Kim Woojin (Korean: 김우진; born April 8, 1997) is a South Korean singer and actor. He is a former member of the boy group Stray Kids, formed by JYP Entertainment in 2017. After leaving the group in late 2019, Kim debuted as a soloist in 2021 with the release of his first extended play (EP) The Moment: A Minor. Kim has since released two additional EPs. Outside of music, Kim has ventured into acting, most notably with a starring role in HBO Max's Brazilian TV series Além do Guarda-Roupa (English: My Magic Closet). Originally signed to 10x Entertainment for solo activities, Kim has been under contract to Kustomade since the label's acquisition by SM Entertainment in 2024.
Kim Woojin | |
---|---|
Born | Bucheon, South Korea | April 8, 1997
Education | School of Performing Arts Seoul |
Occupations |
|
Musical career | |
Genres | K-pop |
Instrument | Vocals |
Years active | 2017–present |
Labels | |
Formerly of | Stray Kids |
Website | kimwoojin.net |
Korean name | |
Hangul | 김우진 |
Revised Romanization | Gim Ujin |
McCune–Reischauer | Kim Uchin |
Signature | |
Early life
Kim Woojin was born on April 8, 1997, in Bucheon, South Korea.[1] He graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul.[2] He was a trainee under SM Entertainment for one year, where he practiced with fellow apprentices that would go on to debut as part of NCT.[3] On October 11, 2017, Kim was unveiled as a JYP Entertainment trainee.[4]
Career
2017–2019: Stray Kids
In 2017, Kim competed in Mnet's reality survival show Stray Kids to become a member of the record label's forthcoming boy group of the same name.[5] In midst of the competition, the group made the single "Hellevator" available via digital music stores on November 1.[6] The nine-member lineup was confirmed in the final episode of the reality show and Stray Kids released their pre-debut EP Mixtape and lead single "Beware" on January 8, 2018.[7][8]
Kim officially debuted with Stray Kids on March 25, 2018 with a debut showcase performance entitled Unveil (Op. 01: I Am Not), at Jangchung Arena.[9][10] On the next day, Stray Kids released an EP titled I Am Not and the lead single "District 9" which they showcased during the debut showcase.[11] In this album, he also participated in the lyrics making of song "Mixtape #1".[a] On October 28, 2019, Kim left Stray Kids, with JYP Entertainment noting personal circumstances as the reason for his departure. At the same time, JYP also announced the termination of Kim's exclusive contract with the agency.[13] During his time as a member of Stray Kids, the group released 6 EPs, all of which were certified platinum by the Korea Music Content Association.
2020–2023: Solo releases and acting debut
In January 2020, Kim posted to a newly created Instagram account with the phrase "Kim Woojin restart".[14] He held a fan meeting in May and signed with the newly formed 10x Entertainment in August as the first artist on the label's roster.[15] Ahead of his solo debut, Kim issued the pre-debut digital single "Still Dream" on July 8, 2021.[16] His debut EP, The Moment: A Minor, and its lead single "Ready Now", were released on August 8.[17] The EP peaked at number-seven on the Gaon Album Chart.[18] That November, he provided the song "Because It's You" to the soundtrack of SBS TV drama Let Me Be Your Knight.[19] In December, Kim starred in the web film 3.5th Period as the "sweet, handsome guy" Lee Han-ik. In addition to his acting role, Kim also contributed the track "Timeless" to the film's official soundtrack.[20]
In 2022, after a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kim embarked on his first tour, Still Dream World Tour, in support of The Moment: A Minor.[21] Beginning in Milan in July, the tour had Kim visit nineteen countries and perform 33 shows across Europe, Latin America, North America, and Asia over the next nine months.[22]
In April 2022, it was announced that Kim was cast as the lead role in HBO Max's then-upcoming Brazilian romantic fantasy series Além do Guarda-Roupa (English: My Magic Closet), becoming the first South Korean actor to be cast in an HBO Max series. Kim portrayed Kyung-min, a member of fictional K-pop boy group "ACT". Kim contributed 3 songs for the soundtrack. The series filmed throughout 2022,[23] and began airing in July 2023.[24]
In December 2022, Kim contributed the song "In the End" to the original soundtrack of JTBC drama Reborn Rich.[25] In July 2023, Kim once again contributed to another JTBC drama with song "Dive" for the original soundtrack of King the Land.[26]
The Moment: Bounce, Kim's second EP, was released on August 30, 2023, along with its lead single "On My Way". The EP was described as an extension of his previous EP, The Moment: A Minor, and presented a brighter sound than its predecessor.[27] The EP peaked at number 19 on the Circle Album Chart,[28] and Kim supported it with The Moment Tour, his first tour in India.[29]
Kim made his stage debut in late 2023, starring in the dual-role of twin brothers Adam and Eric Anderson in the musical Sherlock Holmes: The Secret of the Anderson Family.[30] The play ran from September to November 2023.[31]
