
Kim Jae Hwan
South KoreaMember of Wanna One
Also known as: Jaehwan, Kim Jae-hwan
Birthday
May 27, 1996
Birth Sign
Gemini
Birthplace
Seoul, South Korea
Age
30 years old
About
Kim Jae-hwan is a South Korean singer-songwriter best known as a main vocalist of the project group Wanna One. He finished fourth on Produce 101 Season 2 in 2017, earning his spot in the lineup. Since the group's disbandment in 2019, he has built a respected solo career under WAKEONE Entertainment, releasing multiple EPs and earning a reputation as one of the strongest voices from the survival show franchise.
His solo discography includes the debut EP Another (2019) and the 2024 mini-album I Adore. In April 2026, he returned with the digital single "I'll Be There" after a nearly two-year hiatus. Known for his emotive ballads and powerful delivery, Jae-hwan continues to draw a loyal fanbase who appreciate his sincerity and growth as an artist.
Early Life & Background
Kim Jae-hwan grew up in Seoul and attended Gonghang High School, where his passion for music first took root. He trained as a singer under C9 Entertainment, a relatively small agency compared to the industry's major labels, which made his later success especially notable.
In 2017, he took a leap and auditioned for Mnet's Produce 101 Season 2. Despite the intense competition and the pressure of being from a lesser-known company, his vocal ability stood out from the start. Week after week, he impressed both mentors and viewers with his technique and emotional delivery, steadily climbing the ranks.
By the finale, he had secured fourth place, guaranteeing him a spot in the final debut lineup. It was a breakthrough moment that would change his life, but before that night, he was just another trainee hoping for a chance to sing on stage.
Career Growth
Kim Jae-hwan debuted as a member of Wanna One on August 7, 2017, with the EP 1X1=1 (To Be One). As one of the group's main vocalists, he contributed to a string of chart-topping albums and singles during their 18-month run. When Wanna One disbanded in January 2019, Jae-hwan moved quickly to establish himself as a solo artist.
His solo debut came on May 20, 2019, with the EP Another, released under Swing Entertainment (now WAKEONE). The album showcased his vocal range and marked the start of a steady solo career. Over the next five years, he released a series of mini-albums, including I Adore in May 2024, each demonstrating his growth as a songwriter and performer.
In April 2026, after a gap of about one year and nine months, he released the digital single "I'll Be There" (지금 데리러 갈게). The track was an emotive comeback that reminded fans of his signature style. On May 20, 2026, he celebrated the seventh anniversary of his solo debut, thanking fans for their continued support.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Kim Jae-hwan is widely regarded as one of the finest vocalists to emerge from the Produce 101 franchise. Fans and critics alike praise his powerful, emotive singing, which carries both ballads and upbeat pop tracks with ease. His public persona is that of a sincere, hardworking artist who values authenticity over fame.
His fandom, known for its loyalty, has supported him through the highs of Wanna One and the challenges of a solo career. They celebrate his milestones, from album releases to anniversaries, and he frequently expresses gratitude for their devotion. In interviews, he comes across as humble and introspective, often reflecting on his artistic journey. This genuine connection with his audience is a cornerstone of his lasting appeal.
