Hwiyoung

Kim Young-kyun is a South Korean singer, rapper, and actor known professionally as Hwiyoung. He currently serves as the main rapper and supporting vocalist for the boy band SF9 under FNC Entertainment. In recent years, he has expanded his career beyond group activities to establish himself as a solo artist with releases like Traveling Fish.

As of 2026, Hwiyoung remains an active performer marking the tenth anniversary of his group's debut. He balances his time between promoting SF9's music, recording solo tracks, and taking on acting roles in web dramas. His presence in the industry is defined by his steady growth as a songwriter and his distinct cool-headed stage persona. [edit]

Born Kim Young-kyun in Busan, South Korea, Hwiyoung discovered his passion for performance at a young age. He attended Hanlim Multi Art School, a prestigious institution that has launched the careers of many K-pop idols. During his time there, he honed his skills in dance and rap while navigating the competitive landscape of trainee life.

In 2016, he joined FNC Entertainment's rookie training program called Neoz School. This period marked a turning point when he was selected to compete on the Mnet survival show d.o.b.: Dance or Band. Representing the nine-member dance group NEOZ Dance, Hwiyoung faced intense competition from other aspiring artists across various genres. The group's chemistry and technical precision stood out among the contestants, eventually leading them to victory.

The win secured their debut as FNC Entertainment's first male dance group. Before stepping onto the main stage as SF9, Hwiyoung spent months preparing for the transition from a trainee to a professional idol. The journey required rigorous physical training and vocal coaching to meet the demands of daily performances and future album releases. [edit]

Hwiyoung officially debuted with SF9 on October 5, 2016, releasing the single album Fanfare. The group quickly gained attention for their unique concept blending traditional Korean elements with modern hip-hop. Throughout 2017 and 2018, Hwiyoung contributed significantly to the group's discography, showcasing his rap composition skills on tracks like Thrill of Death and Good Guy.

His acting career began alongside his musical debut when he appeared in the interactive web drama Click Your Heart later in 2016. Over the next few years, he took on support roles in dramas such as Imitation in 2021 and Miracle in 2022. These projects allowed him to explore different facets of storytelling outside of music.

In August 2023, Hwiyoung made his solo debut with the digital single Drive5. This release highlighted his personal artistic vision and songwriting abilities. He followed this success in June 2024 by releasing his first full single album, Traveling Fish, which received positive reviews for its emotional depth and mature production. In 2026, he played a key role in SF9's 10th-anniversary project TENACITY, emphasizing the group's resilience and long-term commitment to their fans. [edit]

Hwiyoung projects a cool, charismatic image often described as the "Cold City Guy." His style typically mixes streetwear aesthetics with polished performance outfits that reflect his hip-hop roots. On social media, he shares glimpses of his daily life, fitness routines, and behind-the-scenes moments, maintaining a genuine connection with his fanbase without oversharing.

Media outlets often highlight his dedication to his craft and his humility during interviews. He is known for being serious about his artistry while remaining approachable to fans. His stage presence is commanding yet understated, allowing his vocals and rap skills to take center stage. [edit]

iFANN has evaluated Hwiyoung for the September 2026 rankings but he does not currently hold a placement in the published Global Top 1,000 lists. While he lacks a formal individual ranking, his influence within the K-pop sphere remains significant through his group's longevity and solo output.

The general fandom for SF9 is known as the "SF9niverse," and dedicated supporters of Hwiyoung often identify themselves informally as "HwiAreYoung" or simply "Team Hwiyoung." These fans are highly organized, frequently creating birthday billboards, subway ads, and charity drives in his name. They actively stream his solo tracks like Drive5 and support his acting projects, demonstrating strong engagement across social media platforms. Fan communities often celebrate his songwriting contributions, treating each lyric he writes as a special event. [edit]

Hwiyoung is often referred to by fans as the "Cold City Guy" due to his calm and composed demeanor on stage. Despite this cool exterior, close friends describe him as warm and humorous off-camera. He has a hidden talent for composing lyrics, having written verses for several SF9 songs including Maniac and Thief Thief.

A lesser-known fact is his ability to speak English fluently, which helps him connect with international fans during global concerts. He also maintains a strict fitness routine, often sharing workout tips on social media. Fans frequently note his distinctive voice tone, which blends a deep register with a sharp flow that sets him apart from other rappers in the genre. [edit]

Hwiyoung keeps his family life strictly private, rarely discussing his parents or siblings in public interviews. He grew up in Busan but moved to Seoul to pursue his entertainment career. There are no confirmed reports regarding specific family members or their professions. He lives alone in Seoul, focusing entirely on his work and maintaining a low profile regarding his personal relationships. [edit]

SF9, FNC Entertainment, Neoz School, Hanlim Multi Art School. [edit]

Hwiyoung maintains a very private personal life with no publicly confirmed romantic relationships. As of 2026, he is reported to be single. While fan communities occasionally speculate about his dating status, no official statements or verified reports confirm any partnerships. He focuses primarily on his career and creative pursuits, keeping his romantic life away from the spotlight. [edit]

iFANN Editorial Team research estimates Hwiyoung's net worth at approximately $2 million as of 2026. This figure reflects his earnings from SF9 group activities, solo music releases, and acting roles over the past decade.

His primary income streams include royalties from album sales and streaming platforms, particularly from hits like Fanfare and Drive5. Endorsement deals and brand partnerships have also contributed to his financial growth, though he maintains a lower profile than some top-tier idols. Real estate holdings and investment portfolios remain undisclosed, but his steady career trajectory suggests consistent wealth accumulation. [edit]