2024-present: Agency change and continued releases
On March 18, 2024, SM Entertainment announced that they had acquired Kim's agency, 10x Entertainment, and were folding it into their Kreation Music Rights subsidiary under a new name, Kustomade. One week later, the label indicated that Kim would release the agency's first new music in April.[32] Kim's third EP, I Like the Way, was released on April 22, along with the lead single of the same name.[33] The imagery related to the EP was said to symbolize a "fresh start" and be the singer's "declaration to break free from everything that has oppressed him and pave his path".[34] The EP peaked at number-seven on the Circle Album Chart, and was the largest first week sales of Kim's career.[35] To promote the EP, Kim embarked on the I Like the Way Tour in June 2024.[36]
Personal life
Allegations
In September 2020, Kim was accused of sexual harassment by unidentified women on the social media platform Twitter.[15] One accuser alleged that, in spite of refusing his approach, Kim had attempted to touch her and her friend.[37] Kim denied the allegations, stating that he "never even met that person" and had "never been to the places that they've mentioned".[37] He filed a suit with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency against the individuals for defamation.[38]
The police investigation found the allegations to be completely fabricated, made up by an apparent anti-fan spreading disinformation.[15][39] In addition, the police probe found that both people involved in disseminating the allegations were Brazilian nationals who had never been to South Korea or met Kim.[39] In July 2021, 10x Entertainment published a documentary entitled Finger Killer, which examined the false accusations of sexual harassment made against Kim.[39]
Discography
Extended plays
Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
---|---|---|---|
KOR [40] | |||
The Moment: A Minor |
|
7 |
|
The Moment: Bounce |
|
19 |
|
I Like the Way |
|
7 |
|
Singles
Title | Year | Album |
---|---|---|
"Still Dream" | 2021 | The Moment: A Minor |
"Ready Now" | ||
"Say Something To Me" | 2023 | The Moment: Bounce |
"On My Way" | ||
"I Like the Way" | 2024 | I Like The Way |
Soundtrack EPs
Title | Details |
---|---|
Além do Guarda-Roupa (Trilha Sonora da Série Original HBO Max) (English: My Magic Closet (HBO Max Original Series Soundtrack))
|
|
Soundtrack appearances
Title | Year | Release |
---|---|---|
"Because It's You" (너니까) | 2021 | Let Me Be Your Knight OST |
"Timeless" | 3.5th Period OST | |
"In the End" | 2022 | Reborn Rich OST Part 5 |
"Dive" | 2023 | King the Land OST Part 4 |
"Vroom" (with Jinkwon, Lee Min-wook, Yoon Jae-chan) |
Além do Guarda-Roupa OST | |
"Worlds Apart" (with Jinkwon, Lee Min-wook, Yoon Jae-chan) | ||
"Time Bomb" (with Jinkwon, Lee Min-wook, Yoon Jae-chan) |
Songwriting credits
All song credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association's database unless stated otherwise.[44]
Title | Year | Artist | Album | Lyricist | Composer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
"School Life" | 2018 | Stray Kids | Mixtape | ||
"Who" | I Am Who | ||||
"Mixtape #1" | 2019 | Clé 2: Yellow Wood | |||
"Mixtape #2" | |||||
"Mixtape #3" | |||||
"Mixtape #4" | |||||
"In My Space" | 2021 | Kim Woojin | The Moment: A Minor | ||
"Intro: Alea Iacta Est." | |||||
"My Growing Pains" | |||||
"Purple Sky" | |||||
"Ready Now" | |||||
"Still Dream" | |||||
"Song of Icarus" | 2023 | The Moment: Bounce | |||
"Telepathy" | |||||
"Tryin" | |||||
"Camellia" | Non-album single[b] | ||||
"Hold" | 2024 | I Like the Way | |||
"I Like the Way" | |||||
"To. My Friend" | |||||
"What U Say" |
Filmography
Television
Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
2017 | Stray Kids | Contestant | [3] |
2023 | Além do Guarda-Roupa | Kyung-min | [23] |
Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | Finger Killer | Himself | Documentary | [39] |
3.5th Period | Lee Han-ik | Web film | [20] |
Theater
Year | Title | Role | Venue | Date | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Sherlock Holmes: The Secret of the Anderson Family (셜록홈즈: 앤더슨가의 비밀) | Adam Anderson/Eric Anderson | Yonkang Hall at Doosan Art Center | September 14 to November 12 | [30] |
Concerts and tours
- Still Dream World Tour (2022–2023)
- The Moment Tour (2023)
- I Like The Way Tour (2024)
Awards and nominations
Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Asia Top Awards | 2023 | Best Artist | Kim Woojin | Won | [45] |
Notes
- ^ Later in 2019, "Mixtape #1" also included in the EP Clé 2: Yellow Wood.[12]
- ^ Released exclusively onto YouTube
References
