Yang Hong-won

Yang Hong-won is a South Korean rapper and recording artist who first gained national attention as the winner of the first season of Mnet's rap survival show High School Rapper in 2017. Born in Seoul on January 12, 1999, he competed at age 18 under the stage name Young B before transitioning to his real name as his career matured. His debut extended play, Sokonyun, released in August 2018, established him as a lyrically sharp voice within the domestic hip-hop scene.

While his discography remains modest compared to industry peers, Yang has maintained visibility through solo releases and guest features. He shifted his artistic persona from the competitive reality TV circuit to an independent-minded artist focusing on introspective themes. As of 2026, he continues to record music and perform live, navigating the complexities of public life since his early rise to fame. [edit]

Yang Hong-won grew up in Seoul with a strong interest in music that led him to pursue rap during his high school years. Before entering the professional spotlight, he navigated the typical pressures of adolescence while honing his skills in writing and performing. His pivotal moment arrived in 2017 when he auditioned for the inaugural season of High School Rapper. The show provided a national platform where he could showcase his technical abilities and unique flow, which resonated with both judges and viewers.

The competition served as his primary discovery mechanism, allowing him to stand out among many talented teenagers. Winning the first season marked the definitive end of his pre-fame student life and launched his professional trajectory. Prior to this victory, there were no major public records of his musical output beyond local performances and online submissions. The experience of competing at such a young age set the stage for his rapid entry into the mainstream entertainment industry. [edit]

Following his victory on High School Rapper in 2017, Yang signed with Indigo Music and adopted the moniker Young B. His breakthrough project was the EP Sokonyun, released on August 17, 2018. This release demonstrated his range as a writer and performer, moving beyond the reality TV circuit to establish a distinct musical identity. Over the years, he has shifted his artistic persona, eventually dropping the Young B moniker to record solely under his birth name, signaling a more personal and mature approach to his craft.

Key milestones in his career include the 2019 album Stranger and the 2021 release 3 STEPS FORWARD, 2 STEPS BACK (오보에). Despite a smaller volume of work compared to some contemporaries, his tracks maintain a dedicated fanbase. In 2024, he welcomed his first child, and by October 2026, he continued to release music and collaborate within the K-hip hop community. His catalog includes several singles and guest verses that have kept him visible in the industry, recognized for his introspective lyrics that often touch on the difficulties of growing up in the public eye. [edit]

Initially portrayed as a talented young prodigy with a romantic persona, Yang Hong-won's public image has undergone a drastic shift. Media portrayals have focused on the contradiction between his past anti-cheating stance and the alleged motel visit. His social media presence has been characterized by emotional outbursts and defensive statements during the ongoing dispute. The narrative surrounding him now centers on the fallout from his wedding remarks and the subsequent infidelity allegations, marking a stark departure from his earlier reputation as a disciplined artist. [edit]

As of the October 2026 rankings, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Yang Hong-won, but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings. He is not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. His fame is primarily driven by his initial victory on High School Rapper and the intense media coverage surrounding his recent personal controversies.

There is no officially named fandom for Yang Hong-won. Fans generally refer to themselves as supporters of the Korean hip-hop community or simply as followers of his music. Fan campaigns have included support for his music releases and birthday tributes, but the recent scandal has likely fractured this group, with many expressing disappointment or confusion over the events surrounding his marriage. The audience remains engaged due to the dramatic nature of the unfolding situation rather than organized fan activities. [edit]

Yang Hong-won made headlines during his wedding ceremony in October 2026 when he compared his marriage to "sneaking into a motel in Cheonho-dong," a remark that sparked immediate backlash. Just days later, allegations surfaced regarding a visit to a motel with another woman, leading to a significant scandal that dominated media coverage. During a live performance in late October 2026, he shouted "Come back, Hyun-ju" after his wife unfollowed him on social media, a moment that became widely discussed online.

His YouTube channel, titled Yang Hong-won's Parenting Diary, amassed over 540,000 subscribers before comments were restricted amid the controversy. The rapper also faced additional scrutiny when he was recorded swearing at fans shortly after his wedding. These events collectively shifted his public image from a stable family man to a controversial figure involved in legal battles and marital disputes. [edit]

Yang Hong-won lives in Seoul with his wife, model Won Hyun-joo, whom he has been dating since 2017. They registered their marriage in 2023 but held their formal wedding ceremony on October 18, 2026. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in November 2024. While they have maintained a low profile regarding their private life prior to the recent scandal, the family dynamic became a central focus of public attention following the allegations in late October 2026. Won Hyun-joo deleted her parenting-related social media posts and unfollowed her husband during the crisis. [edit]

Won Hyun-joo, Swings, Young B. [edit]

Yang Hong-won's relationship history is defined by his long-term partnership with model Won Hyun-joo. The couple began dating in 2017, shortly after he rose to fame on High School Rapper. They registered their marriage in 2023 but held their formal wedding ceremony on October 18, 2026, in Seoul, three years after their initial relationship began and following the birth of their daughter in November 2024. The wedding was hosted by fellow rapper Swings.

Despite the celebration, the marriage faced immediate turmoil days later due to infidelity allegations. Won Hyun-joo unfollowed him on social media and deleted her posts related to parenting content. Yang Hong-won has publicly called out his wife's name during live performances, shouting "Come back, Hyun-ju," indicating a desperate attempt to salvage the relationship amidst the scandal. As of late October 2026, the couple remains legally married but is in a state of severe marital crisis. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Yang Hong-won's net worth at approximately $300,000. This figure reflects his earnings from music streaming royalties, concert performances, and brand collaborations over his short career. While specific details about his salary per project are not publicly disclosed, his income streams have been supported by his discography and his popular YouTube channel, Yang Hong-won's Parenting Diary.

The recent scandal involving allegations of infidelity may have impacted his earning potential through lost endorsements and increased legal costs. However, his core revenue from music sales and live performances remains active. The estimate accounts for his status as an independent-minded artist with a modest but consistent body of work. As of 2026, his financial standing is tied closely to his ability to navigate the current public relations crisis and maintain his fanbase. [edit]