Kim Ji-woong

Kim Ji-woong is a South Korean singer and actor, best known as a member of the K-pop group ZEROBASEONE (ZB1). He is recognized for his participation in the 2023 Mnet survival show Boys Planet, where he secured a spot in the final lineup. With ZB1, he has achieved significant success, releasing the mini-album Youth in the Shade in 2023 and debuting in Japan in March 2024. Kim Ji-woong is noted for his journey through various groups and his transition to acting, which has earned him a dedicated international fanbase. As of 2026, he continues his activities with ZB1, balancing music and potential acting projects.[edit]

Kim Ji-woong, born on December 14, 1998, in Pohang, South Korea, spent his formative years raised in Wonju. Growing up in a disciplined household, where his father served as a high-ranking career soldier, he developed an early passion for singing and performing. This interest led him to participate actively in school events and nurture a dream of becoming an idol. In his early teens, he began formal training as a trainee, focusing on developing his vocals and dance skills under various small agencies.

His first step into the K-pop industry came in 2016, at the age of 17, when he debuted under the stage name Jinam as a member of the five-member boy group INX, managed by NA Entertainment. The group released the digital single "Alright," but despite their efforts, INX failed to achieve commercial success and eventually disbanded. Undeterred, Ji-woong continued to pursue his aspirations, joining other small, short-lived groups such as ATEEN and B.I.T. However, these ventures also faced significant challenges and setbacks. Despite the recurring difficulties, he demonstrated remarkable persistence, later transitioning to acting in 2021 as a strategic move to sustain his career. During this period, he gained a dedicated international fanbase through his appearances in BL (Boys' Love) web dramas, including "Kissable Lips" and "Roommates of Poongduck 304."[edit]

Kim Ji-woong's breakthrough came in 2023 when he competed on Mnet's Boys Planet, a global survival show that formed the project group ZEROBASEONE. He finished 8th in the final episode, securing a spot in the group alongside eight other trainees. This marked his transition from a relatively unknown idol-actor to a mainstream K-pop star.

ZEROBASEONE debuted in July 2023 with the mini-album Youth in the Shade, which achieved strong sales and chart performance, establishing the group as a leading fifth-generation K-pop act. The group followed up with multiple comebacks and a Japanese debut in March 2024 with the single Yura Yura under LAPONE Entertainment. Kim Ji-woong's persistence across multiple failed groups and his eventual success on Boys Planet has been widely noted in fan communities as a story of resilience. [edit]

Kim Ji-woong is widely perceived as a resilient and determined artist, having overcome multiple group disbandments and career setbacks before achieving mainstream success. Fans and media often highlight his warm, steady personality and his dedication to his craft. He is known for his soft yet charismatic visual style, often described as having a classic idol aesthetic with a gentle demeanor. His fanbase, part of ZEROBASEONE's fandom ZE_ROSE, appreciates his sincerity and perseverance. On social media, he maintains a modest and grateful tone, frequently expressing thanks to fans. His image is that of a late-blooming idol who inspires through persistence rather than flashy controversy.[edit]

Kim Ji-woong's connection with his supporters is defined by a unique duality where he balances the collective energy of ZEROSE with a distinct personal following that has grown around his dual career as an idol and actor. While the group operates under the official fandom name ZEROSE, dedicated fans often refer to their specific support for him as "Woongdeongie," a moniker documented in recent community records. This identity was solidified during major organizational shifts in mid-2026, when the group restructured into a five-member unit known as 'TOP5,' yet Kim Ji-woong maintained a strong individual presence through exclusive events like his solo fan meeting scheduled for June 2026. His social media philosophy of living well, loving much, and laughing often resonates deeply with this audience, who mobilize quickly for his projects ranging from web dramas to selective music promotions. Despite his high profile within the K-pop ecosystem, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Kim Ji-woong but currently does not place him in the published rankings for the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. This status reflects a period where his fame is concentrated in specific niches rather than a broad global numerical dominance. The evaluation confirms that while he commands significant attention in Asian markets and among BL drama enthusiasts, he has not yet crossed the threshold required for a ranked position in the current global index. Fans continue to celebrate his resilience and artistic choices, particularly his decision to prioritize acting roles over certain group obligations like the 2026 SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer, reinforcing his reputation as a multi-hyphenate artist who defines success on his own terms.[edit]

Kim Ji-woong's career is marked by remarkable perseverance, having debuted and re-debuted multiple times across different groups including INX in 2016, ATEEN, B.I.T, and finally ZEROBASEONE in 2023. Before achieving mainstream idol success, he built a loyal international fanbase through his roles in Korean BL web dramas, establishing a foundation for his later popularity. He is the son of a career soldier, a fact often cited by fans as the root of his disciplined work ethic and steady demeanor. Throughout his early years, he utilized stage names such as Jinam and King before settling on his real name for his public persona. A legendary moment in his short career involves the viral release of the song "I'm Kim Ji-woong" in 2023, which became a cultural touchstone serving as his self-introduction anthem. Another pivotal story emerging in 2026 revolves around the group's reorganization; after ZEROBASEONE reduced to a five-member lineup dubbed 'TOP5,' Kim Ji-woong chose to pivot toward a solo-focused path, holding a solo fan meeting in June 2026 while the remaining members navigated potential future changes. This transition highlighted his ability to navigate complex industry dynamics while maintaining his dedication to both music and acting.[edit]

Kim Ji-woong's father is a high-ranking career soldier, which meant a disciplined upbringing. His mother and any siblings are not publicly known, as his family maintains a private life. He has not shared details about his family in interviews. [edit]

Kim Ji-woong is closely associated with his ZEROBASEONE members, including Zhang Hao, Sung Han-bin, and Ricky. He is also linked to web drama co-stars from his BL projects, such as those in Kissable Lips and Roommates of Poongduck 304. [edit]

Kim Ji-woong has kept his personal life private throughout his career. There are no publicly confirmed romantic relationships as of 2026. He has not been linked to any partners in credible media reports. As of 2026, he is reportedly single and focused on his career with ZEROBASEONE. [edit]

Updated for 2026, research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Kim Ji-woong's net worth at $2 Million. His primary income streams are derived from his activities with ZEROBASEONE, encompassing album sales, concert tours, merchandise, and various brand endorsements. As a key member of a highly successful K-pop group, he generates revenue through group promotions and select individual appearances. Additionally, his earlier acting roles in web dramas contributed significantly to his earnings prior to his idol breakthrough. Specific financial details regarding his contracts remain private.[edit]