Kim Hongjoong

Who is Kim Hongjoong – ATEEZ?

Kim Hongjoong (김홍중; born November 7, 1998) is the charismatic leader and main rapper of the global K-pop sensation ATEEZ. Under KQ Entertainment, he debuted in 2018 and has since become one of the most respected and influential figures in the K-pop industry.

Kim Hongjoong Biodata | ATEEZ Profile

Detailed biodata of Kim Hongjoong, leader of K-pop boy group ATEEZ. Learn about his background, personality, and personal facts.

Kim Hongjoong Biography | ATEEZ Leader & Visionary

Read the full biography of Kim Hongjoong, leader of ATEEZ. Discover his career, background, influence, and artistic journey in the K-pop world.

Early Life and Trainee Years

Kim Hongjoong (김홍중), born on November 7, 1998, in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, producer, and leader of the internationally acclaimed K-pop boy group ATEEZ, under KQ Entertainment. Known for his visionary leadership and creative direction, Hongjoong has become one of the most dynamic figures in the global K-pop industry.

From a young age, Hongjoong displayed a strong passion for music. Unlike many aspiring idols, he focused on producing and composing early in his career. He joined KQ Entertainment as its first official trainee after personally reaching out with a demo tape. His dedication to music production laid the foundation for his future leadership in ATEEZ.

Debut with ATEEZ

Hongjoong debuted with ATEEZ on October 24, 2018. As the group’s leader and main rapper, he quickly stood out for his powerful stage presence, lyrical contributions, and visionary concepts. His charisma and talent helped ATEEZ gain a devoted global fanbase, known as ATINY.

Musical Genius and Creative Force

Hongjoong isn’t just a performer—he’s a prolific songwriter and producer, with over 150 song credits under KOMCA. His contributions shape ATEEZ’s unique sound, blending fierce rap, emotional lyrics, and high-energy anthems that resonate with fans worldwide.

Fashion Icon and Global Ambassador

Known for his boundary-breaking style, Hongjoong made waves at Paris Fashion Week and was appointed an ambassador for Balmain. Nicknamed the “Balmain Prince,” his aesthetic effortlessly blends edgy streetwear with high fashion, making him a favorite of designers and stylists alike.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Beyond entertainment, Hongjoong is deeply committed to philanthropy. As a face of the Polished Man Campaign, he raises awareness about child abuse by painting a single fingernail. He’s also donated to organizations like World Vision Korea and the Korea Childhood Leukemia Foundation.

Global Influence and Connection with Fans

Fluent in English (which he taught himself by watching Modern Family), Hongjoong connects deeply with ATEEZ’s global fandom, ATINY. His introspective personality, creative mindset, and strong leadership inspire millions.

Legacy

As a leader, artist, and role model, Kim Hongjoong continues to inspire fans around the world. With a perfect blend of talent, vision, and heart, he is a driving force not only in ATEEZ’s success but in the broader evolution of K-pop culture and artistry.

Kim Hongjoong Discography | ATEEZ Leader & Producer

Explore the complete discography of Kim Hongjoong, leader of ATEEZ. Includes albums, singles, collaborations, and production credits.

As of March 2025, Kim Hongjoong has 153 songs credited under his name on the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA), reflecting his extensive contributions as a songwriter and producer.

With ATEEZ

• 2018: Debuted with Treasure EP.1: All to Zero featuring “Treasure” and “Pirate King”.
• 2019: Released Treasure EP.2: Zero to One with “Say My Name” and “Hala Hala”.
• 2020: Zero: Fever Part.1 featuring “Inception” and “Thanxx”.
• 2021: Zero: Fever Part.2 with “Fireworks (I’m The One)”.
• 2022: The World EP.1: Movement featuring “Guerrilla”.
• 2023: The World EP.2: Outlaw with “Bouncy (K-Hot Chilli Peppers)”.
• 2024: The World EP.Fin: Will including “Crazy Form (미친 폼)”.

Solo & Unofficial Releases

• 2021: “Draw & Draw” – Performed on ‘Sing Stay 3’.
• 2023: “A Walker” – Unofficial solo release.
• 2024: “Why Do You Love” – Unofficial solo release.

Collaborations

• 2024: Featured on Chungha’s “Eenie Meenie”, which peaked at #104 on the Circle Digital Chart and #6 on the US World Digital Song Sales chart.
• 2025: Collaborated with Odetari on “SMB”.

Production & Songwriting Credits

Hongjoong has contributed to the writing and production of numerous ATEEZ songs, including:

• “Take Me Home”
• “Celebrate”
• “Deja Vu”
• “Eternal Sunshine”
• “The Real”
• “Answer”
• “Guerrilla”

Note: This is a partial list highlighting some of his notable contributions.

Kim Hongjoong Awards & Achievements | ATEEZ Leader

Discover the awards and achievements of Kim Hongjoong, leader of ATEEZ. Includes group accolades, individual honors, and global recognitions.

As the leader of ATEEZ, Kim Hongjoong has played a pivotal role in the group’s numerous accolades and recognitions since their debut in 2018.

Group Awards with ATEEZ

• 2018: New Asian Artist at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA)
• 2019: New Artist of the Year at the Golden Disc Awards
• 2019: Best Performance Award at the Soribada Best K-Music Awards
• 2019: Worldwide Fans’ Choice at MAMA
• 2019: Best Korean Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA)
• 2020: Discovery of the Year at MAMA
• 2020: Global Hottest Artist at The Fact Music Awards
• 2021: Artist of the Year at The Fact Music Awards
• 2021: Bonsang (Main Prize) at the Seoul Music Awards
• 2022: Bonsang at the Seoul Music Awards
• 2023: Worldwide Fans’ Choice at MAMA

Individual Recognitions

• 2020: Popular Star Award – Male Artist at the Asia Model Awards
• 2025: Featured attendee at Paris Fashion Week, representing ATEEZ’s global influence in fashion

Global Milestones

• 2024: ATEEZ became the first K-pop boy group to perform at Coachella
• 2024: Headlined the Mawazine Festival in Morocco, marking a significant achievement in global outreach

Songwriting & Production

As of March 2025, Hongjoong has 153 songs credited under his name on the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA), showcasing his extensive contributions as a songwriter and producer.

Interesting & Fun Facts About Kim Hongjoong – ATEEZ

Explore a collection of fun and interesting facts about Kim Hongjoong, the multi-talented leader of K-pop group ATEEZ.

• Kim Hongjoong was born on November 7, 1998, in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.
• He was the first official trainee of KQ Entertainment.
• Before debut, he appeared on the survival show Mix Nine, where he ranked 42nd among male contestants.
• Hongjoong is known for his deep involvement in songwriting and producing — he has over 150 songs registered with KOMCA.
• His nickname is “Korean Big Minion” because of his love for Minion characters from the movie Despicable Me.
• He is fluent in English and learned by watching shows like Modern Family.
• Hongjoong‘s MBTI type is INFP — known for creativity, introspection, and strong personal values.
• He is passionate about fashion and has styled ATEEZ members for multiple comebacks and photo shoots.
• In 2023, he attended Paris Fashion Week and became known as “Balmain Prince.”
• He supports the Polished Man campaign, often painting one nail to raise awareness about violence against children.
• Hongjoong enjoys editing videos and often works on ATEEZ’s behind-the-scenes footage.
• He’s often seen as a perfectionist and has high expectations for himself and his team.
• He has a younger brother who is a classical music student and pianist.
• Despite being the leader, he’s known for being emotionally sensitive and empathetic.
• He enjoys experimenting with hair colors and is known for constantly changing his look.