- ^ [🔴Live] Showcase. YouTube (in Korean). Kim Woo-jin. August 5, 2021. 31 minutes in. Archived from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Lee, Hae-jung (August 11, 2021). '정희' 김우진 "고교 동창 이장준, 내 춤 선생님..독보적 캐릭터였다". Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ a b Han, In-ku (October 11, 2017). '스트레이키즈' 김우진 "SM→JYP, 연습생 친구들 NCT로 데뷔". Star Today (in Korean). Maekyung Media Group. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Seon, Mi-kyeong (October 11, 2017). JYP 新보이그룹 '스트레이키즈', 주역 3인 첫 공개. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ "JYP 리얼리티 쇼 'Stray Kids'" [JYP Reality Show 'Stray Kids']. KBS News (in Korean). South Korea. October 17, 2017. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ Jo, Hye-jin (November 1, 2017). JYP 차세대 주자 '스트레이 키즈', 1일 정오 자작곡 '헬리베이터' 발매. TV Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 12, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Hwang, Hye-jin (December 20, 2017). JYP 新보이그룹 탄생 '스트레이키즈' 9人 전원 데뷔 확정. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Lee, Jun-hyeon (January 8, 2018). 스트레이 키즈, 앨범 'Mixtape' 발매로 잠재력&가능성 대공개. The Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Yoon, Min-sik. "JYP's Stray Kids to officially debut on March 25". The Korea Herald. Herald Corporation. Archived from the original on March 6, 2018. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
- ^ Hong, Dam-young. "JYP's Stray Kids debuts with 'District 9'". The Korea Herald. Herald Corporation. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
- ^ Sujin Ji. 스트레이키즈 현진, '귀엽게 뿌~우!' (쇼케이스) [Stray Kids Hyunjin, 'cutely bbu~u!' (Showcase)]. Seoul Daily (in Korean). Seoul. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ Mixtape #1 Stray Kids. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023 – via Bugs!.
- ^ Bae, Ji-yun (October 28, 2019). [공식입장] 스트레이키즈(Stray Kids) 우진, 팀 탈퇴 및 전속계약 해지..."미니앨범 발매 연기". Top Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Baek, Jong-mo (January 21, 2020). 스트레이 키즈 출신 김우진, 38주 만에 근황 공개. xportsnews (in Korean). xportsmedia. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ a b c "K-pop star Woojin on sexual harassment allegations and comeback plans after leaving Stray Kids last year". South China Morning Post. SCMP Publishers. October 4, 2020. Archived from the original on November 7, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Gong, Mi-na (June 29, 2021). 김우진, 내달 마지막 프리 데뷔 싱글 'Still Dream' 발매..라이언 전 참여. Starnews (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Oh, Yun-ju (August 5, 2021). 스트레이키즈 출신 김우진, 오늘 정식 데뷔→새 도약 'Ready Now' [마데가요]. Mydaily (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ 써클차트 - CIRCLE CHART, 글로벌 케이팝(K-pop) 음악차트 [CIRCLE CHART - CIRCLE CHART, Global K-pop Music Chart] (in Korean). Circle Chart. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
- ^ Lee, Seol (November 15, 2021). '너의 밤' 첫 OST 김우진 '너니까' 발매...'설렘 지수' 급상승!. The Financial News (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 15, 2021. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
- ^ a b Son, Bong-seok (December 15, 2021). 김우진X범키, 웹영화 '3.5교시' OST 'Timeless'로 만났다. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Kyunghyang Company. Archived from the original on June 4, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
- ^ Yoon, Seong-yeol (June 3, 2022). 김우진, 생애 첫 월드투어..영국·프랑스 등 유럽 5개국 1차 확정 [공식] [Woojin Kim, first world tour in his life..5 European countries including England and France confirmed for the first round [Official]]. Star News Korea (in Korean). Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ Cho, Yeon-gyeong (June 3, 2022). 김우진, 생애 첫 월드투어...1차 유럽 일정 '5개국 10회'. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). JTBC Plus. Archived from the original on June 4, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
- ^ a b Kang, Bo-ra (April 18, 2022). 김우진, 한국 배우 최초 HBO 맥스 오리지널 '옷장 너머로' 주연. Single List (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 4, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
- ^ "HBOmax 제작 브라질 최초 케이팝 드라마 '옷장 너머로' 주연배우들과의 팬미팅 개최" [HBOmax's First Brazilian K-Pop Drama 'Beyond the Closet' Holds Fan Meeting with Lead Cast]. Korean Culture and Information Service (in Korean). July 18, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
- ^ Jeong, Bit (August 5, 2024). '솔로 데뷔 3주년' 김우진 "모든 나날 곁에서 응원해 준 팬들 감사"…기념 라이브 방송도 진행 ['Solo Debut 3rd Anniversary' Kim Woo-jin "Thank you to the fans who supported me every day"… Also holding a commemorative live broadcast]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ Ahn, Byeong-gil (July 7, 2023). 김우진이 부른 '킹더랜드' ["King The Land sung by Kim Woojin"]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ 김우진, HBO Max가 픽한 K팝 인재[TF인터뷰] [Woojin Kim, K-pop talent picked by HBO Max [TF Interview]]. The Fact (in Korean). August 20, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
- ^ 써클차트 - CIRCLE CHART, 글로벌 케이팝(K-pop) 음악차트 ["Circle Album Chart – Week 35, 2024] (in Korean). Circle Chart. Archived from the original on September 7, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ Fernandes, Kasmin (October 29, 2023). "K-Pop Star Kim Woojin Talks About His India Tour". Free Press Journal. Archived from the original on April 18, 2024. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
- ^ a b Yoo, Jeong-min (August 16, 2023). 뮤지컬 '셜록홈즈: 앤더슨가의 비밀' 15人 캐릭터 포스터 공개 [15 character posters for 'Sherlock Holmes: The Secret of the Andersons' musical released] (in Korean). MBC Entertainment. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023. Retrieved August 24, 2023 – via Naver.
