Kim Young-woon

Kim Young-woon, better known by his stage name Kangin, is a South Korean former singer, actor, television host, and radio personality. He rose to fame as a member of the legendary K-pop group Super Junior, one of the most influential acts in the Hallyu wave. Kangin was known for his deep voice, charismatic stage presence, and versatility, participating in subgroups Super Junior-T and Super Junior-H. His career spanned over a decade before he left the group in 2019 following controversies. Despite his departure, his contributions to Super Junior's early success remain a significant part of K-pop history. [edit]

Details about Kangin's early life are scarce. He was born on January 17, 1985, in South Korea. He entered the entertainment industry through SM Entertainment's audition system and trained as a singer and performer. He debuted as a member of Super Junior in 2005, quickly gaining popularity for his vocal abilities and on-screen charm. Before fame, he appeared in various television shows and radio programs, building a foundation for his later career. [edit]

Kangin's career peaked as a member of Super Junior, a group that achieved massive commercial success with hits like 'Sorry, Sorry,' 'Bonamana,' and 'Mr. Simple.' He also participated in subgroups Super Junior-T, which focused on trot music, and Super Junior-H, a dance-oriented unit. Beyond music, he hosted radio shows like 'Kangin's Good Friend' and appeared in variety programs such as 'Strong Heart.' His acting credits include roles in dramas like 'The King of Dramas' and films like 'The Youth.' However, his career was marred by legal issues, leading to his departure from Super Junior in 2019. [edit]

Kangin was widely regarded as the 'charming troublemaker' of Super Junior — warm, humorous, and quick-witted on variety shows, yet possessing a deep, husky singing voice that contrasted his playful image. His signature style was casual and approachable, often seen in simple streetwear or smart-casual attire. Media and fans perceived him as a versatile entertainer who excelled in radio hosting and variety, but his public image suffered significantly after his 2016 DUI incidents, shifting coverage toward his legal issues. The official fandom name is E.L.F. (Everlasting Love for Super Junior), shared with the group. Fan culture includes rewatching his radio show segments and celebrating his contributions to the group's early success. On social media, his voice was casual, self-deprecating, and grateful toward long-term fans.[edit]

Kim Young-woon, known professionally as Kangin, commands a legacy defined by his pivotal role in establishing the idol variety entertainer archetype within South Korea. His enduring connection with the fanbase is channeled exclusively through ELF, the official collective name for Super Junior's supporters. While individual members often cultivate specific nicknames, Kangin remains an integral part of this unified community, which has historically organized streaming parties and birthday campaigns to support all group activities. Although the intensity of fan-driven projects specifically targeting him diminished following his 2019 departure from the group, loyal segments of ELF continue to celebrate his contributions and recent return to international stages. In November 2025, he launched a global fan tour, marking a significant re-engagement with these supporters after a six-year hiatus from solo activities. Despite this renewed activity and his historical status as a cultural icon, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Kim Young-woon but determined that he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, including the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list.[edit]

Kim Young-woon adopted the stage name Kangin, which translates to 'strong benevolence' in Korean. As one of the original twelve members of Super Junior, he debuted in 2005 and served his mandatory military service between 2010 and 2012. His career was marked by several controversies, notably DUI incidents, which precipitated a hiatus and his eventual exit from the group in 2019. He made a brief return to public life in 2021 before remaining largely out of the spotlight until late 2025. Fans often recount the legend of his dominance as the 'Nation's MC,' a narrative where he revolutionized variety shows by proving idols could hold programs with natural wit rather than relying on established comedians. A verified moment cementing this lore involves his participation in the emergency call service program *119 First Caller* in April 2026, referencing his reputation for reliable communication honed over years of hosting. The most defining chapter of his biography remains the verified scandal in July 2019 involving allegations of sexual harassment, which ended his fourteen-year tenure with the group and fundamentally altered the trajectory of his public image.[edit]

Information about Kangin's family is not publicly available. He has not disclosed details about his parents or siblings. He is reportedly single with no known children as of 2026. [edit]

Kangin is best known for his association with Super Junior members, including Leeteuk, Heechul, and Yesung. He collaborated closely with fellow subgroup members in Super Junior-T and Super Junior-H. He also worked with other SM Entertainment artists during his career. [edit]

Kangin's dating history is not well-documented. He was rumored to have dated a non-celebrity in the early 2010s, but no confirmed relationships have been reported. He has remained private about his personal life. As of 2026, he is reportedly single with no known partner. [edit]

Updated for 2026, iFANN currently estimates Kim Young-woon's net worth at $6 Million. His primary income streams originated from his extensive tenure with Super Junior, encompassing album sales, concert tours, brand endorsements, and lucrative variety show appearances. Following his departure from the group in 2019, his earning potential decreased significantly due to reduced industry activity. He has not maintained a consistent presence in the entertainment sector in recent years, and his current financial standing reflects accumulated past earnings and investments rather than active revenue generation.[edit]