Kim Jong-woon

Kim Jong-woon, better known by his stage name Yesung, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, actor, and radio host. He is one of the main vocalists of the legendary K-pop group Super Junior and its sub-units, including Super Junior-K.R.Y. and Super Junior-H. Since debuting in 2005, Yesung has built a reputation as one of the most technically skilled vocalists in the industry, known for his emotional ballads and powerful live performances.

Yesung's career spans over two decades, during which he has released multiple solo albums, contributed to numerous drama soundtracks, and taken on acting roles in musicals and television. His stage name is derived from the Korean phrase "yesulga-ui seongdae," meaning "the vocal cords of an artist." He legally changed his birth name from Kim Jong-woon to Kim Kang-hoon for personal reasons, though he continues to use Yesung professionally. As of 2026, he remains active with Super Junior and as a solo artist, consistently releasing new music and connecting with fans worldwide. [edit]

Yesung was born Kim Jong-woon on August 24, 1984, in Sinbang-dong, Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province. He grew up in Cheonan as the older of two sons. From a young age, he showed a strong passion for singing and regularly entered local competitions. In 1999, at age 15, he won the gold prize at the Cheonan Song Festival, marking an early validation of his vocal talent. In 2001 he entered SM Entertainment's 2nd Best Selection Contest, winning the grand prize in the singing category and securing a trainee contract. During his trainee years he was initially shy but built confidence through repeated stage performances. He completed standard Korean schooling before focusing on intensive vocal and performance training at SM, which laid the groundwork for his role as a main vocalist. He graduated from Chungwoon University. [edit]

Yesung officially debuted on November 6, 2005, as part of the 12-member Super Junior on SBS's Inkigayo, performing "Twins (Knock Out)." The group's 2005 debut album Twins sold 28,536 copies in its first month. Yesung's emotive, technically skilled voice quickly positioned him as one of the group's lead ballad interpreters. In 2006 he joined the ballad-focused sub-unit Super Junior-K.R.Y. with Ryeowook and Kyuhyun; he also participated in the trot/pop-oriented Super Junior-H and later SM The Ballad. In 2007 he appeared in the film Attack on the Pin-Up Boys. In 2008 he released solo OST "Love Really Hurts" for Tazza. He made his musical theatre debut in 2009 in Namhansanseong. In 2010 he starred in the musical Hong Gildong and released the career-defining OST "It Has to Be You" for Cinderella's Sister, earning a Golden Disc Awards Digital Music nomination. He continued musical roles including The Three Musketeers and others. Yesung launched his solo career with the mini-album Here I Am in 2016, which topped charts, and has since released several solo albums and singles in Korean and Japanese, including Pink Magic, Beautiful Mind (2020), and Sensory Flows (2021). He has hosted radio programs and completed military service. As of 2026 he remains active with Super Junior and as a solo artist. [edit]

Yesung is widely regarded as one of the most technically skilled vocalists in K-pop, known for his emotive ballads and powerful live performances. Media and fans perceive him as a gentle, sincere artist with a quirky yet heartfelt personality. His signature style blends classic elegance with modern flair, often favoring tailored suits and soft colors that complement his vocal image. The official Super Junior fandom is ELF (Ever Lasting Friends), and Yesung's personal supporters actively celebrate his solo releases with fan projects and birthday events. On social media, especially Instagram, he maintains a warm, occasionally sentimental tone, frequently expressing gratitude for long-term fan loyalty. His emotional openness, including crying during concerts, has endeared him to fans and contributed to his image as an authentic performer.[edit]

Kim Jong-woon, known globally as Yesung, anchors the devotion of Super Junior's massive fanbase, E.L.F. (Ever Lasting Friends). While he shares this collective identity with his groupmates, a distinct segment of supporters has formed around his solo career and emotional stage presence. These fans coordinate elaborate birthday campaigns featuring subway advertisements in Seoul and international cities, alongside charity drives for children's hospitals and animal welfare organizations that mirror the artist's own values. His vulnerability regarding health struggles, including vocal cord nodules and anxiety, has deepened the protective instinct of his followers, who cherish his signature bow and gentle demeanor. The community is renowned for its organized streaming efforts during album releases, ensuring chart success for both group hits and his individual ballads. A viral moment from April 2009 remains a staple of his lore, where a Swiss newspaper mistakenly identified him as the son of North Korea's leader due to name similarities, sparking an enduring joke within the fandom about his global recognition. Despite this cultural footprint, iFANN's Global Fame Engine evaluated Kim Jong-woon in August 2026 but determined he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings. Consequently, he is not listed in the Global Top 1,000 or any specific scope list.[edit]

Kim Jong-woon legally changed his birth name to Kim Kang-hoon for personal reasons while retaining his stage name, which translates to 'the vocal cords of an artist.' He is the older brother of Kim Jong-jin, who operates a café frequented by fans. Before joining SM Entertainment, he won a singing prize at the Cheonan Song Festival in 1999. Known for his love of cats, he owns a pet named Bongsik and often cries openly during concerts due to his emotional nature. Fans still retell the story from April 2009 when a Swiss newspaper confused him with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un because they shared a similar name and birth year. This mix-up became an instant viral sensation and a running joke among the public. His legendary status also stems from his role in the sub-unit Super Junior-K.R.Y., where his vocal contributions on tracks like 'U' helped define the group's ballad sound. In 2021, his lead role in the musical Frankenstein alongside Kyuhyun marked a celebrated transition into serious theatre.[edit]

Yesung is the older of two sons born to his parents in Seoul. His younger brother, Kim Jong-jin, is a businessman who runs a café popular among fans. Yesung has spoken fondly of his family in interviews, though he keeps details about his parents private. He has not married and has no children as of 2026. [edit]

Yesung is closely associated with fellow Super Junior members, particularly Kyuhyun and Ryeowook, with whom he formed the sub-unit Super Junior-K.R.Y. He has collaborated with SM Entertainment artists such as Changmin of TVXQ and various SM The Ballad participants. His work with producer and songwriter Yoon Jong-shin has also been noted. [edit]

Yesung has kept his romantic life extremely private, and there are no confirmed public relationships documented in reliable sources. He has never been married, engaged, or publicly linked to a partner in a credible way. As of 2026, Yesung is reportedly single and focused on his career and fans. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Kim Jong-woon's net worth stands at $8 Million as of 2026. His financial stability derives primarily from his long-standing activities with Super Junior, encompassing album sales, world tours, fan meetings, and merchandise. Solo music releases and drama OSTs contribute significant revenue streams, complemented by his acting roles in musicals and television productions. Radio hosting gigs and occasional endorsements further bolster his income profile. While SM Entertainment does not disclose individual salaries, his two-decade career and continued popularity suggest steady financial growth. He is believed to own real estate in Seoul, though specific property details remain private.[edit]