- ^ Choi, Joo-seong (August 3, 2023). 8년만에 돌아온 뮤지컬 '셜록홈즈'…송용진·김준현·오종혁 출연 [The musical 'Sherlock Holmes' returns after 8 years... Starring Song Yong-jin, Kim Jun-hyun, and Oh Jong-hyuk]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ "Former Stray Kids member Kim Woo-jin to drop new music under Kustomade label". Korea JoongAng Daily. March 25, 2024. Archived from the original on March 25, 2024. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
- ^ Ji, Seunghun (April 22, 2024). "Singer Kim Woo-jin will make a musical transformation through Shinbo.Kim Woo-jin will release his th." Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). Retrieved November 11, 2024.
- ^ Jung-youn, Lee (April 4, 2024). "Kim Woojin set to return with new album". The Korea Herald. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
- ^ 써클차트 - CIRCLE CHART, 글로벌 케이팝(K-pop) 음악차트 ["Circle Album Chart – Week 17, 2024] (in Korean). Circle Chart. Archived from the original on May 2, 2024. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ Kyung, Ji-min (June 18, 2024). 김우진, 9월 14일 라틴아메리카 투어 돌입..현지 팬덤 열광 [Kim Woo-jin, Latin American tour begins on September 14th.. Local fandom goes wild]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved October 17, 2024.
- ^ a b Ling, Chew Hui (September 10, 2020). "Ex Stray Kids member Woojin denies sexual harassment claims, igniting fresh online anger and accusations of dishonesty". South China Morning Post. SCMP Publishers. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Kang, Kyeong-yun (February 1, 2021). [단독] '스트레이키즈 前멤버' 김우진, 성추행 루머 유포자 고소. SBS Entertainment News (in Korean). Seoul Broadcasting System. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ a b c d Sang, Hyeon-ho (July 2, 2021). [리부트] 스트레이키즈 출신 김우진, 다큐멘터리 'Finger Killer'로 성추행 루머 반박. Top Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Peak chart positions on the Circle Album Chart (known as Gaon Album Chart prior to 2022):
- The Moment: A Minor: 써클차트 - CIRCLE CHART, 글로벌 케이팝(K-pop) 음악차트 [Gaon Album Chart 2021 Week 32] (in Korean). Circle Chart. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
- The Moment: Bounce:"Circle Album Chart 2023 Week 35" (in Korean). Circle Chart. Archived from the original on September 7, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
- I Like the Way: "Circle Album Chart 2024 Week 17" (in Korean). Circle Chart. Archived from the original on May 2, 2024. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ 2021년 08월 Album Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on February 3, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Cumulative Sales of The Moment: Bounce (美成年):
- "Circle Album Chart – Week 35, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 7, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
- "Circle Album Chart – Week 36, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ "Circle Album Chart – Week 17, 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 2, 2024. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ "Songs Registered Under 김우진 (10017986)". Korea Music Copyright Association (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ "สุดยิ่งใหญ่!ดาราไทย&เอเชียกว่า 100 ชีวิต! เฉิดฉายร่วมงาน ASIA TOP AWARDS 2023" [Super big! More than 100 Thai & Asian stars! Shine at the ASIA TOP AWARDS 2023]. Naewna (in Thai). July 4, 2023. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
External links
- Official website (in English, Korean, and Spanish)
- Kim Woojin at IMDb
- Kim Woojin at HanCinema