win I Love OPM?
Yohan won the first season of I Love OPM by securing 32.82% of the combined votes from the judges and the public during the grand finals, following a powerful performance of "Huwag Ka Nang Umiyak."
What was Yohan's prize for winning the competition?
His prizes included 2 million pesos, a one-year recording contract with Star Music, and a vacation package to Cebu.
Is Yohan Hwang a K-pop singer?
While he is South Korean and performs within the K-pop genre, he is also heavily recognized for his work in the OPM and ballad genres in the Philippines.
What song did he cover for Love in the Moonlight?
He performed a Korean-language cover of the single "Ikaw," originally by Yeng Constantino, for the Tagalog-language dub of the show.