Jongho

Jongho is a South Korean singer and the main vocalist of the K-pop group ATEEZ. He is celebrated for his powerful, stable live vocals and remarkable stamina, earning him recognition as one of the most reliable singers in the fourth generation of K-pop. His ability to hit high notes while performing demanding choreography is a distinctive hallmark of his artistry.

As a key member of ATEEZ since their debut, Jongho has contributed to the group's global success, including multiple world tours and chart-topping releases. He is also known for his polite demeanor and surprising physical strength, often showcased in a playful manner. Fans connect with his mature presence and dedication, viewing him as a consistently growing artist.[edit]

Choi Jong-ho, known professionally as Jongho, was born on October 12, 2000, in Seoul, South Korea. He moved from Ilsan at a young age, growing up alongside one younger brother. During his childhood, Jongho was a notably active and sports-oriented individual, demonstrating an early aptitude for physical activities and a lively disposition. It was during these formative years that he also began to cultivate a profound and early interest in singing and performance, a passion that would soon define his aspirations. He pursued his education through Noil Middle School and subsequently graduated from Surak High School, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.

Jongho's journey into the entertainment industry began with a crucial decision: joining KQ Entertainment as a trainee. This marked the start of an intensive period of development, where he dedicated himself to honing his vocal abilities and stage presence. His first significant public exposure came in October 2017, when he was selected to appear on the highly competitive survival show, MIXNINE. As one of four promising trainees from KQ Entertainment, Jongho showcased his powerful voice and burgeoning performance skills to a national audience, ultimately securing the 43rd position overall among a vast pool of contestants. Although he did not debut through the program, his participation proved invaluable, significantly boosting his pre-debut visibility and providing him with crucial experience under the spotlight. Following this, Jongho continued his rigorous preparation, participating in the KQ Fellaz American Training series in 2018. During this period, he traveled to Los Angeles to further refine his artistry, immersing himself in diverse training regimens designed to enhance his vocal technique, dance, and overall stagecraft. This comprehensive pre-debut journey culminated in his official debut with the K-pop group ATEEZ later that same year, marking the beginning of his established career. [edit]

Jongho debuted as a member of ATEEZ on October 24, 2018, with the EP Treasure EP.1: All to Zero. The group quickly gained a dedicated international fanbase, known as ATINY, through their powerful performances and immersive storytelling. Jongho's vocal prowess became a defining feature of ATEEZ's sound, particularly in songs like "Hala Hala," "Inception," and "Guerrilla."

ATEEZ's achievements include winning New Asian Artist at the 2018 Mnet Asian Music Awards, New Artist of the Year at the 2019 Golden Disc Awards, Best Korean Act at the 2020 MTV Europe Music Awards, and Artist of the Year at the 2021 The Fact Music Awards. The group has toured extensively worldwide, headlining major venues and festivals. Jongho's individual contributions have been recognized through vocal analysis videos and fan polls, cementing his status as a top-tier main vocalist in K-pop. [edit]

Jongho is widely perceived as the 'polite yet powerful' main vocalist of ATEEZ, known for his stable live singing and surprising physical strength, such as breaking apples with his bare hands. His stage presence combines intense vocal prowess with calm professionalism, while offstage he is regarded as mature and respectful, often using high levels of honorifics. Media and fans highlight his reliability as a live performer, frequently praising his stamina and wide vocal range. The official fandom name is ATINY, and his personal fan nickname is JJONGbear. Fan culture includes cheering his high notes during concerts and sharing clips of his vocal stability and strength demonstrations. On social media, he speaks in a warm, professional tone through group accounts, reinforcing his image as a talented and humble idol despite being the youngest member.[edit]

Jongho commands a global audience defined by intense engagement with his vocal performances and the organized power of his fanbase. He is currently evaluated as unranked within the iFANN Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list, indicating he holds no specific placement in the published rankings despite his high profile. His supporters are known as ATINY, a name officially adopted in 2018 that signifies a collective force capable of supporting the group. This community is distinguished by its disciplined approach to charting and streaming, often coordinating specific campaigns for his solo tracks and high-note performances during concerts. The fandom frequently organizes large-scale projects such as birthday billboards and charity drives held in his name on October 12th, reflecting a deep commitment to causes related to youth welfare. While Jongho maintains a significant individual social media presence with millions of followers, the official fan structure remains centered on the ATINY identity rather than a separate personal moniker. Recent activities include his participation in international fashion events and the release of solo video content designed to deepen connections with this dedicated following.[edit]

Jongho is widely recognized for breaking apples with his bare hands, a party trick that surprises fans and fellow idols alike. As the youngest member yet the main vocalist, he represents an unusual combination of talent and maturity within ATEEZ. Analysis of his speech patterns has noted his exceptionally polite language, utilizing high levels of honorifics even by idol standards. He owns a pet dog named Bbomi, who frequently appears on social media channels. Fans affectionately refer to him as "JJONGbear." Beyond these established facts, a story fans still retell involves his ability to shut down stages with sustained high-pitched notes, a phenomenon documented during early performances where crowd reactions ranged from screams to fainting. Another iconic moment cited in lore is his debut performance of "Treasure" on *Show! Music Core* in October 2018, which immediately established his vocal range. Additionally, the narrative of his relationship with Seonghwa regarding their shared dedication to health and diet has become a heartwarming element of fan culture, highlighting their relatable success through simple habits like eating tofu.[edit]

Jongho has a younger brother, but little else is publicly known about his family. He keeps his personal life private, in line with typical K-pop idol norms. He has mentioned that his family is supportive of his career. [edit]

Jongho is closely associated with his ATEEZ groupmates: Hongjoong (leader), Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, and Wooyoung. He also appeared on the survival show MIXNINE alongside other KQ trainees. His vocal coach and fellow industry professionals have praised his work ethic. [edit]

Jongho has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. As a K-pop idol, his agency has not disclosed any dating history, and he has not been linked to any partners in credible media reports. As of 2026, he is presumed single. [edit]

Heading into 2026, iFANN currently estimates Jongho's net worth at $2 Million. His primary income sources stem from ATEEZ's group activities, including album sales, digital streaming, concert tours, and merchandise revenue. The group has cumulatively sold over 5 million albums and embarked on multiple world tours covering North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Earnings from these tours, alongside brand endorsements and variety show appearances, are distributed among the eight members after company deductions. There are no publicly known solo business ventures or real estate investments attributed to him. His financial standing has grown steadily since his debut, mirroring the rising popularity of ATEEZ.[edit]

Jongho has won multiple awards as a member of ATEEZ, including New Asian Artist at MAMA 2018, New Artist of the Year at the Golden Disc Awards 2019, Best Korean Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2020, and Artist of the Year at The Fact Music Awards 2021. These group honors reflect his contribution to the team's success. [edit]