Dawn

Kim Hyo-jong, known professionally as Dawn, is a South Korean rapper, singer, and dancer. He first gained recognition as a member of the boy band Pentagon and later as part of the co-ed project group Triple H alongside Hyuna and Hui. Following his departure from Cube Entertainment in 2018, Dawn launched a solo career under P Nation, releasing his debut single Money in 2019. His music blends hip-hop, dance-pop, and K-pop, and he is known for his charismatic stage presence and sharp rapping style. [edit]

Dawn grew up in South Jeolla Province with a passion for K-pop. He auditioned for JYP Entertainment's 9th Audition in 2012, reaching the final round, but was not selected. He then joined Cube Entertainment as a trainee, spending several years honing his rap, dance, and songwriting skills. Before his official debut, he appeared in the music video for G.NA's Secret in 2014. His training period under Cube prepared him for his eventual debut as a member of Pentagon. [edit]

Dawn debuted as a member of Pentagon on October 10, 2016, under the stage name E'Dawn, serving as the group's main rapper. In 2017, he joined the project group Triple H with Hui and Hyuna, releasing two EPs. In August 2018, Cube Entertainment terminated his contract after his relationship with Hyuna became public, citing trust issues. Dawn then signed with P Nation in January 2019 and made his solo debut on November 5, 2019, with the single Money. He has since released additional solo music, though he has remained relatively low-profile after his breakup with Hyuna in 2022. [edit]

Dawn is known for his edgy and charismatic stage presence, both as a rapper and dancer. His music style blends hip-hop, dance-pop, and K-pop, and he is recognized for his sharp delivery and confident persona. Fans of Pentagon, known as Universe, also support his solo work, though there is no separate fandom name for his individual career. [edit]

When it comes to fame, Dawn's trajectory has been anything but conventional. He first captured the spotlight as E'Dawn of Pentagon, but it was his 2018 departure from Cube Entertainment, alongside HyunA, after their relationship became public, that turned him into a household name in K-pop circles. That scandal and the couple's subsequent defiance made them icons of the 'us against the world' narrative, a story that still defines his public image. As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Dawn but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, neither in the Global Top 1,000 nor any Top-100 scope list. This reflects his long hiatuses and deliberately low-key presence, especially since his split from HyunA in late 2022. Yet his influence remains measurable: his solo debut single 'Money' entered the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart in 2019, driven by a dedicated fanbase that had followed him from his Pentagon days. That fanbase, however, has no formal name. Unlike most K-pop soloists, Dawn has never established an official fandom name, his fans simply call themselves his supporters, a choice that aligns with his anti-commercial, unconventional persona. His Instagram following of approximately 3.6 million underscores his enduring appeal, even after extended periods away from the spotlight. His 2024 comeback single 'Too Much' signals an attempt to re-engage this dormant fanbase, though the old organizational energy remains to be seen.[edit]

Dawn was formerly known by the stage name E'Dawn before switching to Dawn for his solo career. His specialty includes rap, composing, and songwriting. He cites seniors from Cube Entertainment as his role models. He enjoys Korean food, juice, the computer game Starcraft, and dark colors.

One of the most retold stories from his Pentagon days is his appearance on the M2 series 'PENTAGON MAKER,' where he opened a 'counseling center' to listen to other members' problems, a moment fans still cherish as a glimpse of his caring side before the 2018 scandal. That scandal itself became legendary: when Cube fired Dawn and HyunA after they confirmed their relationship, fans rallied fiercely, and the couple's post-firing date photos became a touchstone of solidarity. Even after their split, the relationship remains a defining reference point for his fanbase, and his androgynous fashion sense continues to spark affectionate memes and discussions among supporters.[edit]

Details about Dawn's family, including parents and siblings, have not been publicly disclosed. He has not shared information about his household or pets. [edit]

Dawn has worked closely with Hyuna, both as a collaborator in Triple H and as a romantic partner. He also collaborated with Hui in Triple H and was signed under Psy's label P Nation. [edit]

Dawn's most significant public relationship was with singer Hyuna. The two began dating while both were at Cube Entertainment and worked together in the project group Triple H. Their relationship was confirmed in August 2018, leading to their dismissal from the agency. They announced their engagement in February 2022, but in November 2022, Dawn announced the couple had broken up, stating they decided to remain as good colleagues and friends. As of 2026, Dawn is reportedly single with no new public relationships. [edit]

As of 2026, Dawn's net worth is not publicly reported. His income sources include music sales, streaming royalties, concert performances, and brand endorsements from his time with Pentagon and as a solo artist. [edit]