Fame & Fandom
Kim Jae Hwan currently holds no placement in the iFANN Global Top 1,000 rankings or any scope-specific top lists as of August 2026. The iFANN Global Fame Engine has evaluated his standing, yet he does not occupy a numbered position among the world's most famous personalities at this time. Despite this lack of a specific rank, his career trajectory reflects a sustained presence in the global music market, driven by consistent album releases and high-profile reunion events that generate significant media coverage and consumption signals worldwide. His reputation as a vocalist from the Produce 101 franchise ensures a steady baseline of public interest, even without a current numerical ranking. Regarding his audience, Kim Jae Hwan does not possess an officially designated fandom name distinct from the collective group identity. Supporters who followed him during his tenure in Wanna One and those who joined for his solo work generally identify under the umbrella term Wannable, a designation established during the project group's active years. This community remains highly organized, engaging in digital streaming campaigns and charity drives to support his activities. While fans have celebrated milestones such as his seventh solo debut anniversary with public messages of gratitude, there is no unique moniker specifically created for his individual fanbase. The absence of a separate name does not diminish the loyalty of his followers, who continue to rally behind his musical endeavors and the historic reunion of his former group members.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Kim Jae-hwan's personal Instagram handle @jaehwan0527 incorporates his birth date, May 27, while his official account @kjh_official has surpassed 719,000 followers. He was one of the few finalists from a smaller agency to secure fourth place on Produce 101 Season 2, a feat that remains a point of pride for his supporters. The nearly two-year interval between his mini-album I Adore and the April 2026 digital single "I'll Be There" marks one of the longest pauses in his solo discography. In a May 2026 interview, he noted a shift in perspective, stating that the process now matters more than results. A persistent legend surrounding his career describes him as a vocal powerhouse capable of delivering technically demanding high notes with emotional depth, earning him monikers like the "Confucian Rockstar." Fans frequently retell stories of his initial hesitation to launch a solo career immediately after Wanna One disbanded, choosing instead to prioritize supporting fellow members before debuting alone. Another piece of folklore involves rumors circulating in 2026 that he was becoming a grandfather, a joke illustrating how quickly myths can form around idols. His live performances are often cited for causing extraordinary crowd reactions, reinforcing his status as a main vocalist who can captivate audiences single-handedly.
Notable Quotes
“My past obsession with results wasn't exactly happy. Now, I think it's about the process rather than the result.”
Family & Personal Life
Details about Kim Jae-hwan's family are scarce, as he keeps his private life largely out of the spotlight. He has not publicly shared information about his parents or siblings. What is known is that he grew up in Seoul, where he attended Gonghang High School. As of 2026, he appears to be single and has no reported children. He lives in South Korea, close to the entertainment industry that has shaped his career.
Notable Connections
Kim Jae-hwan is closely associated with his former Wanna One bandmates, with whom he shared an intense and successful 18 months. He is also linked to his management agency, WAKEONE Entertainment, which has guided his solo career since 2019. His roots trace back to C9 Entertainment, where he trained before Produce 101. The mentors and contestants from that survival show also form part of his professional network.
Relationships & Dating History
Kim Jae-hwan has kept his romantic life extremely private. As of 2026, there are no publicly confirmed relationships, and he has never been linked romantically in credible reports. He has not been married, engaged, or known to be dating. His focus appears to be on his music career, and he has not shared details about any personal relationships with the media or fans. Given the lack of information, his relationship status is best described as single.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$4 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Kim Jae-hwan's net worth in 2026 stands at $4 Million. This figure reflects earnings derived from his solo music career, encompassing album sales, streaming revenue, and concert tours. During his tenure with Wanna One, he accumulated wealth through the group's massive album sales, endorsement deals, and sold-out concerts, which established a robust financial foundation. As a solo artist, he has released multiple EPs and singles, maintaining steady sales and streaming numbers while earning from songwriting royalties and fan meeting events. Although specific endorsement figures remain undisclosed, his popularity secures a continuous stream of brand partnerships. His net worth has increased gradually since his solo debut in 2019, with no major financial setbacks reported. The $4 Million estimate aligns with his consistent career activity and the typical earnings profile of K-pop soloists of his stature.
Awards & Accolades
Known For
Another
2019 · Solo debut EP
I Adore
2024 · Seventh mini-album
I'll Be There
2026 · Digital single
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- Singer-songwriter
- Born
- May 27, 1996
- Birthplace
- Seoul, South Korea
- Gender
- Male
- Birth Sign
- Gemini
- Group
- Wanna One
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Kim Jae-hwan
- Education
- Gonghang High School
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kim Jae Hwan from Wanna One still active as a singer?
What is Kim Jae Hwan's vocal position in Wanna One?
Did Kim Jae Hwan win Produce 101?
Is Kim Jae Hwan dating anyone?
How tall is Kim Jae Hwan?
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